Remembering James R. Milani, Jr.

Thu, 27 Jun 2019 14:58:32 -0400

Dear Members of the UMBC Community,

It is with deep sadness that I share with you James R. Milani, Jr., assistant dean of administration and operations in the College of Engineering and Information Technology, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2019.

Jim's calm, cheerful demeanor and positive personality were appreciated by all who knew him, and his dedication and commitment to UMBC throughout his 45-year career were unparalleled.

Jim joined the UMBC family as a student in 1969. In 1973, he graduated with a degree in political science and began his professional career at UMBC. Throughout his time here, Jim held many positions of increasing responsibility across a range of disciplines and specializations. His diverse portfolio spanned from academic advising and counseling, to administrative affairs and finance. In each of these roles, Jim emphasized a passion for and support of student success and achievement.

In 1987, Jim accepted the position of director of administration, where he helped in the development and growth of UMBC’s College of Engineering. Later, Jim’s role expanded to include management of all administrative and business processes. He was integral during the opening of UMBC’s engineering building, supporting faculty and staff as they transitioned to the new space. Jim was also a key contributor to campus laboratory safety guidelines, a significant accomplishment for UMBC.

A committed member of the community, Jim was engaged in important campus initiatives over the years. Jim was a founding member of UMBC’s Professional Staff Senate, where he served as a senator, vice president, and president. He also provided strong leadership to the development of the Employee of the Month award program. Most recently, he served as a member of the implementation team and co-chair of the Faculty/Staff Advisory Committee of UMBC’s Retriever Courage Initiative, created to address sexual violence/misconduct prevention and response. A principal member of the Maryland Charity Campaign operating committee and a lead coordinator, Jim regularly contributed ideas to better support the campaign across campus. His generous nature embodied the spirit of the campaign and was reflective of UMBC’s culture of caring.

He received both a UMBC Presidential Distinguished Professional Staff Award and a USM Board of Regents’ Award for his exceptional contributions to the University and the System.

Jim has had a tremendous impact on the College and across the university. There is no other person I have met in my personal or professional life who was more positive and optimistic. Like the very best coaches, he always made it clear that he wanted the best for everyone around him.

“The UMBC community will always have great respect and love for our beloved colleague Jim, for his tireless commitment, and kind, open demeanor,” said President Freeman Hrabowski. “He has dedicated himself to the accomplishment of UMBC's mission through his work with students, faculty, and staff—always putting the best interests of the university before himself.”

A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, June 28, 2019, 4 – 7 p.m., at the Candle Light Funeral Home, 1835 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD 21228. On Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 10 a.m., a funeral mass will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 5422 Old Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD 21229. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held in UMBC’s University Center Ballroom on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 11:30 a.m.

Jim’s family shares that charitable contributions can be made to the UMBC Foundation (mail-in and online options). In recognition of Jim’s relationships and impact across the University, they ask that friends who wish to give in his memory designate their gift to a fund that is significant to them.

Keith J Bowman, Dean, College of Engineering and Information Technology