Small things make big impression
Brett Weller, ESU Media Relations
Originally published 02:49 p.m., February 28, 2008
Updated 02:49 p.m., February 28, 2008
Art Gutierrez, library systems coordinator at Emporia State University, enjoys helping students.
“It sounds silly but it really feels good to help someone with something small like formatting a paper or setting up wireless access on their laptop,” said Gutierrez.
As he helps students and faculty, Gutierrez keeps busy with the other everyday functions of his work. “I maintain the integrated library system for the library,” Gutierrez said. “I coordinate the upgrades and customization of the system. I also handle all the user access and day-to-day problem solving. Along with that, I help maintain the library website and computer hardware and software in the library.”
Gutierrez attended college at Emporia State and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business. In May of 2003, he completed his graduate degree in computer information systems. He will have worked at ESU for four years this April.
What does he like about ESU?
“I like the learning atmosphere,” Gutierrez said. “My dean, Joyce Davis and supervisor, Dalene Hawthorne, are very supportive when it comes to learning new skills. I really enjoy getting to meet the different administrators, faculty, staff and students. The people you meet really enrich the whole campus experience.”
Gutierrez not only draws his inspiration from Emporia State, but from his family.
“I have a lot of inspiration,” Gutierrez said. “I have been inspired by different people on campus whether it is a professor, student or co-worker. My biggest inspiration, though, is my family and my mother. My mother is one of the strongest and smartest people I know.”
Gutierrez has his hand in many different projects on campus. He is co-chair of the classified assembly, which represents all the classified staff on campus. This is especially important this year, as the Kansas legislature is looking at a proposal to implement a new pay system for classified workers. He is also working with the webmaster and the university archivist on creating a picture database of the signatures on the dome at the Anderson Library, which formerly housed University Archives. Finally, Gutierrez is involved in the renovation of the first floor of the William Allen White Library on campus, which will create more areas for students to study in the library.
“ESU to me means bettering yourself. It is a place where I have come to grow as a person and a professional,” Gutierrez said. “Winning this award means I am doing something right and is an incentive to do more.”
His advice for others to help them make a difference on campus: “Listen, be patient and try to help others as much as you can.”
madpoet (anonymous) says...
What award did Art win? The only mention of it in the article is in one of his quotes. I know Art and he is a great guy who loves to help others. I'm glad he apparently is getting some recognition for all his hard work.
February 29, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )