Faculty and Staff Support the U: Maintenance Leader Keeps Buildings and the University Humming

Raimundo “Ray” Santamaria knows it takes time, talent and money to keep the University of Miami’s campuses in great shape.

"I also try to make other employees aware of why it’s so important to give back to our University. Every contribution helps. Whether large or small, your donations have an impact on our future."

Raimundo “Ray” Santamaria

Santamaria ran his own electrical business for more than a decade before joining the University in 2011 as a zone electrician. Since then, he has worked his way into a lead maintenance position for Facilities Management, supervising a team of technicians responsible for the upkeep of buildings on the Coral Gables campus. He’s also a generous supporter of the United Way and the President’s Initiatives Fund, giving 1 percent of his salary back to UM.

“I feel grateful for the opportunity to work here,” says Santamaria, who grew up in Miami and has been a ’Canes sports fan since the 1980s. “I also try to make other employees aware of why it’s so important to give back to our University. Every contribution helps. Whether large or small, your donations have an impact on our future.”

He and his wife, Liza, have two children, ages 8 and 9, who already have plenty of opportunities to see the campus themselves. “We follow the teams and come to the Fan Fests to feel the energy here,” he says. “I remember coming here as a teenager, and I’m glad to give my children a taste of what it means to be a ’Cane.”

Reflecting on his upbringing, Santamaria says, “Our family did not have a lot of money when I was growing up, but we were always able to give something back to our church and community. Today, I believe that’s a very important value for all of us who work for our great University.”