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University Circle Inc. Meet Jimmy Garmback '20

In the middle of what is often referred to as Ohio’s most spectacular square mile is University Circle Inc., a community service corporation responsible for developing, serving, and advocating for University Circle as a vibrant and complete neighborhood. Right in the heart of Cleveland’s world class museum district, Little Italy, Case Western Reserve University, vast shopping and dining options, beautiful parks and so much more, UCI has plenty to work with in attracting over 3 million people each year to the area.

Located in a beautiful historic house on Euclid Avenue and Mayfield Road, the staff at UCI works hard on reinforcing the importance of neighborhood partnerships. The organization is the catalyst for development and an advocate for University Circle as a center of innovation in health care, education and arts & culture. It all starts with relationships, and when people visit, the first person they encounter is the extremely friendly and outgoing Jimmy Garmback, ’20. Jimmy greets everyone with a smile, and makes sure they feel at home during their visit. From handing visitors marketing materials to learn more about UCI to making sure they are comfortable for their meeting, Jimmy is known to be in tune with everyone’s needs. “Jimmy is very good with the customers,” said his supervisor Cherie Bandy, UCI District Relations Manager and Special Assistant to the President. “He is quick to help others when they need it, and is always on top of things.”

Jimmy takes on so many responsibilities that he is always busy, and that is just the way he likes it. Along with taking care of visitors, Jimmy can be seen making copies for others, taking care of the mail, setting up the conference room, answering phones, stocking supplies, and helping wherever is needed by the UCI staff. “I love it here. I love my co-workers, I love the work I do here,” said Jimmy. “I really enjoy everything that includes this job. I like to go around the office and talk to people, and they care about me.” Cherie added “Jimmy is a joy to be around. People love him around here and he brings a lot of life to the office.”

Jimmy carries a 4.0 GPA at Saint Martin and utilizes his outgoing personality to serve as a student ambassador for the school. He realizes his work with others at UCI serves him well in other walks of life, “Dealing with so many different people here helps me as an ambassador and with my restaurant job too. I better understand people and can quickly address what they need.”

Saint Martin currently partners with over 120 professional organizations all around our region through the Corporate Work Study Program, and Jimmy realizes its value, “The work study program is the best part of the school, I really love it. It’s so different than any other school in Cleveland and it is great.” His supervisor agrees, “With UCI being a community organization I think it’s great for us to give back,” Cherie said. “The students come to us well prepared and with a very good attitude. It’ so nice to have the students around, their idealism is refreshing and keeps us young.”

If your organization would like to help change the work force in Cleveland with a truly unique program that sets Saint Martin apart from other schools, just visit our CWSP page here, or reach our directly to our new Vice President for CWSP, Shameka Jones Taylor at 216-881-1689, x 288; or at sjonestaylor@stmdphs.org.