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CONNECTING VOLUME 5
In this issue of ConnectingU - you will find: End-of-Year Remarks - DeBruce Center Remodeled Dining Area - Kansas Union/The Market Upcoming Union Wellness Events Coming Soon: The New Burge Union January Calendar New Lounge Chairs In DeBruce Center Director’s Corner Big Blue Monday’s At the KU Bookstore South Dining Commons Unveils Art Installation Sharon Leatherman featured In “Strong Ties” Annual Holiday Party New SUA Execs Recent Awards and Accolades New Hires @KUunion Discover the Union online at
union.ku.edu
upcoming events
U
CONNECTING VOLUME 5
HIGHLIGHTS
END-OF-YEAR REMARKS FROM DEBRUCE CENTER DIRECTOR CURTIS MARSH The building’s first full year has seen everything from a flood to a BBC special. From Holly Rowe to Bill Walton. Our charge was to create both a shrine for the Rules and a gathering place for the extended campus community. The Courtside Café and the Original Rules Gift Shop have become destinations for students and alumni, faculty and friends. There is much to be done in the new year to keep DeBruce at center court for the Jayhawk Nation. A big thank you to all of you who have contributed to a most exciting 2017. May all your jump shots find the bottom of the net in the coming year, and may you be in perfect position to snag every rebound that comes your way. Happy Holidays!
REMODELED DINING AREA In an effort to activate the 3rd floor dining area in the Union outside of the lunch hour, we have upgraded the 6,000 square feet of space with LED lighting, audio/visual experiences, and a variety of seating (including rocking chairs, individual study pods, and café seating) which allows for different postures and interactions. All of this is atop new flooring and ceiling treatments that call you to come right in and have a seat!
UPCOMING UNION WELLNESS EVENTS 2/21/17: Generational Communication - Gaps and Opportunities presented by New Directions (10am-11am - International Room) 3/7/18: Stress, What Can You Do presented by BCBS (10am-11am - International Room)
COMING SOON: THE NEW BURGE UNION With construction nearing completion at the new Frank R. Burge Student Union, KU's new student union located in the Central District of the Lawrence campus, we're pleased to announce April 2nd, 2018 as the opening date. The new student union in KU's Central District will include the Forum, a 10,500 square foot public event space. The Forum features state-of-the-art audio/video capabilities as well as a wide variety of catering options provided by KU Dining Services for groups of up to 900 people. In addition to services such as Rosterie Coffee and the Hawk Shop C-Store, the Burge Union will also house critical campus support services, including the Emily Taylor Center for Women and Gender Equity, Legal Services for Students, and the Sexual Assault Prevention and Education Center. The new student union retains the name of Frank R. Burge, the KU Memorial Union's director from 1952 through 1983. Upon the 2016 demolition of the original Burge Union, the Kansas Board of Regents at the University’s request elected to re-dedicate the new student union in Burge's honor.
3/21/18: Getting Organized at Work (1pm-2pm - Jayhawk Room) 4/9/18: Financial Seminar Topic to be announced presented by Voya (10am-11am - Alcove D)
KANSAS DAY EVENTS Celebrate #KansasDay at KU! Join us in the Traditions Area of the Union starting at 11am. Other great events around campus include: • KU Bookstore's Adrian Zink Book Talk & Signing 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. in Jayhawk Ink Lounge, Kansas Union, Lvl 2 • #WatchPartyAtTheU - KU vs K-State (tip-off at 8pm) 7:30p.m. in the Traditions Lounge, Kansas Union, Lvl 4 WHEN: Monday, January 29, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Jayhawk Ink Lounge, Kansas Union, Lvl 2 PLUS, try Betty's Recipe specialty coffee, courtesy of KU Dining Services, at any Roasterie location on campus in celebration of #KansasDay!
KU staff on a recent tour of the new building led by Lisa Kring, Director of Building and Event Services at the KU Memorial Union.
“The opening of the Burge Union will provide the campus community with a wonderful new facility dedicated to the service ethos of its namesake. We look forward to serving the campus community with this vibrant operation,” said David Mucci, Director of the KU Memorial Union. A special grand opening event for the new Burge Union is slated for April 27th, 2018. Mark your calendars, and be on the lookout for more details! For more information, visit burge.ku.edu
NEW LOUNGE CHAIRS IN DeBRUCE CENTER The mezzanine on Level 3 of the DeBruce Center now has a great combination of table seating and new relaxing lounge chairs with accompanying tables to hold books or coffee. Great for lunch, or to relax and study with beautiful, panoramic views of the KU campus!
