RBS January/February Newsletter

Volume 5 | Issue 1 | Jan/Feb 2024

• Did You Know?

• HR News • RBS Staff News • RBS Staff Event • Moroccan-Spiced Chicken Soup

RBS Staff Newsletter Table of Contents 03

03

A Message from Dean Lei Newsletter Committee Updates

04 & 05 Staff Spotlights

Ali Shaikh

Lloyd Brown

06 Did You Know?

07 Employee Assistance Programs

08 & 09 HR News

10 Community News

11 & 12 Finance/Procurement Updates 13

Professional Development Updates

14 University Training & RBS Courses

15 Rcomm News 16 Staff News

17 Event News

14

17 Page 2

18&19

Staff Shared Recipe

20

Mental Health Month - Jan.

21

Black History Month - Feb.

Volume 5 | Issue 1 | Jan./Feb. 2024

A Message from Dean Lei The spring semester is always very busy at RBS, with many events and activities.

Thank you to everyone on the front lines of providing an excellent RBS student experience, whether it’s through advising services, career management, or other programming efforts. This March, RBS will be even busier as we undergo an accreditation review by the AACSB, which occurs every five years for all colleges and universities that are AACSB accredited. I’d like to thank all of you who have been actively involved in the preparation. And then soon after, we will be heading into graduation season, which is always a time of great excitement and pride for our students, with many special events, award ceremonies and celebrations leading up to the convocations. Thank you for your strong support and for helping to make these events meaningful and memorable for our students and their families. Go RBS!

Newsletter Committee Updates Happy New Year! 2024! WOW! Shouldn’t we be flying around by now like the Jetson’s? I know, I know, I am dating myself. If you don’t know who the Jetson’s are, Google them!

This year, I decided instead of choosing a New Year’s resolution that will most likely fizzle out by the end of the month (because let’s face it, it is a lot of pressure to keep something going for a year) that I am going to pick a word each month and live up to it’s meaning. It is a fun game to play with myself and it keeps me on my toes. I choose my word very carefully, and I write about how I live up to the meaning of the word in my journal. This month I chose the word LOVING, to coincide with Valentines Day. Be well - Karin Inside RBS is seeking guest contributors to share their department news, events, plus family milestones with us! We are excited to welcome our new feature “Cooking with Karen” to our newsletter! Each issue, Karen Walters will share with us her favorite cooking tips, tricks, hacks and recipies! Welcome Karen!!!

Please help us keep the RBS Staff Newsletter interesting, current, and collaborative and send your photos, articles, and suggestions to RBSstaffnews@business.rutgers.edu.

This issue’s contributors: Mala Bhola, Alyssa Clauhs, Karin Crimmins, Karen Walters, and, Melissa Rivera.

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RBS Staff Newsletter

Staff Spotlight Ali Shaikh

PROGRAM COORDINATOR Human Resources

Q. What department do you work for?

A. Human Resources in the Dean’s Office.

Q. What is your favorite food?

A.Kabuli pulao (Afghani rice) or Kanafeh (a cheese dessert from Palestine).

Q. What are some of your hobbies?

A. Working out, live music, and community organizing.

Q. What’s the most unique part about working here?

A. I get to work across two campuses.

Q. What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

A. I would be a therapist because I love talking about the mind and wellness/mindfulness and helping people build skills to heal mentally/spiritually/emotionally.

Q. What television show or movie are you ashamed to admit that you love?

A. Any reality dating show (Love Island, Love is Blind, Too Hot To Handle, etc.)

Q. If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?

A. I would buy a small apartment in Brooklyn or Queens.

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RBS Staff Newsletter

Staff Spotlight Lloyd Brown

USER SUPPORT SERVICES SPECIALIST Office of Technology and Instructional Services

Q. What department do you work for?

A. I work for OTIS (Office of Technology and Instructional Services) Q. What is your favorite food?

A. My favorite food is pizza

Q. What are some of your hobbies?

A. Coaching youth basketball

Q. What’s the most unique part about working here?

A. I like the fact that my department helps to ensure that faculty and students have a meaningful learning experience Q. What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

A. In my mind an actor, but in reality, working in the ministry Q. What are the three words that best describe you?

A. Fun, easy going, and laid back

Q. What television show or movie are you ashamed to admit that you love?

A.The Incredible Hulk television series from the 80’s Q. What would you name the autobiography of your life?

