Grace Woodard/The University News
Residents in DeMattias Hall are graced by the greetings of desk
worker Mikey Green. Green’s role at DeMatt goes beyond the call of
duty, as he offers advice, enthusiasm and a good laugh.
Junior Mikey Green is the only Saint Louis University student to
hold office hours in DeMattias Hall.
Every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evening, Green counsels
female residents regarding their many “boy” problems, greets
inebriated individuals sauntering in from penny pitchers and teases
the SLU students desperately trying to conceal their boxy-shaped
backpacks.
Green is the proudest and most popular desk worker on SLU’s
campus.
“I don’t think I’d be blessed to know as many people if I wasn’t
working here,” he said.
Although the position provides endless socializing
opportunities, Green notes one major drawback: The final season of
‘Friends’ interfered with his work schedule.
However, unlike the majority of his fellow-employees, Green
voluntarily opted for the evening shifts, a time that allowed him
to interact with other students.
Green initially experimented with the morning hours, but he was
unimpressed with the two-minute conversations.
“I love working at nights. That’s when you get to hear the great
stories,” he said.
Green continues to keep in touch with last year’s residents, but
he admits that many of them have moved on to bigger and better
places, or, as he puts it, the Village apartments or off-campus
residences.
“He’s always pleasant. I don’t know where he gets his energy,”
said DeMatt campus minister, Barney Barry, S.J. “He’s a
character.”
Although an observer might conclude that Green was born and
raised on SLU’s campus, the junior from Edwardsville, Ill.,
transferred to SLU two years ago.
Green began his college experience at Western Illinois
University but claimed that “the only thing great about the school
was that the Rams practiced there.”
A self-proclaimed “King of Procrastination,” Green waited until
April of his senior year in high school to submit college
applications. Unfortunately SLU’s deadline had come and gone.
However, the following Spring, while at WIU, Green got his act
in gear and became a Billiken that fall.
Two years later, Green’s energetic personality has become a
trademark on SLU’s campus.
Green’s goal for his junior year is to become more involved in
student organizations, although his list of activities is far from
bare. Green is a member of Black Student Alliance, Oriflamme and
Blue Crew.
“I feel like I get a lot out of the University for what I pay to
go here,” he said.
Green devotes a large part of his time and energy to his many
friendships, but lives by the age-old motto, family first.
“My parents always reminded me that your friends may come and
go, but your family will be there forever,” he said.
Green is the oldest of two children and cringes at the news of
his youngest sister’s interest in Washington University.
“I keep trying to tell her, ‘SLU! SLU!”’ he said.
Green talks extensively about his mom, who is a constant source
of candy and comedy.
The best thing about Mikey is his mom,” said junior James
Meinert.
Green never fails to share the goodies his mother sends with his
friends and even passes along her almost-daily jokes including:
Q: Why did the turtle cross the road?
A: Because he had to get to the shell station.
Green shakes his head at the lameness of the gag but immediately
erupts in laughter.
“I always wonder how I can make peoples’ lives better,” he
said.
This mentality is evident in all areas of Green’s life,
including his cell phone message, a jingle to the theme of “Let It
Snow.” Green replaced the classic words and composed a colorful
recording explaining why he’s unable to answer the call.
“He always keeps a smile on his face, no matter what,” Meinert
said.
Green’s gregarious greetings, patented high fives and many other
eccentricities make him a man that goes above and beyond the duties
of checking IDs and signing students in to DeMattias hall.
Green is truly a delightful and dynamic desk worker.