BIG BLUE MONDAYS AT THE KU BOOKSTORE
DIRECTOR’S CORNER It was the “Jingle and Mingle” holiday party but it could have been themed “Where Everyone Knows Your Name”. 162 partygoers turned out for some marvelous catering and outstanding giveaways (kudos Jo Harper, The Fairy Swag Queen). Jo also dreamed up the “Cheers” inspired union t-shirts. The other planning gurus—Megan Hazelwood, Tom Johnson, Sam Norman, Jamie Reed, Bailee Myers, and Donna Santaularia—kept the evening light and breezy. Holiday spirits were elevated by Donna’s enchanting Jayhawk Tree Totem that invokes the Ghost of Amazon Future for multitudinous gift receipt. Scrooge was not present but we did have a Grinch appearance. Fashion veered from the styling (ahh…those bejeweled boots) to tribal (Raider tattoos) to classic (Pierrelee black and white) to phantasmagorical (that divine Batman top hat). But however attired, each guest was wrapped in a mantle of dedication. Union staff make our operation and KU itself special; no one touches all of campus like us. Thanks to everyone for the work and care that has given Jayhawks a wonderful year. Enjoy deserved downtime and get some rest for the exciting new developments ahead in the New Year. -David Mucci Director KU Memorial Union
The KU Bookstore, the only store that gives back to KU, wants you to know that every time the Jayhawks score, you score big discounts! Every Sunday and Monday after the final Jayhawk game of the weekend, come in and enjoy huge savings off KU gear and gifts--up to 30% off! Find out more about Big Blue Monday and other great deals at KUBookstore.com. In-store or online at all KU Bookstore locations. And be sure to check them out on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest by searching @KUBookstore.
SOUTH DINING COMMONS UNVEILS ART INSTALLATION South Dining Commons, KU Dining's newest dining location at the University of Kansas, recently unveiled a new art installation. A rendition of the traditional "K" game day flag now adorns the feature wall of the state-of-the-art dining facility on the Lawrence campus. “Having our dining center so close to Allen Fieldhouse, we wanted our interiors to have a sports and school spirit feel," said Mark Petrino, director of KU Dining Services. "When we were brainstorming what to put on this massive wall, we decided we wanted something that would immediately catch the eye of every guest as they entered. Whitney Mahoney from Union Programs mentioned the 'K' flag that was originally flown on game days on top of Frasier Hall. We all said 'yes' at the same time, thinking, 'what would show school spirit more than this iconic piece of KU history?'"
SHARON LEATHERMAN FEATURED IN Strong Ties: 24 Hours In Life Of KU The 4pm Hour Sharon Leatherman, assistant director of Building and Event Services, KU Union During the past fiscal year, campus offices and student organization reserved spaces in KU Union facilities more than 10,000 times. Whether planning began two weeks out for a small group meeting or more than a year in advance for a large conference, Sharon Leatherman was there to help sweat the details. Leatherman, who’s been with the Union for a little less than 10 years, has been in her current role since July 2016. She likes working with all the different KU entities and knowing something about their interests and missions. “We are really invested in the success of your event. We care, and we try to be creative with the spaces and equipment we have.” Connecting with clients helps make sure the job is done right. “We’re trying to gear ourselves to the customer experience. ‘How do you want people to feel as they leave?’” She strives to help offices and student organizations bring their ideas to life by assembling the tools and associated Union services to make it so. The role requires attention to detail and communication. Leatherman works with other professional operations staff, part-time staff, custodial staff as well as student staff. “If we don’t tell them what’s needed then the event falls apart.” The level of work is picking up, too. Reservations are now available for the new Burge Union, which opens in April.
ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY
Thank you to all that came to our Jingle & Mingle holiday party on Dec. 19th! We're so grateful for all of our hardworking employees here at the Union. A special shoutout to our party planning committee, Tom Johnson, Jo Harper, Megan Hazelwood, Bailee Myers, Samantha Norman, Jamie Reed, and Donna Santaularia, for making it such a memorable night!
