The Student Center Complex (SCC) is more than just the Donna E. Shalala Student Center; it consists of various locations across campus. Every meeting, tabling event, study session, or celebration depends on a coordinated effort we never fully see or understand.
The story began with just four rooms available in the University Center (UC) and the Holiday Inn conference rooms across the street on US 1. In 2013, when the Shalala Student Center opened, more space became available, and with the addition of Lakeside Village in 2020, the SCC grew to over 50 locations for events, club meetings, conferences, and more. Today, the SCC supports thousands of events each year, each one requiring planning, setup, technology, and constant attention to detail.
When you book a space for a club meeting or tabling event, it goes straight to Nicholas Egusquiza, a technical analyst for specializing in events and conferences. He manages the software behind SCC reservations and supports teams across all of UM's campuses. In his three years with the SCC, he has streamlined the University’s event systems and helped build a centralized calendar capturing the events happening on any given day.
“As the SCC spaces expand, so does our software. I work to integrate any updates to cater to the specific needs of people across campus,” Egusquiza said. Over his tenure, more and more departments have begun to utilize his expertise, only enhancing the organization and smoothness of the technology behind reservations.
The SCC employees after a team bonding event at Puttshack. Photo Courtesy of Belkis Aprigliano
After the reservation is made, the Facilities & Operations team makes it all happen. Lazaro ‘Larry’ Rodriguez has been working for the University for over 27 years. The job has certainly changed since his first few years here. Currently working as one of the Daytime Operations Supervisors, his day begins with opening the Shalala Student Center for the day.
Although Reservations staff don't work directly with operations, the two would not be able to function without one another. Reservations help coordinate all the events, times, and locations on their website for the operations team to then put into action. The dedicated operations team works to set up and arrange each event for the day by delivering equipment like podiums and microphones, replace broken furniture, and respond to last‑minute requests when an event needs something unexpected. They walk the buildings to ensure spaces stay tidy, restock supplies, fix small maintenance issues, and reset rooms between back‑to‑back events.
“I have watched this space grow from a two‑person job to a ten‑person team. This job has never failed to challenge me,” Rodriguez added. Today, the SCC team includes 17 student employees, including those who work overnight to keep spaces like the Kornspan Study Lounge open.
Although this story highlights the tremendous work that Nicholas and Larry put into their jobs every day, the team would not be complete without every single employee within the SCC, making it the wonderous space it is today.
As one of the most utilized communal spaces on campus, the SCC is where students study, meet, relax, and make memories.
For Larry, the students are the best part. “I have enjoyed getting to interact with students across many different generations. It has kept me young and enriches me,” he reflected.
For Nicholas, the fulfillment comes from helping others. “I really enjoy being available to assist anyone who needs it, no matter who they are. A day never goes by where I’m not asked to help resolve an issue,” he said.
Together, the SCC team works together to keep everything up and running. They may be behind the scenes, but their work is what helps foster the creativity and energy that engulfs campus all year long.
