The University of Texas at San Antonio
2006 Family of the Year Essay Contest
At UTSA “family” means individuals and group members who support their student. Family members
include parents, spouses, partners, siblings, grandparents, cousins, extended relations, and close
friends. UTSA recognizes that without families, great institutions are not possible. We need families
to prepare students to meet the challenges of higher education and provide support throughout their
undergraduate career. While most consider financial assistance, UTSA understands that “support”
comes in many forms and ways to students.
This award is intended to celebrate the supportive roles families play in the lives of our students and
the University community. Honoring an outstanding family reminds the UTSA community that families
are an essential part of the support network for our students. Their dedication and determination help
our students achieve their higher education goals.
Here is your chance to honor your family with a nomination for this year's UTSA Family of the Year
competition. Simply submit your typed essay of no more than 800 words which specifies why
your family is a great UTSA family. The winner of the contest will receive:
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Complimentary tickets for your family (up to 4 members) to the Homecoming-Family
Weekend Men’s Basketball game on Saturday, February 11 against Lamar University.
A commemorative Homecoming poster signed by the artist and t-shirts.
A commemorative plaque** presented to you and your family Saturday, February 11 during
the men’s basketball halftime.
Your family will also be featured in campus newspapers and on the UTSA website.
A gift package from the UTSA Bookstore-pending confirmation.
Weekend accommodations (one room, two-night stay) at the Westin La Cantera Resortpending confirmation.
**A perpetual plaque will honor the Family of Year at UTSA.
Even if your essay is not chosen, we hope you will share it with your family and use the HomecomingFamily Weekend to spend some "quality time" celebrating your UTSA family.
The award is sponsored by the UTSA Family Association and Orientation and Transition Services.
This information can also be found on the OTS website: http://www.utsa.edu/orientation/index.cfm.
Essays must be typed and submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2006 to:
-Downtown Campus: Downtown Advising Center [BV 1.304]
-1604 Campus: Orientation and Transition Services [UC, Room 1.00.40]
-Via email to Melissa.Ozuna@utsa.edu
The family chosen as "Family of the Year" will be notified by phone on Tuesday, February 7, 2006
2006 Family of the Year
Nomination Form
All entries must be typed and submitted 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2006 to:
-Downtown Campus: Downtown Advising Center [BV 1.304]
-1604 Campus: Orientation and Transition Services [UC, Room 1.00.40]
-Via email to Melissa.Ozuna@utsa.edu
Student Nominator's Name:
Last
First
Middle Initial
UTSA Address:
Street
City
Home/Cell Phone Number:
Zip
Email:
Family Home Address (If different from above):
Street
City
Family's Phone Number:
Family's Email:
@lonestar.edu
State
Zip
Please list the family members you are nominating:
Name
Relation to You
Age
1.
2.
3.
4.
Essays will be judged according to the following criteria:
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Evidence of family's support for student's college success
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Evidence of family's enthusiasm for UTSA
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Creativity
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Grammar. Be sure to spell check and make sure your essay is grammatically correct.
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800 words or less
Nomination Guidelines:
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All UTSA students are eligible to nominate.
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All families are eligible for nomination regardless of alumni status or state of residence.
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Please attach this form to your essay.
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Family members alive or deceased may also be nominated.
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Essays must be typed and submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2006 to:
-Downtown Campus: Downtown Advising Center [BV 1.304]
-1604 Campus: Orientation and Transition Services [UC, Room 1.00.40]
-Via email to orientation@utsa.edu