NEW HIRES NAME
Ahmed, Mahboob Brown, Victor Ray Carmen, Donna Carol Dainty, Brittney Faye Jackson, Kinley Ellen Nobo-Garcia, Lana Rose Yoder, Lance Lee Allen, Rylan Kim Bourquin, Raegan Lee Brown, Hunter Hogan Chen, Long Cunning, Marte Aileen Dodge, Emma G Dotson, Nicholas Cade Fogarty, John P. Greene, Ethan Dakota Griggs, Anna G Hess, Bo Michael Hutchinson, Lauren Ibarra, Erika Irby, Karen Sue Kline, Paul Ian Koelliker, Gary Daniel Kraus, Jonathan Lee, Justin Lesperance, Oliver James Lyons, Rose Ellen Merritt, Tyson Jack Misiak, Darren Joseph Morgan, Marcus Anthony Nelson, Nathanael D Pate, Charlize Josude Patel, Darshik Yatishbhai Patel, Love Vijaykumar Pietro-Tracy, Sarena Marie Porras, Gabryel Angel Read, Lauren Nicole Schlatter, Addison Maurine Schwant, Emily Lucile Seger, Grace Anne Shen, Zhitong Sutter, Macey Ruth Thompson, Matthew Allen Tompkins, Taylor Nichole Xu, Congtian Younker, Megan Rae Ann
DEPARTMENT
IT Debruce Dining South Dining Commons South Dining Commons Catering Dining Service Administration Debruce Dining North College Café Marketing Marketing North College Café North College Café Bakery Commissary Debruce Dining Underground Underground Catering Production Underground Underground Commisary Human Resources Custodial - 1st Shift Underground KU Dining - Retail Underground South Dining Commons Underground Grab n Go South Dining Commons South Dining Commons KU Bookstores - Shipping Mrs E's Mrs E's Underground KU Bookstores - Operations KU Bookstores - Operations Debruce Dining KU Bookstores - Catalog KU Bookstores - Operations Mrs E's Marketing Debruce Dining Debruce Dining North College Café Debruce Dining
@KUunion Discover the Union online at
union.ku.edu
JOB TITLE
IT Technician Sous Chef - Courtside Café Cook - South Dining Commons Administrative Assistant - Oliver Dining Catering Beverage Manager - KU Dining Service Manager in Training Dining Services Custodian - Courtside Café - Debruce Center PT Food Service Worker - North College Café Pepsi Brand Ambassador Pepsi Brand Ambassador PT Food Service Worker - North College Café PT Food Service Worker - North College Café PT Baker - Commissary PT Food Service Worker - Courtside Café PT Food Service Worker - Underground PT Food Service Worker - Underground PT Catering Server PT Impromptu Server PT Food Service Worker - Underground PT Food Service Worker - Underground Part Time Food Service Worker - Grab n Go PT Human Resources Assistant PT Setup Assistant - Custodial - Kansas Union PT Food Service Worker - Underground Retail Dining Assistant Director PT Food Service Worker - Underground PT Dishwasher SCD PT Food Service Worker - Underground PT Cashier - Grab n Go PT Food Service Worker - Oliver Dining PT Dishwasher SDC PT Clerk - Shipping & Receiving PT Food Service Worker - Ekdahl Dining PT Dishwasher - Ekdahl Dining PT Food Service Worker - Underground PT Sales Associate - Kansas Union Bookstore PT Sales Associate - Kansas Union Bookstore PT Food Service Worker - Courtside Café E-Commerce Associate - KU Bookstores PT Sales Associate - Kansas Union Bookstore PT Dishwasher - Ekdahl Dining Pepsi Brand Ambassador PT Food Service Worker - Courtside Café Part Time Cashier - Debruce Dining PT Food Service Worker - North College Café PT Food Service Worker - Courtside Café
upcoming events
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: NEW SUA EXECS SUA is proud to announce their new leadership for the 2018 year. These leaders, selected in November, returned to the office on January 10th to prepare for an exciting spring. SUA Executive Leadership: SUA President: Harneet Sanghera A triple major in Finance, Marketing, and Political Science, Harneet is a junior from Olathe, KS. Entering her third year as an SUA leader, Harneet has also been involved with KU Mock Trial, KU Student Senate, and serves as the KU Memorial Corporation Board President. SUA Vice President of Administration: Connor Dougan A junior from Topeka, KS, Connor is double majoring in Global and International Studies and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Connor serves two roles within the MMP Office as he is also the Director of Campus Recruitment for The Big Event. SUA Vice President of Communications: Bailey May Originally from Naperville, IL, Bailey is a junior studying Strategic Communications. Bailey also serves as the Membership Development Officer for Delta Delta Delta. SUA Vice President of Development: Autumn Crafton Autumn is serving a second