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The Student Center for Community Engagement and Inclusion and the Volunteer Organization Involving Community Education and Service (VOICES) held UTSA’s annual beautification project, Extreme Makeover: UTSA Edition was held on the Main Campus, October 2.

We had over 200 students and staff cleaning windows, picking up trash, planting flowers in front of Roadrunner Café, and painting gates at Chaparral Village. For the first time ever, we had Extreme Makeover on the Downtown Campus where flowers were planted around Bill Miller Plaza.

We would like to thank Facilities Management, Business Auxiliary Services, University Center, and Housing and Residence Life for all their help in making this event possible.

Submitted by —
Miguel Sosa
Graduate Assistant, Volunteer Services,
Student Center for Community Engagement and Inclusion

A big congratulations to Alexandria Gallardo, who is the 2015-2016 Family of the Year Contest winner! The Family of the Year Contest is intended to celebrate the supportive role families play in the lives of students and the University community. Applicants are required to submit an essay explaining why their family is the ultimate UTSA family and how they’ve contributed to their college and student success.

Alexandria, freshman from Elmendorf, Texas wrote about her mother, Megan Lucio. Below is an excerpt from her winning essay.

“She is my rock and my soul, without her none of this would be possible. She pushed me to be better in high school, and she pushed me into college applications, helped with my FAFSA, and has gone above and beyond with helping me settle into this college life, sacrificing her needs over mine once more. She not only shows great pride by wearing her UTSA gear whenever she can, but by keeping up to date with the happenings on campus and continuously pushing me to succeed as she continuously pushes herself by being a good wife, raising a new pair of roadrunners, while holding a full time job and pushing herself through college. She is my rock, and she is a proud UTSA mom.”

Alexandria and her family received a gift basket valued at over $1000, a Family of the Year plaque, field access at the UTSA vs. Louisiana Tech football game and were able to accompany Dr. Ricardo Romo during the opening coin toss as well!

Submitted by —
Cassie Delgado
Program Coordinator, Family Programs
UTSA Orientation & Family Programs

Nominated by her peers, Calandra is a second year RA who has demonstrated leadership by assisting her new colleagues as they started their semester as an RA. She is also loved by her residents! Thank you for being awesome, Calandra!!

Submitted by —
Marietta Em de la Rosa
Associate Director, Residence Life and Education
Office of Housing and Residence Life

Complex Coordinators Jacques Watkins and Vanessa Leyva went to UT- Dallas to present at SWACUHO-U, which is a conference for new housing professionals in the region.

They presented on “Five Dysfunctions of a Team”, which they also presented at the Student Affairs Conference last Spring. They did such a great job, the SWACUHO leadership at the conference suggested they present at the larger SWACUHO conference in February. Way to go!!

Submitted by —
Marietta Em de la Rosa
Associate Director, Residence Life and Education
Office of Housing and Residence Life

I received this wonderful letter describing Charlin's efforts on behalf of our students:

I am writing to you on behalf of The National Society of Leadership and Success to recognize the outstanding achievements of Charlin Jones-Chévez on your campus. Through dedication and commitment, Charlin has effectively motivated Society members to attain individual goals, demonstrate leadership and continually strive for success.

Charlin has promoted the Society's mission through support of its members on your campus and inspired students to serve as a powerful force of good by encouraging and organizing action that results in positive impacts to your community.

Charlin's involvement not only improved student leadership skills and helped prepare students for success in the real world, but Charlin's desire to hold members to a high standard of leadership helped to solidify The University of Texas at San Antonio's chapter as an example to others across the country.

Charlin Jones-Chévez truly embodies the Society's mission of building leaders who make a better world. We hope you will join us in recognizing Charlin for exceptional service and leadership efforts on your campus.

Charles Knippen
President,
The National Society of Leadership and Success

Congratulations, Charlin!

Submitted by —
Dr. Pat Graham
Executive Director,
Special Events Center

Thank you for all you do for our residents. Your work to keep the apartments for all our residents is greatly appreciated.

Whatever the task or turnover, you always find a way to get it done. Thanks for all your extra efforts.

Thank you!

We received the following note of appreciation from Pablo Miguel Martinez, Executive Director, San Antonio Cultural Arts.

I wanted to single out [four] UTSA organizations for the invaluable assistance they provided this weekend: Kappa Delta Chi, Phi Iota Alpha, MASSO [and VOICES]. The students who volunteered for our annual Huevos Rancheros fundraiser this past Saturday went well above the call of duty: they were utterly professional, tireless, and cheery.

On behalf of San Anto Cultural Arts' Board, Staff, donors, and, most important, the young people with whom we are privileged to work here in the West Side, I send these fine ambassadors for your institution our profound gratitude. Without their hard work the event would not have been the success it was. If ever there's any opportunity for San Anto Cultural Arts to recommend these amazing student organizations for an on-campus recognition, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Too often we hear about unfocused, self-absorbed college students. Please know it was our great honor to meet young people who remind us that there are still a few community-minded, big-hearted students, such as those we met this Saturday.

We are indeed fortunate to have UTSA as a community partner.

Warm regards,
Pablo Miguel Martínez
Executive Director,
San Antonio Cultural Arts

Submitted by —
Ann Margaret Trujillo
Associate Director,
Student Center for Community Engagement and Inclusion

Congratulations to John Chavez for being selected Student Assistant of the Month for October, 2015.

John Chavez arrives early for every shift, is professional and friendly at the front counter as well has on the phone. He provides excellent customer service to all of our residents. He is always knowledgeable of current changes and all procedures, dependable and shows initiative. He is always ready and willing to work hard and go above expectations. He has a positive attitude, ability to get along with others and the ability to perform any duty assigned. He is always helpful to the front desk as well as to the Laurel Village office staff in any way that is needed. Swing by Laurel Village to give him a high five! Well done, John!

Submitted by —
Glynda Steele
Communications and Customer Relations,
Housing and Residence Life

The Class of 2019 donated 430 pounds of school supplies for an estimated value in cash and in kind of $4,020.50, to the "Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive" sponsored by Communities in Schools of San Antonio.

The community wide initiative provides school supplies to economically disadvantaged students in the San Antonio area. Thank you to our freshmen class for their generous donations.

The UTSA Family Association awarded ten $500 scholarships to current UTSA students from the benefits of the UTSA Family Fund. The Family Fund helps to transform the quality of life for all UTSA students, and consists of donations made by the members of the UTSA Family Association. Congratulations to all of our 2015 Family Association Scholarship recipients.