A Peek Inside … Program Manager Fredo Oliveira’s Office
Massive Starbucks Mug Collection, Magical Race Medals, Memorable Selfies and More
Honors Global Challenges and Solutions Program Manager Fredo Oliveira shares his love of travel and Disney in his cozy office in Dorchester Hall.
Photos by Stephanie S. Cordle
There’s no such thing as a universal language, but humanity’s collective hankering for caffeine in all its forms—whether coffee, tea or chocolate—might come close. And when you step into Fredo Oliveira’s office in the basement of Dorchester Hall, it’s clear what’s fueled his trips around the world.
More than a hundred Starbucks mugs, from Brazil to the Twin Cities, Johannesburg to Cozumel, Mexico, are displayed on his wall—fitting for the program manager for the Honors Global Challenges and Solutions living learning program.
He teaches and advises roughly 150 students, planning fun, team-bonding activities and educational programs. He hosts their own version of “The Amazing Race,” where students run around Washington, D.C., for clues; serves pasta and offers lessons on Brazilian language and culture during “Alfredo with Alfredo”; and develops one-offs like personal money management workshops or trips to cultural events in Washington, D.C.
This spring break, Oliveira, along with government and politics Professor Sarah Croco, will be heading overseas with 15 students as part of the new course “Global Challenges and Solutions in Panama,” focused on sustainability, human rights (especially Indigenous rights) and relations with the United States.
“There’s so much value in studying abroad, especially because our program has that global component,” said Oliveira, who came to the United States as a high school exchange student from Brazil. “We thought it was fitting to challenge students not just academically, but also through real-world experiences.”
From his office nestled between the shared kitchen and den with TVs and study rooms, Oliveira shares why cups are superior souvenirs, how he accidentally became a Disney aficionado and the time Secret Service held his hand.
Starbucks mugs
Oliveira started collecting mugs from the global coffee giant 15 years ago. His first one, from New York, got lost in a move at some point—but he’s got 115 more from all over the world to make up for it.
“These last forever,” said Oliveira. “If I get a T-shirt from somewhere, it fades.”
Every time he travels, he picks up a mug, whether he’s road-tripping from Minnesota to California or visiting a friend in Europe, and they’re grouped by country, state and city on his wall. His favorites include three from Disney, a recent floral one from Hawaii and a unique, metallic-sheened one with Korean writing from Seoul—just one of the handful he received as a gift.
Race medals
A tarmac in Tampa was the site of Oliveira’s first race, spurred on by colleagues at the University of South Florida in 2017. After that 5K, “I was like, I still don’t love running, but when my (former boss) showed me her Disney medals, I kind of wanted those,” he said. He worked his way up, trying out an 8K, then a 10K, then even a half-marathon.
Now, he and husband Kris Oliveira, director of UMD’s LGBTQ+ Equity Center, return to Florida each year to run at least one 10-mile and one 10K. His hardware reflects different themes, like “Toy Story,” “The Lion King,” and “Princess and the Frog.” His dream is to complete the Coast to Coast Challenge, racing at both Disney World and Disneyland in California in the same year for a special medal.
Disney delights
The “Fredo” written in the Disney handwriting style was a gift from a former coworker at New York University, where Oliveira worked and earned his second master’s degree. Oliveira never wanted to be a “Disney adult” until his honeymoon brought him into the magical fold. “I thought, if we’re going to spend this money, let’s go to France! Let’s go abroad! But Kris said, ‘You’re going to love it.’ And I did!”
Now annual passholders, they always spend a few days in the parks when they fly in for the race weekends. The shows are his favorite, especially “Fantasmic” at Hollywood Studios, which features Mickey Mouse and the power of imagination.
Presidential selfies
Then-Vice President Joe Biden visited St. Cloud, Minn., to talk about business development when Oliveira led St. Cloud Technical & Community College’s student senate. Oliveira jumped at the chance to get a selfie. “When I put my arm behind him, his Secret Service detail held my hand the entire time so I couldn’t move,” he said. He later met former President Bill Clinton when he was campaigning for President Barack Obama’s reelection at St. Cloud State University.
Oliveira’s political interests went further: He also interned in Washington, D.C. for then-U.S. Sen. Al Franken. “I learned to respect the other side of the aisle, even if I don’t agree with their stance on some policies. Elected officials get so many calls from people, calling them names, and it’s a lot to go through. It’s a tough job.”
Door decs
Oliveira worked for years in university residence halls, enjoying free room and board along with the camaraderie, especially the whimsical “door decs” (decorations) that resident assistants would create. From “Game of Thrones” to “Zootopia” to Disney princesses (yes, he made that one for his team), he displays his favorites on his door—which he’s now thrilled to be able to shut at the end of the day without the pressure of being on call.
This is part of an occasional series offering a look inside some of the most interesting faculty and staff offices around campus. Think you have a cool workspace—or know someone’s that you’d like to recommend? Email kshih@umd.edu.
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