Garay’s hard work earns kudos

Garay’s
hard work earns kudos

…………………………………………………………………

BY JENNIFER
EVANS
Rice News Staff

A graduating
senior is likely to reflect on his or her college years
and thank the professors who shared their knowledge, the
advisers who offered counsel and the administrators who
guided their journey. Too often forgotten are the “invisible
people” — the cooks, grounds crews, maintenance
crews and more — who quietly and unobtrusively enhanced
the college experience. It was a wonderful surprise then
when several graduating seniors in Hanszen College took
the time to recognize custodian Rosa Garay, nominating her
for the Distinguished Employee Award.

“We want
to applaud the effort of Rosa Garay for all the work she
has done in keeping our room in order,” read a letter
signed by Hanszen College seniors Monica Campos, Jennifer
Tang, Liz Durham, Katie Grysen, Lisa Grysen and Laila Hlass.
“Rosa consistently does more than the job requires
to clean up after us. We are spoiled by her kindness and
help. Through her actions, we are convinced that she cares
for the comfort and cleanliness of the students here at
Hanszen College. Rosa is an incredible asset to this campus.”

Frank Rodriguez,
business manager in the Department of Food and Housing,
agreed with the students.

“Every
time I come across Rosa she’s got a smile on her face.
Even when she’s doing work where she’s sweating
and hot, she’s smiling when others would be looking
gruff,” he said.

Garay cited
the tranquil campus environment and the students for giving
her such pleasure in doing even the sometimes distasteful
jobs she undertakes. She noted that another source of pleasure
is her co-workers, an obviously close-knit group who cheered
for Garay upon hearing that she was selected for the Distinguished
Employee Award.

Receiving showers
of congratulations, Garay modestly accepted the award, commenting
that all the others work just as hard.

Garay has been
at Rice for six years, two of those at Hanszen College.