A. Lessons Learned

Q. If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?

A. Buy a winter home on a tropical island Page 5

RBS Staff Newsletter

Did You Know?

Rutgers University Stormwater Awareness Impervious surfaces at the University, such as paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops, do not allow rain and snowmelt to infiltrate into the ground, causing stormwater runoff. Stormwater runoff can carry harmful pollutants like oils, plastics, chemicals, and lawn fertilizers that can be detrimental to the waterbodies within, and downstream of our University campuses. In order to affirm Rutgers’ longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship we must take action to reduce our stormwater impacts and improve the quality of our waterways.

Rutgers Institutional Planning and Operations maintains a comprehensive stormwater pollution prevention program to minimize the impact of stormwater runoff: • The Utilities group installs new and maintains existing stormwater infrastructure. Maintenance includes inspecting and cleaning storm inlets and outlets, installing trash guards to catch floatable debris, and performing masonry repairs.

Rutgers University Institutional Planning and Operations Annual Stormwater Fast Facts:

• More than 1,800 miles of roads and parking lots swept • 442 cubic yards of waste collected from street sweeping • More than 1,500 storm inlets and storm manholes inspected • 65 storm drains cleaned of litter and debris • 19 trash guards installed to prevent litter and debris from entering waterways • 6 masonry repairs made to stormwater infrastructure • Excavated and replaced stormwater main piping on Livingston campus • Stormwater retention basin and headwall restoration work along Ryders Lane and the Center for Women’s Programs • 300 feet of subsurface stormwater detention pipe installed to alleviate drainage issues at Rutgers Plant Science Research and Extension Farm The university community can do its part to help protect our stormwater as well: • Limit the use of fertilizers and pesticides • Properly dispose of hazardous waste through your city, town, or municipality • Clean up after your pets • Volunteer during community clean up days • Place litter in proper trash receptacles • Properly manage yard waste (composting, recycling lawn grass clippings) • Avoid dumping anything down storm drains

For additional information on stormwater management, please visit: • New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Stormwater website: http://www.nj.gov/dep/ stormwater/

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RBS Staff Newsletter

Employee Assistance Programs Timely Topic: Is it just the “Winter Blues”?

Do you feel different in the winter than you do the summer? Maybe you feel sluggish, tired, or even sad? If so, then you are not alone. The “winter blues” are common and can be more than “just” the winter blues. It is also referred to as SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder. Even though it is seasonal, usually lasting from late fall to early spring, there are strategies for managing so you can feel better sooner.

“About 10 million Americans experience SAD, which is a form of depression that usually affects people from mid to late fall through the early days of spring. “The most common misconception is that it is ‘just’ winter blues and not that big of a deal” -Dr. Jeff Temple, licensed psychologist and professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch, 2022 Common symptoms of SAD are reduced energy, changes in eating and sleeping habits, less interest in activities, weight gain, and feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. SAD can be caused by decreased serotonin which is a result of less daylight. Also, if the temperature is colder, it could limit outdoor time and exposure to sunlight as well. SAD may also affect women more than men partly due to hormonal makeup. People who have had a previous diagnosis of depression, anxiety, and mood disorders are also more likely to experience SAD as well.

Traditional treatment approaches that are effective in managing and treating SAD are talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication. However, there are other strategies to help manage SAD beyond the traditional approaches as well. For example, it’s important to have a sleep routine to help keep your body and hormones regulated such as going to bed and getting up at the same times. Additionally, limiting screen time before bed and utilizing strategies to wind down such as reading or listening to a sleep meditation. There is also a “light exposure tool” that mimics sunlight and can even be purchased online. Lastly, having a self-care plan prepared and in place that includes both activities as well as basic wellness tips will be helpful as well.

Employee Assistance Program Piscataway (732) 235-5930 Newark (973) 972-5429 Voorhees (856) 770-5750 https://ubhc.rutgers.edu/eap/overview.xml Services: • Employee Counseling • Supervisory Training • Supervisor Consultations • Substance Abuse Services • On-site Seminars • Crisis Debriefing

Remember the EAP is still available, including remote telehealth services, to you and any family member residing in your household, should you be experiencing any stress during this time.

