Volunteer for the 2026 World Facilities Day Planning Committee
F&O will host the fourth annual World Facilities Day celebration in May of 2026, and we are looking for individuals who are willing to help plan the event. World Facilities Management Day is observed in May by many institutions of higher education to appreciate and recognize the people who contribute to building, maintaining, and ensuring our campus spaces Committee members will assist with event communications, the event program, logistics, and day-of event support.
If you’d like to serve on the planning committee, please fill out this interest form.
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UMB Employee Pantry: A Temporary Support Resource
The UMB Employee Pantry recently launched as a temporary resource to help employees access shelf-stable snacks and groceries. There are no income requirements and no verification needed to receive support. Employees can place pantry orders through a secure online platform. The pantry offers a selection of halal, kosher, vegan, and vegetarian options.
Learn more about this resource in The Elm.
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Workshop: Gambling Addiction, Suicide Prevention, and Employee Assistance Program
Join the Office of Public and Occupational Health for a workshop on Wednesday, December 3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the SMC Campus Center, Room 349. This event will bring awareness regarding the risks associated with gambling addiction and suicide, as well as provide information about available resources. A buffet lunch will be served beginning at 11 a.m., followed by presentations from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Register for the event using this link.
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Melissa Morland Wins Arnold Wedum Distinguished Achievement Award
Executive Director of Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Melissa Morland was presented with the Arnold G. Wedum Distinguished Achievement Award at the Association for Biosafety and Biosecurity (ABSA) conference in October. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to biological safety through teaching, research, service, and leadership. Prior to her time in O&M, Melissa worked in Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at UMB.
In her acceptance speech, Melissa credited those around her, stating that "Together, we’ve built programs, solved challenges...This honor belongs to all of us—it’s a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together with purpose and lift each other up.”
Read more about Melissa's award in The Elm.
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In Memory of O&M Elevator Technician Oleg Vigerin
O&M Elevator Technician Oleg Vigerin passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
Over the course of 18 years of service, Oleg became a respected elevator mechanic, known for his precision, patience, and professionalism. "Whether it was a tough technical challenge or a moment that called for calm leadership, he brought a steady presence that grounded everyone around him," says David Fultz, Oleg's supervisor. Oleg was planning to retire at the end of this year, a well-earned milestone after a career of dedication. "He looked forward to living gracefully in the years to come, and we honor that vision as part of the life he built and shared with us. We are grateful for the time we had with him, and we will carry forward the example he set," says Fultz.
Stephen Hayes worked with Oleg in the Elevator Shop for over four years, which he describes as great years of friendship and camaraderie. "He will be missed and cannot be replaced. I’m glad to have known Oleg; he will be remembered and honored throughout my life."
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EVS Employee Antonio Pennix Graduates from Excel Center High School Program
Environmental Services (EVS) employee Antonio Pennix recently graduated from the Goodwill Excel Center, a free adult high school for students in Maryland. Through a partnership between Administration & Finance and the Goodwill Excel Center, UMB employees in the program are able to earn their high school diploma without losing pay or benefits.
When a vacant Manager position opened up in EVS, Antonio applied and accepted an offer after a competitive hiring process. He now serves as a Custodial Manager on the Evening Shift at the School of Dentistry, overseeing 7 employees. Learn more about Antonio's time in the Excel Program in The Elm and The Baltimore Banner.
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Scope Workshop Held in September
In late September, over 40 members of Construction and Facilities Strategic Acquisitions (CFSA), O&M, EVS, and Design & Construction (D&C), as well as guests from Towson University, Coppin State University, and the University of Baltimore participated in a two-day scope workshop. The sessions aimed to ensure alignment of requirements and expectations, including scopes of work and requests for proposal (RFPs), smart use of AI for procurement, and price analysis options for situations without competitive bids.
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EVS Appreciation Week Recap
Celebrated from September 15 - 19, EVS Appreciation Week 2025 featured various events, activities, and presentations dedicated to honoring the more than 200 employees in UMB's Environmental Services department. The celebrations included a fashion show featuring custodial supplies, a scavenger hunt, a keynote speech on the power of positive thinking, and other team-building events.
Learn more about this year's celebration in The Elm.
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September O&M Town Hall Recap
In mid-September, the O&M team got together to share exciting updates, including a new space module being implemented for the AiM work management system and Hazard Communications Training from Environmental Health and Safety. Following the meeting, the team shared pizza, and President Jarrell stopped by to express his thanks and appreciation to the group for their work to keep the UMB campus well-maintained.
| | From new employees to work anniversaries and everything in between, we have a lot to celebrate in Facilities and Operations! | | |
New Employees
D&C: Jill Hamilton (Office Manager), Wei Cheng (Architectural Reviewer)
O&M: Kenneth Smith (Elevator Technician II)
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Years of Service
5 Years: Terry Keels (EVS)
15 Years: Kevin Shaw (EVS), David Hilton (EVS)
35 Years: Darrell Goodman (D&C)
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Achievements and Accolades
SPARK Supervisor Academy Graduates
- CFSA: Michelle Compton
- D&C: Andy Powell, Glenn Ryan, Michelle Stezelberger
- EVS: Anthony Anderson, Dorothy Cole, Mark Drymala, Wasihun Gutema, Yolanda Horton, Wendell Macklin, Shaquel Williams
- O&M: Lucas Noppenberger, Greg Pavelka, Michael Penney
EVS
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Priti Wakefield (EVS Administrative Manager): UMB's September Employee of the Month
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Keisha Blake (EVS Senior Manager): October EVS Employee of the Month
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Yolanda Jackson (Custodial): October EVS Wheel of Gratitude
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Terrance Bryant (Custodial): November EVS Employee of the Month
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Deja Simms (Grounds): November Wheel of Gratitude
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SOM Custodial Team (737, EHS, IHV, Allied Health, CEC, MPRC): Team of the Season (Fall), led by manager Anthony Anderson
O&M
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Micheal Zagraiek: October Employee Spotlight
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Samuel Gongon: November Employee Spotlight
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Melissa Morland was presented with the Arnold G. Wedum Distinguished Achievement Award at The Association for Biosafety and Biosecurity (ABSA) conference in October
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Sasank Kinnera completed his ABP Certification from AssetWorks
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Scott Versteegh and Aimee McFarland: Completed the Green Purchasing Specialization of the Certified Maryland Procurement Associate program
Sustainability
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Angela Ober: co-presented: A “Univer-City” Partnership to Expand Compost Access at the National Zero Waste Conference in October
Project Delivery and Change Management
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Meredith DiIoia: co-presented: "Local Strength: Expanding Impact Through Collaboration with Nearby Colleges" as part of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Conference in October
| | Join Other Related Newsletters | | While our bi-monthly F&O newsletter gives an overview of initiatives happening throughout Facilities and Operations, we encourage you to join the newsletters below for more detailed information on specific programs and projects. | | |
Facilities and Operations
220 N Arch St
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-706-7570
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