"The only way to do great work
is to love what you do.
If you haven't found it yet,
keep looking." - Steve Jobs
"The only way to do great work
is to love what you do.
If you haven't found it yet,
keep looking." - Steve Jobs
About
Who is
Michael Dean Ester?
Michael Dean Ester left college with a degree in theater and a fortune in student loans to repay. His plan? He packed a bag and set off to become his generation's foremost campus comic. Over the next two decades, Michael performed more than 2,000 comedy shows at colleges and universities across 48 1/2 states (Long story). Along the way, he found his inner sage - and his true purpose in life. His comedy act delivers wisdom, insight, and inspiration to the next generation. Put simply, he challenges students to discover and launch careers they'll love as much as he loves his.
"Reader's Choice Award"
Campus Activities Magazine
Nominated NACA
"Comedian of the Year!"
Nominated APCA
"Performer of the year!"
Runner Up:
"Best Male Performer!"
Campus Activities Magazine
Winner:
"Best Male Comedian!"
- CampusAwards.com
3 NACA
National Conference Showcases
2 APCA
National Conference
Showcases
"Annual Hot Comics List"
Campus Activities Magazine
No wonder Michael Dean Ester is the go-to speaker at college events for new student orientation. Penn State University has hired him to do his comedy and motivational masterpiece --
"The Reason You're Here!" -- at every Welcome Weekend since 1999. Parents & Family Weekend shows are another perfect fit for Michael. His humor connects multiple generations, a skill he mastered while performing internationally on cruise ships for 14 years.
Creative Careers Speaker: Ever wonder what comedians do during the day? Michael has found a way to bring the dream career message to students before they choose a college. He is proud to represent Antonelli Institute and its High School Outreach.
Due to an untreatable flaw in his DNA, he actually prefers talking to teenagers. As a territory manager for Antonelli Institute (a graphic design and photography school near Philadelphia), he books himself and his team to visit high school classrooms across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. His job is to inspire students about creative career opportunities in the visual arts and beyond. (His job? Did someone say job?) As Michael is fond of telling young people - If you do what you love for a living, you never have to work a day in your life. Because it never feels like working.
Dr. Eric Barron, President Penn State University
Dr. Eric Barron, President Penn State University
Dr. Eric Barron, President Penn State University
Dr. Eric Barron, President Penn State University
Dr. Eric Barron, President Penn State University
Leadership Development: Training the next generation of leaders is a critical role that Michael fulfills with his trademark comedic touch and gift for connecting with young people. He is a certified speaker, teacher, and coach with the John Maxwell Team. John Maxwell is recognized as "the world's #1 most influential authority on leadership," according to the American Management Association (AMA). Michael is authorized to present Maxwell's leadership learning systems nationwide. At Penn State University's 50th Anniverary Summer Leadership Conference, Michael had the honor of taking the stage to follow a speech by PSU President, Dr. Eric Barron (pictured above right). No pressure. His predecessor, Dr. Graham Spanier, said, "Michael Dean Ester is a master entertainer who never fails to connect. Our students resonate with his message while getting a dose of the best comedy around."
411: Michael has appeared on NBC, E! Entertainment Television,
New Joke City with Robert Klein, and in the movie "Senseless" with Marlon Wayans and David Spade. He is heard nationwide on SiriusXM Satellite Radio's Comedy Channel. The ongoing tale of Michael's work as a speaker and entertainer was published in a featured story called "Pizza and a Dream Career" in Inspiration for Student Programmers! by Collegiate Empowerment Publishers. Michael lives in beautiful
New Jersey with his wife, two young sons, and a half German Shepherd/half Basset Hound named Rudy. You should book him. Michael, not Rudy. The dog is semi-retired.
