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: Jason Palumbo
Hometown: Edgewater, MD
Q: How long have you been at UMBC?
A: 2.5 AMAZING Years
Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?
A: Design and Marketing Director of the Student Events Board, Business Manager of the UMBC Mama's Boys, and Public Relations Chair of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity
Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?
A: I motivate myself and others to be better using humor and music.
Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?
A: I LOVE entertaining! Even though UMBC is a very academically driven school students need a place where they can release stress and have some fun. Being a part of the Mama's Boys all male a cappella group and (seb) lets me relieve my personal stress by planning events for other students to come and enjoy. I love being in front of a crowd and creating an atmosphere that they relate to and be a part of while also being enjoyable. Mama's Boys first cultivated this love by giving me the chance to use music to express myself. Being a leadership figure in the group is especially fulfilling because I have grown so much during my time with the group and now I get to lead the new members every year and make sure that they get as awesome as an experience as I did.
The experience that I have had with the Mama's Boys mirrors my time with Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. The one year that I have spent with this amazing group of smart, caring, helpful, and all around awesome men has prepared me for the many leadership roles that I have on campus. I love being an active participent in the associate member process and watching thew new members grow as people and students. It makes me happier than ever to have the chance to connect with Pi Kapps on a deeper level than most of the acquaintances I have on campus.
The most recent group that I have joined is (seb). It is one of the most driven, goal oriented, fun, creative, amazing (I could go on and on), and caring groups of people that I have ever come across. They have given me the chance to design (which is one of my favorite things to do!) and be a part of the planning of events for students on campus to experience. With the leadership of our AMAZING President, Evan Ponter: one of my biggest role models on campus, Vice President, Stefanie Mavronis: one of the smartest and most driven people I have or will ever met, and Advisor, Lindsey Mitchell: always keeping me and the rest of the group on the right path, I have gotten a glimpse of how a real world business runs while being in a setting that cultivates and applauds creativity. Getting to work with these leaders and the rest of the group inspires me everyday to better myself and the UMBC community. I have never felt more at home than I do with (seb) and I can't begin to thank them enough.
Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?
A: During my time as an associate member of Pi Kappa Phi I learned the importance of time management, problem solving skills, conversational skills, how to effectively work in a group, and how it feels to commit to and achieve a goal. These are valuable lessons that I use everyday in my other organizations and will carry with me for the rest of my life. Other than those lessons, someone once said a quote that I keep in the back of my head with everything I do: "take things seriously, but not too seriously"
Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"
A: Committed and driven people
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: One of my favorite places on campus is the amphitheater behind the fine arts building. If you haven't been there, GO CHECK IT OUT (now...go!....well, first finish reading then go)! It is a wonderful outdoor performance/relaxing space that is under-utilized by students. If you ever are looking for a quiet spot to chillax/perform then check it out!
BONUS VIDEO QUESTION: What else would you like to share? Ask yourself a question and answer it.