Erik Dotzauer, at 30, has been through more adversity than most of us will ever have to face in our lifetimes. Through it all, and with the true spirit of Eastern Michigan University alum, he's learned how to put these experiences to work for positive results for himself, and the Ypsilanti community. Resilient, he has made a perfect home for himself here in Ypsilanti.
He serves as the executive director of the Depot Town Community Development Corporation, a group of local merchants and residents dedicated to the proper economic development for historic Depot Town and Ypsilanti. The Depot Town CDC is an energized collective of highly motivated professionals and private citizens planning, fundraising and working hard on improving their community for visitors and residents alike.
Dotzauer graduated from EMU with a bachelor's degree in social sciences in 2004, and, after graduation, accepted a position in Toledo with 84 Lumber, a leading supplier of construction material. Upon moving to Louisiana with 84 Lumber, and so (his future wife, Kelly could explore a graduate degree), his plans ultimately changed less than two months later, as Katrina wreaked havoc on the region and the young couple's lives. The couple had barely unpacked their boxes in their new home in New Orleans, when Katrina hit and forced the couple into exile for three months.
Even as the dust was settling and as facing professional adversity as 84 Lumber contracted and laid him off, Erik was able to persevere.
"(In New Orleans) our neighborhood was blocked off by police," Dotzauer said remembering the level of destruction. "We couldn't even go back to get our belongings. We had to get out of the city and were basically homeless. It was humbling."
But being forced out of their home gave the couple the opportunity to spend time with family.
"We were among the lucky ones – we were able to alternate living with different family members across the South and Midwest, and it gave Kelly and I the opportunity to really reconnect with our families."
In retrospect, this time with family taught Dotzauer an invaluable lesson – that time is as fleeting as life itself, and chances to realize the fulfillment of our heart are equally fragile. During this time in his life, tragedy struck his mother, as she suffered a nearly fatal brain aneurysm, shortly thereafter succumbing and losing her life.
During their displacement, Dotzauer's landlord quadrupled the rent to financially benefit from FEMA support funds, making it economically impossible for the couple to remain in Louisiana.
"We spent months planning our move to Louisiana and the progression my wife and I saw our careers and lives taking," Erik reflects. "That all changed with Katrina."
His story eventually led him back to Ypsilanti and he was able to apply the lessons he learned from those traumatic experiences to give him a new sense of purpose. The young couple, shaken by the hardship of the past months and the loss of Erik's mother, decided to move back to Ypsilanti to begin rebuilding their life.
Incredulously, the couple drew energy from the hardship they faced and through hard work and dedication, their situation soon brightened.
"The experience changed my values and refocused my goals," Dotzauer said. "It forced me to reevaluate my job and career goals and find something more rewarding, something beyond financial gain – something with meaning and purpose."
Eventually, Kelly was offered a position at EMU and Erik was able to re-enroll and begin his master's degree in urban planning.
"The government response [to hurricane Katrina] was so inadequate that it instilled within me the desire to want to contribute, or get involved in politics, planning, and making this community more viable and attractive."
He credits Eastern with providing the right channels for him to become involved locally. In fact, he counts EMU's community connection as a prime reason for his and other alumni's success stories.
"The [urban planning] program provided real hands-on experience and offered great exposure locally," Dotzauer said. "The sense of community at this school is unmatched."
"EMU excels in weaving their students into the fabric of the local economy by maintaining strong relationships with local businesses and organizations. This in turn produces countless jobs, internship and volunteer opportunities that engage students in the area and encourage them to stay," he added.
Dotzauer said it was his own passion for his community along with his support network at Eastern that propelled him to his current position as executive director of the Depot Town CDC, which gives him the opportunity to improve the community he believes deeply in.
The Depot Town CDC's immediate focus is focused on capacity building, capital improvement, and other projects in the area that include the beautification of Frog Island and Riverside Parks. Dotzauer is glad for the support he receives from his alma mater, which has recently provided a donation toward the renovation of the dock and gazebo at Riverside Park.
Erik attributes the hands-on experiences for EMU students, whether through internship positions, collaboration with volunteer groups, or partnerships with specific programs, as the key to sustainable success in the Ypsilanti community.
"We have a large number of faculty and administrators that have signed on as advisors or joined committees. EMU is reaching out to the broader community. They are inviting various nonprofits and community leaders to work together towards a common goal, which is to make Ypsilanti a better place to live, work, play and grow a business."
Erik Dotzauer's passion for transforming a community through the fostering of meaningful relationships is a testament to his character – the kind of students Eastern Michigan University attracts by the thousands – as well as his ability to learn from the past. His story becomes even more meaningful in light of the obstacles he has had to overcome.
"Truly, if it wasn't for my EMU experience, I doubt very seriously I'd have the same opportunities presented to me that I have today."
Erik Dotzauer – A student and strong human being – one that was offered the opportunity to learn and grow during his time at EMU, and embraced its spirit and chose to thrive – not simply survive. He is one student that has embodied the Eastern Michigan University experience.
One story. 22,999 more just like it – thanks to alumni and donors like you that made these programs possible through continued annual giving.
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