Donna Lim – The University of Maryland

Donna Y. Lim is the Assistant Director of the Adele H. Stamp Student Union (SSU) at the University of Maryland (UM) in College Park. For the past ten years, Lim has ensured the Adele H. Stamp Student Stamp Student Union is operating and serving the 36,014 undergraduate and graduate students and 12,454 total university employees (based on Fall 2007 statistics) successfully. “Stamp,” “The Union,” or the lengthier version “Stamp Student Union” is the center for campus life and the hub of student activities. From the campus bookstore, Hoff movie theatre, bowling and gaming area, and to the offices of various student organizations, everything is here. Needless to say, Lim has her hands full.

Donna began her career at the UM in 1995. After only two years it led to burn out, which led her to try something else. In a little over ten months, Lim returned to the University of Maryland as she realized it was the student interaction and campus environment that inspired her to want to come to work everyday. Ten years later, Lim is still very passionate about working with students whether it is as a faculty advisor for the Asian American sororities on campus; faculty chair for homecoming; or just lending an ear to listen, Donna always creates time to provide support and category_idance to the students at the University of Maryland. Read on to find out where Donna is heading and if a University Career in student affairs is for you.

ASIANCE: Where were you born and raised and what is your ethnicity?

Donna: I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. (Go Steelers!) I am a first and second generation Chinese American, respectively. My mother was born in Hong Kong and my father who was Chinese American was born in Carnegie, PA. I spent most of my life in Pittsburgh until moving to the DC area in 1995 to work at the University of Maryland.

ASIANCE: Which college did you attend for your undergraduate studies and what was your major?

Donna: I attended the University of Pittsburgh for both my bachelors and masters degrees. I have a BA in Communications and a M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration.

ASIANCE: What and when was your initial role at the University of Maryland, College Park and can you briefly share the journey you’ve taken to get where you are today. Also why have you stayed this long at the University of Maryland as opposed to transferring or relocating to another university?

Donna: I came to the University of Maryland, College Park in 1995 as the advisor to SEE Productions, the campus program board. This is the student group that coordinates small and large events on campus in the form of concerts, lectures, comedy, cultural events, performing arts, and everything in between from program idea to promotion through production of the actual event. I did this for a couple years and actually got burnt out so I went to another DC institution for a brief stint doing conference and event services.

Donna Lim

During those 10 months, I realized that I really did miss the interactions with students and it just so happened the stars aligned that I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to return to College Park in my former supervisor’s position overseeing all of the programming areas and services in the Stamp as well as across campus. I have been in my current position now entering my 10th year (where does the time go!?!!!). It still amazes me that I have stayed at UM for as long as I have! It is just a great place to work with fantastic colleagues and students. I love my job and there is never a dull moment, every day is different. And I just don’t know where the time went… but I do believe the time for change is imminent and as I complete my doctorate, I am ready for that next step or chapter of life to take that next challenge and advancement. Be that at Maryland or elsewhere…

ASIANCE: You are currently working towards your PhD. What is the area of concentration and can you share a little bit about what the subject of your thesis is? In general, do you feel it is necessary to obtain a PhD in order to further one’s career in the university setting?

Donna: I am pursuing my doctoral degree in College Student Personnel ( A program in the Department of Counseling and Personnel Services in the School of Education). Since I am in my first year of coursework, I still have some time to consider my dissertation topic. My current interests involve First Amendment rights (specifically freedom of speech) and APA first generation college students, so my thesis will probably revolve around one of these areas or some intersection of the two; or possibly something else may peak my interest along the way as I am completing coursework… so I’ll have to keep you posted!

Education is definitely an expected given while working in the field of higher education, obviously, if one is on the academic side of the house but as well in the area of Student Affairs. All will have a bachelor’s degree at minimum, while most will have a Masters. A good portion will go on for their terminal degree, it is a necessity if you want to move into more senior level positions (i.e.: senior student affairs officers, Deans, Directors, Vice Presidents). Also, if one wants to be at a highly reputable institution such as a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University like Maryland, it is preferable and highly recommended.

Donna Lim with some of her students

ASIANCE: What has been the most challenging aspects about being the Assistant Director of the Adele H. Stamp Student Union — Center for Campus Life and what has been the most fulfilling aspect of your role.

Donna: The answer to both is one in the same – “ the students! Students are the reason that I got into this field in the first place. You just never know how you may touch the life of a student in the interactions you have with them through the many co-curricular activities outside the formal classroom. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that you made a difference and that you somehow touched the life of a student in one way or another. You were a part in helping students build life skills and experiences that they will carry long after their college careers, is an amazing thing. But you learn from them as much as they learn from you, things about yourself as well as about them, all a part of being a life long learner.

ASIANCE: I noticed the Fall 2007 enrollment of Asian/Asian American undergraduate students is 14.1% of the 33% of minority students and the Asian American Studies Program continues to grow each year, how do you and the Stamp Student Union stay connected with the Asian/Asian American student community? Also, do you feel more Asian/Asian American students come to you for category_idance and support because of your ethnic background.

Donna: The College Park campus is definitely a very rich diverse community. The Stamp is truly committed to diversity in the recent creation of the Multicultural Involvement and Community Advocacy Office whose mission is to foster community amongst the various constituent groups that comprise the campus community.