This summer, Esmeralda Valdez, Ph.D., executive director of University Services and
Neil Hart, MBA, assistant vice president of Parking and Transportation, showcased
their talents outside of their work responsibilities.
For Valdez, the season brought an opportunity to share her expertise in the classroom, instructing professionals at the College Business Management Institute’s Advanced Auxiliary Services course at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. She drew on her more than 30 years of experience in higher education and her commitment to the National Association of College Auxiliary Services (NACAS).
“This opportunity allowed me to contribute to the professional development of higher education business officers, while also representing our institution and sharing best practices from our auxiliary operations,” Valdez said.
The CBMI offers intensive courses for college and university administrators, enabling participants to earn continuing professional credits or a certificate of completion from the Treasury Institute of Higher Education after three years of summer instruction.
“The course content aligned closely with our strategic initiatives in student support services, budget/financial management, and technology enhancements, and offered valuable insights to participants,” Valdez added.
Hart set his sights, along with his teammates, on the National Senior Games, held in Des Moines, Iowa, competing in the Men’s 55+ AA Division of the three-on-three basketball event. Hart joined more than 12,500 athletes aged 50 and older across 31 sports. His team was among 12 vying for the top spot.
“This was my first time at this event,” said Hart, who has been hooping it up since he was 10 years old — playing two years in junior college. “I learned about it from the many leagues I have and still play in over the years. There are still guys I know playing in the 65+ and 70+ divisions this year.”
Over four days, the team played 11 games against formidable opponents, many of whom were former Division 1 collegiate players averaging more than 6 feet, 5 inches tall. Ultimately, Hart’s team earned a silver medal, finishing second in their division and cherishing the experience and camaraderie.
“We were in awe of the athletes who were competing in the 80-85 and 85-90 divisions,” Hart said. “Watching athletes that were more than 25 years older than us and still competing and loving the game was truly inspirational. It’s our goal to still be playing at that age.”