The inside scoop on the people and projects that support UNLV

In this issue:

• National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sep 15 - Oct 15)
• Employee Profile: Constance Montague Butts
• Business Affairs All-Staff Meeting
• Join us as we Launch the Rebel CAP!
• RMS Survey
• Spotlight on Service
• New Hires
• Promotions
• Anniversaries

National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15, honors the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. This month-long observance recognizes the diverse histories, traditions, and achievements of people with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. 

Throughout the month, various events, educational programs, and cultural festivities take place across the nation, highlighting the profound influence Hispanic and Latino communities have had on American society. These contributions span many fields, including art, music, literature, politics, and science. National Hispanic Heritage Month serves as an opportunity for all Americans to learn about and celebrate this vital part of the nation’s heritage. It encourages reflection on the importance of diversity and inclusion in shaping a more vibrant and unified country.

Employee Profile: Constance Montague Butts

Meet Constance Montague Butts, a senior purchasing analyst who joined UNLV in 2022, bringing with her over 30 years of financial and management experience. Constance's natural talent for negotiation, attention to detail, and organization skills make her a great fit in procuring essential goods and services. Her role consists of reviewing contracts for departments across campus. 

From Intercollegiate Athletics game contracts to Thomas & Mack Center and Fine Arts events, Constance makes sure all agreements comply with NSHE and UNLV policies and procedures. 

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Constance’s career in higher education spans more than a decade, including a significant tenure at the University of Memphis. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and an MBA from William Carey University in Mississippi. In 2022, Constance and her husband relocated to Las Vegas to be closer to their daughter, embracing the city’s vibrant energy and endless opportunities for exploration.

When she's not at work, Constance channels her love for organization in her personal life. She enjoys decorating and organizing her home with her husband, making it a sanctuary of order and style. On weekends, you can find Constance and her husband exploring the many sights, sounds, and flavors of Las Vegas, treating each outing like a mini-vacation. Constance counts Yardbird and Nittaya’s Secret Kitchen among her favorite dining spots in the city.

One of her favorite Las Vegas experiences is the FlyOver ride, which offers an immersive journey over iconic global landmarks. In addition to her love for exploring, Constance enjoys quieter pastimes, such as playing chess—a hobby she’s cherished since she was nine—and diving into a John Grisham or David Baldacci legal thriller novel. She also finds joy in her faith and participating in the community.

Business Affairs All-Staff Meeting

Get ready for the Business Affairs All-Staff meeting on Sept. 30 from 1 to 3 p.m.! This event is packed with exciting speakers sharing the latest updates on Rebel WELL, Rebel CAP, Learning and Development, and insights from our interim chief diversity officer. It’s an informative and engaging afternoon, offering a deep dive into what’s happening within our division and throughout campus. Don’t miss out—mark your calendars and join us!

Join Us As We Launch the Rebel CAP!

We are excited to invite faculty, staff, students, and alumni to attend the launch of UNLV’s Rebel CAP (Climate Action Plan) on Friday, Sept. 13 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Participants may join in person at the Marietta Tiberti Grand Hall at the Richard Tam Alumni Center (TAC) or virtually via Zoom. 

Attendees will hear remarks from campus leadership and regional sustainability champions, learn about highlights from the finalized plan, and participate in a panel discussion with UNLV faculty. Food will be served and the first 50 in-person guests will receive Rebel CAP promotional items.

The finalized plan provides UNLV with a roadmap for climate-resilient operations and academics. The planning process was led by UNLV’s Sustainability Advisory Council that includes Business Affairs’ Associate Vice President of Facilities Management Musa Pam, Recycling Manager and Campus Sustainability Coordinator Tara Pike, and Community Garden Coordinator Andie Davis in partnership with consultants from Brailsford & Dunlavey.

Congratulations to the entire team on this milestone. Their hard work will help us build a more sustainable future at UNLV. 

Risk Management & Safety Survey

The Risk Management & Safety (RMS) Satisfaction Survey is now available. 

