BY Amanda A. Taylor
Over 600 staff members were recognized for their years of dedicated service at the first annual UTRGV Staff Service Awards and Recognition ceremonies.
The Edinburg ceremony took place at the PlainsCapital Bank Theater in the Student Union on May 15 and on the Brownsville campus at the PlainsCapital Bank El Gran Salón on May 16. Staff members were recognized for their service in increments of five years, starting with 5 years to 40 years as of the transition phase from two legacy institutions to present day UTRGV, up to August 31, 2017.
Emceeing each event was Patrick Gonzalez, Associate Vice President for University Marketing and Communications.
“Today’s ceremony is very special as it enables us to recognize employees who have completed milestone years of dedicated service,” Gonzalez said. “We will be honoring staff employees in non-faculty capacity including retirees who have completed their milestone years of service prior to retiring. We commend all your accomplishments and look forward too many more years of success.”
President Guy Bailey was not in attendance, but delivered a congratulatory statement remotely to all employees being recognized.
“Today we celebrate you and your contributions to our success,” Bailey said. “We look forward to a bright and successful future together.”
To help recognize staff members in milestone years of service, each ceremony awarded staff members from 20 years and up with a plaque of service and a gift.
After the awards ceremonies, staff members were invited to a courtesy lunch provided by Chick-Fil-A.