Above and Beyond

Each month, the ABOVE & BEYOND Buzz Lightyear Award recognizes the work and character of an ArtSci 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 until he's awarded to the next Ranger!

Director of Communications, Shana Hutchins '93 sitting at desk next to Buzz Lightyear Figure

February 2024 - Shana Hutchins '93 Director of Communications

Shana Hutchins, a member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of ‘93, has been a dedicated and dependable powerhouse in the ArtSci MarComm office for years. Serving as Director of Communications, Shana never backs down from a challenge, whether it be a complex story or a particularly grueling edition of ArtSci Monthly. Despite her busy schedule, she has always made herself available to those around her. