In memoriam: UTSA administrative professional Leticia Castro dies at age 54

Leticia "Letty" Castro worked at UTSA for 10 years.

(May 25, 2018) – The UTSA community is mourning the tragic death of Leticia “Letty” Castro, administrative associate in the Department of Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching (ILT). With more than a decade of experience at UTSA, Castro was a familiar face on campus to many Roadrunners.

“Letty was a beautiful person,” said Mari Cortez, ILT chair. “She was kind hearted, and had a positive outlook on life. She would lift people up. She always had a smile on her face.”

Castro joined UTSA in 2008 as an office assistant in Student Health Services. A dedicated and beloved employee, she also served as an administrative associate in the East Asia Institute, Office of International Programs and Department of English. In her most recent role in ILT, she managed financials and travel arrangements, building her reputation as a staff member with a knack for numbers.

Gabriela Cantu Couvillion, a senior administrative associate in the UTSA Department of Finance, worked with Castro when both were employed in ILT.

“Letty and I were co-workers, and since we were a small staff of four in ILT, we all got along well and would often joke and laugh with each other,” recalls Couvillion. “When we went our separate ways, due to retirement and job promotions, we still kept in touch and would meet for lunch. She was very professional and kind. Her favorite phrase was ‘have a beautiful, amazing day.’”

In lieu of flowers, a fund has been set up in her name. Donations can be made online, designating "other" then typing "The Leticia Castro Memorial Fund." Donations can also be mailed to:

The Leticia Castro Memorial Fund
c/o Office of External Relations
The University of Texas at San Antonio
One UTSA Circle
San Antonio, TX 78249

Castro will be among those honored at the annual Roadrunner Remembrance Ceremony in April 2019, which features readings and music to recognize the contributions of Roadrunners who have passed. During the ceremony, feathers will be placed in a nest to honor Castro and other Roadrunners who have passed.

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Faculty and staff who need assistance following Castro’s passing should contact Deer Oaks EAP Services at 1-866-327-2400 to schedule an appointment and ask for the on-campus counselor. Counselors are also available throughout the nation to assist UTSA faculty and staff located off campus.

Students can seek emotional support from Counseling Services located in the Recreation Wellness Center (RWC 1.810) on the Main Campus weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., by appointment at the Downtown Campus in the Frio Street Building (FS 4.556) and 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week by calling 210-458-4140.

— Staff Report