August brought Darlene Watkins, custodial technician, Environmental Services (EVS), two reasons to celebrate: She marked her 35th year working at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) and days later found out she had been named the University’s Employee of the Month.

Watkins, who works at the new 20,000-square-foot UMB Community Engagement Center (CEC), was surprised with the news of the award by UMB President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, who was joined by her EVS and CEC colleagues during a videoconference Aug. 15.

“You do a spectacular job in the beautiful Community Engagement Center,” Jarrell said. “I wanted to be the first to tell you we all appreciate it.”

Her colleagues praised her work ethic and said she goes the extra mile to make the CEC comfortable for community members. They recounted a Monday morning when Watkins arrived at the CEC to discover a flood in the basement just hours before an event was to be held in that space.

“She goes above and beyond in ensuring our space is clean and cared for, despite the endless stream of trash to collect, spills to clean up, cardboard boxes to break down,” said Lisa Rawlings, MBA, director, Workforce Development and Job Readiness, CEC, who along with Tyrone Roper, MSW, director of the CEC, nominated Watkins for Employee of the Month.

“We had a workforce event scheduled one Monday at 9 a.m. She got here, noticed there was water all over the floor in the event space, quickly took care of the problem, and alerted Facilities so the event could start without a hitch,” Rawlings added. “Dozens of our community members were able to take advantage of services due to her quick thinking and action.”

Watkins said she told Rawlings, “I got this, watch and see.”

“I cleaned it up and by the time those people came, it was over. You wouldn’t even have thought there was a flood down there,” she said.

Rawlings said, “The basement was beautiful and perfect in time for our guests to arrive. It’s not just work ethic, it’s also a skill level and an expertise to figure out how to make things work. She helped me do my job for our community.”

Watkins, who worked at the first CEC building when it opened as well, said the people are her favorite part of the job.

“At the CEC, you meet different people every day,” she said. “I like the atmosphere.”

This year, one of those people she met at the CEC offered more recognition for her work.

A Baltimore City Board of Elections chief judge celebrated Watkins and her efforts during voting at the CEC with a letter of recognition. Roper said that during early voting, Watkins was available all day for over a week to ensure the center was well kept.

“The people who were there kept thanking me. I was so blown away because that’s just the way I work,” Watkins said.

Rawlings praised Watkins’ helpfulness and support.

“Her work ethic and helpful spirit is contagious — we always look forward to the moments we connect throughout the day,” Rawlings said. “She always goes out of her way to check in and support others, build relationships, and spread kindness to everyone who visits the building.”

Danielle Harris, LCSW-C, associate director of the CEC, said Watkins’ work is an important reflection of the center’s work.

“It’s so important to have a center that is indicative of the type of quality programming that we have in the community that we’re trying to establish. And you are such a big contributor to that,” she said, pointing out that Watkins not only puts air fresheners in the common areas and bathrooms but also pays attention to the smallest details like smudge marks in the elevators.

Her colleagues agreed, saying she helps put the “community” in the Community Engagement Center.

“While her job description provides a list of expected tasks and responsibilities, she has exceeded those items tremendously as she has even went as far as providing fragrances for the restrooms that add such a community feel to the center,” Roper said. “She has truly proven to be such a great partner and stellar employee. Her attentiveness to the small things is what has contributed to the center being such an exceptional facility.”

Watkins, who also works in the Smith School suite in the UMB BioPark, thanked her supervisor, Shaquel Williams, EVS custodial supervisor, and her EVS and CEC colleagues for their support. As Employee of the Month, she will receive a plaque, a letter of commendation, and an extra $250 in her next paycheck. 

“Everybody gave me nice compliments, and I appreciate them all,” Watkins said at the end of the videoconference. “I hope I’ll be around another 30-some years.”

— Jen Badie