As an undergraduate, Jack Suess, mathematics '81 and M.S. operations analysis '95, was hired
to assist with the development of applications for the on-campus computing system. He has not only
seen UMBC grow to be a technological leader, he has contributed to the university's success,
personally and professionally. His talents and unflagging dedication to UMBC are evident in his
role as director of university computing services and as a UMBC Campaign volunteer.
Suess's spirit of pride in UMBC has developed steadily over a career of much change and
innovation. "When I came to UMBC in 1976, the campus didn't get the respect it has now," he
remembers. "I have to say that under the leadership of President Hrabowski, I've come to take a
lot of pride in being a UMBC alumnus. Now, UMBC is well known in the state and nationally."
Making the difference on a personal level, Suess has been instrumental in bridging the gap
between UMBC alumni and their alma mater by volunteering with the Alumni Association. As a member
of the UMBC Campaign Cabinet, he has been active in hosting a number of events to bring alumni,
especially information technology majors, back to UMBC.
"What I've done has been so enjoyable it doesn't feel fair to be acknowledged for doing it. I've
gotten to reconnect with a lot of my friends and make some new ones," says Suess. Over the past few years, Suess
has hosted receptions and reunions for alumni at Camden Yards and University Computing, sponsored an
on-campus breakfast and helped in the career development of recent UMBC graduates by hiring many
former students to work with him in university computing. To date, approximately half of all
employees there are UMBC alumni.
His service to the UMBC community both on campus and throughout the region has included making
connections and developing new ties with leaders in the fields of computer operations and systems.
