#UTSpring2023

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Food Trucks Spice Up Campus Dining

Tacos from the University Housing and Dining-operated food truck

With a rotation of more than a dozen food trucks at locations across campus, we’re making it easier for students, faculty, staff and campus visitors to spice up their next meal on-the-go. Food trucks have become a staple in the Austin dining scene – and now there’s a bustling clientele on the Forty Acres too. It’s a campus vibe embracing and enriching the spirit of growth in Austin ... and giving students more ways to live the Longhorn life. Meet some of the campus customers and truck owners — and hear how University Union has grown the program since it started in 2017.

Listen to the latest episode of our Living the Longhorn Life podcast featuring sophomores Rotem Cohen, a business and economics major from Dallas and Carlos Gonzalez, a neuroscience and public health major from Laredo; University Unions’ David Anthony, who manages the contracts; and food truck owners Lee Rowland, It’s a Rap, and Romel Viray, Wetzel’s Pretzels.

Students at the Four Brothers Venezuelan Kitchen food truck

You can also listen to our stories anytime, anywhere on Spotify, Apple and Google podcasts.

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The Benefits of Living on Campus

Ria Goyal (front, left) with University Housing and Dining staff

There’s nothing like living on campus – take it from the 2023 President’s Student Employee of the Year Award Winner Ria Goyal. The senior resident assistant describes the residence halls as “ecosystems” of people knowing each other across halls, floors and buildings. That supportive community is what differentiates the on-campus residence hall experience from living off campus.

As Goyal prepares for graduation, she’s reflecting on her four years living and working on campus – three of those dedicated to assisting other residents. Research shows that living closer to campus with greater access to food services, academic support and social activities can help students do better in class and graduate.

“All of those experiences – living on-campus and being a resident assistant –has made me feel, like, ‘Okay, I might have been confused about what my position in the world was, but I know exactly who I am now,’” she shared.

Goyal studied biochemistry and Plan II Honors, took on student leader roles in Natural Sciences Council and the President’s Student Advisory Committee, helped people eliminate their medical debt with Texas Dollar For, a student chapter for the national non-profit Dollar For, and sought out interesting biochemistry research opportunities. She’s headed to Notre Dame after graduation to be a breast cancer researcher then will pursue medical school.

Hear more from her in this latest episode of the Living the Longhorn Life podcast. You can also find us on Spotify, Apple or Google.

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Recognizing “Influencers” of the Longhorn Life

(Front row, left to right) Pete Schaack, Cecilia Lopez Cardenas, President Jay Hartzell, Van Nguyen and Lisa Sova; (Back row, left to right) Randall Ford and Ryan Becerra

For 36 years, Pete Schaack has influenced students in living the Longhorn life and now he is being recognized with a President's Staff Award for Outstanding Supervisor. President Jay Hartzell honored him at an event on April 10.  

The awards event also included a celebration of the Staff Service Awards. Our Division has 58 staff members with a combined 1,125 years of service and the president gave a special shoutout to one of our staff members with 50 years. Read more about these awards below.  

Outstanding Supervisor Award  

“Student affairs believes in students and in experiential education. We believe that the most important life skills and memories are developed on campus outside of the classroom. The greatest reward to influencing the Longhorn life is helping build those skills and create those memories that will last a lifetime.”

Pete Schaack Director of Facilities, Recreational Sports Facilities Coordinator, Division of Student Affairs

Ask Pete Schaack’s staff and they will tell you – he is an incredible supervisor, caring colleague, and always leads with integrity in a clear and confident manner. The university is recognizing his impact on generations of Recreational Sports professionals and student employees with the Outstanding Supervisor Award.

As Recreational Sports’ director of facilities, Schaack oversees the day-to-day operations in seven recreation facilities with 400,000 square feet of indoor space and 40 acres of outdoor space. Schaack’s team of 12 full-time staff and 300 student employees manages these student-centered spaces that support our students’ health and overall well-being. They assist with scheduling, maintenance, capital projects, renovations and new construction.  

Schaack came to campus in 1987 to run the department’s outdoor recreation program. Then, five years later, his mentors and longtime department leaders encouraged him to move into facility operations. He served as the “boots on the ground” during the renovation of Gregory Gym in the mid-1990s and has played a major role in many other Recreational Sports projects, while also serving on several university committees. He developed the plans for Division of Student Affairs facilities to reopen after the COVID-19 pandemic and navigated winter storm response plans that included keeping Gregory Gym open for students to warm up and power up.  

