Meet Melissa de la Rosa, a UTRGV Unsung Hero
Text by Amanda A. Taylor-Uchoa
Melissa de la Rosa, events coordinator for the UTRGV Student Union on the Brownsville Campus, assists with interdepartmental event planning across campuses. Considering the volume of events the Student Union hosts, de la Rosa is accustomed to interacting with students, colleagues and stakeholders daily to ensure that activities run smoothly and efficiently.
“If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life.” That’s de la Rosa’s mantra to live by, evident throughout her 26-year career in her attention to detail for logistical planning and event coordination.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT UTRGV?
I assist with interdepartmental event planning across our campuses. I also assist with the day-to-day activities at the Brownsville Campus. We house and oversee El Comedor, meeting spaces and the game room for all our campus community and students to enjoy.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED HERE?
This has been my home away from home for the past 26 years. I was hired full-time in 2001 and have held various positions, the most recent being event coordinator for the Student Union.
DESCRIBE YOUR AVERAGE DAY
I interact with students, colleagues and other stakeholders daily. I get to watch the students enjoy our beautiful building and game room, as well as assist anyone who might come through the door.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB?
My favorite part is event planning! Helping others with logistical planning for their events or being a part of the Student Union’s event coordination and execution is incredibly enjoyable. Like they say, if you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life!
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MEMORY, OR STORY, ABOUT YOUR TIME HERE?
One of my favorite memories is of winning a hula hoop contest during one of our annual field days many years ago. This is truly a place where you can go from being in a professional setting to a very laid back one, given the varied events a higher education setting offers. I would not trade that combo for anything!
TELL US SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU
I LOVE being a dog mom of two perfect Yorkies, and nothing makes my heart happier than anything Disney. My most favorite roles are being a mom of two girls, ages 18 and 12, and a wife to my husband of 20 years.
WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UTRGV COMMUNITY?
These individuals are family. Over the years, I have worked with some amazing people who have not only been there for me professionally, but personally throughout some of life’s challenges and I am eternally grateful for everyone in my circle.
