Learn more about our services at umaryland.edu/facilities/units.

World Facilities Day Recap

In early June, UMB held its third annual World Facilities Day celebration. This event recognizes the vital work that facilities professionals do in keeping our institution up and running.

Read more about the event in The Elm.

Updated Design Standards Improve Usability

Earlier this year, the UMB Architectural and Engineering Design Standards were reorganized, updated, and uploaded to the Design and Construction website as a single file. Design standards provide a framework with specific criteria and rules that aim for consistency, quality, and usability when designing building projects.

Input from across UMB was incorporated to accurately reflect current requirements and removed outdated and incorrect information. The document is now 90 pages shorter and more easily searchable for the specific information needed.

EVS and Office of Sustainability Celebrate Plastic-Free July

Plastic Free July® is a global movement that helps people be part of the solution to plastic pollution by encouraging participants to reduce their use of plastic as much as they can. This year, EVS is excited to participate and engage their team members through toolbox talks, reusable water bottles to reduce single-use plastic and promote healthy hydration, and reusable snack/sandwich bags.

For tips throughout the month, check out the UMB Sustainability social media: Facebook, Instagram, X

Office of Sustainability Earns STARS Silver Award

The report highlights the University’s efforts across academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership by the premier benchmark tool for sustainability. Thank you to everyone who contributed to UMB's first submission.

Read the article about the report here.

D&C's Taylor Hall Featured As Systems Tester in Bits and Bytes Newsletter

Taylor is a Project Controls Specialist in Design and Construction and has worked at UMB for 5 years.

Visit this link to view Taylor's spotlight as a systems tester in the May Bits and Bytes newsletter.

Spotlight on Success: Michael Ravera Joins Elevator Technician Trainee Program

Michael Ravera, a seasoned journeyman electrician from the O&M electric shop, has taken the next step in his career by joining the Elevator Technician Trainee Program. Mike’s dedication and expertise in electrical systems make him a great fit for this next challenge.

Mike’s strong foundation in electrical work earned him the opportunity to test out of the first two years of the program with the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC). With these achievements, Mike officially began his third year of training in June. His transition into the elevator technician field demonstrates the value of hard work, adaptability, and professional development. As he advances through the program, we look forward to seeing his contributions to UMB and the industry.

Updates from the Office of the Controller

In Facilities, we submit hundreds of invoices each year. Our partners within the Office of the Controller are enhancing service and communication to expedite those payments. They recently launched VEOCI, a customer service tool, in various departments to expedite invoice payment processing, streamline work queues for staff, and provide transparent communications to customers. Questions? Contact the Office of the Controller.

Don't forget! Effective April 1, employees must submit business reimbursement requests through Concur within six months (or earlier) of when the expense was incurred.

From new employees to work anniversaries and everything in between, we have a lot to celebrate in Facilities and Operations!

Years of Service

5 Years: Reese Spindle (O&M)

10 Years: Matthew Knight (EVS), Mikallah Rucks (EVS), Scott Versteegh (O&M)

15 Years: LaTanya Lawrence (EVS)

20 Years: Tina Diggs (EVS)

25 Years: Dorothea Austin (EVS), Stephanie Kingwood (EVS), Bernadette Snowden (EVS)

30 Years: Marcus Byrd (EVS), Charles Carter (EVS)

40 Years: James Brown (O&M)

Achievements and Accolades

Degrees

• Scott Versteegh (O&M) graduated with a Bachelor's in Management Studies from the University of Maryland Global Campus
• Reese Spindle (O&M) graduated with an MBA, specializing in Finance, from the University of Baltimore

UMB Emerging Leaders Graduates

• Scott Versteegh (O&M), Priti Wakefield (EVS), Elizabeth Main (Sustainability), Jay Craigen (D&C), Kayvon Simpson (D&C)

UMB Staff Senate

• Michael Penney (O&M, Service Center Manager) and Karl Salley (EVS, Buildings & Grounds Manager) were elected to serve as Staff Senators for a two-year term
• Michael Penney was elected to serve as the Operations Officer on the Staff Senate Executive Committee for the 2025-2026 academic year

EVS

• Kevin Shaw (Custodial): June EVS Employee of the Month
• Randolph Grant (Custodial): June EVS Wheel of Gratitude
• Maurice Anderson (Clean Campus Ambassador): July EVS Employee of the Month
• Jodi Alexander (Custodial): July Wheel of Gratitude
• School of Dentistry Evening Shift: Team of the Season (Summer)

O&M

• Chad Goings: June Employee Spotlight
• Michael Penney: July Employee Spotlight

Other

• AVP Anna Borgerding has been selected to participate in the 2025-26 NACUBO Fellows Program
• Scott Versteegh (O&M) and Michael Penney (O&M) completed their Six Sigma Black Belt certification

Facilities and Operations

220 N Arch St

Baltimore, MD 21201

410-706-7570

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Facilities and Operations, a division of Administration and Finance

https://www.umaryland.edu/facilities