A mystery guest was on the agenda for University Relations' recent divisional meeting at the Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center.

Was it Robert or Margrit Mondavi, several staff members wondered - or perhaps campus planner Bob Segar, seen setting up a presentation in the Alpha Gamma Rho room beforehand?

But when a fellow sporting a pompadour, mutton-chop sideburns and a caped jumpsuit strode in to the sounds of "C.C. Rider," little doubt remained: Elvis Presley had arrived to croon and lighten up a Friday afternoon meeting.

But few people in the room knew who the Elvis really was - Mark Ottinger, an assistant superintendent in the sheet metal and machine shops, who has worked on campus for three years.

Ottinger is becoming less of a campus secret with each appearance he makes in his sequin-studded white jumpsuit and cape. After the University Relations show, he hustled off to perform at a Department of Music event at Slide Hill Park. And last week he feted retiring College of Engineering Assistant Dean Carlene Blaylock with "Teddy Bear" and a rendition of Frank Sinatra's classic "My Way" at a farewell party.

If Ottinger had it his way, he'd be performing full time.

"I go nuts when I'm on stage," he said. "It's so energizing, so invigorating."

Ottinger, a Pennsgrove, N.J., native, has been performing since high school when he played Moonface Martin in a production of Anything Goes. He began doing Elvis impersonations in 1986 as a spoof in a stand-up comedy act.

The former military man won several talent shows for his comedy routine while he was stationed at Brooks Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He then decided to try out the San Antonio club scene and later performed and served as master of ceremonies at blues clubs in the city.

"I thought, 'Maybe there is something to this,'" Ottinger said. "I started doing (the Elvis schtik) seriously and found each time I did it, I'd get another gig."

He now has about 200 Elvis songs in his repertoire and hopes to perform at the California State Fair this summer.

Ottinger lives in Fairfield with his wife, Cindy. The couple has two children, who live in the area.

What does your wife think of your singing?

She's very supportive. Once in a while she'll be sitting in the car, and she'll ask me to sing "Love Me Tender." She doesn't like coming to my shows, though; you are a different person on stage.

What's your favorite Elvis tune?

There's one that I'm working on a lot right now, but I haven't sung it yet in public. It's in my brain a lot. It's "Daddy, Please Don't Cry." It's not a happy song, but it's very beautiful.

Which comedian have you enjoy-ed the most?

Red Skelton was someone who would just crack you up. He could make you laugh one minute and cry the next with his clowns. My favorite actor was John Wayne. I believe I cried the day he died.

What's your favorite place on campus?

The Shields Library. It's very peaceful. The books scream out at you. Sometimes I go on a break, and I do a little reading - It gets the old brain going.

What are you reading right now?

It's a religious book, The Life of St. Francis of Assisi by St. Bonaventure. The part I like about St. Francis is his humility and his simplicity. With all the miracles he performed, he made it out to be nothing. I feel as an entertainer that I've been given a wonderful gift, but I want to be sure that I use it in the right way.

What's the best part of your job?

Getting letters from Julie McNeal or Jill Blackwelder saying good things about the employees I've worked with. My biggest job is to see them succeed and grow and step up to the plate for the buildings we have on line.

What's the worst?

Taking disciplinary action. It's a necessity, but I've never found it to be a joy. It makes me stay up at night. It's something I don't enjoy.

What are your summer plans?

I'm hoping to be working in the entertainment business. I'm hoping to take advantage of all the wonderful venues in California. I look forward to putting that cape on. •