March 2023, Oscar Velasco

Meet Oscar Ernesto Velasco, Project Administrative Specialist in O&M.

1) How long have you been with FM? I am lucky to have been with FM for sixteen years and have been a Terp for eighteen, working for Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Chemistry & Biochemistry Departments.

2) What do you enjoy most about your work? The people!  There has never been a moment of interaction where I did not learn something useful to apply at work or in life from fellow colleagues. From technicians to ADs, each person you interact with brings you unique emotional and intellectual value to apply to current work challenges and make that much more of an impact. Currently, I work as a PM Planner & Scheduler for O&M, I am a voting member of the University Senate, and I am a part of various committees to advance implementation of the new IWMS AssetWorks at Facilities Management.

3) Where are you from? El Salvador, land of Pupusas and good Surf.

4) What led you to your job with UMD FM? I applied to UMD FM O&M around 2017. Prior to that I was working for NC State in their Capital Assets Management division. At the time, I was interested in seeing how workflows and systems change over time in large organizations. My former supervisor had returned to FM and told me the many opportunities that it provides its employees. She assured me of the greater impact I would have in making the move.

5) What do you like to do when you are away from work? I love going camping with my kid and playing music with my wife. Love being outdoors and enjoying the wonderful moments sharing nature with my Scout in the National and State parks around the DC area. Our last few trips were to the Appalachian Trail section near Harper's Ferry and Swallow Falls State Park. I met my wife playing music. She plays bassoon, piano, clarinet and voice. She graduated from Oberlin Conservatory. I play flute and guitar and attended NC School of the Arts.

6) What is your favorite food? Pupusas and Nigiri, but not in the same sitting. For sushi I like going to the Osaka Restaurant across from Goddard Space Flight Center - NASA. My favorite place to go for pupusas, besides El Salvador, is Pupuseria La Familiar by the College Park Fire Station. It is Grandma approved!