What an honor it is for Campus Services to recognize its outstanding student employees with its Student Spotlight award. Yes, it is our honor to get to know these amazing students. To say that Jonah Weil falls into this category is not enough. Jonah might be better described as incomparable since we believe his accomplishments, experiences and skills while working at Campus Recreation go far beyond that of outstanding.

“Rock climbing is a pathway to improved physical, emotional, and mental health,” said David Knobbe, Assistant Director, CRC/Outdoor Recreation (ORGT).  “If you are a rock climber at Georgia Tech, you know Jonah Weil.”

“Jonah has transformed the climbing community at Georgia Tech, engaged hundreds of additional individuals in healthy lifestyle pursuits, and raised the confidence level of both those who teach the sport and those who participate. He has accomplished this in addition to numerous other significant impacts on campus life at Tech.”

Trying to sum up all Jonah has done at the CRC, David put it this way:

“Jonah is the current climbing wall manager at the CRC; he has a 3.97 cumulative GPA as a 4th year chemical engineering student and is set to graduate in May 2019.  He has volunteered with ORGT rock climbing since 2014, logging over 4,000 hours of service to other students. He has led 40 instructional adventure trips with ORGT; taught 50 climbing skill clinics; assisted with the ASP camping program twice which serves visiting Chinese students over the summer; and coordinated two extended rock climbing expeditions – each of which served 12 people, lasted 12 days, and involved preparing the team for the 8 months leading up to the trip.”

David also described Jonah:

“Upon first meeting Jonah four years ago, he comes across as unassuming, genuine, and casual. The more one spends time with him, though, the more one realizes the depth of his commitment to community, to individual health and achievement, and to creating opportunities for others.  I was impressed with his vision years ago, but not overly so -- I’d heard similar dreams from others who failed to transform them to reality. Three years later, though, I marvel at his accomplishments. He has achieved the very results he predicted he would achieve.”

Jonah’s work ethics and character also propelled him to the top.

“Jonah is committed to quality; he is committed to interpersonal and individual growth through participation in a positive community; and he is committed to building an institution that continues to contribute to the Tech community,” David said.

“His leadership has significantly increased healthy opportunities for Georgia Tech students. His attention to detail, his incredible teaching skills, and his commitment to safety and risk management have introduced hundreds to new and healthy lifestyles.”

This unassuming soon-to-be Georgia Tech graduate told us more about himself.

• Position at Campus Services Department: CRC Climbing Wall Manager
• Major: Chemical Engineering
• Year in School: 5th
• Hometown: Boulder, CO
• How long have you worked in this position?
  • I’ve worked at the climbing wall for a little over a year. I have been a climbing wall manager since beginning of August.
• What are your duties in this position?
  • Scheduling of staff and events. Route setting on the climbing wall. Climbing Wall improvements, budgeting, and inspections.
• What do you like best about working in this position?
  • I’ve been climbing for over seven years and to naturally working at a climbing wall is fun.
• How has this position helped you?
  • It has helped improve my people management skills.
• Favorite Book?
  • Eiger Dreams by Jon Krakauer
• Favorite Restaurant/Food?
  • Italian food!
• Favorite Spot on Campus?
  • Wherever the free food is.
• What do you like to do on the weekends?
  • Rock climbing of course!
• Tell us about some organizations you’re involved with on campus.
  • I’m involved with Outdoor Recreation Georgia Tech (ORGT) as a rock climbing trip leader and a caving instructor. I’m also part of the Climbing Club, which travels to compete in various climbing competitions around the southeast.
• What advice do you have for incoming students?
  • Do stuff outside classes that you truly enjoy. You’ll need them to keep you motivated through tough semesters.
• What are your plans after graduation?
  • Hopefully employed somewhere that has mountains.

David Knobbe finalized these comments about Jonah and we couldn’t agree more:

“Jonah Weil is a person of conviction, a person of vision, and a person committed to engaging others in positive pursuits. He represents the CRC, Campus Services, and Georgia Tech in an extremely positive light and has for the past four years. His tireless efforts and patience have greatly enhanced the campus experiences of hundreds and hundreds of Georgia Tech students.”

Congratulations, Jonah, and thank you for all you’ve done for Campus Recreation, Campus Services and Georgia Tech!

Note: Read more about Jonah in David Knobbe’s complete letter of recommendation here.