Daisy Del Fierro, assistant director, Cougar Card Services, received the A&F V.I.S.I.O.N. Award for having a forward-thinking approach that has directly contributed to the department embracing automation and digital transformation, thus reducing wait times and increasing operational efficiency. She also played a pivotal role in the success of the Cougar Card check-in device rental program and regularly analyzes service metrics, user feedback, and operational data to inform decisions.

Seleste Bautista, graphic designer, Copy, Print and Delivery Services, received an A&F Silent Service Award for her role in high-impact initiatives within the Office of Administration, including leading visual campaigns, promotional materials, strategic plans, and presentation templates. She exemplified the essence of the recognition, working diligently behind the scenes with unwavering dedication and humility.

Kirby Mitchell, senior financial analyst, Business Services, received an A&F Star Performer Award for his behind-the scenes contributions to his department and the Auxiliary Services Department. He had been instrumental in transitioning the annual meal plan program to a new billing method, while improving the reporting structures, making financial tracking more streamlined and transparent.

Cindy Crews, director, Parking and Transportation, received an A&F Star Performer Award for her efforts in transitioning the department to a new enterprise system to oversee all Parking and Transportation programs and services. Her contributions elevated the performance, culture, and reputation of Parking and Transportation Services.

Parking and Transportation's Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Parking Program Team received an A&F Team Innovation Award for the creation of the ADA Accessible Parking Education Training Program. The initiative addressed the issue of individuals parking in ADA spaces. Rather than relying on enforcement, the team developed a solution that combines accountability with education. The program reflects the department's belief that education and empathy are powerful tools for improving compliance and strengthening community awareness.

Parking and Transportation Services received an A&F Team Impact Award for successfully leading a transformative campuswide project that included the replacement of all the gate equipment at the parking garages and lots, and the implementation of a new enterprise parking management system across the University. While a relatively a small department, every team member played a crucial role in successfully managing the complex, months-long project with professionalism, precision, and dedication.

Copy and Print Services received an A&F Team Impact Award for their efforts as part of the Directional Signage/Online Map Team that addressed a critical need ahead of Fall 2025 for clear and accessible wayfinding signage across the campus due to the ongoing construction projects. The team designed and implemented directional signage, hard copy maps for Cougar First Impressions, and updated the online UH Map, including digital pedestrian paths. The initiative supported the University's strategic goals and exemplified a commitment to division collaboration and community care.

UH Dining Services  won the Honorable Mention Loyal E. Horton Dining Award for Residential Special Event of the Year for their 2024 Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month celebration. This prestigious recognition, given by the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS), celebrates UH Dining’ commitment to fostering memorable student experiences on campus. The Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month event featured a culturally inspired menu, lively performances, and partnerships with both on-campus and local community members. 

Cindy Crews, director, Parking and Transportation Services, received the Parking Employee Award of Excellence at the 2024 Texas Parking and Transportation Association (TPTA) Annual Conference. Crews received the recognition for her outstanding leadership and customer-focused initiatives at UH. Under her guidance, the department has made major strides in operational efficiency and service quality while managing a $25 million parking permit program. 

The department’s Lot Spotters program, launched in March 2024, earned the Parking Program Award of Excellence at the 2024 Texas Parking and Transportation Association (TPTA) Annual Conference. Lot Spotters was recognized for its creative, cost-effective approach to customer service and issue resolution. Using QR code-enabled signage, Lot Spotters empowers users to quickly report parking-related issues — such as broken elevators, litter, or maintenance needs — via a short online form. 

Esmeralda Valdez, Ph.D., CASP, executive director of University Services, received the NACAS South Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 National Association of College Auxiliary Services South CX conference. The award recognized her excellence and impact in auxiliary services and higher education.

DaNesha Allen, MBA, SHRM-CP, CASP, senior director of Auxiliary Services, received the Regional Rising Star Award at the 2025 NACAS South CX annual conference. She was recognized for enhancing the University's campus experience and excelling in auxiliary services.

Copy and Print Services earned a Platinum Production & Impression award from ACUP+ for its Report on Philanthropy in the Offset Single Page category.

Parking and Transportation Services has been granted the Accredited Parking Organization with Distinction status by the International Parking & Mobility Institute (IPMI) through December 31, 2027. This accreditation acknowledges excellence in responsible parking management and operations, access management, customer service, professional development, security, sustainability, and other best practices.

DaNesha Allen, MBA, SHRM-CP, CASP, senior director at Auxiliary Services, received a Star Performer Award for enhancing operational efficiencies with dashboards and reports in Revenue Vision, analyzing customer service trends, and promoting meal plan benefits. The nominator described DaNesha as a "star performer."

Chad McDonald, senior executive chef of UH Dining Services, secured third place at the NACUFS 2024 Culinary Challenge during the National Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. Representing the Southern Region for the second year, McDonald's fruit de mer earned him an ACF gold medal. He improved from his 2023 performance, where he received an ACF silver medal.

The University of Houston’s Dining Services won the National Association of College & University Food Services 2024 Loyal E. Horton Dining Award, securing silver in Residential Special Event of the Year for its Diwali celebration at Cougar Woods Dining Commons, part of the Cultural Event Series.

Emily Messa, Ph.D., CASP, senior associate vice chancellor at the University of Houston System and senior associate vice president for Administration at the University of Houston, received a Fulbright Specialist Program award for a project at the American University of Kuwait. The project involved exchanging knowledge and establishing partnerships that provided educational training and training activities for participants, institutions, and communities in the United States and overseas.

Copy and Print Services won three awards from ACUP+: gold for President Suite Ticket Holder (Offset Single-Page), gold for History Magazine—Agents of Change (Offset Multi-Page), and platinum for admitted student packets (Offset Multi-Piece).

Cougar Card Services received the Outstanding Partner/Collaboration Award at the NACAS South Conference. The department shares the award with Atrium, a campus card management system. The award acknowledges a partnership that benefits the university, its community, and business partners. Cougar Card Services started using Atrium in 2023 and noted positive outcomes, such as 93 percent of new on-campus residents having their card by the first day of the fall 2023 semester.