A&M International Schedules Staff Enrichment Day May 23

As part of its ongoing professional development component for its staff, Texas A&M International University will offer its first day-long Staff Enrichment Day on Tuesday, May 23.

A&M International President Charles Jennett said Staff Enrichment Day recognizes the unique talents and skills of University employees and affords all an opportunity to celebrate their diversity and grow.

"We are fortunate to have some of the most gifted and accomplished employees in the State of Texas. We want to provide them with opportunities to grow and to celebrate the diversity which they bring to the University and the communities we serve. This event will help us to enhance our strengths and address shared areas of concern," Dr. Jennett said.

Elizabeth N. Martinez, Director of the Office of Human Resources, which is coordinating the event, said the offering is consistent with the University's goal of affording all University employees enrichment opportunities.

"Each year we offer numerous enrichment activities including lectures, workshops and special training opportunities. This day-long effort is designed to provide our employees with a series of learning opportunities that will enrich their work experience and their lives in general. While we are all committed to our University's success, we are equally committed to the success of our University employees," she explained.

Titled "You're the U in TAMIU, Staff Enrichment Day 2000," the event will include concurrent sessions on diversity, effective communication, customer service excellence, balancing work and home and basic personal financial planning, to name but a few.

Dr. Rick Rigsby, Texas A&M University award-winning professor, special assistant to football coach R.C. Slocum and Life Skills Development Coordinator for the Aggies football team, will provide the event's keynote address, "Commitment to Excellence." A former national TV reporter, he received his Ph.D. from the University of Oregon.

The sessions will run throughout the day and will require that offices suspend normal operations in order for the event to be successful, Martinez explained.

"All offices will be closed from 8:00-9:30 a.m. with a reduced operation for the remainder of the day through 5 p.m. Offices will not be closed, but staffing will be at a minimum. We greatly appreciate the public's understanding of this important staff offering," Martinez said.

For additional information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at 326.2180, visit offices in Killam Library 268 or email to pais@tamiu.edu.

University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu