February 2021
From Our Regional Vice President
As we enter February, we are in full swing with a full campus and our regular work flow. SSC continues to do what is necessary to keep the campus safe and open. January was as difficult month. To date we have lost 3 associates to Covid here at TAMU. Our thoughts and prays go out to their families during these difficult times. Remember to take all the necessary precautions at work and at home to make sure we limit the spread. I highly encourage we all get vaccinated when we qualify for the vaccine. We are so close to getting this pandemic behind us, don’t lower your guard now. Thank you and be safe.
— Richard Gentry
Recognition Awards Presented To Custodial Associates For Years of Service
Left: Regional Director of Operations Ted Dawson, Edward Massingale (40 Years of Service), Supervisor Lavotny Garrett
Middle: Regional Director of Operations Ted Dawson, Maria Dominguez (35 Years of Service), Unit Director Sheila Robinson, and Supervisor Juan Montanez
Right: Supervisor Lavotny Garrett, Beverly Newsome (35 Years of Service), Unit Director Lou Jacques
Grounds in Action on January 28
On Thursday, January 28th a UPS tractor trailer was heading north on Houston Street in front of Beutel Health Center. The tractor trailer was pulling onto the east side of the street when it hit a low hanging tree branch, causing the branch to snap off and fall between the cab of the truck and the trailer. The tree limb immobilized the vehicle and blocked Houston Street so no vehicles could pass. A cyclist UPD officer was nearby to close the roadway and direct traffic to take an alternate path. Gerry Stephens, SSC Senior IT Consultant happened to be in the area and called the grounds department. Within 20 minutes a grounds supervisor, Micah Hale, showed up . She in turn contracted the appropriate tree crew to respond and begin cutting and removing the tree limb between the cab and trailer. Within 30 minutes the various ground crew teams began to arrive to assist in the removal and clearing of the road. While they were clearing the area, the Bus Transportation Manager showed up and gave the crew great at-a-boys for getting the road cleared up and the busses back on schedule. Within an hour the tree debris was picked up and gone and the road was back open.
Pictured L-R: Horticulture Supervisor John Duncan, Groundskeeper Darius Petty, Team Leader Corbin Harshman, Horticulture Supervisor Micah Hale, Arboriculture Supervisor JJ Aguilar, and Horticulture and Arboriculture Manager Neil Fletcher
Black History Month
Matthew Gaines was born into slavery, escaped to freedom and eventually became the first African-American state senator for Washington County. He was instrumental in the success of the Land-Grant College Act of 1862, “the Morrill Act”, creating the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, now known as Texas A&M University.
The Matthew Gaines Society on campus honors Senator Gaines by working to encourage all Aggies to make a difference at Texas A&M. TAMU recently renamed a bus route in honor of Senator Gaines and the society will be erecting a statue of Senator Gaines near the Student Services Building by the fall of 2021.
As we honor black history month, we acknowledge Matthew Gaines as the Great Grand Father to Roman Moore, SSC Project Manager and a ‘91 graduate of Texas A&M University.
In Memory of Ronald Mathis
Ronald Mathis began work with SSC Custodial Services on October 5, 2020. He was a devoted family man and always talked of his wife and we all understood family was Ronald’s first priority.
Ronald’s first supervisor, Mary Richardson said “Ronald was a hard worker who never complained. He got along well with everyone in Crew Y. Ronald was always singing and in good spirits. Ronald worked in GERB, customers praised him for all the hard work he did in keeping their building clean and sanitized. I remember one day I worked until 6:30 pm and it was dark outside when it was time to go home. Ronald, Billie and I were the only ones left at the Allen Building where our Crew Area is located. After clocking out to go home, Ronald did not leave until he made sure Billie and I were in our vehicles leaving the parking lot. Ronald was in Crew Y a short time but he will be missed”.
He worked in another crew, helping out and that supervisor, Mark Butler, had this to say Mr. Mathis was a kind and gentle man. He loved learning and I had the pleasure of seeing the excitement in his eyes when he learned something new. Ronald was always grateful and gracious in his handling of new techniques and he would do his best to master new skills. He was a man of faith and loved people. Ronald was only in my crew a short while but he was a joy to be around and a truly wonderful man. He will be missed”
Our condolences to the family. It is always sad when loved ones pass. We here at TAMU SSC consider ourselves to be the 2nd family of every associate we have. We were so sorry to hear that Ronald passed and our prayers have been with the family during this time.
Rest in Peace Ronald, you are truly missed.
In Memory of David Adame
Our dear work colleague and friend David Adame passed away on January 25th, 2021 at the young age of 49 from complications arising from COVID-19. David served SSC as a Superintendent in the Engineering, Design and Construction Services (EDCS) group. He had been with SSC since March of 2020 and in his ten months he worked here, he impacted so many of us. David was always upbeat and excited to take on new challenges. He often spoke with his management about ways to improve himself and how to take on more responsibility. He encouraged his colleagues to better themselves to reach their full potential. One of the EDCS associates who worked closest with David, Shane Johnson, remarked that David always pushed him to “expand your opportunities” and “strive to be your best”. David encouraged others to be their best because he was always pushing to do his best.
