25 years: A-H

Employee Recognition 2015

Long-term employees play an invaluable role in the life of UT Southwestern Medical Center. Their faithful, dedicated service has helped the institution become what it is today. In this special edition of Center Times, we showcase some of these employees and their varied interests.

 

Evangeline Altamero

As a Registered Nurse II, Evangeline Altamero calls patients and helps set up their appointments, and performs other critical tasks, such as giving pre-operative instructions and handling patient records at Zale Lipshy University Hospital. Mrs. Altamero says that working with her patients is always a rewarding task. “Even though my contact with patients or family is through telephone encounter, it’s rewarding when at the end of our conversations they ask if they will be able to see me,” she says. “I know I have made an impact and done my job.” She is married with two daughters, and has two grandchildren. Her hobbies include playing games, watching movies, and cooking.


Lisa Byrd Belser

Lisa Byrd Belser likes to keep everything in focus – not a surprising trait, since she’s the Medical Photographer for Plastic Surgery. Since the summer of 1989, she has worked to communicate through photos and graphics, initially with Medical Illustrations/Biomedical Communications. At the Plastic Surgery Clinic, Ms. Belser’s work includes photographing both pre- and post-operative patients. “It’s most important to reassure every patient that they are being treated by the best doctors,” she says. Her career at UT Southwestern has been aided by “the great health and retirement benefits, and also knowing that I work for a world-class medical institution.” Ms. Belser says her life is tremendously blessed working with special support staff, world renowned researchers, doctors, and wonderful people – some who have become like family. She received a Meritorious Service Award this year in her department. Away from work, her passions are her faith, her church, and genealogy. Ms. Belser’s retirement plans include spending more time with her husband, Ceasar, a Shih Tzu named Moses, family, and helping those in need. She also loves family gatherings, where she naturally serves as event photographer.


Sandra Boyd

Sandra Boyd is so engaged in her job, she even received an award for her efforts. “[My] most memorable moment [at] UT Southwestern was when I received the best transporter of the month reward,” she says. As a Transporter at Clements University Hospital, Ms. Boyd efficiently moves patients to certain areas of the facility. She stays at UT Southwestern because of “the nice and friendly environment, as well as the opportunity to help patients.” Her co-workers would describe her as a productive and caring leader, but more importantly, she would like to be known as the employee who “would extend a helping hand to all of the patients.” Ms. Boyd has a big family, and when she isn’t working she attends church, goes to movies, and enjoys eating at restaurants.


Connie Cervantes

During her time at UT Southwestern, Connie Cervantes has flourished as a Clinical Data Specialist through the diversity and growth of the medical center. A patient person who is always willing to help, Mrs. Cervantes has had the privilege to work with clinical research data for patients on Phase 1 Clinical Research Studies, where she also reports toxicities. “I started here at UT Southwestern with Hematology-Oncology Pediatrics and left for a brief time and returned,” she says. “Now I’m with Hem-Onc Internal Medicine-Clinical Research, and I feel like I’ve come full circle!” When not working, Mrs. Cervantes spends time with her husband of 39 years, five children, and three grandchildren. She also loves to travel and make great memories.


Betty Chambers

Betty Chambers has stayed at UT Southwestern because she feels she makes a true difference. Mrs. Chambers is Director of Case Management at University Hospital Administration, where her duties include overseeing social work, utilization review, and clinical documentation. She is a passionate and thoughtful person who has enjoyed her time at UT Southwestern, which includes the opening of Zale Lipshy University Hospital in 1989 and Clements University Hospital in 2014. “I have lots of memories and have met and worked with some awesome people,” she says. “I consider that a privilege.” Mrs. Chambers hopes to continue working and to retire at UT Southwestern. She and her husband, Neill, are members of the Lone Star Camaro Club. Currently, Mrs. Chambers is obsessed with genealogy.


Jeff Cormier

Jeff Cormier has one of the most fascinating jobs at UT Southwestern. He is a Research Scientist in the Department of Molecular Genetics. He started out in the same department in 1989, working with oligonucleotide synthesis. Mr. Cormier loves his job, and says it has been a rewarding experience. “Over the years, the Department of Molecular Genetics has been home to countless fascinating scientists from all over the world,” he says. “I’ve greatly enjoyed getting to know and work with so many amazing individuals.” In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family and volunteering with his sons’ Boy Scouts of America troop.


