Projectors, document cameras, DVD players, speakers, and podcasting equipment do not magically appear in classrooms and lecture halls at UC San Diego. The Audiovisual (AV) Design and Engineering team at Academic Computing & Media Services (ACMS) works with departments who want to install or upgrade AV equipment. One of the members of this team is Project Manager Fred Marques.
Fred makes it easy for departments with AV needs by serving as their point of contact from start to finish, which includes:
- Visiting the site to assess the space
- Sitting down with the department to understand their needs
- Working with ACMS’s AV engineers to design a system to meet those needs
- Purchasing equipment
- Coordinating with Facilities Management
- Installing equipment
An important benefit for departments using ACMS’s AV Design and Engineering services is the ability to save money. Fred makes sure that UC San Diego gets the lowest price for equipment whenever ACMS performs an installation. Additionally, Fred highlighted that ACMS’s AV design services also save departments money, saying that UC San Diego “would definitely be spending more outsourcing it outside campus.”
Fred worked on the recently completed upgrade at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. “During the summer we did eight classrooms, upgrading their projectors and retrofitting them for the new digital era,” Fred said, “More recently, we upgraded their auditorium in the winter break.” Fred really enjoys finishing projects and seeing how excited departments are to have their new technology installed with such little hassle for them. Fred is currently working on the ongoing Lecture Hall Refresh Project, making sure that UC San Diego gets the best deals possible.
Fred hails from Guam and returns to visit his family and friends there whenever he can. People might be surprised to learn that back on Guam Fred was considered “the karaoke king” among his friends and family. Karaoke has long been popular on Guam and when Fred worked for an electronics retailer he had access to all of the latest karaoke equipment and tracks. His status as karaoke royalty might also have something to do with his renditions of the works of Billy Joel and Elton John.
Thanks to AV Design and Engineering, classrooms, lecture halls, and meeting spaces throughout UC San Diego are staying up-to-date with the latest technology. Departments can rest easy knowing that Fred Marques will be there to make upgrading their spaces as easy as possible. He’s our very own Rocket Man: it’s just his job, five days a week. Si Yu’us ma’åse’ Fred!
ACMS Aces is a series of articles that highlights the dedicated employees of Academic Computing & Media Services at UC San Diego. Keep checking back to find out more about the people behind the magic at ACMS!