RecSports facilities staff at Longhorn Run 2023

Even with these major projects on his plate, his nominators — all Recreational Sports staff that he currently supervises or previously supervised — shared how he’s  made lasting impacts on their careers. They noted that he always keeps students at the center of what they do, emphasizing the importance of listening to them and team members to effectively maximize the Longhorn experience.

“His office is always open, whether it be easy questions and answers, helping solve complex issues or to just chat about life. He's never too busy to take a few minutes to discuss whatever is on your mind, no matter the topic,” said one nominator.  

“Pete is the living definition of an incredible supervisor and colleague. He's always the first in the office and often the last to leave. His day doesn't end when he departs campus, as he is often checking in on staff, whether professionally or personally, to make sure everyone that reports to him, and their families, are doing well,” shared another nominator.

It's that care, camaraderie and work ethic that are core to Schaack’s leadership. He says his favorite part about working with Recreational Sports is the energy, always embodying the department’s mantra “education through recreation” with his dedication, mentorship, guidance and support.  

We’re grateful to have this servant-leader on our team, helping us impact our students’ success and academic journey for more than three decades!  

Staff Service Awards

Cheryl Pyle, President Jay Hartzell and VP for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Soncia Reagins-Lilly at the awards celebration

The Staff Service Awards included a special shout out to the Office of the Dean of Students’ Cheryl Pyle – one of three university employees celebrating 50 years of service.  

“It was February 1972 when I walked into my first job in the Division of Student Affairs … Six positions, two departments, a lifetime of experiences and untold opportunities with absolutely no regrets. Thanks for the memories…” noted Pyle.

Melinda McMichael, Mary Rhodes and Marvin Mackey, Jr.

Additionally, two staff members in University Health Services and Counseling and Mental Health Center celebrated 45 years – Marvin Mackey, Jr. and Mary Rhodes, and one marked 40 years – Melinda McMichael. Meet these three team members.

Congratulate your Division colleagues below!  

Counseling and Mental Health Center and University Health Services

Marvin Mackey, Jr., 45 years

Mary Rhodes, 45 years

Melinda McMichael, 40 years

Mitzi Henry, 35 years

Kevin Jones, 35 years

Andrew Mendoza, 30 years

Robert Reed, Jr., 25 years

Mark Zentner, 25 years

Ginger Bloomer, 20 years

Ericka Holms, 15 years

Nicole Lackowski, 15 years

Michael Andorka, 10 years

Monique Cortez, 10 years

Luisa Gutierrez, 10 years

Karen Hickey, 10 years

Sherri Knight, 10 years

Alyssa Ramirez, 10 years

Jessica Sanchez, 10 years

Office of the Dean of Students  

Cheryl Pyle, 50 years

Bob Vargas, 35 years

Melissa Jones-Wommack, 10 years

Recreational Sports

Peter Schaack, 35 years

Sarah Bubolz, 30 years

Derek Knight, 25 years

Lisa Sova, 20 years

Dixon Hankins, 15 years

Quincy Hodges, 15 years

Ruben Ramos, 15 years

Ryan Becerra, 10 years

Cecilia Lopez Cardenas, 10 years

University Housing and Dining

Alma Reynoso, 30 years

Michelle Thompson, 30 years

Juston Hairgrove, 20 years

Virginia Jaramillo, 20 years

Jeff Reed, 20 years

Dina Bricker, 15 years

Blanca Garay, 15 years

Christie Jenner, 15 years

Lucero Torres, 15 years

Monica Bacon, 10 years

Rudiger Bernard, 10 years

Calvin Kirts, 10 years

Tiana Lindberg, 10 years

Julia Matamoros Martinez, 10 years

Melinda Mendez, 10 years

Crystal Simpson, 10 years

Aaron Voyles, 10 years

University Unions

Robert Waters, 35 years

Gloria Munoz de Ramirez, 25 years

Steven Cook, 20 years

Bobby Veail, 20 years

Isaac Gutierrez, 15 years

Nick Parras, 15 years

Jeff Sladcik, 15 years

Bill Welford, 15 years

Sean Morrogh, 10 years

Vice President for Student Affairs

Carol Longoria, 10 years

Texas Parents Association

Susie Smith, 15 years

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Finals Events

Hey #Longhorns! As we enter this last week of class, take some time to let off some steam and prepare for your finals by checking out the fun things we have lined up for you 🤘

Enjoy a wide variety of events with movement-based activities, giveaways, free breakfast tacos and popsicles, live music, and so much more! Check out the schedule and don’t miss out:

bit.ly/FinalsEventsCalendar

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Former RecSports Staffer Honored for Impact on Students

Provost Sharon Wood, Eric Stoutner and President Jay Hartzell at the Faculty and Staff Awards on March 29, 2023

In his 35 years with Recreational Sports, Eric Stoutner influenced the lives and careers of dozens of students and campus recreation professionals, in addition to supporting facility projects and programs. Now, the university is honoring him with the Arno Nowony Medal*, awarded to retired Division of Student Affairs staff members who set the bar high during their distinguished careers serving students.

