Here in the Office of Institutional Advancement, we are always working hard to support the university and connect our donors with causes they care most about. We would like to introduce our donors — to whom we are so grateful — to the people who help make those things happen. Today, we’ll be hearing from Allison Jones, the Associate Director of Corporate Relations.

Name: Allison Jones
Job Title: Associate Director of Corporate Relations
Focus Area: I cultivate holistic and high-value relationships between UMBC and corporations.
Years at UMBC: 5

Q: Where are you from originally?

A: Towaco, NJ

Q: What do you love most about UMBC?

A: A strong work ethic is vital to a successful workplace and nearly everyone I encounter at UMBC produces top notch work, not just the bare minimum. I really appreciate this quality in my colleagues.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about your job?

A: No one day is the same. Every corporate partnership evolves differently, so I have to constantly be thinking about unique and customized opportunities to engage my donors, all of whom have different goals and needs.

Q: Why do you think it’s important to support UMBC?

A: UMBC is doing amazing things: cutting-edge research, growing a pipeline of talented students who will be among the next generation of our country’s leaders and piloting innovative educational initiatives. The only way we can continue to do this critical work is through the support of our generous donors.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: Well, I am from NJ, so I would have to say pizza. Of course, I am from NJ, so I am extremely picky about my pizza.

Q: When you were a child, what/who did you aspire to be?

A: I always wanted to be a teacher. I used to line up my dolls and give them a daily lesson. I can’t wait until I can start helping my kids with their homework.

Here in the Office of Institutional Advancement, we are always working hard to support the university and connect our donors with causes they care most about. We would like to introduce our donors — to whom we are so grateful — to the people who help make those things happen. Today, we’ll be hearing from Allison Jones, the Associate Director of Corporate Relations.

Name: Allison Jones
Job Title: Associate Director of Corporate Relations
Focus Area: I cultivate holistic and high-value relationships between UMBC and corporations.
Years at UMBC: 5

Q: Where are you from originally?

A: Towaco, NJ

Q: What do you love most about UMBC?

A: A strong work ethic is vital to a successful workplace and nearly everyone I encounter at UMBC produces top notch work, not just the bare minimum. I really appreciate this quality in my colleagues.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about your job?

A: No one day is the same. Every corporate partnership evolves differently, so I have to constantly be thinking about unique and customized opportunities to engage my donors, all of whom have different goals and needs.

Q: Why do you think it’s important to support UMBC?

A: UMBC is doing amazing things: cutting-edge research, growing a pipeline of talented students who will be among the next generation of our country’s leaders and piloting innovative educational initiatives. The only way we can continue to do this critical work is through the support of our generous donors.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: Well, I am from NJ, so I would have to say pizza. Of course, I am from NJ, so I am extremely picky about my pizza.

Q: When you were a child, what/who did you aspire to be?

A: I always wanted to be a teacher. I used to line up my dolls and give them a daily lesson. I can’t wait until I can start helping my kids with their homework.

Here in the Office of Alumni Relations, we spend a lot of time telling stories about and talking with our wonderfully supportive alums. However, we’ve decided to turn the tables and take time to get to know the people behind the scenes – the advancement and alumni relations staff members who are hard at work on behalf of our alumni. Today we’ll be hearing from Leslie Waters, the Executive Administrative Assistant for the Development Staff.

Name: Leslie Waters
Job Title: Executive Administrative Assistant
Focus Area: I assist in the Corporate Relations and Alumni Relations areas. Additionally, I assist at events such as the Alumni Awards and A Look Ahead.

Years at UMBC: 2 years

Q: Where are you from originally?
Cincinnati, Ohio

Q: What do you love most about UMBC?
I like the collaborative environment in which the staff members work together toward common goals.

Q: What is your favorite thing about your job?
I like communicating with staff, faculty, alumni, and corporate guests. I also appreciate the teamwork among the colleagues and the sense of community on campus.

Q: Why do you think it’s important to support UMBC?
It is important to support UMBC because scholarships help UMBC students meet their financial needs. I enjoyed hearing a UMBC student during her senior year describe how helpful her scholarship from the Alumni Association was in reducing her parents’ financial burden.

Q: When you were a child, what/who did you aspire to be?
As a young child, I aspired to become a teacher.

Q: If you could be a celebrity for a day, who would you choose?
If I could be a celebrity for a day, I would choose to be Diane Sawyer because she interviews interesting people who frequently inform and inspire us.

Here in the Office of Alumni Relations, we spend a lot of time telling stories about and talking with our wonderfully supportive alums. However, we’ve decided to turn the tables and take time to get to know the people behind the scenes – the advancement and alumni relations staff members who are hard at work on behalf of our alumni. Today we’ll be hearing from Leslie Waters, the Executive Administrative Assistant for the Development Staff.

Name: Leslie Waters
Job Title: Executive Administrative Assistant
Focus Area: I assist in the Corporate Relations and Alumni Relations areas. Additionally, I assist at events such as the Alumni Awards and A Look Ahead.

Years at UMBC: 2 years

Q: Where are you from originally?
Cincinnati, Ohio

Q: What do you love most about UMBC?
I like the collaborative environment in which the staff members work together toward common goals.

Q: What is your favorite thing about your job?
I like communicating with staff, faculty, alumni, and corporate guests. I also appreciate the teamwork among the colleagues and the sense of community on campus.

Q: Why do you think it’s important to support UMBC?
It is important to support UMBC because scholarships help UMBC students meet their financial needs. I enjoyed hearing a UMBC student during her senior year describe how helpful her scholarship from the Alumni Association was in reducing her parents’ financial burden.

Q: When you were a child, what/who did you aspire to be?
As a young child, I aspired to become a teacher.

Q: If you could be a celebrity for a day, who would you choose?
If I could be a celebrity for a day, I would choose to be Diane Sawyer because she interviews interesting people who frequently inform and inspire us.