Wednesday, May 31, 2017 Housing office named to honor Doug Zatechka
Friends and colleagues of Doug Zatechka celebrated his many contributions to the university at a reception to name the Douglas S. Zatechka University Housing Office in the newly constructed Willa S. Cather Dining Complex. Zatechka served as director of University Housing for 34 years, retiring in 2010.
Story after story filled the air as colleagues munched on candied bacon, chocolate frosted donuts and chicken wings – a handful of Zatechka’s infamously favorite fares.
Director of University Housing Sue Gildersleeve opened the reception by reading a letter of support from Chancellor Green to name the office in Zatechka's honor. The letter references Zatechka’s accomplishments as being the only non-faculty member to earn the George Howard-Louise Pound Award for exemplary service to the university, his boss of the year accolade, his strong connections with Academic Affairs to develop living learning communities and his foresight in establishing a housing master plan which includes many current construction projects.
Dr. James Griesen, retired vice chancellor for student affairs, emphasized Zatechka’s commitment to saving students money through his discerning eye for deals and astute negotiation tactics.
“Doug probably saved students millions of dollars by getting the most for each dollar,” said Griesen. “He made this institution more affordable.”
Zatechka recognized his spirit for saving, explaining he preferred to be “appropriately thrifty.”
When praised for his abilities as a leader to attract high-quality people and create an environment where people like to work, Zatechka stated, “If you want to see a university profit, treat the service workers well. I’ve always felt the need to take care of those who toil daily.”
During his comments, Zatechka also thanked Chancellor Ronnie Green for a continued commitment to the land-grant mission and shared an appreciation for his many colleagues with whom he described as enjoying the ‘Golden Age of Student Affairs.’