All services are free and confidential. Your employer has already provided this as another benefit to you. No information is shared with your employer without written consent from you.

Not only is the EAP available for concerns related to work stress, we also work with individuals, couples and families for reasons such as personal difficulties, relationship concerns, grief, anxiety management, parenting issues, time management, and substance misuse assessments.

Whatever your concerns, we are here for you. Feel free to reach out to us by telephone if you have any questions, concerns or would like to schedule an appointment.

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HRNews

Volume 5 | Issue 1 | Jan./Feb. 2024

As part of our ongoing Planning for the Future education programming, we are pleased to announce the next series of webinars focused on Social Security and financial wellness. These webinars are intended to provide employees with the tools and education necessary to manage finances and help make the best financial decisions for themselves, their families, and their futures. Webinars are available to all Rutgers employees and are free of charge. Below is a list of the Planning for the Future webinars and links to register.

Webinar Topics and Registration Links:

Social Security – How to Navigate Your Benefits Presented by SSA - February 13th, 1 p.m.

This session will provide an overview of Social Security and Medicare for retirement purposes.

Financial Wellness Overview Presented by MetLife - February 15th, 12 p.m.

Provides a high-level overview of five common financial topics: saving, investing, protecting, retiring, and estate planning. Topics addressed include compound interest, asset allocation, various insurance types, retirement income, and estate planning.

Voya Cares Presented by Voya - March 13th, 10 a.m.

We could all use a little help planning for the future – and when you have special needs to consider, knowing where to start and what resources are available can be one of the biggest challenges. We’re committed to helping all Americans retire better and making a positive impact in the lives of people with disabilities as well as their families and caregivers. Visit Voya Cares to learn more. State of NJ - Department of the Treasury - NJDPB | Alternate Benefit Program Fine-Tune Your Retirement Strategy: Investing Toward a Secure Future Presented by TIAA - March 21st, at 2 p.m.

Moving beyond investing basics to help fine-tune saving and investing strategies for retirement and build a more secure future.

Social Security and Your Retirement Presented by Corebridge - April 9th, 12 p.m.

Social Security is an important element in retirement planning. This workshop explores the cost of retirement, as well as options for claiming and maximizing Social Security benefits and how to bridge possible income gaps.

Retirement Risks Presented by MetLife - April 10th, at 10 a.m.

Provides an overview of five retirement risks that many retirees may face: 1) longevity, 2) inflation, 3) rate of withdrawal, 4) asset allocation, and 5) health care. Explains each risk and offers ideas to help overcome them.

We also encourage you to take advantage of our wellness resources on the UHR Wellness website and access many of the wellness seminars previously offered by visiting the Rutgers Employees First Webinar Series Staff Changes website.

Stay tuned for more updates!

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HRNews

Volume 5 | Issue 1 | Jan./Feb. 2024

Staff Hires & Separations

Hello Everyone, please join me in welcoming our new employees to the RBS family! We are excited to have them join us and we look forward to meeting you all!

New Employees:

Name: Ann Pulido Title: Editorial Media Assistant Department: Center for Operations Research Name: Catherine O’Leary-Mobilian Title: Senior Department Administrator Department: RBS-HR

Name: Jennifer Rodrigues Title: Assistant Director Department: RBS Alumni & Corp Engagement Name: Zachary Corby Title: Senior Academic Coordinator Department: Master Quantitative Finance

Good-bye to these RBS family members. We wish them continued success in all of their future endeavors.

Dijah Allen - Student Advisor Undergrad, New Brunswick

Shy Hopkins - Program Coordinator NJ Small Business Development Center

Ingrid Belle - Senior Program Coordinator Center for Supply Chain Management

Katelyn Fitzmaurice - Program Coordinator Undergrad - Newark

Staff Changes

Brody Sheldon - Senior Program Coordinator Supply Chain Management - Newark Stay tuned for more updates!

Sarah Orsay - Director of Development University Foundation

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RBS Staff Newsletter Community News

The 42nd bi-annual New Jersey Film Festival will be take place January 26-February 18 and will include in-person screenings on Rutgers campus as well as online viewing. Film categories include documentary, animation, short films, and narrative features. http://njfilmfest.com/

What’s all the buzz about? It’s time for the Bee-ginning Beekeeping: The Basics of Apiculture class.

