Peter Tom
Meet your Association Volunteers:
PETER TOM
This is the latest installment of a new NACCU series highlighting our association volunteers. NACCU provides programs and services to our members, many which would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of our volunteer leaders. Volunteers, whether they are a committee member, a Board member, or an onsite volunteer at a conference, are all important in making NACCU volunteer-driven programs an exceptional experience for our card industry peers.
Campus Card Information:
Name: Peter Tom
School: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Professional Role: Director of Student Account Services/Cashiers Office and USCard Services -Student Account Services is also responsible for processing refunds of excess payments, financial aid awards and student loans. We are also responsible for the university’s departmental processing of deposits to the bank.
Volunteer Role: Member, Investment Committee
Where was the first NACCU conference you attended?
I believe it was in 1996 in Orlando, FL. It was my first year at USCard Services and I met John Beckwith from Loyola Marymount University. The conference was fun, but remember spending the day at a water park (I believe it was Gator Falls).
What is your favo(u)rite thing about volunteering with your NACCU committee?
I was a bit surprised when first approached, but I wanted to contribute whenever possible. The other committee members are great and quickly made me feel welcome to the group.
What show are you binge-watching right now?
Suits (USA Network), Wicked Tuna, Deadliest Catch and Riverdale
What is your go-to coffee / tea order?
Regular coffee or lattes
What is your favorite memory from your own student days?
Finally graduating from college in 2010 after nearly 20 years away from the classroom. I had to do it as I had no “good” excuse to give my kids why I didn’t finish other than I’m a workaholic, which is not a good excuse.
What is one thing that would surprise people about you?
While a work-study student, I was also very good at detailing cars (had a 2 month waiting list), and I was a personal cook for three personal trainers at the gym. This was to supplement my income while attending school.
What is your favo(u)rite thing about welcoming new students in the fall?
Getting to see the enthusiasm and excitement of both the students and their parents during move-in week prior to the start of classes. Watching parents radiate at how proud they are of their kids going to college and watching the freshman “pretend” that they want their parents to leave knowing full well they’re going to be homesick.
