an employee newsletter | the university of texas of the permian basin

falconcastVolume 4 | Issue 2 | October 2017

Lunch & learnThe Department of Literature and Languages presents their first lunch and learn seminar, "The Sword of Damocles": A Talk on C.S. Lewis, Cambridge and the Cold War by UTPB professor Clark Moreland on Thursday, Oct. 12 from 12:30 - 1 pm in Library Lecture Hall 001. For more information, email Rebecca Babcock at babcock_r@utpb.edu.

Free flu shotsTemperatures outside are falling, which means flu season is back. Don't let the flu catch you! Faculty and staff can get free flu shots Tuesday, Oct. 10 from 7 - 11 am in the Multipurpose room. Bring a copy of your insurance card and a completed V.A.R. form, available in the Purchasing Office, MB 4270.

In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, Texans responded overwhelmingly to the greatest natural disaster the state has ever seen. For UTPB staff member Donald Shuck, one call transformed him from civilian to soldier in the Texas State Guard.

On August 27, 2017, I, Donald Shuck, a Staff Sergeant in 1st Battalion, 39th Regiment, Texas State Guard was called to duty. As an employee of The University of Texas at the Permian Basin Environmental Health & Safety department, I changed from my civilian clothes into a military uniform, boots and dog tags. I assumed my role as Staff Sargent Shuck as I was called up for State Active Duty. Victims of Hurricane Harvey needed shelter relief and we had our mission assigned.

I, and many other members of the 39th Regiment, arrived in Austin, Texas to in-process for a shelter mission in various portions of the Texas Gulf Coast. I was assigned to Tomball County, Houston as part of a six-person shelter team. My assignment was team leader and shelter manager.

Upon arrival to Lone Star College in Tomball, the first thing I noticed was there was no American Red Cross (ARC) trailer in the shelter parking lot. We had all been trained using the valuable equipment provided in these trailers. After a few minutes and a few phone calls I learned we were not going to have an ARC trailer. With six soldiers and a handful of Lone Star College staff, I knew I needed to set up the shelter quickly as we were receiving phone calls stating the hurricane evacuees were heading to the shelter. This is where we knew we had to work with what we had.

After assessing the situation, making a run-through of the facility, we laid out our plans for a shelter. At the same time we were setting up the shelter, I was notified we had a plethora of donations coming through the door including food, clothes, hygiene items and various boxes of unknown contents.

Having just taken a class on donation management, I knew if we didn't implement a process to deal with

From civilian to soldier

Donald Shuck (third from left) and his six-soldier shelter team stand in the gym of Lone Star College, one of the many shelters set up for Hurricane Harvey evacuees.

Homecoming door contestHomecoming is October 9-14, and you have a chance to show off your Falcon Spirit with a door decorating contest. It’s time to get creative and competitive To participate in the contest: 1) Email wheeler_k@utpb.edu by Monday, Oct. 9, 2) Decorate your office door in the Hawaiian homecoming theme, and 3)Be ready for judging on Wednesday, October 11 at 10 am. Winners receive a tropical trophy for their office and bragging rights!

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Keeping up with the Cast

Are we keeping up with you? Send your updates to wight_g@utpb.edu.

Maribea Merritt, interim executive director of development, attended the Employee Advisory Council (EAC) meeting in Austin. As an extra surprise, Chancellor Bill McRaven decided to drop by for lunch!

Wellness Committee members Ynes Alderson, director of purchasing, and Becca Myers, administrative research assistant of the Center for Early Childhood Development, ran the Pink the Basin Cups for a Cause 5K on September 16.

David Maldonado, senior chemistry major, participated in a National Science Foundation summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF-REU) at the University of Kansas. David worked under the mentorship of Dr. Mikhail V. Barybin, Professor of Chemistry, on the redox of large chromium complexes. David will be presenting his research results, “Toward a low-valent, poly-electrochromic nanocomplex with up to 20-electron redox capacity,” at the Southwest Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Lubbock on October 29.

Coach Cam Kainer and his swimming and diving team received a $5,000 donation from UTPB Development Board member Mark Nicholas. Mr. Nicholas has been a supporter of the University for over 17 years. Falcons up!

Steven Larizza, chief information security officer, and wife Elizabeth welcomed a new future Falcon in the family, Daughter Audra Rose Hopper Larizza born August 21. Here she is getting ready to leave the hospital and head home in her UTPB attire. Congratulations, Larizza family!

Staff members Curtis Beeman, enrollment counselor; Anna Gutierrez, admissions counselor; and David Gonzalez, senior administrative clerk, were rockin’ their orange for #FalconFriday.

Former UTPB baseball player Evan Gattis and the Houston Astros clinched the American League West division championship for the first time since 2001. Evan came to UTPB in 2010 and earned first team all conference honors in his lone season with the Falcons.

