From: President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III

In anticipation of speaking at Michele Smith's funeral on Monday, March 31, I asked several of her UMBC colleagues to share with me their memories of Michele. I thought you would like to see what they wrote.

Thoughts and Memories of Michele Smith at UMBC from Her Co-Workers

Here is a list of memories of Michele Smith that Financial Services' Bob Preston received from the many staff he spoke with over the last few days. Some were just after Michele called me about starting hospice care, and some were received just after her passing.

Michele, above everything, had an infectious smile. When she smiled the room would light up with her broad smile and the twinkle in her eyes. Her laughter was not something you could ignore.

Michele was meticulous. She treated her work like it was art. She told her staff that “Every work is a portrait of the person who does it.” Michele would not let her staff do anything less.

Michele was passionate about her job and life. If she believed in something, she was going to let you know. I loved how she would discuss her point of view with passion and never make it personal.

Michele was immensely thoughtful and considerate. If she worked late, she would stop by to say good night to employees on the other side of the office and let them know that she was leaving, telling them to be careful. When we collected for gifts, flowers, etc. Michele would be the first to give. If she was out of the office when we collected, she would make a point of giving her donation as soon as she returned. At her very busiest time of year at the office, she took the time to deliver a new home greeting card to an employee who had just purchased a condo.

Michele always focused on the details. She would have her list (on recycled paper) and would make sure the department never forgot anything. She could remember everyone’s birthday and all the filing dead lines and would make sure we made those dates.

While she was out on sick leave, I would call to see how see was doing. I told her that I did not know what to say. She would always make me feel at ease by saying “I am not sure either.” We had to learn together how to talk about her disease and how she was doing. She was always open about how she was doing.

Michele was honest. She always was open about where things were and never overstated or understated how hard a task was or the size of an issue. I could always rely on her.

The first memory was in 1998. She was the center of the financial close to Systems. People would rush in her office with a problem and rush out with the answer.

Talking to Michele in the past year was inspiring as she took on every stage as her decision. Her path. Her attitude and spirit has inspired me and I will never forget her. She will always have a place within my soul.

One of the first big projects I saw Michele work on was the conversion of our financial system to a newer version. While we did not go with it she was very helpful in documenting every business step in a very clear and simple manner that she very much set the example for all the other documentation.

One of our employees described Michele’s physical appearance as beautiful with a heart, mind and soul that matched. Michele possessed a natural grace, statuesque posture.

One of our most memorable moments with Michele was when she sang “Silent Night” at our Financial Services holiday party. This lovely lady with a lovely voice sang to us, giving us one of our most touching moments together as a staff. We spontaneously rose to out feet in applause.

March 27, 2008

From: Tom Vogler, Assistant Vice President for Financial Services

It is with tremendous sadness that I inform the campus community of the passing of UMBC Financial Services employee Michele Smith. Michele passed away yesterday after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. Throughout her struggle, Michele remained positive, always asking about all her co-workers, and selflessly sought to bring all of us to a place of peace and acceptance about her illness.

Michele joined the staff of Financial Services in 1993 as an accounting associate. Extremely competent and dedicated, Michele was promoted several times. She was promoted to the current position of Manager, Financial Accounting and Analysis in 2004. Michele was an integral part of Financial Services who worked steadfastly through a time of tremendous change, and she was considered the heart of all financial transaction processing at UMBC.

Michele will remain in our thoughts and prayers and will be remembered as a lovely lady, personally and professionally.

Personal condolences may be sent to Michele's husband:

Horace Smith
708 Glen Allen Drive
Baltimore, MD 21229

Funeral Services:

Monday, March 31
10:30 a.m. - Wake
11:00 a.m. - Funeral Service
New Psalmist Baptist Church
4501-1/2 Old Frederick Road
Baltimore, Md. 21229
(410) 945-3073 (main)
(410) 566 - 9620 (general)

Viewing:

Sunday, March 30
1-4 p.m.
Al Wylie Funeral Home
9200 Liberty Road
Randallstown, Md. 21133
(410) 655-9200

*cross streets: between Chapman Rd. & Offutt Rd.