Later this month, Pauline Habetz, director, Recreational and Intramural Programs at the UT Health Science Center’s Recreation Center, will receive the 2008 Employee of the Year Award from the health science center at the annual Texas Medical Center Volunteer Event.

Habetz has been an employee of UT Houston since late 1998 after relocating from Louisiana. She is known for the helping hand she always offers those in need both at work and away from the job. Habetz is an active member of several organizations outside of the health science center and has provided assistance to fellow workers, friends and strangers in need. 

“Elinor Smith, American professional pilot, wrote, ‘It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.’ Pauline does just that – ‘she happens to things!’ ” says Charlie Figari, vice president for Auxiliary Enterprises and Habetz’ boss.

“She has impressive organizational skills, outstanding leadership abilities and compassionate concern for others. She has a unique ability to organize UT events and make them happen — successfully. I always tell her, ‘I am glad that you are here!’  I now know that we all are. I am proud and happy that she is ‘Volunteer of the Year.’ ”

Rose Mary Betancourt-Trevino, senior coordinator, Special Programs in the Office of Institutional Advancement, has called upon Pauline time and again to assist with many projects, including:

• Fun Fest and its predecessor (8 years)
• Lone Star Stampede — formerly Eeyore’s Fun Run (4 years)
• MS150 Bike Ride from Houston to Austin (4 years)
• American Heart Walk (3 years)
• Annual Scholarship Golf Classic (13 years),

as well as numerous groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings.

“Pauline is a credit to the university and to Auxiliary Enterprises,” says Betancourt-Trevino. “A positive force on the university volunteer team, her dedication and enthusiasm are evident in the way she carries out her tasks.”

Habetz also is a major force behind the annual Wellness Fair, sponsored by UT Counseling and WorkLife Services. “Pauline is the No. 1 reason we have a successful Wellness Fair every year,” says Sherry Wilson, executive director, UT Counseling and WorkLife Services.

“Pauline willingly spends hours talking to people, getting vendors, selecting prizes, setting up tables, and anything else that must be done to pull this event off every year. And, she does it with a smile, never complains, and never takes the credit she so richly deserves. Our university is truly blessed to have Pauline working here. I could never say enough good things about her — she is just amazing.”

What’s the opinion of participants in extracurricular university events? George Stancel, Ph.D., dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and frequent participant in such events, says Habetz is one of those special people that is the heart and soul of an organization. “She not only does her own job well, but makes the institution a better and more enjoyable place for others to work.

“Every time I attend a special event,” Stancel says, “it seems that she’s always there with a smile, a friendly word, encouragement — and a cool drink after the MS150, Heart Walk, Fun Runs, or other event. She’s great!”

—Pamela Lewis, Institutional Advancement

Date Posted: 04/01/2008