Making Memories

Mary Bermudez began her career at UCF as a secretary/receptionist for the Division of Graduate Studies in 1995 and as one of the only nine staff members. She witnessed first-hand the development from the Division to the College of Graduate Studies and played a key role in the transition. As the College grew, so did Bermudez’s responsibilities. She was promoted to Office Manager in Administration, and then moved to Student Financials as an Administrative Assistant. Her role was split between Graduate Studies Administration and Student Financials until both departments grew large enough to require full time personnel. Bermudez then rose to her current position of full-time Accountant in Graduate Student Financials.

In this position, Bermudez processes assistantships and tuition waivers for graduate and doctoral students, offers assistance to the UCF college staff when it is required, answers student questions and resolves their issues. She finds the most rewarding aspects of her job to be helping students meet their goals and the supportive atmosphere of the department.

Bermudez considers her co-workers at UCF her second family. She has many wonderful memories of her years working with the College of Graduate Studies, but she recalls one particular memory which stands out. “I was talking to a retired Navy officer who was looking to start a new life and career after so many years in the military and thought she may not be able to accomplish it. I was able to talk to her and reassured her that her new life was just beginning by stepping foot in the office.  It was a great reward when I saw her graduating three years later with her new degree,” Bermudez shares.

Bermudez looks forward to many more years of rewarding experiences in the College of Graduate Studies.