“His trajectory and the help of RecSports getting me to this space created my whole life. He said, ‘Oh, you’ve seen this job,’ and it created not only what I am doing today, not just professionally, but personally,” shared Kristin DeAngelo, B.A. ’09, who is the director of facilities at the University of Arkansas’ University Recreation.

Recreational Sports program staff in 2017

“It’s the life outside of the classroom – living in the dorms, joining student organizations, playing intramurals – that’s what really enriches the college experience,” noted Stoutner.

Hear more about Stoutner’s impact on students in this latest episode of the Living the Longhorn Life podcast, also available on Spotify, Apple and Google.

*Founded in 1983, the Arno Nowotny Medal honors the longtime dean of student life who influenced generations of students during his more than 50 years of service. The president gives the award annually to a staff member who went above and beyond to serve students.

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Celebrating the 2022-23 Outstanding Student Awards

Brandon Curl and Hadis Askari (Award Recipients) at the Texas Parents Ambassadors Council luncheon

In a pool of 52,000 amazing students who are all living the Longhorn life, it is an incredible accomplishment to be considered the best of the best. Two graduating seniors have done just that – standing out for their exceptional leadership, scholarship, character and service. Texas Parents is recognizing Hadis Askari and Brandon Curl with the 2022-23 Outstanding Student Award and adding their names to a prestigious list of award recipients spanning seven decades.

Like the honorees who came before them, these two high-talent students discovered there’s more than one way to be a Longhorn through student leadership roles, community involvement and academic accomplishments. They have pursued opportunities on the Forty Acres and beyond that will help them go on to change the world, following the paths of the award recipients before them. Many of these Longhorns for life have gone on to become leaders in education, public service, law, healthcare, business and philanthropy.

Meet this year’s award recipients and finalists below. Learn how they made campus a home away from home, explored who they are and whom they want to become, and find out their plans for after graduation.

Texas Parents Outstanding Student Award Recipients

Hadis Askari 

“My time at UT taught me leadership, teamwork and, most importantly, to see that my uncommon experiences were not negative, but they provided me opportunities to grow with other students.” 

College of Natural Sciences  

Major: Biochemistry Honors 

Campus Involvement: Senate of College Councils, Health Career Mentorship Program, Dell Medical School Health Leadership Apprentice, UT Refugee Mentor Program 

Community Involvement/Professional Experience: Texas Interdisciplinary Plan (TIP) course assistant, Biochemistry and Freshman Research Institute Maker Space Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UGTA), Medical Mission Trip (Mexico) volunteer, Dell Seton Medical Center College Volunteer Leadership Program, Freshman Research Initiative fellowship, Lenox Hill Hospital BRAINtern 

While UT Austin prepared Hadis Askari for her future career in medical education, she says it also helped her develop “kindness, patience and resilience.” Her journey of moving to America from Iran shaped her character as she discovered what it means to be a Longhorn. She succeeded on campus by developing research skills, creating a supportive community through student organizations and serving as a mentor to fellow students. Off campus in Austin and beyond, she applied what she learned in the classroom to healthcare industry apprenticeships, internships and volunteer roles. 

“Hadis is someone who goes the extra mile in whatever role she is placed in. She is someone who can handle anything thrown at her and then some,” shared College of Natural Sciences’ Freshman Research Initiative Specialist Niam Kuttanna who nominated Askari. 

Currently, Hadis is devoted to her honor research project and will pursue further research during the gap year before medical school. Additionally, Hadis will assist refugee students in navigating the U.S. educational system. 

Brandon Curl

“UT prepares and empowers students for success in the real world. I see it every single day in the students around me; we all come together to reach for the impossible. It does not matter who you are or where you came from.”