America’s SBDC at UTPB is always in the business of helping you with your business! They provide one-on-one consulting for business registrations, business plans, financial projections, QuickBooks, loan preparation and much, MUCH more. Anyone can call to schedule an appointment with a business consultant at NO cost. Check out their fall seminars on the SBDC website or Facebook page.

Joanna Hadjicostandi, associate professor of sociology, continued her research on the Refugee movement in Kavala, Greece over the summer. She presented a paper entitled: "A Point in Time: A Refugee Plight and a Local Crisis Response" a presentation within “RS07 - Greece and the European Socioeconomic Crises” at the Conference of the European Sociological Association in Athens, Greece, Aug. 29 - Sept. 1. She also delivered a lecture as a keynote speaker at the International Congress of Social Science in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, September 18 - 20, at the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez.

The Sociology Club and their faculty advisor, Joanna Hadjicostandi, received an award from the Salvation Army for their work and contribution with the Angel Tree, a donation program that provides new clothing and toys for children of families in need during the holidays.

CC Serrato, administrative assistant for Business Affairs; Lieutenant Robert Hammerman and Margarita Swenton, police administrative assistant, gather around Denise Watts, director of Institutional Research, Planning and Effectiveness, during her retirement reception. Denise received the University's time-honored tradition of a crystal clock for her nearly 11 years of service to UTPB. You will be missed, Denise!

PIZZA LUNCHMEET + GREET

Wednesday, Oct. 18

sac FishbOWlin the

11:30 AM - 1:30 pm

*FREE PIZZA!

*FOr staFF Only

The J. Conrad Dunagan Library served up a few hundred smiles from students, staff and faculty at the 2nd Annual Ice Cream Social August 30. Thanks to all who showed up for their free treat, and shoutout to Chartwells for doing a wonderful job!

FALCON SPORTS SCHEDULE

OCT

When departments work together, great things happen - like a $27,000 arts grant from Odessa Arts benefitting six programs across UTPB, including the Nancy Fyfe Cardozier Gallery, Pots and Prints, John Ben Sheppard Leadership Institute, J. Conrad Dunagan Library, and the Music and Spanish programs.

Greeting� FROM

Staff Council

Staff Councilsuggestion box

A partnership to bring aeronautical engineering to UTPB was realized fully, as President Sandra Woodley received the final gift to fund the program’s undergraduate track.

Back in the fall of 2016, UTPB started the new aerospace engineering program after getting a 3-year commitment from both the Midland Development Corporation (MDC) and the Midland City Council.

"Midlanders have consistently told the Midland Development Corporation (MDC) that they want us to focus on roads, education and healthcare. As part of the focus on education, the MDC has been working with UTPB to provide funding to assist UTPB in

expanding their engineering program,” said Keith Stretcher, vice chairman of the Midland Development Corporation. "We think it is extremely important that a Midlander can graduate from MISD or one of our outstanding private schools and attend UTPB to obtain a degree in mechanical, aeronautical, petroleum, chemical or electrical engineering and never leave the city limits of Midland. The MDC wants this to be the beginning of a long-term relationship with the University. We will continue to work with UTPB to assist in meeting the educational needs of Midlanders. This investment is not a one-time deal but is just the beginning as we anticipate more opportunities to partner with UTPB in the future."

Midland leadership helps students reach for the stars

Members of Midland Development Corporation, Midland City Council and UTPB staff were present for the final installation of the $600,000 aeronautical engineering partnership with the University.

UTPB recognized by US News & World ReportUTPB's focus on student performance and quality instruction has earned more national recognition. In September, U.S. News & World Report ranked UTPB #91 in the category of Regional Universities West, #35 in Top Public Schools and #169 in Engineering Programs where doctorates were not offered.

UTPB was evaluated on many factors, including teaching practices, student engagement, student services and technology.

“We are excited that UTPB was recognized for the value we add to our students and the community,” said Sandra Woodley, president of UTPB. “U.S. News & World Report, which generates the Best Colleges list annually, has honored us by this distinction.”

Staff Council exists to work on behalf of UTPB staff. Whether you have a suggestion to improve morale or a job-related concern, we are here to work with you. Staff Council strives to make UTPB the best place to work.

Updates from the UT System Employee Advisory Council (EAC)

ROEA Committee: The Board of Regents approved the budget for the Regents’ Outstanding Employee Award. The committee plans to coordinate 30 awards with at least one winner at each institution. The Chancellor will send a letter to each president with the details of the process. Nominations will begin mid-October and run through January 2018.

Salaries & Benefits Committee: The committee will review current tuition assistance policies at each institution and will explore options for a comprehensive tuition assistance program for all UT staff and possibly their dependents.

Staff Morale and Wellness Committee: The committee is preparing a recommendation to conduct a system-wide survey to gauge employee satisfaction and to use the results to improve employee morale across the system. They will also examine wellness programs at each institution.

