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The Student Health Services department of UTSA collaborated with the Campus Rec this spring to put together the first ever testicular cancer awareness event entitled Man Up! The event aimed to educate all of the participants, both men and women, on testicular cancer in a fun and memorable fashion by hosting a dodgeball tournament with a preliminary health fair.

The event took place on March 29th inside the Rec Center. All students who registered for the event were required to attend the preliminary health fair; here they were able to obtain information on the subject from signs and symptoms to testicular self-exams. Participating students were provided brochures, activities, prizes, and other forms of information. Students were also able to listen to two testicular cancer survivors tell their personal stories about dealing with testicular cancer. Once all the participants had circulated through the fair, the games begun!

Six teams of six players competed in a bracket style dodgeball tournament. A total of three rounds were played. Teams were eliminated one by one until, finally, there was a winning team. All participants were given a Man Up! t-shirt, self-exam shower card, and other giveaways donated by the Testicular Cancer Society. In addition, the winning team received an extra prize.

Thanks to the Rec Center for providing the facility and referees to run the event. Furthermore, a special thanks to the two testicular cancer survivor guest speakers, one of whom is a UTSA employee, for so openly sharing such a personal experience and providing such a unique, impactful message to the students. Based on the success of the event and student feedback, Student Health Services is looking forward to hosting it again in the future.

UTSA Housing and Residence Life will host three interns this summer through the Association of College and University Housing Officers – International (ACUHO-I). ACUHO-I offers an internship program for graduate students which provides professional work experience that enhances their academic experience. The interns are excited about coming to UTSA and having the opportunity to network with various offices within Student Affairs. Please welcome Eslam Aduhmad, Lacy Christison, and Maria Figuerado to UTSA!

Eslam Abuhmad will assist the Operations and Marketing area by working directly with our summer conference assistant staff and the housing component of New Student Orientation. She will also assist with other summer housing projects.

"I am Eslam Abuhmad and I am a graduate student at Ohio University. I am originally from Yorktown, Virginia (where the Revolutionary war was fought). It is so cool to live in such a historical place. At Ohio University, I am a Graduate Assistant for Learning Community Programs. My goal for this summer internship is to focus on this practical experience and see how Texas's housing offices function compared to my undergraduate institution. I was also a Resident Assistant for four years as an undergrad. So, I am super excited to develop further my housing knowledge and learn new things about a new university. My plans after I graduate next May is to get a professional job in housing. I look forward to meeting you all and building a friendship within this new community."

Lacy Christison will work directly with our summer conferencing program and team. She will also assist with other housing operations projects.

"Hello, UTSA! My name is Lacy Christison, and I am currently a first-year graduate student inthe College Student Personnel Program at Western Illinois University. I hold an assistantship in the Office of the Vice President for Student Services-Student Success, and I am a practicum student in the Student Development Office. Along with those roles, I also volunteer with the University Judicial Board, Alpha Sigma Alpha, and am the Vice President of the Western Illinois Student Personnel Association. I am originally from Yakima, Washington and graduated from Western Washington University in June 2015 with my Bachelor of Arts in Human Services. At WIU, I have worked in academic advising for over three years, and I am interested in working in that area following graduate school along with student success, leadership, and career services. I am excited to be one of the ACUHO-I Summer Conference Housing interns at The University of Texas at San Antonio this year, and I can't wait to learn more about residence life-Birds Up!"

Maria Figuerado will assist the Residence Life and Education area by working directly with the Associate Director on summer school students and other summer housing projects.

"Hello! My name is Maria Figuerado, I am currently a first-year Graduate Student at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida studying Higher Education Administration. I am a Graduate Assistant in the Housing and Residence Life Department at UNF and oversee a first-year area. At my undergraduate school, I was a Resident Assistant for three years and was heavily involved in student life – I really loved getting to know students and their stories, and decided to make it a career! I am originally from Orlando, Florida and love the sunshine! I am super excited to join and learn more about what it means to be a Roadrunner at The University of Texas at San Antonio! I’m looking forward to getting involved and connected to the HRL team and UTSA!! See you soon."