Staff Member Recognized for 20 Years of Service

Isabelita "Lita" Brown

During the Clark School’s 2009 Staff Appreciation Event held in May, Isabelita “Lita” S. Brown received an award that recognized her 20 years of service at the University of Maryland. With opening remarks given by Dean Pines, the awards were presented and then followed by a dessert reception. At the event, all honorees were given an etched, crystal glass from the Clark School. From the University, the award recipients received a sculpted glass globe with their name engraved on the wooden base.

Prior to becoming an esteemed member of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lita lived in the Philippines where she received her B.S. degree in Business Administration. After moving to the U.S. in the late 1980’s, Lita joined the ME department on August 2, 1988.

Throughout her 21 years in the department, Lita has held a variety of jobs. She started as an account clerk, was promoted to Business Services Specialist, and now currently holds the position of Personnel/Payroll Coordinator. Department chair Dr. Avram Bar-Cohen states, “Lita Brown is a fixture in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. There are few faculty who remember a time when she was not part of the administrative staff.”

In her current position, Lita performs administrative work, processing all J-1 visas, GRA appointments and requests for tuition remission. She is also responsible for welcoming new employees; an important task that she enjoys. Lita adds, “It’s one of my favorite parts of the job.” Lita's friendly and amiable persona can calm even the most anxious new employee on their first day. Her ability to put a new hire at ease is imperative for the department because without such a welcoming face, getting accustomed quickly to the ME surroundings could be daunting.

Reminiscing about the 20+ years that she has been with the department, Lita says that the biggest change has been, “the computerization of records. It has really been an improvement and has made my life easier.” She takes pleasure in welcoming the new hires, as well as interacting with all the staff. “My least favorite part of the job is when people don’t respond to emails,” says Lita, “it makes my job harder!”

Lita enjoys her career at UMD and plans on staying with the department indefinitely. And that suits Dr. Bar-Cohen just fine, as he affirms, “She is our treasure.” Clearly, Lita is a beloved and important member of the department’s illustrious past and present.

--Lauren Frye, '10, ME Student Reporter

Published July 31, 2009