Connected by our shared vision and values, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) team members, students, alumni and friends champion our mission throughout our communities, state and nation. Five core values—One Team, Kindhearted, Integrity, Visionary, and Beyond Service—are integral to our purpose and drive our daily actions.
ACE cards–short for Acknowledging and Celebrating Excellence Cards–are sent from one team member to another to individually recognize and compliment a job well done. Our faculty and staff work tirelessly on a daily basis to uphold our values, and we commend each unique celebration of our team members’ efforts.
During this novel pandemic, protection and safety are on the minds of all West Texans, and working in a healthy, cautious environment is a necessity--particularly for those who work in health care. Below are two individuals who have been recognized by others within the TTUHSC community for upholding the university’s values-based culture while keeping our institution a reliable, safe and comfortable place to be.
Johnny Castellano
Instilling confidence in the safety of our workplace
Juli McCauley of TTUHSC’s School of Medicine recognized the fearless, dedicated “One Team” attitude put forward by Johnny Castellano of Physical Plant Operations, particularly now that adhering to the safety of others takes a great deal of time and effort.
“I know you have devoted so much time and energy to new processes to make sure our facility is a safe place to work,” said McCauley in her ACE Card to Castellano. “Your efforts have made it possible for our team to feel confident in using our building. You and your team have made a huge difference to all of us during this challenging time.”
Sammy Ray II
Tracking the health of the TTUHSC community
School of Medicine’s Logan Heinrich acknowledged Director of Practice Communication Sammy Ray II for helping create a texting tool to check in daily with COVID-positive students and employees, citing that Ray exemplified the “Beyond Service” value in his dedication to the project.
“Student Health Services is responsible for contact tracing and symptom monitoring for the entire TTU community. It is a very heavy lift,” said Heinrich. “This has been a game changer for us in terms of efficiency and effectiveness.”
Heinrich added that Ray not only introduced the tool, but helped implement it with almost no issues.
If each of us felt our well-executed tasks were noticed and appreciated, it would inspire a better environment for all. Especially during the unsure times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the recognition of our collaborative efforts are more important than ever.
Amid the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to forget the little ways that we collaborate as one team, but one way to live up to our values is through gratitude and recognition. Among other methods, the TTUHSC team celebrates these individual achievements with an ACE card.
