Business Horizons


A monthly publication of Business Affairs

The University of Texas at
San Antonio

February 2005

In All We Do,
We Do With

EXCELLENCE

Every Person,
Every Day,
Every Job

Kerry's Korner
As we reflect on our accomplishments over the past 12 months and the commitments we've made to ourselves for the new year, let's remember the importance of personal and professional development.  I am personally committed to each and every employee's development.  Please join me in identifying at least 2 classes that you plan to take this next year.  A complete listing of the classes offered through our training and development department can be located at: http://www.utsa.edu/hr/training/CourseSched.cfm
Additional recommendations can be identified through discussions with your supervisor or by calling Training and Development at x4659.

And remember,...be sure to include this important skill development objective on your performance review for next year.

Upcoming Events:

Valentine's Day - February 14

VPBA Breakfast - February 16
8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
MB Regents' Room - 3.106

UTSA Homecoming Activities
February 23-26

VPBA Staff Council
Front row: Jackson Christofoletti, Juan Macias,
Carla Contreras, Darleen Wurth

Back row: Kerry Kennedy, Corinne Sabo, Minnie Martinez, Denise Moore, Jill Palmer and 
Celso Santiago
Not pictured: Geoffrey Merritt and Thomas Harper

Continued from January...

20 Ways to Make Your Life Better

11.   Be kinder than necessary
12.   Don't forget, a person's greatest emotional need is to feel
       appreciated
13.   Keep your promises
14.   Learn to show cheerfulness, even when you don't feel like it
15.   Remember that overnight success usually takes about 15
       years
16.   Leave everything better than you found it
17.   Remember that winners do what losers don't want to do
18.   When you arrive at your job in the morning, let the first thing
       you say brighten everyone's day
19.   Don't rain on other people's parades
20.   Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them

Organizational Excellence Survey 
closes this Friday, February 4th

Congratulations to VPBA staff on a participation rate in excess of 80%.  That is well over the average response rate of 60% for this type of survey.  We will begin scheduling meetings beginning in late March to discuss the results.  Thank you for participating!

Please join me in welcoming Mary Simon to VPBA as the Director of Management Reporting & Analyses.

Congratulations to Josie Izbinski on her promotion to Facilities Services Manager of Custodial Services.  As manager, she will oversee all housekeeping operations at the 1604 Campus and University Heights. Josie, a Certified Executive Housekeeper, has been an employee at UTSA for 15 years and has worked in all aspects of housekeeping. Most recently, she has been working evenings as a zone/building supervisor. With her years of experience and certification, she is truly an asset to UTSA.

History of Valentine's Day

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome.
According to another legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

Update on Parking & Transportation
Director Position

Campus visits by the top two candidates will be completed next week, and it is anticipated that a job offer will be extended by the following week.  The new Director should commence employment by mid-March.  We have had great interest by applicants from around the country.  Thanks to the Interview Team comprised of:

Dr. Sandra Welch, Vice Provost
Dr. Georgia Johnston, Assistant Professor
Dan Pena, Assistant Chief of Police
Ms. Chasity Mata, Senior Admissions Counselor
Ms. Sue McManus, Executive Assistant