Participants complete the course, which will take approximately 14 hours, at their own pace anytime between January 15-February 19. There is an optional live Q & A session with the instructors during which you can ask questions about the course content. https://www.cpe.rutgers.edu/beekeeping/beginners-beekeeping#:~:text=Course%20Overview,to%20bee%20biology%20and%20management Get some fresh air this winter with a visit to Rutgers Gardens, a 180-acre botanical garden open daily Tuesdays to Sundays. Free. https://rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu/

Check out the three new exhibitions opening at the Zimmerli Art Museum, 71 Hamilton St. over the next few months. https://zimmerli.rutgers.edu/ The Newark Meuseum of Art has an exhibit for everyone! I encourage to you to get lost in the beauty of the exhibits with friends and family, or even alone! https://newarkmuseumart.org/

New Brunswick City Center: A Culinary Journey Across the Globe- Indulge your palate in the diverse and artistic culinary landscape of New Brunswick City Center, where a myriad of flavors await. From private tastings to date night specials, bottomless brunches, and chef specialties, the city’s culinary scene this winter is flourishing. https://www.newbrunswick.com/

Genesis Festival Of New Plays ‘24- The Genesis Festival this season will celebrate a constellation of exciting, gifted writers in an experience that brings artists and audiences together under one roof and in one most extraordinary event and shared conversation. https://www.crossroadstheatrecompany.org/ Shen Yun 2024- The moment the curtain opens, you enter a wondrous dream. Shen Yun takes you on an extraordinary journey through China’s 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture. https://www.shenyun. com/

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RBS Staff Newsletter

Finance-Pro Finance Data, Analytics, and Reports The Finance Data, Analytics, and Reporting team has information available, under Finance Reports, on the University Controller’s website to help with your reporting and training needs.

The information is organized by category. Click the red plus sign to expand the category to display additional links to report templates and training material. For example: if you expand the Running Oracle Reports category, the training information is arranged by the Oracle reporting tool, such as BI Publisher, Financial Reporting Center, Oracle Financial Cloud, OTBI and Smart View.

Learn more here.

Projects Cost Adjustment Spreadsheet Quick Guide The Create Nonlabor Costs for Third-Party Applications spreadsheet is used to create project cost adjustments between the General Ledger and Projects or between Projects and Projects. A one-pager quick guide has been created to help users complete the spreadsheet accurately and ensure the entry posts correctly.

In addition, project costs adjustment classes are held monthly. To enroll in a class, navigate to the Cornerstone registration website. https://cornerstone.rutgers.edu/training/

Smart View Resources - chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://finance.rutgers.edu/sites/default/files/2021-07/URL%20and%20Smartview%20Changes.pdf Smart View is an Excel based reporting tool that allows you to utilize data contained in our Oracle Financial Management System while using the functionality contained within Excel. You can start with templates or a blank sheet as you begin importing data to create your own report. Smart View templates are available on the Training and Job Aids webpage, under the Running Oracle Reports section.

To use Smart View, you must have the following: • The Smart View plug-in loaded on your machine.

• Access to Oracle Financial Management System • A basic understanding of Excel.

Listed below are YouTube training videos published by Oracle. Please note these videos provide an overview of Smart View and some Smart View processes may be different for Rutgers. https://www.youtube. com/user/oraclelearning • Setting up Smart View • Creating Basic Ad Hoc Reports in Smart View • Creating Advanced Ad Hoc Reports in Smart View Page 11

RBS Staff Newsletter

Finance-Pro

The training schedule for the financial management system has now been published. Please take a moment to review and enroll in the following classes which are available throughout the month of February 2024. To enroll in the financial management system virtual training, navigate to the Cornerstone registration website.

In addition, online training presentations, web-based tutorials and job aids are available on the Canvas website under the Financial Management Course Pathway. To arrange a training session specific to your department’s needs or if you have questions, please contact the Financial Management Help Desk at finance_helpcenter@finance.rutgers.edu.