Karen Costanzo Hollon

Karen Costanzo Hollon has one big goal in mind, and that is to get better every day at what she does. As an Administrative Associate in the Department of Urology, Mrs. Costanzo Hollon routes calls for the department, and makes transcriptions for Dr. Claus Roehrborn and Dr. Arthur Sagalowsky. She enjoys being a part of an expanding department. “[My] most rewarding UT Southwestern memory was when I became a member of the Urology Department and seeing it grow from a few people to a large number of people,” she says. She is described as “a team player and a people person.” A few hobbies she and her husband, Michael, share include decorating their home, attending church activities, and garage sales.


Colleen Debes

Colleen Debes is a Registered Nurse II in the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at Clements University Hospital. Her duties as a clinic nurse include working behind the scenes as a coordinator for Adult Cystic Fibrosis patients. Mrs. Debes started at UT Southwestern in 1989 as a Heart Failure Research Coordinator for Dr. Clyde Yancy. She says her “wonderful co-workers and the opportunity to help patients” have helped make her career fulfilling at the medical center. Her co-workers would describe her as an exemplary employee who is a team player with a constant positive attitude. She and her husband of 20 years have two children and a yellow labrador retriever.


Shirley Dixon

A Clinical Staff Assistant III, Shirley Dixon loves being a part of UT Southwestern and Internal Medicine’s Subspecialty Clinic. “It is gratifying to work for and be a part of an organization whose purpose is to treat and find cures for diseases and sickness that affect the world,” she says. Ms. Dixon manages and schedules templates and clinic cancellations, and schedules patient appointments. As a compassionate and respectful professional who knows the importance of giving her best effort, she wants to be known as the employee who “can make you smile.” Mrs. Dixon is the youngest of 11 children.


Jaime Downie

As a Maintenance Supervisor in the Utilities Department, Jaime Downie takes his job seriously. He maintains all mechanical equipment, such as exhaust fans and pumps, as well as steam pressure reducing stations and condensate systems. Mr. Downie started his career working in maintenance, and he has stayed due to his “co-workers and the positive atmosphere.” He is dedicated to his work, takes pride in what he does, and every year, he and his fellow co-workers take part in the annual Heart Walk. When he isn’t working at UT Southwestern, he is at home working on home improvement projects and in his yard. He and his wife, Brenda, have a daughter, Ashley.


Kathy Durham

As a Support Services Coordinator at UT Southwestern, Kathy Durham works in Respiratory Therapy at Clements University Hospital. She manages computer applications, provides staff education and orientation, tracks licenses and certifications, and is a resource for assistant managers. “I sense the desire for excellence, not just in words, but also in action and policy,” she says. Her co-workers describe her as “honest and consistent.” Mrs. Durham has been married for 37 years and has three children; two daughters and a son. Her hobbies include knitting, reading, cooking, singing, and playing the handbells.


Eula Edwards

For 25 years, Eula Edwards has worked as a Housekeeping Attendant in the Environmental Services Department. Mrs. Edwards has stayed at UT Southwestern because of “the people, benefits, and all the friends I’ve made.” She would like to be known as the Zale Lipshy University Hospital employee who works diligently at everything she does. When she is not working hard in the hospital, Mrs Edwards is working hard on her health. When asked about her long-term goals, she said she’s determined to stay focused on excellent health and fitness. Mrs. Edwards has a husband and a daughter, and her passion is spending time with them. Her hobbies include traveling, watching movies, and bowling.


Kim Edwards

Kim Edwards works in the Department of Pharmacology, where she is a Financial Affairs Manager. She coordinates the accounting operations of the department, which includes planning, budgeting, and reporting the state and grant financial data. The wonderful opportunities provided by UT Southwestern have kept her here. “UT Southwestern has so many opportunities to offer its employees,” she says. “There is room to advance in your career or switch careers. I enjoy working with all different people and have made some really great friends along the way.”


