Spider Insider

A massive thank you to Ayanna Santiago, Brian Joseph, Lisa Mathews-Ailsworth, Olivia Rosenblum, Jason Honesto, Alfie Price, and Patrick Benner for assisting with proctoring in the Disability Services Testing Center this semester. Their generous and thoughtful work in our office has provided hundreds of students with disabilities an equitable and accessible test-taking experience and environment. These Disability Services campus partners truly embody the spirit of collaboration and teamwork.
—Julia Kelly, Disability Services

Veronica Clinton [administrative coordinator, music] did an outstanding job organizing the complex schedules, travel, and housing for three tenure-track job applicants, two external program reviewers, and multiple artists-in-residence during the first half of the semester, despite multiple weather-related travel disruptions. The Department of Music faculty wishes to thank Veronica for her incredible organizational skills.
—Andy McGraw, Music

Shout out to Bridgette [catering] for always being so professional and accommodating to ensure that all our catering orders are top notch. She truly cares that the customer and community have a great experience and goes above and beyond to accommodate our preferences and dietary needs, as well as address all questions, concerns, and changes. Her ability to keep track of our orders and corresponding changes during the ice and snow in January and February was amazing, and it was great to know that she was on top of it all.
—Anne Wroniewicz, Law School

Both Erinn [catering] and Cliff [events, conferences, and support services] went above and beyond to ensure our Scholar Athlete Breakfast was a success. They used creative ways to help us with traffic flow and buffet service. Cliff did a fantastic job making sure we had enough stage to support the award presentations. We greatly appreciated their effort, attention to detail and communication. Thank you!
—Sharon Broyles, Athletics

Shout out to Travis Smith [head, library facilities and logistics] for being on point and opening the library during wave one of Winter Storm Fern. Travis is the unsung hero of library operations. This week exemplifies his service, dedication, and resourcefulness. The impact of his work ensures the library is ready to receive library staff as well as the UR community we serve. Travis presses forward day and night, always has a positive attitude, and brings his best foot forward everyday. We <3 Travis! Thank you!
—Chase Monroe & the Access Services Team

My sincere thanks for ALL that you and your teams did to keep necessary operations steady while simultaneously working to prepare campus to return to a more normal state. The commitment that has been on display these last many days — and is shown every day at UR — highlights the best of who we are. The Student Development team and I are grateful and feel privileged to work with such wonderful and dedicated colleagues. So, thank you. From all of us — staff, faculty, and students alike — for your tremendous efforts.
—Todd Adams, Student Development

Starting our spring semester with wellness! Modlin Center staff enjoyed chair massages with Simon Solomon and smoothies from FlavUR. It was a great way to start the semester energized and a reminder to take care of ourselves. Special thanks to Heather Sadowski for presenting at ‘Elevate Manager: Wellness’ and inspiring the idea — and to Deryk Noonkester for the delicious smoothies. I highly recommend the Spider Sunrise!
—Chris O’Neil, Modlin Center for the Arts

Shout out to Emmanuel Thorne for going above and beyond his duties as custodian working at the Robins Center. My husband and I were at a men’s basketball game, and he dropped his wallet. While cleaning, Emmanuel found it. He drove to our house the next day to return it. We couldn’t thank him enough. We have always been proud to be Spider fans and Emmanuel reinforced that.
—Ann Vazquez, Alumni Engagement (retired)