Just a reminder that Payroll Services offers Commitment Accounting and Time Entry online courses. Online instruction material, videos and other job aids can be viewed through the Canvas website under the Human Resources and Payroll Course Pathway. Please login with your NetID and password. For questions pertaining to the Commitment Accounting course, please send an email to commitacctg@payroll. rutgers.edu. For any Time Entry course inquiries, email us at timelabor@payroll.rutgers.edu.

Advanced Project Cost Adjustments Transfer and Split/Transfer Virtual Training 2/13/2024 10:00 AM Advanced Project Cost Adjustments Non-Labor Spreadsheet Virtual Training 2/14/2024 9:30 AM Advanced Project Cost Adjustments Non-Labor Spreadsheet Virtual Training 2/20/2024 10:00 AM

Financial Management System Non-Sponsored Projects Reporting Virtual Training 2/26/2024 9:30 AM

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RBS Staff Newsletter

Professional Development & Committee Updates

On behalf of the RBS Professional Development Committee, we are pleased to announce the 2023-2024 academic schedule for upcoming professional development trainings along with course descriptions.

To register, please click on the registration link(s) listed below. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with a calendar invite.

Microsoft Forms March 22, 2024 10:00 - 11:30 Registration link: https://rutgers.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEpf-2orDsjHtTXFgVVZHn1m5DVmGxSBmtw Microsoft Forms • Forms for surveys and quizzes • Form templates • Creating forms • Customizing forms • Using form design tools • Distributing forms • Duplicating and managing forms • Collecting survey data

New Tools & Media in PowerPoint May 3, 2024 10:00 - 12:00 Registration link: https://rutgers.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcvdOCvrz8pGdMCShlZwFuFF19Gsh1TJ4VO New Tools & Media in PowerPoint • PowerPoint templates and Infographics • Accessibility tools • Cameo • Zooms • Transitions & Animations • Themes • PowerPoint Audio

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RBS Staff Newsletter

University Training & Courses University Public Safety

University Public Safety is committed to working in partnership with students, faculty, and staff to provide a safe, enjoyable, and fulfilling university experience. To better prepare the community for emergency situations, we are offering a virtual Workplace Violence and Active Shooter training session. Vincent DeNota, director of security services for the Rutgers University Police Department, will discuss key elements of prevention and mitigation strategies to utilize in the event of an emergency. The training will be held virtually on Friday, March 22, 2024, at 10:00 am and is designed for faculty and staff who have not received formal in-person instruction.

You are encouraged to register via the link below. Working together, we can enhance safety and security at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bvK4qQZ2YukZt9s

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RBS Staff Newsletter

RComm News Rutgers R Resources Ready for All Units to Use You can now begin using the new Rutgers R visual identity system for all your communications and marketing materials and promotional items. The guidelines that outline the system and the resources that support your use of it are in place. Everyone can start the transition to using the Rutgers R as the primary universitywide logo.

New Identity Guidelines Available UCM has produced a new Rutgers Visual Identity System User Guide and Quick Guide to provide direction on how to use the Rutgers R in communications, marketing, and merchandise applications. These guides outline allowable colors, signature style options, and resources available to help you apply the Rutgers R on your materials.

Rutgers R for Your Unit The Rutgers R signatures for the chancellor units and schools are available for download. Additionally, you can now request a Rutgers R signature for your unit or department. A signature is the styled text of your unit’s name that aligns to the right of or underneath the Rutgers R. Once you submit a new signature request, it will be reviewed by the designated contact for each main unit, and then by UCM. Upon approval, signature graphic files will be created and emailed to you for use. Those files also will be archived and available through the signature search function. Please be sure to search before requesting a new signature.

Digital Templates and E-Stationery A new webpage that includes downloadable, branded templates for PowerPoint, e-letterhead, email signatures, and virtual meeting backgrounds is now available to help you transition to using the Rutgers R. Business Cards and Swag UCM has collaborated with Rutgers preferred vendors for printed stationery and branded items to make sure these purchasing portals reflect the new logos. You or your business team can order Rutgers R business cards and printed stationery using RU Marketplace through the Dupli punchout. For easy use on orders of promotional items, newly created unit signatures will automatically be sent to swag.rutgers.edu for addition to the portal’s logo library.

How Can I Get Help?

