Saint Martin's University - Admissions Counselors

Name: Matt Gruhler
Title: Senior admissions counselor
Degree(s): BA in Psychology from Saint Martin’s College (2004)
Original hometown: Portland, OR
Email address: mgruhler@stmartin.edu
AIM screen name: MattSMUAdmiss
Admissions territory: Kitsap County, Pierce County, Cowlitz County, Clark County, Skamania County, Oregon, Nevada, Colorado, Michigan, Ohio

Reason why I love working at Saint Martin’s: The people. Everyone here at Saint Martin’s has a genuine interest in happiness and success of the Saint Martin’s community. The same people who cared for me as a student, now care for me as an employee.

Favorite thing about the Lacey/Tumwater/Olympia area: Everything is close; Big cities, mountains, lakes, stores, restaurants. You don’t have to go far for anything.

Piece of advice for prospective students or applicants: Go into your college search with an open mind. There are great schools out there that you haven’t heard of and aren’t on ESPN.

Favorite book and why: Leading with the Heart- Coach K. It is a great book about how to lead people the right way.

Favorite movie and why: “Anchorman”. I can watch that movie a million times and it still doesn’t get old. It has given me some of my favorite movie quotes like:

“I don’t know if you know this, but…I am kind of a big deal.”
-Ron Burgundy

“They’ve done studies you know. 60% of the time, it works every time.”
-Brian Fantana

Favorite vacation/travel spot: New York City. It is a place that I love to visit, though I am not sure I could ever live there.

I'm inspired by: People who thrive in the face of pressure, Steve Nash (the best player in the NBA, hands down) and my parents.

Favorite song or lyrics: Any song by Jay-Z is one of my favorites, but if I had to choose one song, it would be What More Can I Say

Favorite restaurant in Lacey/Tumwater/Olympia: I am tempted to say Jack in the Box, but that is more for fiscal reasons. I like Chili Thai, Ricardo’s and The Ram, but my absolute favorite (if I’m not paying) is Anthony’s.

Three things I would want with me if I was stranded on a desert island: My Comcast Cable box with DVR and a TV (and yes, all desert islands have electricity). I would also have to bring a basketball, even though I would have to make a make-shift court out of palm trees.

A random fun fact about me: I am an Assistant Boy’s Varsity Basketball Coach at Tumwater High School. Go T-Birds.