College of Natural Sciences  

Major: Physics Honors, Polymathic Scholars Honors Program

Campus Involvement: Society of Physics Students, Natural Sciences Council, UT Physics & Astronomy Prospective Students Day chair, Kids Who Code

Community Involvement/Professional Experience: Resident Assistant, Advanced Robotics Group, Computer Science Teaching Assistant, Physics Learning Assistant, MD Anderson Cancer Center

Whether in the lab or his residence hall, Brandon Curl is exploring new possibilities that will radically change people’s lives for the better. Alongside physicians, physicists and mathematicians at MD Anderson Cancer Center and UT Austin, he utilized 3D mathematical models to predict the way brain tumors respond to chemoradiation. In Creekside and Moore-Hill residence halls, he fostered a community supporting his residents’ health, well-being and academic journey, and helping them settle into their home away from home.

“Brandon thinks deeply about the purpose behind everything he does, finding value in his actions and moving him towards his goals. He sets the bar high, then blows it out the water,” shared College of Natural Sciences Honors Center Director Sara Corson, who nominated him for the award.  

Curl plans to work as a software engineer to expand his expertise in computer science before pursuing clinical and research doctoral degrees. He then plans to work in radiation oncology to combine his interests in healthcare, machine learning and imaging physics.

Texas Parents Outstanding Student Award Finalists

Ali Askari

College of Natural Sciences

Major: Biochemistry Honors

Campus Involvement: Natural Sciences Council, Health Careers Mentorship Program, Aptamer Database in Aptamer stream, College of Natural Sciences Student-Faculty committee

Community Involvement/Professional Experience: Translators without Border, Micah 6 Food Pantry, Beyond Boundaries, Research assistant, St. David's Medical Center Hospital student advisory committee, Dell Medical School camp counselor, Medical Mission Trip (Mexico) volunteer, Health Careers Mentorship Program intern, Vacation Studentship, Biochemistry of Society intern, Freshman Research Initiative Summer Research Fellowship intern

Ezequiel Lozano

College of Natural Sciences, College of Liberal Arts

Majors: Biology Honors, Government

Campus Involvement: Christian Students on Campus, Longhorn Run, Texas Blazers

Community Involvement/Professional Experience: University Leadership Network mentor, Texas Interdisciplinary Plan (TIP) Scholars mentor, Dell Seton Medical Center patient care technician, Texas House of Representatives intern, Dell Pediatric Research Institute intern, Vice President for Student Affairs student consultant

Caleb Yu

College of Natural Sciences, McCombs School of Business  

Major: Honors Computer Science, Business Honors and Finance

Campus Involvement: Texas Consulting, Management Consulting Association, Silver Spurs, Tejas Club

Community Involvement/Professional Experience: Meals on Wheels, founder/CFO of non-profit funding creative childhood education, Financial and Education Research Center proctor, AAK Tele-Science intern, Amazon intern, Bain and Company intern

Justin Zhang

McCombs School of Business  

Major: Business Honors and Finance  

Minor: Management Information Systems

Campus Involvement: Texas 4000 For Cancer, Guild of Carillonneurs, Honors Business Association, Friar Society, Canfield Business Honors Program peer advisor, President's Award for Global Learning, Business Unraveled Podcast, Readying Impactful Student Entrepreneurs

Community Involvement/Professional Experience: McKinsey and Company intern, Ernst and Young intern

The Outstanding Student Award recipients receive a plaque, a brick paver laid at the Student Services Building in their honor and a $1,000 grant given in each of their names to a registered student organization or campus program. Askari’s grant will go to the Refugee Student Mentor Program and Curl’s will go to the Society of Physics Students. Congrats to these recipients and finalists!

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Longhorn Swag Stands Out

Tatom Hoffmann shopping Living the Longhorn Life gear at the University Co-op.

Our Living the Longhorn Life gear on sale at the University Co-op helps you showcase more than burnt orange pride! The University Co-op is an iconic destination close to campus that’s a premiere spot to buy almost anything burnt orange. Hear why students, alums, parents and others say our merchandise stands out and learn how our partnership was forged with the iconic burnt orange retailer.

You can also find us on Spotify, Apple and Google podcasts and listen to our stories anytime, anywhere.

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Division of Student Affairs Ice Storm Response

University Apartments staff organizing blanket distribution for Gateway Apartments residents.

For the third year in a row about a month into the new year, winter weather closed campus and the Division of Student Affairs team sprang into action to support students during the campus closure Jan. 31-Feb. 3. From helping University Apartments residents without power to maintaining on-campus housing and dining operations to keeping Gregory Gym and Natatorium open, our team continued to provide services throughout the closure. Our entire team rose to the occasion in addition to continuing their day-to-day work.

As a 24/7 operation, especially during an emergency, University Housing and Dining staff stepped up to meet students’ essential needs. When Gateway Apartments residents lost power at their complex off West 6th Street, the team distributed blankets and provided places for them to warm up, fuel up, power up.