Stay up-to-date with the latest Rutgers R resources and read the related Q&A at communications.rutgers.edu. All resources and details about using the Rutgers R will be posted by UCM. https://communications.rutgers.edu/ brand-policies-visual-identity-guidelines

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RBS Staff Newsletter

Staff News

Colleagues enjoying some time together at the Museum in Newark!

Magda Comeau with her mother, Margret, daughter, Aimee, and granddaughter, Nora.

On display at the Newark Museum was a Tibetan Buddhist altar. This is traditionally constructed as a sacred space to house images of the Buddha and his teachings. The altar serves as a focus of Buddhist religious ritual and as a place for profound contemplation. Offerings are placed on the altar as an expression of the practitioner’s devotion to the principle of enlightenment.

The Museum’s Tibetan Buddhist altar was created as part of a special project, Tibet, the Living Tradition (1988-91). Working with the Museum staff and a team of Tibetan consultants and scholars, Mr. Dorje designed and created the altar.

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RBS Staff Newsletter

Event News

The Rutgers University Center for Real Estate hosted its 4th annual scholarship celebration on Monday at the Rutgers Club in Piscataway. Fifty students who received awards ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 over the past two semesters were honored. The Center for Real Estate has awarded nearly $2,000,000 in scholarships since its inception in 2014.

Donors of the scholarships, including members of the Rutgers Center for Real Estate Executive Committee, Advisory Board and Leaders Council, made up the other half of the guest list. Several of the students were awarded named scholarships donated by ICSC/Glenn and Mary Rufrano, the Hasan family, the Inspired Company, the Hampshire Real Estate Companies, and the Wilf/Tanzman and Kokes families.

Glenn Rufrano, former CEO of VEREIT, President, ICSC Foundation, and one of our most generous donors, said, “Your students are bright, ambitious and eager to succeed, and we are proud to continue our support of the Center’s programs and students.”

Lei Lei, Dean of Rutgers Business School, was among the guests who attended the dinner and had a chance to meet some of the real estate students and alumni. “The celebration of these scholarship recipients reflects the commitment of Rutgers Business School to reward excellent students,” Lei said. “It was heart-warming to see the appreciation the students and alumni had for the donors who work closely with the Center for Real Estate.”

Morris Davis, Paul V. Profeta Chair of Real Estate, and the Academic Director of the Rutgers Center for Real Estate, spoke of the quality of the students, “This year we have taught some of the strongest students in the program. Several of the students participated on real estate case competitions and won or placed against large, well-known universities. The Center awards so many scholarships thanks to the generosity of the Advisory Board, Leaders Council, and the many supporters we have, and we are so grateful to them.”

Ron Ladell, Chair of the Board of the Center for Real Estate, and Adjunct Professor for eight years, has reviewed hundreds of scholarship applications, and remarked, “It is gratifying to be in an environment of so many students who were honored with scholarship awards, many of whom I taught. Each of them was grateful for the scholarship, and their participation with the Center for Real Estate.”

The Center for Real Estate has awarded 650 scholarships since the first year of its existence.

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Staff Shared Recipes

Volume 5 | Issue 1 | Jan./Feb. 2024

Moroccan-Spiced Chicken Soup with Spinach & Chickpeas Recipe courtesy of Karen Walters Note: Serves 2, but recipe can be doubled.

Ingredients: 1 yellow onion 10 oz ground chicken ¼ oz Baharat sprice blend 15oz can of chickpeas 8oz tomato sauce 1 packet of turkey broth concentrate 5 oz baby spinach garlic olive oil kosher salt & ground pepper 1.

2.

3.

Finely chop onion. Finely chop 2 teaspoons of garlic. Heat 1 tsp oil in a medium pot over medium high until shimmering. Add onions and chicken; season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat into smaller pieces, until onions are softened and chicken is lightly browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.

Add chopped garlic and Baharat spice; cook, stirring, until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.

Add chickpeas and their liquid, tomato sauce, turkey broth concentrate and 1 cup of water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until slightly thickened and the flavors have melded (about 10 minutes).

Stir in spinach until just wilted. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve and enjoy!

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Staff Shared Recipes

Volume 5 | Issue 1 | Jan./Feb. 2024

Herb Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri sauce, Roasted Potatoes, Red Onions & Peppers

Recipe courtesy of Karen Walters Note: Serves 2, but recipe can be doubled.