The joy of David’s life was his family. He and his wife Elma met when they were 14 years old, and they knew they would get married. Years later, after they were married, they welcomed two beautiful daughters into the world, Lauren and Lisette. These three ladies were the bright lights of his life. He treated all of them like princesses, serving as a wonderful husband and a supportive and caring father. He would frequently share with his coworkers stories about his family, and all could see how devoted he was to them.
David was eager to share his love of Jesus with all of those around him. Even in the hospital, David was sharing the love of the Lord. One of the last conversations that Jeff Heye had with David, centered around having faith in the Lord no matter what. David recounted to Jeff that one of the medical staff was so inspired by David’s faith, that it moved her to rededicate her life to God. This is an amazing ability that David had, to reflect the joy of the Lord to others and to invite them to that same kind of relationship. John Alaniz, who has asked to speak at David’s funeral, Talked about David’s strong faith. John mentioned how David’s life had been spent building up the faith of his wife and daughters, which helped them prepare for such a tragic loss. Even in the midst of their terrible grief, they still have a strong faith and know they will again be with David at some point in the future.
The EDCS family misses David and the joy he brought into our lives. He is remembered fondly and, even though we grieve our loss, we know that he has found perfect peace.
In Memory of Harold Manuel
Mr. Harold Manuel worked for SSC since September 2017 in the grounds sanitation department and has passed away from complications related to COVID. Mr Manuel worked in the South Dorm and Corp Dorm areas.
He was a great worker, very dependable and knowledgeable about the job and other issues dealing with life and work. Harold was friendly with all his customers and coworkers and willing to help out with visitors when they needed directions and assistance with problems they had while on campus.
He was also a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Harold accepted Christ at an early age and
was ordained February 27, 1987. Harold was the pastor of Enlightened Chapel in Waller, Texas and Surrender Followship in Hempstead, Texas. Harold Manuel lived his life as an ambassador of Jesus Christ, a faithful servant and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
Harold leaves behind a wife of 44 years, Jeannie D Manuel, a daughter Dana D. Manuel and grand-daughter Addison A. Manuel.
KC is a native of Navasota currently living on my small family farm and enjoying the country life. She worked for Continental Airlines before finding her way into public safety and law enforcement. In August 2020, KC retired from the Friendswood Police Department after proudly serving 22 years as the Information Services Manager where she managed the emergency communications center and records division. KC worked closely with every division and department in the City, managing dispatch and 9-1-1 services for police, fire, medical, and other city services. She administered law enforcement computer systems, telephone systems, and records management.
While living in League City and working for Friendswood KC raised three beautiful daughters. They kept her busy with competitive dance, band, pageants, modeling, and Girl Scouts. They are now learning to “adult” and be on their own. I am a proud Navy Mom as her youngest is starting C-school in San Diego. KC’s favorite holiday is Halloween. This past year she set up a huge display in an acre-sized area in front of her house, complete with a 12-foot skeleton. Her next goal is to revive the farm with chickens, cows, horses, and maybe a pig or two.
SSC Welcomes KC Rodgers, Communication Center Manager
Welcome Brooke Gongora, Manager of SSC Graphics Shop
Brooke Batson Gongora has been hired as the manager of the SSC graphics shop. She worked professionally in the sign industry for more than 15 years. Prior to joining SSC Graphics, Brooke managed Sign Pro in Bryan, Texas. She enjoyed working with customers to help their visions become real.
Brooke was born and raised in Bryan and loves it so much that she never left. She is happily married to Luis Gongora with a blended family of her 19-year old son (who will hopefully become an Aggie soon) and his 19-year old daughter. Our 3 year old boxer, Baxter, completes the family! They are active members at church and enjoy camping & doing home projects together.
Brooke is excited to be a team member at SSC graphics and can’t wait to begin building relationships with others at SSC and Texas A&M.
January New Associates
CUSTODIAL NEW ASSOCIATES
Marisela Deluna
Saira Hernandez
Sympathy Heslip
Relinda Peterson
Nichole Torres
Kristine Vallejo
EDCS NEW ASSOCIATES
Troy Taylor
GROUNDS NEW ASSOCIATES
Robert Lothringer
Abraham Orozco
MAINTENANCE NEW ASSOCIATES
Curtis Anderson
Sammy Hajj-Ali
Raymond Schulz
GEMS
Custodial
Maria Cruz Hernandez
Dina Mendez
Johnathon Munson
EDCS
Renee Fabreo
Grounds
Victor Hernandez
Robin McDougald
Lane Nolte
Maintenance
Christina Hargrave