“Our live-in professional and student staff made the extra effort to knock on doors and check in on people, because these are their neighbors. This is as much their community as it is their job, they’ve been working round-the-clock to respond to residents’ needs,” shared Tiana Lindberg, assistant director for University Apartments.

Resident Assistants help serve up meals.

Back on the main campus, the residence life and dining teams have a decades-long tradition of deploying dedicated teams to keep services running for nearly 7,300 on-campus residents. From Jan. 30-Feb. 2, some staff stayed overnight to maintain residence hall and modified dining operations. Other UHD staff worked remotely to support our students.

Resident assistants pitched in to serve up meals in the dining halls, helping keep other staff off the icy roads since resident assistants already live on campus. J2 and Kins Dining operated on reduced hours for lunch and dinner every day during the closure.

And even President Jay Hartzell made the rounds to thank staff who were working on campus throughout the closure.

If students were safely able to access campus, Gregory Gym was open modified hours for recreation, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Jan. 31-Feb. 2. But as widespread power outages set in across the City of Austin, the Recreational Sports team kept the gym open until midnight on Feb. 1 for students to warm up and charge up.

“It provided students and community members not only a place to enjoy a warm shower and charge their phones, but a space to spend time with others, whether it be studying or enjoying recreational activities. I believe having these amenities accessible helped give patrons a sense of normalcy and comfort even amidst the unfortunate circumstances,” explained Zoe Fisher, a RecSports student employee and freshman business major from Austin, Texas.

RecSports student employees at Gregory Gym.

Despite widespread power outages, internet connectivity issues and spotty cell phone reception, other staff continued to provide essential services remotely. The Counseling and Mental Health Center and University Health Services offered telehealth appointments. Student Emergency Services in the Office of the Dean of Students fielded emails and phone calls as they were able. Texas Parents remained available for parent and family inquiries. The New Student Services off-campus initiative educated students living off campus on emergency preparedness and local resources. Communicators in the Division departments reported timely information and amplified critical announcements to students on social media and emergency website.

“Our team jumped into action once again, showing their ‘can do’ and ‘will do’ spirit! This is a great example of the integral role we play in supporting our students’ success and academic journey. We’re here to support all 52,000 students, whether they live on campus or off, during regular operations and extraordinary circumstances,” said Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Soncia Reagins-Lilly.

The team did all this while making sure the daily operations of their departments kept running in the midst of the storm response. We’re grateful for all our staff who show their dedication to influencing students in living the Longhorn life every day. Whether they are on the front lines or behind the scenes, our team members bring passion, creativity and focus to their work, collaborating with each other and campus partners to enhance the student experience. Thank you!

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Celebrating the 2022-2023 Staff Merit Awards

The Division of Student Affairs team plays an essential role in supporting our students’ success and academic journey. Each member of our team influences our students as they live the Longhorn life, whether working directly with them or behind the scenes. The Division recently honored three staff members with a 2022-2023 Texas Parents Staff Merit Award for going above and beyond in enhancing our students’ campus experience.

Paige Muehlenkamp-McHorse (New Student Services), Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Soncia Reagins-Lilly, Bob Vargas and Sara Kennedy (Office of the Dean of Students)

Sara Kennedy Director of Strategic and Executive Communications; Office of the Dean of Students; 9 Years of Service to the Division Kennedy is known for putting students and the campus community first when addressing communications projects, striving to be as inclusive as possible. She teaches student leaders, employees and interns how to reframe their communications strategies to be more effective. Read more about Sara Kennedy.

Paige Muehlenkamp-McHorse Assistant Director of Off Campus and Outreach; New Student Services; 4.5 Years of Service to the Division Muehlenkamp-McHorse leads the off-campus initiative to assist students in their transition to living off campus. Through programs, events and resources, she educates students in several ways including getting to know Austin, local emergency resources and the housing marketplace. Read more about Paige Muehlenkamp-McHorse.

Bob Vargas Senior Administrative Associate; Office of the Dean of Students; 16 Years of Service to the Division, 35 Total Years of University Service Vargas’ knowledge of the university’s financial policies and procedures, and his willingness to spend hours training colleagues, enhances our students’ ability to live the longhorn life. Without his diligence in processing payments and purchasing documents, many student services would be limited. Read more about Bob Vargas.

Congratulations to these three award recipients who were recognized at the annual Division Team Appreciation and Celebration on Jan. 25! They join 90 other Division honorees who have received the award since its inception in 1998. Texas Parents created this recognition to reflect the appreciation parents and families have for exceptional staff members.