John Faison

A Surgical Services Implant Coordinator, John Faison is a tenacious worker who wants to be known as the employee who always tried to do an excellent job. Mr. Faison started at UT Southwestern as a Surgical Technologist, and now works in the OR Management and Support Department at Zale Lipshy University Hospital, where he orders implants, posts positions, and posts OR changes. He plans on retiring within the next five years to spend more time with his wife, two daughters, and two grandsons. Outside of work, Mr. Faison enjoys riding motorcycles.


Kenny Flick

Kenny Flick takes pride in working hard at UT Southwestern, and for 25 years he has delivered – literally. Mr. Flick is a Mail Clerk in Mail Services Administration, and his job is to work delivery mail routes and meter machines. He has stayed at UT Southwestern due to the job security and benefits offered. A “nice and reliable” person as described by his co-workers, he has a great sense of humor. Mr. Flick’s long-term career goal is to work long enough so his sons can go to college. His wish, of course, is to win the lottery. Outside work, his hobbies include playing poker, traveling, and attending school activities. He and his wife have two sons, Brad, 13, and Kyle, 15.


Reginald Giddens

Reginald Giddens has worked in the Environmental, Health, and Safety Department since 1989. As a Safety Specialist I, he collects and disposes of radioactive wastes from UT Southwestern laboratories. Mr. Giddens likes the job security offered at UT Southwestern, as well as his co-workers and the nice work environment. Although not an earthshaking event, he says he’s happy to have “survived my first earthquake at UT Southwestern!” He is funny and dependable, but, more importantly, Mr. Giddens says he still looks the same after 25 years. Away from work he loves motorcycling and working on old trucks. A faithful Christian, Mr. Giddens’ family includes his wife, Arlene, and Alex, Richard, Jackie, and Ana.


Keith Gravley

Keith Gravley works as a Senior Moving Attendant in the Bryan Williams, M.D. Student Center, where he has had the opportunity to watch the campus grow. Mr. Gravley is a laid-back person who began his career at UT Southwestern in 1989 as a Carpenter Helper. If he got his wish, Mr. Gravley would probably tell you that he hit the Powerball and is now out fishing. His long-term goal is to retire and live a happy life with his wife, Alison. The couple has a son, Nathan, and a daughter, Devyn, who is going to nursing school on a full academic scholarship. When he isn’t working, Mr. Gravley is helping both of his kids build their first cars.


Danny Green

As an Operating Room Attendant in the Surgery Department, Danny Green enjoys coming into work every day at Zale Lipshy University Hospital. Although his self-proclaimed greatest claim to fame would be to retire one day, Mr. Green still looks forward to working and learning at UT Southwestern for as long as he can. He has stayed at the medical center because of his job and its benefits, the atmosphere, and the people around him. His co-workers would say he is a man who does his job without complaining, and is willing to continue working if asked to do so. For fun, he likes to do yardwork, travel, and spend time with his family.


Sandra Hall

In five years, Sandra Hall will have completed her doctorate in Physical Therapy. As a manager in Outpatient Therapy Services at Zale Lipshy University Hospital, Mrs. Hall manages the physical medicine and rehabilitation practice on both the physician and therapy sides. She loves everything about her job, from her co-workers to the patients. Mrs. Hall wants to be known as the employee who is passionate about patient care. “Marge Head was my mentor and boss for many years,” she says. “She taught me to engage and laugh with my patients, [and] it gives you a connection of laughter.” She is married, and has two sons who are firefighters, as well as a daughter who is in physical therapy school. Once retired, she hopes to use her degree in the mission field.


Leah Hayden

Leah Hayden, an Accountant III in University Hospital Administration’s Finance Department, started out in 1989 as a Receptionist in St. Paul University Hospital. She credits “great co-workers and having challenging work” for keeping her here at the medical center. Her co-workers playfully tease her because her work space is decorated like home. “I have really appreciated the support and encouragement that I have received from my co-workers throughout the years,” she says. “I have worked with many wonderful people who have been like family to me.” She plans to retire at UT Southwestern and open a small antique or gift shop. Ms. Hayden has two sisters, Carol and Lisa – her identical twin – a brother-in-law, Brian, a niece, Stefany, and two cats, Romeo and Juliet.