Ingredients: 10 oz boneless skinless chicken breast Chimichurri sauce (you can buy this already prepared at your local supermarket) 1 Russet potato 1 red onion 2 oz roasted red peppers olive oil kosher salt & pepper Cooking instructions: Preheat oven to 450 degrees with a rack in the upper third. In a bowl, marinate chicken with 1 tablespoon of chimichurri. Set chicken aside to marinate for 15 minutes.

Scrub potato and slice into ¼ inch rounds. Slice onions into ½ inch rounds. Toss potatoes and onions with 2 tablespoons oil, 1 teaspoon of salt and a few grinds of pepper.

Roast veggies (on a rimmed baking sheet) until potatoes are lightly browned, about 15 minutes.

(Do not flip potatoes.) Add roasted red peppers to the baking sheet and continue to cook until potatoes about 10 more minutes.

Season chicken all over with salt & pepper. Heat a grill (or grill pan) over high.

Brush grates with oil, then add chicken. Cook over medium heat until lightly charred and cooked through, about 2–3 minutes per side.

Serve grilled chicken over roasted veggies.

Drizzle with some of the chimichurri and serve remaining alongside. Enjoy!

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RBS Staff Newsletter January is widely recognized as Mental Wellness Month, a dedicated period that emphasizes the importance of mental health and well-being. As individuals transition from the festive holiday season to the beginning of a new year, the significance of mental wellness takes center stage. The timing of this observance aligns with the common practice of setting New Year's resolutions, encouraging people to prioritize their mental health as they embark on a fresh start.

During Mental Wellness Month, there is a heightened focus on promoting awareness and understanding surrounding mental health issues. Society is encouraged to break the stigma associated with mental health, fostering an environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing their struggles and seeking support. This observance aims to educate the public about the diverse aspects of mental health, emphasizing that it is an integral component of overall well-being.

Organizations and mental health advocates often use this month as an opportunity to conduct awareness campaigns, workshops, and events that address various aspects of mental wellness. Topics such as stress management, self-care practices, and the importance of seeking professional help when needed are commonly highlighted. Additionally, community-based initiatives may emerge to provide resources and support networks for those facing mental health challenges.

As the winter season can sometimes contribute to feelings of isolation and seasonal affective disorder, January's focus on mental wellness becomes particularly relevant. Encouraging open conversations about mental health and offering tools for self-care can be instrumental in helping individuals navigate the emotional landscape associated with this time of the year.

In essence, Mental Wellness Month in January serves as a poignant reminder that caring for one's mental health is a year-round endeavor. By dedicating this month to the promotion of mental wellness, society takes a collective step toward fostering a culture of understanding, compassion, and proactive care for the well-being of individuals everywhere.

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RBS Staff Newsletter

February holds special significance as Black History Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the rich and diverse contributions of African Americans throughout history. This observance originated in the United States, but has since been recognized and embraced in various countries, acknowledging the invaluable impact of Black individuals on the global stage.

Black History Month provides a platform to honor the achievements, resilience, and cultural heritage of the Black community. It serves as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs experienced by Black individuals, highlighting their pivotal role in shaping societies and cultures worldwide. The month is an opportunity to amplify Black voices and showcase the profound impact of Black leaders, innovators, artists, activists, and everyday heroes.

Educational institutions, community organizations, and cultural institutions often host events, exhibitions, and discussions during February to promote awareness and understanding of Black history. These initiatives aim to address historical injustices, challenge stereotypes, and foster a more inclusive and equitable society. Schools may integrate Black history into their curriculum, ensuring that students learn about the diverse and often overlooked contributions of Black individuals throughout history.

Black History Month encourages dialogue about the ongoing journey towards equality and justice. It provides a space for reflection on the progress made and the work still needed to achieve true inclusivity. By recognizing and celebrating Black history, societies aim to break down barriers, confront systemic inequalities, and promote a more comprehensive understanding of the past, present, and future.

In essence, February’s designation as Black History Month is a symbolic and powerful acknowledgment of the indelible mark Black individuals have left on the world. It encourages everyone to actively engage with and appreciate the stories, achievements, and cultural richness that contribute to the vibrant tapestry of human history.

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