Posted on May 29, 2019 by Wendy Frost
The UTSA College of Business recognized the outstanding contributions of staff members this past year during the annual College of Business Awards Ceremony.
Four staff members were recognized for making significant contributions to the College of Business through leadership, service, innovation and extra effort.
Amy Schwartz, senior information technology associate in the Center for Student Professional Development, received the College of Business Rising Star Award. This award is presented to employees with less than two years of service who are excelling in their new roles. Schwartz has been instrumental in updating the CSPD’s technology platforms including adding the VMock resume review platform and creating a CSPD app. Her passion for helping business students grow and thrive makes her a valuable asset in the College of Business.
Bev Ostmo, academic advisor IV, was chosen to receive the College of Business Extra Mile Award. This award is open to staff members with three or more years of service who demonstrate extra effort in their accomplishments, willingness to help fellow employees and customer service. Ostmo has faithfully served Business Studies Advising for over 20 years, and during her tenure, she has trained over 70 advisors. Bev gives 110 percent to her students to ensure they are treated fairly, while still abiding by UTSA rules and procedures.
Recognizing leadership in the workplace, Katherine Pope, director of data governance, was the recipient of the College of Business Leadership Award. This award recognizes supervisors for promoting the college’s goals through their leadership and job performance. With 29 years of UTSA service, Pope was recognized for her previous work as director of graduate student services. Providing excellent service to students and exceptional leadership, she collaborated with faculty members, department chairs and program administrators to facilitate support for graduate business students.
The highest honor awarded to College of Business staff members is the College of Business Order of the Roadrunner Award. This award is presented to individuals who increase productivity and efficiency by developing creative solutions and providing outstanding and ongoing excellence.
This year’s recipient is Rosa Garza-Girdy, assistant dean of undergraduate studies. Garza-Girdy is a change agent in the college who utilizes creative solutions to help the college achieve its goals. She was instrumental in spearheading the development of the Academic Inquiry and Scholarship class for freshmen. She also led the launch of the online cyber security program and the business honors program. Her efforts have resulted in the direct enhancement of academic services for undergraduate business students.
Recipients were chosen by a faculty and staff selection committee. Thirty-four college staff members were nominated for awards.
— Wendy Frost
