Each month, the ABOVE & BEYOND Buzz Lightyear Award recognizes the work and character of a Student Affairs Space Ranger in marketing and communications. Full-time staff, our liaisons, and student employees who work in marcomm are eligible. Recipients proudly display Buzz in their office, and their names are added to his Pulsar-400 Enviro-Suit and spaceship box.
Congratulations to our 2023 Space Rangers!
January 2023
Mason Kautz | Communications Specialist II | Rec Sports
Mason went ABOVE & BEYOND when he volunteered to write a story about Clay Ozuna '19, which will be published in the Texas Aggie Magazine. He approaches his work at Rec Sports within our marcomm team with intention, efficiency, and a positive attitude. Our team is better because of Mason.
"I’m proud of you, cowboy." - Buzz Lightyear
February 2023
Jamie Arrexi | Communications Manager | Memorial Student Center
After serving Student Affairs and the Memorial Student Center since 2016, we are proud that Jamie earned a well-deserved promotion to communications manager in December. He is the mastermind behind MSC Open House, a beloved supervisor to Sophia and his student employees, and handles all things marcomm for the MSC with a positive attitude and one-of-a-kind sense of humor. Recently, he participated in the DMS communications manager search committee and also stepped in to host a big event for Gen. Ramirez. He is a team player who goes outside of his job description when asked without hesitation! To infinity and beyond, Jamie!
"Woody once risked his life to save mine, and I couldn’t call myself his friend if I wasn’t willing to do the same. Now, who’s with me?" -Buzz Lightyear
March 2023
Audrey Peña | Creative Manager | Student Affairs Central Marketing Team
Audrey has gone above and beyond since she joined DSA in 2017. While she excels in graphic design and is the DSA's friendly brand police, she is also an organizational wizard, has served on the DSA Awards Committee for several years, and has assisted with a variety of marketing and communications job duties, including website management, photography, and videography. During the past month, she has spearheaded the DSA's transition from the Four Winds digital sign platform to Reach, the new platform, and is assisting Texas A&M with the digital sign centralization process for Student Affairs. To infinity and beyond, Audrey! We appreciate your good humor and stellar talent.
"Uh, ma – ma’am? I, uh, um, well, I just wanted to say you’re a bright young woman with a beautiful yarn full of hair. A hair full of yarn. It’s ah… um… I must go." -Buzz Lightyear
April 2023
Kelly Jo Eblen | Communications Coordinator | University Center & Special Events
Kelly Jo Eblen, fondly known as "KJ," flew past infinity when she accepted an offer to become the marketing point person on the DSA Awards Committee, a role performed by Audrey Pena for many years. But that's not all! KJ is a marketing superstar for UCEN, a trusted mentor to her student team, and the architect of the annual MSC Birthday. She never fails to step up to help our team with a bright smile, unlimited creative ideas, and a nothing-is-impossible attitude. Like Buzz, she's brave and super cool. Thanks, KJ, for going above and beyond on behalf of our Student Affairs team!
"This isn’t flying, this is falling with style!" -Buzz Lightyear