FIYou: Oliver Setien ’10

Name: Oliver Setien ’10

Hometown: Havana, Cuba.

Job Title/Department: Telecommunications Service Specialist, FIU UTS

Campus: Modesto A. Maidique Campus

In a nutshell: I support and manage the telephony side as well as the emergency notification system and voicemail integrated with email. I also manage the IPCC Call Center Groups throughout the university departments.

Number of years at FIU: 17

What do you enjoy most about your job?

One of the things I most value is being able to assist the university community. It’s a good feeling when you see how appreciative the staff and students are after you have helped them remedy a problem.

What do you think faculty/staff and students should know about your department? What about FIU – how is the university “Worlds Ahead”?

My department is such a great place to work. More than a working environment, we are all a family. There has never been a time I’ve been turned down by one of my co-workers when I have asked them for assistance. We just want to make sure that we always provide excellent customer service to the whole university community. Having worked at FIU for the last 17 years, I am amazed at all the advancements the university has undergone. I’m particularly proud of the huge project of VOIP telephony system back in 2003, which completely changed the way we provide costumer services. Furthermore the inclusion of the law school and then the medical school has opened the door for so many hopeful students to advance in both fields. The cultural diversity that is seen at FIU is incredible and awesome! There are so many students from so many parts of the world! It truly is a wonderful image to see. With all these aspects and more, there is no doubt that FIU continues to be World’s Ahead from the rest.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?

That would have to be the Graham Center. Now that it has a new and improved bookstore and small market, a GameStop and a state-of-the-art food court, I feel like I’m at a local mall. It is great to just relax and browse through the games available at the GameStop and maybe get a little playtime with the game consoles while at lunch.

Family snapshot:

It’s my wife Jenny, who is, without a doubt, my soul mate. She gives me support and love every day of my life. My angels Sophia and Oliver Michael, the two most precious and amazing gifts I have ever been given.

Word that best describes you: Compassionate.

First paying job: It was at FIU. My job required me to install the entire cable system for TV, data cabling and voice for BBC Housing Dorms.

Favorite TV show: Dexter and The Tudors.

What is playing on your iPod?

Black Eyed Peas, Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, OneRepublic, Pitbull and Timbaland.

Read any good books lately?

My favorite types of books are thriller or mystery novels. I love the book Red Dragon. Any book that weaves a good storyline and plot is definitely something that you will find on my bookshelf. I also enjoy Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons a great deal.

Your proudest accomplishment:

My family. My beautiful wife and two kids are my life. They are the most important facets that make up who I am as a person. I enjoy every day of my life knowing that God has blessed me with such an amazing and wonderful family and, last but not least, my parents, who made everything possible for me to accomplished all my goals.

What do you do when you are not working at FIU?

I like to spend time with my family. Go to the beach or lay by the pool. Also, Disney has become somewhat of a second home to me these last few years. I think we go on average at least once a month. But seeing the joy on my kids’ faces makes it all worthwhile. I also enjoy swimming, running and playing racquetball after work.