Monticello AD enjoys volunteering with his alma mater

Now more than three decades through a career in education, Gary Revenig knows he is where he's meant to be.

He earned his degree in elementary education and his coaching certification from St. Cloud State University in 1990.

"I knew I'd like being around people. I knew activities were something I was definitely passionate about," he said. "I thought, 'Well, teaching and coaching would be a great career,' and it certainly has been."

Following graduation, Revenig spent a few years teaching third grade, and then sixth grade before working as a paraprofessional. He then moved into the administration side of education, first working as an assistant principal before moving into the role of activities director for Monticello High School in Monticello, Minnesota. He also coached Monticello baseball for the school district for 11 years and now coaches the amateur baseball team in town with his son.

"I've loved all my positions, but activities director — it's a rewarding position. You can hopefully have a positive impact on a lot of people — supporting the coaches, the families, the student-athletes — trying to make it a positive experience for them and then being there to support them at their contests," he said. "It's a lot of work, but it's a fun job."

Revenig looks to support his coaches as well as his students, and to help them all reach personal milestones.

"I think life's about relationships and treating people well. What I hope to do is help along the way with the process, so it's a positive experience for everyone. Personally, I like to do a lot of the fundraising so our coaches can focus on coaching and the kids can focus on reaching their full potential," he said. "It's been a lot of fun. We've had some success and I think we have good coaches in place. We have a lot of talented athletes coming through our school right now. It's just been a fun role to be in, to watch that happen and to support everyone along the way."

For Revenig, it's important to be passionate about career choices.

"I think it's important to enjoy the role you're in and appreciate it. I've liked every position I've had along the way. I think you need to make the most of every opportunity you're given and to treat other people well, and hopefully they're going to treat you well and work hard," he said. "Hopefully others are going to notice you're putting in the time and the effort to make a difference."

He encouraged others to find their professional callings.

"Find something you're passionate about and do that, because you put a lot of time in at work. You should be doing something you are passionate about, that you love doing, and you should enjoy going to work," he said. "If you don't, find something you enjoy to fill your bucket."

In addition to working in education, Revenig enjoys volunteering. He spent a four-year term with the Minnesota State High School League as a board member, helping to run activities the MSHSL oversees. During that time he returned to his alma mater as an adjunct professor, teaching finance in sports management for about three years in SCSU's kinesiology department.

"I really enjoyed working with the students and getting to know some of the staff at Halenbeck Hall," he said. "Some of them recommended that I get involved further at St. Cloud State."

Revenig joined the SCSU Foundation Board of Trustees in 2026, and is excited to work with his alma mater.

"If I can help in any way to make a positive impact and try to improve things at St. Cloud State, I'll do whatever I can. I really believe in the University, the people who are there. It was a great experience for me and I want that campus atmosphere to come back to life again," he said. "With my position as an activities director, I think activities can help bring the campus back to life. Hopefully I can help with the University through the Foundation and make a positive impact in that way with student lives at St. Cloud State.

"I met my wife at St. Cloud State and she has had an impressive career herself. We have three kids together who we're very proud of, and I've got a lot of friends I'm still close with who have graduated from SCSU, and colleagues who went to St. Cloud State. The University has played a big part in my life, and that's why I want to give back and make a difference with future generations."