Business Affairs Bulletin

The inside scoop on the people and projects that support UNLV

In This Issue.....

• Message from Interim Vice President / CFO Elise Bunkowski 
• Notes of Gratitude 
• Safety Tips to Keep Your Holidays Merry and Bright
• Rebel Recycling After 30 Years: One Student’s Vision Sparks a Cultural Shift at UNLV
• July Employee Appreciation Recipients 
• Last Day to RSVP for the Business Affairs Holiday Party and Competitions
• Spotlight on Service 
• Business Affairs Food Drive 
• Remember to Recognize 
• Business Affairs Employees Participate in Annual Turkey Trot 5K
• Dates to Remember

Message from Interim Vice President / CFO Elise Bunkowski

Dear colleagues,

As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the work you do to support UNLV. This appreciation extends to every one of you. In a division as large and diverse as Business Affairs, it can be difficult to see all the day-to-day efforts that keep the university running. I recognize that each team is essential and how your work contributes to student success. 

I took a sneak peek at this year’s gratitude messages and was touched by both the number of submissions and the kind words you had for one another. There are many examples of cross-functional teams working together to solve problems and colleagues who went out of their way to make someone’s day a little easier. That spirit of camaraderie is what makes me most proud to serve in the interim vice president role. 

I encourage you to continue using Rebel Applause to acknowledge one another throughout the year. I’ve made a personal commitment to do the same. If someone goes above and beyond, consider nominating them for the Business Affairs Employee Appreciation Awards. Expressing and receiving gratitude feels good and it strengthens the culture that makes Business Affairs such a great place to work. 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving break. I hope you enjoy every moment. 

Notes of Gratitude

Safety Tips to Keep Your Holidays Merry and Bright

The holiday season is upon us! That means it's time to gather with loved ones, prepare feasts, and hang lights, and decor. With so much on our plates this time of year, it's easy to get wrapped up in the fun and let safety slide.That’s why our Risk Management & Safety team compiled tips to help us celebrate safely. Read more on the UNLV News Center.

Rebel Recycling After 30 Years: One Student’s Vision Sparks a Cultural Shift at UNLV

What began as a grassroots student campaign has grown over the past three decades into a nationally recognized sustainability effort. Campus sustainability coordinator, founder and manager of Rebel Recycling, and UNLV alum Tara Pike discusses the program’s origins, path to success, and the fundraiser for its future in this article on the News Center.

July Employee Appreciation Recipients

Christina Bridges was nominated for her outstanding dedication and reliability. After staffing changes left her area short-handed, she continued to support dozens of managers and colleagues each day while coordinating onboarding with Human Resources for every new hire. 

Christina is known for being thoughtful, responsive, and dependable, with colleagues often praising her attention to detail and prompt communication. 

She manages a heavy workload with grace and consistency, exemplifying the Business Affairs CARE standards. 

Thank you for all you do, Christina!

Daniel Davis was nominated for his outstanding dedication and rapid response after a water leak at FDH damaged major IT network and telecommunications equipment. He immediately jumped in to troubleshoot issues, run reports, and work with OIT to reterminate, repatch, and replace affected equipment. 

His swift action, high-quality work, and extra hours were critical in getting the building back online and saving the university significant costs.

Thanks, Daniel for your teamwork and service!

Last Day to RSVP for the Business Affairs Holiday Party and Competitions

Today is the last day to RSVP for the Business Affairs Holiday Party. The party will take place on Friday, Dec. 19, from 2 - 5 p.m. at the Thomas and Mack Center’s Strip View Pavilion. 

Please complete the Holiday Party and Competition Form to confirm your attendance and sign up for the Holiday Workspace Decor and Holiday sweater competitions. 

Also, don’t forget to submit your team photos to be shared at the event. We look forward to celebrating with you.

Spotlight on Service

A School of Architecture student reviews the project timeline with two professors for the new parking garage led by project manager Mike Kwiecien. Photo Credit: Jessie Devine

Mike Kwiecien, project manager in Planning and Construction, is leading construction activities for the new Transit Center parking garage scheduled to open in fall 2027. Along with keeping the project on schedule, he’s bringing students from the School of Architecture into the process so they can see how a major campus build comes together from the ground up.

Thank you, Mike, for giving our students a front-row look at real-world construction and for your commitment to shaping future industry professionals!

Business Affairs Food Drive

You may have seen donation boxes placed across our workspaces, and they’re there for a good reason. Business Affairs is hosting a food drive from now until Dec. 31 to support the UNLV Food Pantry, a vital resource for students, faculty, and staff. 

Collection bins are located in the Campus Services Building, Facilities Management shops, and various workspaces that house Business Affairs teams. Items most in need include:

• Canned goods such as meats, vegetables, soup, and beans
• Rice
• Peanut butter
• Macaroni and cheese

Visit the UNLV Food Pantry website for a complete list of acceptable items. Business Affairs team members will collect items from the bins weekly and deliver them to the pantry.

The Food Pantry is open to members of the UNLV community who need support. If you or someone you know could benefit from this resource, visit the UNLV Food Pantry website for details on access and hours. UNLV also offers wellness and mental health resources to help manage life’s challenges. Visit the RebelWELL webpage for more information. 

Remember to Recognize

As 2025 comes to a close, take a moment to recognize your colleagues by submitting nominations for the November Business Affairs Employee Appreciation Awards by Nov. 25 at 5 p.m.



Anyone can submit a nomination. The award is $100 for each monthly recipient, and these recipients will be entered into a pool for the $1,000 Employee of the Year award.



To nominate an outstanding colleague, visit the Business Affairs Employee Resources webpage and complete the nomination form.

Business Affairs Employees Participate in Annual Turkey Trot 5K

On Nov. 13, the Student Recreation and Wellness Center’s Fitness team hosted its annual fall 5K Turkey Trot. Participants walked, jogged, and ran the 5K path on campus and received Turkey Trot T-shirts! The program organizers also collected canned food from participants for the UNLV Food Pantry.

From left to right: Heather Ortiz, Director of Communications; Sarath Kraus, Director, Systems Change Management; Jessie Devine, Communications Specialist; Liz Davis, Communications Specialist; Chantel McDonald, Director of Strategic Projects and Training Development; Joe Sunbury, Chief Compliance Officer (behind the camera)

From left to right: Lorraine Schlimm, Senior Purchasing Analyst; Deanna Calderon, Purchasing Analyst

Not pictured but also participating: Lori Church, Associate Vice President of Financial Services & Controller; Kery Chong, Senior Accountant

Dates to Remember

• Nov. 27: Thanksgiving Day - Enjoy your day off!
• Nov. 28:  Family Day - Enjoy your day off!