Faces of Brown is an occasional feature to introduce the Brown community to colleagues.
Marital status: married, one grown child
Hobbies: Reading, working around my house, and following sports
Favorite foods: chicken and pasta
Professional background: I started in 1972 as a gate guard [a position that no longer exists]. I guarded the gates by Wriston during the weekend. After that, I became a security officer in 1973, and in 1975 I went to the Police Academy and became a campus police officer. I served in that role for 11 years and then became a sergeant and served in that role for three years. Then I went to Wheaton College, where I was assistant director of its police department. I served as acting director for a short time as well. ... The only thing I hadn't done in the past was communications, which is what I am currently doing. ... When I left Wheaton I had not been in policing for a while and I was older. Communications allows me to still be in the policing environment without the physical requirements policing needs.
What attracted you to Brown? The college atmosphere. I have always enjoyed the environment when I attended college - back in the '70s I felt this is where I belonged.
What has kept you here? I enjoy working with the students. I have been able to vary my career here. I have played many roles - crime prevention, investigations, supervisor - so it has not been stagnant.
Best part of your job? When we received positive feedback from students and parents that we've helped them; when we receive calls from parents late at night asking us to help them track down their children. Once they are found, the gratefulness expressed by the parents makes my job worthwhile.
What is the worst stereotype folks have of this department? That we are "wanna-be" Providence police officers.
If given the opportunity to say one thing to the entire community what would you say? Employees should remember that Brown is a "community." Our time spent here is important. We are helping shape future generations. Students should cherish their time spent here. It will go by quickly. - Damaris M. Castillo-Lopes