Volume 115 | November 1, 2024

Business Affairs 2024 division photo at UNLV

Business Affairs Bulletin

November 1, 2024

The inside scoop on the people and projects that support UNLV

In this issue:

  • Celebrating National Gratitude Month
  • Remember to Acknowledge a Business Affairs Colleague
  • Rebel Applause Gratitude Week
  • Veterans Appreciation
  • First-Generation Week
  • December 6 Memorial and Healing Garden Visioning Sessions
  • Native-American Heritage Month
  • July & August Employee Appreciation Recipients
  • Business Affairs Halloween Recap
  • Dates to Remember

Celebrating National Gratitude Month

National Gratitude Month in white against an orange background

National Gratitude Month, observed every November, encourages individuals, families, and communities to acknowledge the positive aspects of their lives, big and small. 


Research shows that practicing gratitude can enhance mental well-being, improve relationships, boost physical health, and increase happiness. During National Gratitude Month, you are encouraged to engage in daily acts of appreciation, express thanks to others, and reflect on what brings you joy and fulfillment. It’s a time to foster a mindset of gratitude that can have lasting positive effects throughout the year. 


Here are a couple of ways to show gratitude for your colleagues.

Remember to Acknowledge Business Affairs Colleagues

gratitude changes everything in board game letters against a wood grain background

Do you know a co-worker or team that deserves recognition for outstanding work? Or someone who exemplifies the C.A.R.E standards?


Submit notes of gratitude through Rebel Applause by 5 p.m. on November 14 to let your Business Affairs colleagues know how much you appreciate them. All recognitions submitted during this timeframe will be featured in the November 22 edition of the Business Affairs Bulletin and entered into a drawing for Business Affairs swag items. Five winners will be selected at random. You can submit as many notes as you’d like. All UNLV employees have a Rebel Applause account and can access the system using their ACE ID.


Rebel Applause also offers a new option for those on the go. You can download the Rebel Applause progressive web app to your phone. Visit the Awardco website to learn more. 


Email Heather Ortiz or Liz Davis with any questions.

An Asian woman holding a whtie sign with the logo Rebel Applause in red and gray and gratitude week in red

Human Resources invites all faculty and staff to participate in Gratitude Week November 18-22, powered by UNLV’s employee recognition platform, Rebel Applause. 


During Gratitude Week, you are encouraged to log into Rebel Applause and show your colleagues appreciation via a high-five according to the following prompts:


  • Monday - Recognize a member of your team and express why you are grateful for them 
  • Tuesday - Recognize an individual from another department and express why you are grateful for them 
  • Wednesday - Recognize a team and why you are thankful for them 
  • Thursday - Recognize an individual who makes your day-to-day job easier (ideally someone that you haven’t previously recognized) 
  • Friday - Recognize an individual who has gone above and beyond to help you 


For more details, visit UNLV’s Rebel Applause homepage the week of November 18 or email Tenaya Morningstar.

Veterans Appreciation

United States flag background with Thank You Veterans text

Business Affairs honors the individuals who have served in a branch of the United States military. 


In recognition of Veterans Day on November 11, it is our pleasure to feature some of the brave individuals within our division who are now making a difference at UNLV.


We salute you and thank you for your service to our country.

Business Affairs First-Generation Graduates

graduate with words in white on their black cap

November 4-8 is National First-Generation Celebration Week. During this time, universities around the country acknowledge graduates who are the first in their families to earn a college degree. 


First-generation individuals have traditionally made up 50% of the enrolled student population at universities nationwide. Business Affairs is proud to continue the tradition of celebrating our employees who are first-generation college graduates


Visit UNLV’s First-Generation webpage to see events celebrating first-gen graduates.

December 6 Memorial and Healing Garden Visioning Sessions 

A mural design in various colors

The December 6 Memorial Committee is developing a permanent memorial and healing garden to honor the victims of the December 6 tragedy and promote recovery. The next step in their process is to select a memorial design. The committee is seeking input from the campus community to help create a design that represents the collective voice of those impacted by this tragedy.  


All students, faculty, and staff are invited to share their thoughts at in-person visioning sessions:

  • November 12: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • November 13:  4-6 p.m.
  • Location: Lied Library Goldfield Room (3rd Floor)


The sessions are informal and attendees may drop in at any time throughout their chosen scheduled session. Attendees will view visual imagery of murals from throughout the world for inspiration and have the opportunity to provide input on how the victims should be honored. These perspectives will help to make this a place for healing and solace for everyone who visits the Maryland Campus. 


Contact for more information Deborah Bergin.

Native-American Heritage Month

National Native-American Heritage Month in different colors

November is Native American Heritage Month (NAHM). In 1990, President George H.W. Bush approved a joint resolution to observe the legacy and achievements of America’s First Nations. 


We honor the many contributions the Indigenous have made to our present culture. “UNLV sits on the unceded land of the Southern Paiutes, descendants of the Tudinu, or Desert People,” according to University Libraries. 


To learn more about local Native American history and NAHM, visit the University Libraries website.

July & August Employee Appreciation Recipients

July Recipient

Bonita Johnson

Facilities Management


Bonita was nominated for her outstanding leadership and initiative during her supervisor's leave of absence


She demonstrated exceptional teamwork, ensured that all responsibilities were covered, and flawlessly handled purchase orders during the fiscal year. 


Bonita goes above and beyond her duties to ensure that all departments and trades have their orders placed in a timely manner and allow for the smooth opening and closing of work orders. She consistently communicates with vendors to secure the best prices and ensure turnaround timelines are met.


Thank you, Bonita, for your hard work and dedication to UNLV. You are an amazing part of the team!

A Black man in a gray uniform with the name Jesse on it in black

August Recipient

Jesse Burnett

Facilities Management


Jesse was nominated for his unwavering commitment to helping with any task, no matter the size.


He demonstrated his exceptional ability to solve problems quickly when troubleshooting and fixing a rooftop HVAC unit and replacing an outdated water meter. He took on these tasks independently and worked well with others when needed.


Jesse has become a mentor to less experienced employees, guiding them with the same professionalism and care that defines his own work. He consistently completes tasks ahead of schedule, while maintaining the highest standards, making him an essential part of the team.


Thank you, Jesse!

Business Affairs Halloween Recap

Business Affairs brought the Halloween spirit to life with various fun costumes and workspace decor. From spooky classics to clever, pun-inspired looks, departments across the division celebrated the scariest day of the year.


The halls were filled with everything from Michael Myers to leopards and Power Rangers, sparking laughter and Halloween cheer. 


Check out the photos below.

Halloween fun at UNLV with people dressed in costumes
Halloween fun at UNLV
Halloween fun at UNLV
Halloween fun at UNLV with people dressed in costumes
Halloween fun at UNLV with people dressed in costumes
Halloween fun at UNLV with people dressed in costumes
Halloween fun at UNLV with people dressed in costumes
Halloween fun at UNLV with people dressed in costumes
Halloween fun white woman dressed in pink onneis
Halloween fun man dressed in green power ranger costume
Halloween fun man in a green suit dressed as Oscar the Grouch
Halloween fun at UNLV with people dressed in costumes
Halloween fun at UNLV with people dressed in costumes
Halloween fun at UNLV with people dressed in costumes
Halloween fun at UNLV with people dressed in costumes
Halloween fun at UNLV with people dressed in costumes

Dates to Remember

  • Nov. 11: Veterans Day - enjoy your day off!
  • Nov. 18-22: Rebel Applause Gratitude Week