Colleagues at the Eugene McDermott Library and across The University of Texas at Dallas are mourning the loss of the library’s extended hours supervisor, Cameron Randle, who died early Thanksgiving morning.

An avid cyclist, Randle was hit by a car while riding his bike. He was 33.

Randle began working at the McDermott Library as a library assistant in fall 2015, and was later promoted to supervisor.

Dr. Ellen Safley, dean of the McDermott Library, said: “Cameron was a valued member of our team, and we are trying to cope with this senseless death. Our thoughts are with his family and friends who have suffered a great loss. We will remember his professionalism and his kind and generous personality and his great smile.”

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The University recognized faculty and staff members’ employment milestones at the 31st Annual Service Awards on Nov. 17, honoring 347 employees who have collectively accrued 2,780 years of service.

Two employees reached their 40-year milestone: Dr. Zsuzsanna Ozsváth, director of the Holocaust Studies Program and professor in the School of Arts and Humanities, and Dr. John Santrock, professor of psychology and child learning and development in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences.

Honorees received either a coin that bears the University seal (5 years), a University seal coin keychain (10 years), a brass Texas paperweight with the coin (20 years), a custom coaster with the coin (30 years), or a table clock with the coin (40 years).

In a separate ceremony, 11 new honorees joined the Quarter Century Club for reaching 25 years of service.

Over the past 31 years, the University has presented more than 6,675 awards. Click here for a list of this year’s recipients.

The University will be closed for winter break Thursday, Dec. 21, through Tuesday, Jan. 2.

During this time, several UT Dallas entities will reduce their hours of operation. Holiday hours for Dining Services, the Comet Cruiser, Comet Cabs, the McDermott Library, the Activity Center, Rec Center West and the SPN Wellness Center are now available on their respective websites.

Additionally, the top levels of Parking Structures 1, 3 and 4 will be closed beginning Monday, Dec. 18. During this time, vehicles with green permits will be allowed to park in gold spaces. Any vehicles left on those top levels on Dec. 20 will remain until the levels reopen Jan. 3, weather permitting.

UT Dallas Facilities Management has scheduled campus utility outages during winter break to conduct annual maintenance and inspections. The Central Energy Plant (CEP), which affects heating and air conditioning only, will be shut down from 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, through Wednesday, Dec. 27. Power to a significant portion of campus will be shut down from approximately 7 a.m. on Dec. 22 until 7 p.m. on Dec. 23. Please check the Pardon Our Progress website for more information.

Before leaving for winter break, remember to take these simple steps to conserve energy and protect equipment and data:

• Turn off and/or unplug all computer equipment and small appliances.
• Power down lab spaces by closing fume hood sashes and unplugging unused equipment.
• Clean out refrigerators.
• Close windows and blinds.
• Turn off lights.

Also, remember to follow University procedures to stay informed if inclement weather or other events require changes to campus schedules.

The Women Employee Resource Group at UT Dallas will hold its Holiday Potluck from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 11, in SU 2.508.

Learn more about the role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) as well as the mission of the Women ERG at the event. Enjoy food, fun and facts while networking with fellow Comets of all gender identities.. Contributions are not required, but are appreciated. Sign up for your preferred dish online to help ensure that a variety of offerings are available.

Email Samantha Preisser, secretary of the Women ERG, for more information

The Center for Vital Longevity will hold its biennial Science Symposium, “Neuroimaging Is a Team Sport: The Promise of Multimodal Imaging and Cross-Institutional Collaborations,” in conjunction with UT Southwestern Medical Center.

The symposium is Friday, Jan. 26, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at T. Boone Pickens Auditorium at UT Southwestern, 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas.

The event celebrates the neuroimaging collaborations that have developed between researchers at both institutions. Dr. Clifford Jack Jr. of the Mayo Clinic, the visiting keynote speaker, will discuss the future of Alzheimer’s disease research. UT Dallas President Richard C. Benson and UT Southwestern President Daniel Podolsky will open the conference.

The Military and Veteran Center will offer Green Zone Training for staff and faculty from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 8, in SSA 14.250A.

The Green Zone program is designed to encourage a military-friendly campus culture. The name originates in the military and indicates a safe zone for soldiers. Green Zone training topics include military terminology and culture, transition challenges, classroom considerations, and campus and community resources. Green Zone training has been extended by one hour and lunch is included. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate and a Green Zone decal for their offices.

Space is limited, and registration is required. Register online or email Archie Nettles for more information.

Starbucks is now open daily on the second floor of the Student Union. The new location offers the full Starbucks menu, and gift cards and the Starbucks’ mobile app can be used for payment.

The Office of Administration is seeking staff and faculty volunteers for the annual Student Welcome on the first day of the spring semester — Monday, Jan. 8. Volunteers will be stationed at booths inside the Student Union and JSOM to interact with students, answer questions and hand out maps and giveaways. To volunteer, email [email protected] or call 972-883-2213 by Thursday, Dec. 21.

Lunch Discount at American Tap Room at Northside
American Tap Room at Northside offers a 10 percent lunch discount to faculty and staff members who present their Comet Card when ordering. The new restaurant offers handcrafted food, and happy-hour and brunch specials.