Business Affairs Bulletin

The inside scoop on the people and projects that support UNLV

In This Issue.....

• Veteran Employees in Business Affairs
• First Generation Employees in Business Affairs
• August Business Affairs Employee Appreciation Recipient
• New Section: Business Affairs Bites 
• Submit Notes of Gratitude to Recognize Business Affairs Colleagues
• Native American Heritage Month 
• Halloween Recap 
• New Hires
• Promotions
• Anniversaries
• Dates to Remember

Veteran Employees in Business Affairs

Business Affairs honors our employees who served in a branch of the United States military.

Each year on November 11, the nation observes Veterans Day. This is a time to reflect on the courage, commitment, and sacrifices made by military veterans. In Business Affairs, we are pleased to recognize some of these individuals who are now contributing their skills and experience to our work here at UNLV.

We invite you to visit the 2025 Business Affairs Veterans website to meet your colleagues who served.

To all veterans, we recognize your bravery and dedication, and we thank you for your service to our country.

First Generation Employees in Business Affairs

August Business Affairs Employee Appreciation Recipient

Connie Gamble was nominated for her outstanding commitment to delivering high-quality, timely service to NSHE and UNLV colleagues and community partners. Her dedication shone during the Silver Springs property sale, where she went above and beyond to meet deadlines and help generate revenue that supports student success, strengthens infrastructure, and fuels future program growth.

Thank you, Connie, for advancing educational opportunities for our students and the Las Vegas community.

New Section: Business Affairs Bites

Welcome to Business Affairs Bites, a new monthly section where Business Affairs team members share their favorite dining spots near campus so others can enjoy them too.

If you have a go-to restaurant, coffee shop, or snack spot that everyone should know about, submit it through our survey! It only takes a couple of minutes, and your pick could be featured in an upcoming edition.

The excellent idea for Business Affairs Bites came from Nohealani Benicarlo, Administrative Assistant III, Office of the Vice President. It seemed only fitting that she give our first recommendation, so we asked her what her favorite restaurant is on or near campus. Here’s what she said:

Lefty J’s • $$ Moderate / Mid-range ($15 - $30) • Hawaiian & Filipino

4550 S Maryland Pkwy D, Las Vegas, NV 89119 (It’s across the street!)

Loves: Food, vibe, service, seating, menu variety, and location 

Meh: Parking availability

Hey, Nohealani! What makes Lefty J’s special?

Every time I walk in, the owner greets me with so much energy—it’s super welcoming! There are a ton of options, from Filipino dishes to Hawaiian favorites. I always have a hard time picking because everything looks so good. Whenever I’m missing home (Hawaii), I always come here to find some comfort food. The portions are super generous too, so you definitely get your money’s worth!

What's the #1 menu item that we HAVE to try?

Robust Garlic Chicken with Meat Jun and Rice, always my number one choice. 

Is there anything else we should know before we go?

Plan on skipping breakfast—you might not even finish your plate!

Info from the Comm Team

We tried it! Lefty J’s is delicious as promised, and you do get a ton of food. Also, we discovered that UNLV faculty, staff, and students receive 10% off their bill with their RebelCards. Give it a try!

Submit Notes of Gratitude to Recognize Business Affairs Colleagues

Becca Schwartz\UNLV

November is National Gratitude Month, and a great time to recognize our fellow Business Affairs team members. Submit notes of gratitude through Rebel Applause by 5 p.m. on Nov. 14 to let your colleagues know how much you appreciate them.

All recognitions submitted during this timeframe will be featured in the November 21 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 an 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.

Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples in the United States. The observance provides an opportunity to learn about the traditions, experiences, and ongoing influence of Indigenous communities. It also encourages reflection on the historical and contemporary roles of Native nations across the country. 

Many organizations and institutions mark the month through educational events, exhibits, and cultural programs. This month invites everyone to engage respectfully with the stories and perspectives of Indigenous peoples. To learn more about local Native American history and NAHM, visit the University Libraries website.

Halloween Recap

Business Affairs brought the Halloween spirit this year with fun costumes and spooky decor. Check out some of the outfits our employees and their families rocked on and off campus.

Liz Davis and family dressed as characters from Disney's Frozen.

Jessie Devine and partner dressed as Medusa and Tinky Winky.

Nancy Mayorga and husband dressed as Wanda Maximoff and Doctor Strange, pictured with friends

Denise Kegabein, Jan Lasagna, and Sandy Ziegler dressed as Kleenex, a Rebel basket ball player, and herself (respectively)

Micheal West, Adam Howard, Jayd Sorenson, Farayi Dete, and Brandi LaGesse

Carlos Perez, Cesar Gudiel, and Jeff LaGesse playing a Halloween game

Heather Ortiz and husband dressed as Labubus.

Karlie Passey and family dressed as Lightning McQueen and pit crew.

The Mayorga Family dressed in a variety of Halloween costumes (all Rebels except the littles!)

Ashley Roach and Jayd Sorenson dressed as Golden Girls

Robert Bordeaux, Sara Gudiel, Kelsey Kaplan, Sandy Ziegler, Ashley Roach, and friends

The Parking & Transportation team in their great Halloween costumes!

New Hires 

• Evelyn Garrido Hernandez, Facilities Management
• John Rees IV, Facilities Management
• Leonardo Leyva, Facilities Management
• Tatianna Smith, Facilities Management
• Samuel Whitaker, Facilities Management
• Antonio Leach, Facilities Management
• Miiko Sanders, Facilities Management
• Stephanie Cruz, Facilities Management
• Torrence Harris, Facilities Management
• Sharde Wilson, Work Control Unit

Promotions

• Rhoda Washington, Facilities Management
• Tara Pike, Facilities Management
• Trevor Gilbert, Facilities Management
• Jeremy Malone, Facilities Management
• Russell Griffin, Facilities Management
• John Demarigny, Risk Management & Safety

Anniversaries

• Luke Musci, 1 year
• Jason Zamora, 1 year
• Tom Newbury, 1 year
• Steven Baker, 1 year
• Joe Velasquez, 1 year
• Cindy Bird, 2 years
• Sophia Monzon, 2 years
• Jelena Gunjevic, 2 years
• Yobany Vargas, 2 years
• Brian Mors, 2 years
• Blacque Clement, 4 years
• Ricardo Castro, 6 years
• Delano Varner, 7 years
• Edward Dechirico, 8 years
• Colin Switalski, 9 years
• Meliscia Gilbert, 10 years

• Jose Jimenez, 11 years
• Michael Wolfe, 11 years
• Sinn Yahsin Armstrong, 11 years
• Andrew Connors, 13 years
• Jeremy Malone, 14 years
• Jose Lopez, 14 years
• Kevin Ramirez, 18 years
• Amy Kluesner, 19 years
• Jennifer Cozzolino, 19 years
• Wanda Baity, 19 years
• Betty Baugh, 19 years
• Blanca Burch, 19 years
• Cherie Garrity, 20 years
• Tad McDowell, 21 years
• Bill Knox, 25 years

Dates to Remember

• Nov. 1 to Nov. 30: Native American Heritage Month
• Nov. 11:  Veterans Day - Enjoy your day off!