The Division of Information Technology (DoIT) is thrilled to announce that the Client Services and Networking Student​​​​ Teams have been awarded the Fall 2025 DoIT Gritty Award! This recognition celebrates their exceptional teamwork, adaptability, and commitment to ensuring seamless technology transitions across campus during ongoing renovations to Sherman Hall. 

A Seamless Transition

Over the course of only two months, these teams successfully supported the relocation of 17 departments to new work locations across UMBC's campus. These moves were driven by the reopening of Sherman Hall's west wing, coinciding with Phase 1 of Renovations being completed after 18 months, and the preparation for the closure of Phase 2, requiring precise coordination and flexibility.

Departments were relocated to 900 Walker, Biology, Fine Arts, Sondheim, and Sherman Hall, with each move presenting its own logistical obstacles. Through careful planning and hands-on execution, the teams ensured that faculty and staff experienced minimal disruption and could continue their work without interruption.

In addition to their support of these extensive relocations, the teams also commissioned the newly renovated portion of Sherman Hall. Their efforts ensured that all incoming departments were operating at full capacity on day one, the moment doors opened. Learn more about the Sherman Hall Phase 1 completion on the "Sherman Hall's Phase 1 renovation is complete, creating space for creative collaboration" post. 

This level of readiness reflects not only technical skill, but exceptional coordination and responsibility that were needed to successfully execute such a massive undertaking.

All of these achievements would not have been possible without the dedication and collaboration of these talented student employees:

Networking Team:
Alina Aler, Wardan Kazzalbach, Joshua Garofalo, Kidus Solomon, Daeun Oh, Jake Thompson, Alexis Garcia, Ryan Cather, Kellee Palmer, Yazlin Moujalled, Abir Samad, Erin Shields

Client Services Team:
Aakriti Roka, Courtney Pelkey, Dongthi Nguyen, Jayven Quedit, Joshua Nguyen, Luke Ngo, Michael Marti, Timi Olayinka, Ryan Walton, Steven Zhang, Sean Adeyemo 

We are proud to recognize the Client Services and Networking student teams with the Fall 2025 DoIT Gritty Award. Congratulations to all of you, and thank you for the critical role you play! 

About the DoIT Gritty Award

The DoIT Community & The DoIT Gritty Committee

Erica D'Eramo
Ada Crutchfield
Andrew Shebest
Anthony Finneran
Carlos McKinney
Daniel Loftus
Dave Souder
David Toothe
Debbie Michaels
Dondre Hatef
Josh Abrams
Khalil Alston
Matt Baker
Nick Beech
Peter Ariev