Communications Committee: “One System, One Voice” will continue to produce the System Summary as well as the quarterly newsletter. They also plan to create a UT Employee Advisory Council Facebook page as well as a Twitter account to promote awareness of the UT EAC.

• • •

For more information on the meeting, visit the EAC website.

If you would not like to be included on the birthday list, please email wight_g@utpb.edu.

Lanita Akins (History)Guadalupe Dominguez (Physical Plant)Sebahattin Ziyanak (Social Sciences)Hilda Salgado (Registrar)Mark Wildermuth (Literature & Language)Martha Burr (College of Nursing)Hemberly Hoyer (Continuing Education)Diana Younger (Psychology)Patricia Acevedo (Financial Aid)John Davisson (Physical Plant)Erin Nance (Academic Advising)Laqueetia Mathis (STEM Academy)Herman Fuentes (Physical Plant)Marnita Guinn (College of Nursing)Jacob Wallace (Recreational Sports)Robyn Braun (Kinesiology)Gregory Hammon (Social Sciences)Reynaldo Lascano (Continuing Education)Jose Moreno (Literature & Language)Beverly Okanome (STEM Academy)Janice Tinney (College of Nursing)Leo Martinez (Admissions)

10/210/210/210/310/310/410/410/410/510/510/510/710/810/810/810/910/1110/1110/1110/1110/1110/12

10/1210/1310/1410/1410/1510/1510/1610/1710/1810/1810/1810/1810/1810/1910/1910/2110/2110/2110/2310/2310/2410/2410/2510/2610/2610/2610/2710/2810/2810/2910/3010/31

Elizabeth McMellon (Literature & Language)Isela Canava (College of Education)Karis Golden (College of Education)Shane Pruitt (College of Nursing)Howard Marks (Library)Cole Martin (Athletics)Maria Avalos (Educational Leadership & Counseling)Daniel Maldonado (Police)Prakash Pai (College of Business & Engineering)Enrique Romero (Small Business Development Center)Myra Salcedo (Literature & Language)Robert Trentham (Center for Energy and Econ Dev)Maya Wood (Police)Denia Escontrias (Continuing Education)Tonya Sanchez (Curriculum Instruction)Lara Bow (STEM Academy)Eric Cash (Police)Hazael Narvaez (STEM Academy)Lacie Houser (College of Education)Michelle Womack (College of Nursing)Eileen Peters (Literature & Language)Mylan Redfern (Math & Computer Science)Jessica Bowen (College of Education)Kristen Figgens (Literature & Language)Audry Jackson (Physical Plant)Amanda Perez (Student Success)Kathryn Narvaez (STEM Academy)Deborah Butler (Visual & Performing Arts)Troy Tittlemier (Physical Sciences)Maribea Merritt (Development)James McPherson (College of Business & Engineering)Chad Dunavan (College of Nursing)

From civilian to soldier, continued.

these donations quickly, they would overtake our staff and resources. During the time of the initial donation influx, approximately 100 volunteers arrived. We now had the manpower we needed to quickly assemble our shelter and sort through and manage the donations. The volunteers were utilized for food and clothing set up, medical station, dorm set up, registration, and phones. The shelter was set up in only a few hours.

The first set of evacuees began arriving at the shelter very soon after set up. After having them register we had them go to triage for any medical needs. Luckily for us, some of the volunteers were EMTs, nurses and physicians. This was a blessing in disguise as medivac helicopters began arriving with more evacuees with medical issues.

Due to the lack of soldiers and ARC support staff, I decided it was necessary for the six of us soldiers to work double shifts for the duration of our mission. We worked 20 hour shifts for the for a total of 140 hours per soldier over a seven-day time frame.

This Texas State Guard team of soldiers worked hard, long hours to ensure the evacuees basic needs were met including a sense of security. Our team connected with the evacuees immediately and began to listen to their individual stories. While the circumstances were the same, each person's experience was unique. They had just witnessed a devastating hurricane and has experienced great tragedy in losing everything they owned.

We played with the children throughout the week and sat with shelter residents during meals. The shelter residents, volunteers, staff of the college and soldiers began working together, bonded as one huge team. One of the evacuees stated that she had not slept well since her husband and brothers were deployed to Afghanistan until she slept at the shelter where she knew she was being protected by the Texas State Guard.

Before we began closing the shelter we had made hundreds of new friends and a positive relationship built with all who were involved in Hurricane Harvey disaster shelter. This was one of my proudest moments as a soldier of the Texas State Guard.

This is a deployment I will not soon forget. I have been deployed to conflicts around the world and this 10-day period has hit me the hardest as I witnessed fellow Texans in great need of help and providing the best service my team could provide. This is what Texans helping Texans is all about in my heart. Some call me a hero but I call myself a Texan soldier. It was an honor to provide a service for these fellow Texans, my fellow Texans.

HAPPYBIRTHDAY

Donald Shuck with Captain Mark Pemberton, Lone Star College police, and Lee Ann Nutt, president of Lone Star College.