Real People Profiles: Jenny O'Grady

I’m asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are their responses.

Name: Jenny O'Grady

Hometown: Denton, Maryland

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: 7 years

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: Director of Alumni & Development Communications, Associate Editor of UMBC Magazine, and Professional Staff Senate senator

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?

A: Writer, listener, web finagler, dot-connector…and (above all) unabashed Dawg enthusiast.

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A: I love interviewing alumni and people on campus, and then writing about them. It feels good to get past the resumes and buzz words and find out what really drives our decisions and our dreams. I’ve met some amazing people in my time here, and I’ve only scratched the surface.

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A: I grew up on a farm, so I come from a “do it yourself” sort of background. When I studied at Goucher College, I learned quickly how big ideas can flourish when you’re willing to put in the work. In my first jobs out of school in journalism, I mostly relied on myself to get things done, and it worked to a point. It wasn’t until I worked at UMBC, however, that I realized the value of teamwork. Working with a smart, driven group of people you trust gives you not only a better chance of succeeding, but a greater sense of accomplishment once you have.

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A: Books of all shapes and sizes. I love reading them, and I love making them by hand, and teaching others how to make their own books. I honestly believe each of us has an interesting story to tell and share…and by making books, I can help people do just that. Also: HOMECOMING! I have the fever big time.

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A: I am a little like Forrest Gump when it comes to walking, so whenever I can, I walk from my office in the basement of Alumni House over to campus and back. I love to vary my walks to hit different routes (and potentially meet new people!), and lately I’ve even started parking over at Poplar occasionally to add more walking into my day. Seeing these other parts of campus helps me better understand my reason for working here, and often leads me to stories I never would have discovered traveling by car!

BONUS VIDEO QUESTION: What else would you like to share? Ask yourself a question and answer it.