RMS strives to provide and promote top-tier safety programs, educational training courses, and cross-unit collaborations that support the campus community. Please take a few minutes to rate your satisfaction with the department over the past year.

Risk Management & Safety Satisfaction Survey

The survey includes two questions and the option to provide comments related to your recent experience(s) with the RMS department. Your responses are anonymous.

The survey will close on September 20.

Spotlight on Service

“I would like to recognize Grace Scheidt from Purchasing & Contracts for her outstanding work in supporting Parking & Transportation Services. Through her commitment to excellence and integrity, she has ensured that all purchasing goals were met with remarkable efficiency and precision.

She demonstrated collaboration and stewardship as she navigated complex vendor contracts, secured quick approvals from the Office of Accessibility Resources, and seamlessly modified our purchase orders—all in record time. Her expertise in handling the intricacies of automobile procurement and cutting through red tape has been invaluable.

We are truly grateful for her hard work and dedication. Thank you, Grace, and the Purchasing & Contracts team, for helping us achieve our goals and for your continued partnership!” - Jan Lasagna, Parking & Transportation Services

New Hires

• Trinity Reynoso, Facilities Management 
• Deshun Nooner, Facilities Management 
• Hector Binkier Bobadilla, Facilities Management 
• Laura Mohseni, Facilities Management 
• Tarek Zahid, Facilities Management

Promotions

• Dino Toutoulis, Parking & Transportation Services 
• Ashlyn Au Hoy, Risk Management & Safety
• Daniel England, Facilities Management
• Frank D'Amelio, Facilities Management  
• Jeffrey Deconinck, Mail & Delivery Services 
• Nova Bergstrom, Facilities Management

Anniversaries

Congratulations to the Business Affairs employees celebrating work anniversaries in September! Years of service have been determined using the UNLV hire date - first employment date without any breaks in service here at UNLV regardless of job type or full-time status.

If you notice an error in your listing, contact Heather Ortiz.

• Toni Arcadipane, 43 years
• Elaine Rojas, 33 years
• Jeff LaGesse, 30 years
• Gilbert Gallegos, 24 years
• Ronald Castillo, 23 years
• Darren Paulson, 22 years
• Rose Cummings, 20 years
• Don Faulkner, 19 years
• Tim Murphy, 17 years
• Terral Risinger, 17 years
• Edward Barone, 16 years
• Leonard Mccausland, 14 years
• Orlakdy Douangprachanh, 13 years 
• Thomas Cassoutt, 12 years
• Perry Lacy, 10 years
• Justin Garrison, 10 years
• Sean Denney, 10 years
• Cory Martin, 10 years
• Hyonsuk Mcnair, 9 years
• Dwayne Williams, 9 years
• Kahaunani Hernandez, 9 years
• Ann Yaris, 9 years
• Kimberlee Ornbaum, 8 years
• Kery Chong, 8 years
• Annakaren Sanchez, 8 years

• Laura Schneider, 7 years
• Elise Bunkowski, 5 years
• Ofelia Aguila, 5 years
• Wayne Pochowski, 5 years
• Will Schultz, 3 years
• Cameron Gaetos, 3 years
• Juliet Leighton, 3 years
• Kaytie Hackett, 3 years
• Hamilton McKinnon, 3 years
• Heidi Welniak, 3 years
• Matthew Diggins, 2 years 
• Charlie Cisneros, 2 years
• Johnny Jagodzinski, 2 years
• Julia Subick, 2 years 
• Nova Bergstrom, 2 years
• Kristian Agustin Lopez, 2 years 
• Anthony Barton, 2 years
• JT Davis, 2 years
• Kimberly Lintz, 2 years 
• Oscar Estrada Jr., 2 years 
• Elijah Triplett Edquilang, 1 year 
• Cameron Olivier, 1 year 
• Fernando Talavera, 1 year 
• Philip Dow, 1 year
• Lorraine Schlimm, 1 year
• Henry Enriquez, 1 year