term in this position, a rarity in SUA and a sign of her significant contributions last semester. She is a junior from Derby, KS majoring in Management and Leadership. SUA Vice President of Outreach: Megan Bartlett A sophomore from Lenexa, KS, Megan is double majoring in Business Analytics and Marketing. In addition to her involvement in SUA, she is a an RA in Oliver Hall. SUA Coordinators: Fine Arts Event Coordinator: Maisie Conrad Fine Arts Gallery Coordinator: Cody Murray Current Events Coordinator: Rebecca Rajagopal Culinary Coordinator: Abigail Greenberg Cultural Programming Coordinator: Mariam Machano Live Music Co-Coordinators: Evan Hatley and Myah Coberly Tech and Games Coordinator: Lauren Peterson Special Events Coordinator: Lauren Coleman Communications Coordinator: Allison Ellis Additionally, the SUA spring calendars have arrived outlining all that this student organization has to offer this semester. If you have not yet received one, be sure to pick up one at the Kansas Union Welcome Desk or at any SUA event.
CHECK OUT OUR NEW ANNUAL REPORT! http://union.ku.edu/annual-report
RECENT AWARDS AND ACCOLADES DeBruce Center Award of Merit The DeBruce Center recently received an Award of Merit from the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. The Award of Merit indicates a "meritorious contribution to lighting design" by Henderson Engineering. KJHK CBI Awards KJHK student leaders Rachel Bennett, Dylan Fox, Ben Leeper, and Ellie Fehlig and advisor Tressa Lee recently attended the 2017 College Broadcasters, Inc. (CBI) conference in San Antonio, Texas. The team brought back a great deal of useful information from conference sessions, including ways to improve training, digital presence, and the overall the operation of station. In addition, KJHK received a total of three awards at this year's conference: 2nd place for Best Live Production, 2nd place for Best Student Media Website, and 3rd place for Best Sports Play-By-Play. Lisa Kring Wins ACUI Award At the ACUI Region II Conference in November, Lisa Kring was awarded the William H. Smith Outstanding Professional Award. The William H. Smith Outstanding Professional Award was established in 2004 and honors one of ACUI’s most influential regional leaders. Bill Smith spent 46 years as a staff member in a college union on the campuses of West Virginia University, Kansas State University, and the University of South Dakota. The William H. Smith Outstanding Professional Award is designed to honor and recognize student union or student activities professionals of Region II member institutions with 5-10 years of experience in the field, who have made exceptional contributions and demonstrated a significant commitment to the student union/student activities profession on their campuses and within ACUI. Described as the having “an altruistic impulse to volunteer,” Lisa Kring is known in the Region and at the Kansas Union for her “deep sense of community building.” This recipient has an unwavering commitment to providing students “the support, tools, guidance, and direction they need.” One nominator offered that Lisa “fulfills the union mission and community creation of free exchange across campuses and diverse constituencies and embodies the qualities Bill Smith brought to his long and successful career.” SUA ACUI Awards Also at the ACUI Region II Conference in November, SUA entered into the Region’s “Steal This Idea” Graphics Competition. They came home with the first place award in the Calendars/Schedules category for their spring 2017 semester calendar. Additionally, they won the second place award in the Posters category (one of the most entered categories) for their Board Game Night poster. Both of these items were designed by Alyssa Cooper, a student graphic designer within the Marketing, Media, and Programs Department. SUA 2017 Choice Awards Student Union Activities works with numerous partners on the KU campus, in the Lawrence community, and within the Union. These partners make their events possible and successful. Every year, Student Union Activities recognizes and awards a Campus Partner, Community Partner, and Union Support. Student Union Activities announced the winners at their annual leadership reception held on December 3rd, 2017. Lied Center was presented with the Campus Partner award, the Community Partner Award went to The Granada, and Jeremy Whetstone (Operations Manager for the Memorial Union) received the Union Support Award.