Mary O'Reilly: room coordinator, Office of Special Events

Faces of Brown is an occasional feature to introduce the Brown community to colleagues.


Job description: I schedule University space, classrooms and auditoriums for events for faculty, students and staff during the academic year. Events other than classes are on a first come-first serve basis. These reservations total more than 11,000 a year. I also offer logistical support for Parents Weekend and Commencement and various programs and conferences on campus. I am in my tenth year at Brown and have worked in Special Events all 10 years.

Background: My background is in retail. I had a wonderful time working with fine jewelry in a local well-known jewelry mail order office. Interfacing with ad agencies and manufacturers as well as customers was an interesting experience.

Hobbies: I think you could call my grandson Nicholas my true hobby. He's a wonderful 3-year old and I spend as much time with him as can. I also have my Aunt May who will be 92 in July. She still lives alone and is quite active. These two take up quite a bit of my time and I love every minute of it. I also enjoy cooking, knitting, reading and golf. I have been a hospice volunteer since 1995, providing support for families and patients with life-threatening illnesses.

What attracted you to Brown? While hosting international students in the Ph.D. program at Brown, I spent time on campus and enjoyed the academic environment as well as the cultural activities the campus provides.

Best part of your job? The daily interaction with faculty, staff and students. Helping them to coordinate events make my job both challenging and rewarding. No two days are ever alike in the fast paced office where there is always a special event going on. Also, after students graduate, I see them years later at their reunions.

Worst part of your job? The frustration of not having enough rooms to accommodate everyone in the prime space on campus for their classes and special events.

Closing thoughts: Brown is like a family, committed to the success of working together. When I received my "Brown Says Thank You" Award in 1996, I truly felt that I was a real member of the Brown family.