November 2014, Issue 11
Message from VPSA
Sam Gonzales
It is the season of Thanksgiving and the time of year to express our gratefulness. So let me begin with saying that I am grateful for you. Your dedication and hard work for our students contributes to their ability to achieve their dreams. Our work is important to them in so many ways. It is my hope, in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and closing of the semester, you take time to remember that. Thank you.
Just taking a look at all the “sweet tweets” from #UTSAppreciates and the Points of Pride listed in the newsletter is enough to remind us of the impact of our work on students, faculty and each other. I encourage you to read each and every listing in the Points of Pride section and the postings on Twitter and Instagram at #UTSAppreciates and keep the outpouring of gratefulness going all year long. Send a quick note or email to a colleague outside your department, wave from across campus and congratulate them for being mentioned. These are some of the steps toward a culture of appreciation that each of us can take. You can not underestimate the power of staff working together and supporting one another. If we work together, our students win every time.
Don’t stop with each other: include our students, too. This is the time of the semester that validation is most important. Remind them that they can do it – they can finish the semester strong. Post in your social media channels about how grateful you are they chose to be Roadrunners and wish them strength and success. We believe in them and this is the time of year that they need to hear it.
Finally, we will gather together as a community to celebrate commencement. For the first time, we will be at the Convention Center and our graduates will have the opportunity to take some dazzling photos by the Riverwalk twinkling with lights. It makes me remember that Commencement is really about memories after all. This milestone in their lives is celebrated with the entire UTSA community. Yes, volunteering for commencement one time a year is mandatory for all staff in the Division of Student Affairs, but it will be one of the most validating experiences you have as a member of our staff. The joy, success and pride displayed by our students and families are why we do this. Join us for one (or more) commencements and see just what I mean.
Best wishes,
Sam
We Are UTSA! We Are Student Affairs!