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HR Team,
As we close out 2022, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on all we've done together this year. From my joining the office in July, I've felt unbelievably welcomed and grateful to be part of this team. Together, we've embarked on a strategic planning process, we've adjusted our askHR hours and processes, we've found ways to spend quality time as a team, we've restructured and welcomed new colleagues, we've made amazing headway on many of our initiatives and projects as well as continued to support the employees of Notre Dame every day. I want to thank you for all the work you've done this year and, more importantly, the way you've approached your work - I appreciate the candor, the vulnerability, that you go the extra mile when needed, and your openness to new ways of working.
I'm excited for everything 2023 will bring us as we continue to evolve! In the new year, I'd like to ask each team to join me for breakfast as a chance to talk about the things you're working on and get to know you even more. We will get these on the calendar in the coming weeks!
I wish you and your families the happiest of holidays and lots of rest and relaxation!
Heather
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Hilary Loso Promotion
Effective January 1st, Hilary Loso is being promoted to People Services, Sr. Associate. Hilary advanced in the People Services Progression by demonstrating advanced knowledge in multiple specialities. Congratulations to Hilary!
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Conference Room Swap
You may have noticed that the 211 conference room is now occupied by one of our own! We are in the process of switching conference rooms - Room 123 will be available shortly for all to use. All are welcome - we will keep you posted as the furniture becomes a bit more set in the new space and the google calendar is updated. Thanks for your patience!
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Please be sure to empty the fridge!
In advance of the break, please be sure to empty out any food you might have in the fridge. Anything still in the fridge at noon TODAY, will be thrown out.
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Hanakkuh (Dec. 18 - 26, 2022)
The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar and usually falls in November or December. Hanukkah 2022 begins on the evening of Sunday, December 18 and ends on the evening of Monday, December 26. Often called the Festival of Lights, the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts.
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Kwanzaa (Dec 26, 2022 - Jan 1, 2023)
Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, created Kwanzaa in 1966. After the Watts riots in Los Angeles, Dr. Karenga searched for ways to bring African Americans together as a community. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, but celebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal. On each of the seven nights, the family gathers and a child lights one of the candles on the Kinara (candleholder), then one of the seven principles is discussed. The principles, called the Nguzo Saba (seven principles in Swahili) are values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing community among African-Americans. Kwanzaa also has seven basic symbols which represent values and concepts reflective of African culture.
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Becky Pike | Sr. Benefits Specialist
What is one thing your colleagues should know about you? I grew up in Vermont and lived there my entire life before relocating to Indiana. I began taking horseback riding lessons when I was 7 years old which led to me competing in horse shows. Riding became my passion from that point forward. I took my first Jr. Equitation Championship when I was just 10 years old and subsequently took two more championships. By the time I was a sophomore in high school I had finally saved enough money to be able to buy my own horse. He was a Morgan/Arabian horse originally from Minnesota.
What is one of your proudest achievements in your life thus far?
Following high school I went to college and decided that an Associate's Degree would be enough. As an adult, I realized I needed, and wanted, to further my education. At that point in my life I had a full-time job and a family, which included a toddler. It took me 7 years, it wasn't easy and there were definitely times when I felt like I couldn't do it anymore but I pushed through. I wanted to be a role model for my son and I wanted him to see that no matter what, you can do anything you put your mind to!
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Below is a note received from an employee who was helped by the Compassion Fund this year. For those who don't know, the fund is designed to help University employees in the greatest of need.
"Just wanted to take the time to say Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you, staff and all of your families. And to say thank you again for helping me receive the compassion fund assistance. I really am enjoying my new apartment. Thank You."
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HR Christmas Party
Thanks to everyone who made last Friday's Christmas Celebration such a wonderful event! If you didn't grab a christmas gift at the party, please stop by and see Ashley Wright in the new year to receive yours!
Check out the photos here from the photo booth on Friday and this gem of a "photo" below.
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A huge congratulations goes to our best elf adventurers, Kelly S. and Greg! Kelly had Bob wrecking into Caity's office, and Greg initiated a stand off between Tonk and Darth Vader at Mark's office.
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Enjoy these local options for christmas light viewing ~
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As we head into a time of year that is sacred for many, I’d like to return to the Catholic perspective on why caring for our common home is so important. Pope Francis published his second encyclical, Laudato Si’ (“Praise Be to You,” based on a prayer from his namesake, Saint Francis of Assisi), in May 2015. It involves critiques of consumerism, climate change, and the ways humans have poorly impacted the environment. Its basis is in the common home that we’ve been entrusted to maintain and the good will we should be extending to each other. We should do what we can to halt climate change and promote environmentalism by limiting what we consume and refocusing ourselves as not the arbiters over this Earth, but as a creation of God much in the same way as the Earth is a part of creation. Many religions have shared perspectives on environmentalism and why humans need to continue taking action. I encourage everyone to look more into this monumental document as we consider why we should care about climate change and future generations.
Notre Dame Magazine has released several essays/articles related to this subject, which I will link to below:
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- Anyone who might be struggling with mental health or are missing a loved one during the holiday season
- Those traveling through the storm this week
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If you have information you'd like included in future newsletters please send those to Emily. Any content received by noon on Thursday each week will be included in Friday's newsletter. Thank you!
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