To show appreciation to campus departments and front-line workers who have continuously served the UT Health San Antonio community throughout the pandemic, members of the Student Government Association, Office of Student Life and the Title IX Office partnered to provide treats, coffee and gratitude.

More than 200 staff members from the departments of Facilities Management, UT Police, Aladdin food services and campus screeners were treated during November and early December.

“We are thankful for our essential employees. Without our front-line workers, our UT Health San Antonio community and campuses would not be a safe and positive learning environment where students can focus on studying and working toward their career goals,” said Sam Yee, president of the Student Government Association and graduate student in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Jeffrey Patterson, interim director of housekeeping and event services, said the treats were a welcome show of gratitude.

“Everyone was extremely grateful for the snack,” he said.

John Kaulfus, chief student affairs officer and Title IX director, said essential workers have worked for nearly a year to provide a valuable service for all students, faculty and staff.

“Our goal was to show our front-line colleagues how appreciative we are of their efforts on behalf of the campus community during this pandemic,” he said. “These colleagues have gone above and beyond since March to keep our classrooms, offices and labs sanitized, and they made sure that we are able to work and matriculate during these very challenging times. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude.”