Becky Hart, a 2011 graduate of Bushnell University (formerly Northwest Christian Univeristy), has discovered her calling as the CEO of EventCrush, an event planning business she built from the ground up. Her passion for event planning was ignited while organizing her own wedding, when she discovered the joy of crafting meaningful and unforgettable experiences.
Hart’s entrepreneurial spirit and the values of wisdom, faith, and service instilled in her at Bushnell guide her as she supports clients across Eugene in celebrating their most significant moments. In this Q&A, Hart shares her journey, the inspiration behind her business, and how her time at Bushnell has shaped her vision for connecting people through unforgettable events.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and what brought you to Bushnell?
My original plan was to attend the University of Oregon, but my parents suggested starting at a community college to save on out-of-state tuition. After two years at Lane Community College (LCC), I started looking into where my credits transferred best, and they aligned more smoothly with Bushnell than U of O. Financially, I hadn’t initially considered a private Christian university, but Bushnell ended up being the perfect fit, and I worked hard to secure scholarships and financial support. My journey led me here, and I’m grateful for it.
What were some of your first experiences at Bushnell? What stands out to you about that time?
I remember being excited when I first visited the campus on a preview day that included a tour of all the areas on campus, including the library. The community struck me immediately—everyone was so friendly, from the faculty to the staff. I started working at the on-campus coffee shop, then called the Lighthouse Cafe, which allowed me to meet other students and faculty outside of class and feel more integrated into campus life.
Why did you choose to major in communication, and how has that education influenced your career?
Initially, my goal was to be a journalist, which was part of what brought me to Oregon. At Bushnell, the mass communication program aligned with that vision and I’m so grateful now that I chose it because communication skills are invaluable in any job. Today, I’m in event planning as CEO of EventCrush, which isn’t journalism, but the skills I learned in my communication classes apply daily, from working with clients to leading my team.
Were there any specific experiences, classes, or staff members at Bushnell that left a lasting impact on you?
My communication instructor, Doyle Schrader, had a unique teaching style that really made the material resonate with me. My Capstone Project was especially impactful; it was challenging, and I was nervous about presenting, but Doyle’s support and feedback helped me grow. This experience taught me to face challenges head-on and rely on supportive relationships to navigate them.
How do you see the pillars of wisdom, faith, and service from your time at Bushnell influencing your life today?
These pillars are truly ingrained in my life and career. Much of what I learned at Bushnell focused on leadership, and it’s encouraged me to pursue things I might never have considered. Recently, for instance, I co-founded a homeschool co-op at my church with another mom. We wanted a supportive community for our children, and though it was outside my comfort zone, I felt prepared. Our co-op meets weekly, bringing 17 kids together to learn and grow. It embodies wisdom, faith, and service—values that I carry with me from my time at Bushnell.
Can you tell us about your current job and what a typical day looks like for you?
As CEO of EventCrush, a typical day varies a lot. I wake up between 4 and 4:30 AM on a weekday and work for the first three hours of the day because that’s great uninterrupted time. After that, I go downstairs, do breakfast, and homeschool, which really only takes two to three hours.
On certain days of the week, I have available time for meetings. I usually have client meetings starting in the afternoon. I also do a wedding industry-related podcast, and I have interviews in the afternoon, along with site visits to different wedding venues for my clients.
I try to be intentional with my schedule and avoid evening meetings to have family dinners and be present with my family. During the summer, it’s more go-go-go because we have weddings most weekends, and I’m not with my family as much as I’d like. So during the school year, I try to rein in my schedule and be intentional about how I go about my day.
What advice would you give to current Bushnell University students who are interested in pursuing a similar career?
Get out of your comfort zone and don’t let fear hold you back. Embrace the risks because doing so can lead to incredible opportunities. Whatever your passion is, actively seek out internships or any way you can gain experience in the field. Just take that leap and make it happen for yourself!