Megan Ondrizek, associate director of communications and public relations in University Communications, visits the aplysia lab at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.

Share a moment in your career when you realized the reach and impact of the University.

Fall 2012 or, more accurately, the weeks leading up to September 19-20, and beyond into “Decision 2012.” The University of Miami was selected as the venue for Univision’s first-ever “Meet the Candidates” conversations with Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama, and later hosted campaign rallies for both tickets. When I found out that UM would host these events, it was a bit of an “ah-ha” moment for me. UM is such a significant part of my everyday life, and for those political events, UM played an even bigger role. It was an honor for the University to host those events, and it was an honor for all of us who worked on them to help UM shine. Those moments in Fall 2012 helped me realize the global reach of my home away from home.

Share a moment when you felt most proud of working for UM.


I could say that I’m proud of the work that I do every day—though, of course, some days more than others. At the end of the day I always like to remind myself that we are here for and because of our incredibly smart, talented students. Being able to showcase the work that we do for students is always something I’ll be proud of. In 2013 the University opened and dedicated the Student Activities Center (now the Donna E. Shalala Student Center), and I helped tell that story. For years, students voiced their need for a larger, modern student center. When I was a student at UM in 2006, I even voted on the Student Government referendum for funding. To see that hard work pay off when the building opened and to witness the dedication of the University in realizing the needs of our students, makes me proud to say I’m even just a small part of that.

Share a story of a patient, student, colleague, or leader who has positively impacted your life.

The student interns who I’ve been lucky enough to supervise in University Communications are an inspiration to me every day. And if inspiration isn’t a positive impact, I don’t know what is. Their drive never ceases to amaze me, and they aren’t afraid to bring ideas to the table as contributors. At the same time, they are still learning the tools of the trade and, in turn, that makes me want to continue learning and work at my skills as well. Through their eyes I am someone to look up to, and that makes me work a little bit harder at my career. Even on my most stressful days in the office – because we all have those! – working with our students grounds me and reminds me to keep on trying.

DIRECCT Talk focuses on the ways faculty and staff exemplify the DIRECCT values—diversity, integrity, respect, excellence, compassion, creativity, and teamwork—that drive UM’s culture.

Julio Punal

By Julio Punal

Prior to working here, two events impacted my life and gave me the motivation and purpose that drives me. The first was nine years ago, when one of my sons was diagnosed with aplastic anemia and underwent a bone marrow transplant. My son and I would come to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center for his follow-up care, and we always had a positive experience with every person we encountered.

The second time was a little over six years ago, when I had a non-malignant tumor removed from my right wrist. The procedure was performed at University of Miami Hospital, whose team provided the level of comfort my family and I needed to get through this ordeal.

From the moment I began working here as a patient access representative in 2010, I set out to treat every patient and their families like my family and I were treated. I also set a timeline for myself to continue growing and moving up within UM. I have been extremely fortunate to be able to stay on track with my growth progress, which includes continuing my education at UM. My son is also a student at UM and my daughter will enroll in 2016.

I am extremely thankful to my mentors along the way for guiding me with their insight. Every day I am thankful for this great opportunity and for the U transforming my family’s life and creating a legacy that we share with one another. We definitely bleed orange and green through and through!