April 2015, Issue 4
Message from VPSA
Sam Gonzales
Viva Fiesta! Viva UTSA!
You can feel Fiesta in the air as San Antonio celebrates with over 100 programs in 10 days. Fiesta San Antonio highlights many community agencies, schools and non-profit organizations. UTSA plays a big role in this epic celebration by hosting Fiesta UTSA, Party on the Paseo, and participating in the Cavaliers’ River, Battle of Flowers and Fiesta Flambeau parades. Our participation highlights why it is great to be a Roadrunner and emphasizes our deep connection to the City of San Antonio.
Celebrations are important to a community. They serve to bring us together and provide the opportunity to review our success and plan for the future.
Recently, our Student Government hosted the 39th annual University Life Awards, celebrating student accomplishments within the entire university. As the presenters described the many accomplishments of the awards winners, I was astounded at the dedication and resilience of our students as they reach new levels of success every day.
At the University Excellence Awards, we celebrated service milestones and special awards of merit. It reminds me what a valuable resource we have in our dedicated staff and faculty. Thank you for your service.
Our students excel in the classroom, in organizations, and on the court, too! Join me in celebrating the UTSA Men’s Tennis team who are now the 2015 Conference USA Champions.
The celebrations are not over yet; nominations are still being accepted for awards that will be presented at the Student Affairs Awards Ceremony. Birds of a feather appreciate together, so please take the time to nominate a colleague today. Nominations close on April 24, 2015 and I am looking forward to sharing the winners with you at the ceremony on May 14, 2015.
Remember that, while these celebrations serve to celebrate success, they also inform our plans for the future, pushing us to even greater heights. You can help us plan for the future by attending the Blueprint 2020 open forum on Wednesday, April 22, 3-4:30 pm in the University Center Denman Room. Join us as we chart the university’s course to 2020.
Then, we reach commencement. I often refer to this as the most important celebration of all. Each semester, I am reminded that Graduation is an achievement for the entire family. I am so glad we are all there to share in the joy. In addition to our university-wide commencement ceremonies, communities gather to celebrate this special accomplishment through Lavender graduation and UJIMA hosted by the Student Center for Community Engagement and Inclusion.
Through it all, remember that UTSA Appreciates. Take the time to say thank you. Take the time to celebrate all that UTSA has accomplished. Viva!
Best wishes,
Sam
We Are UTSA! We Are Student Affairs!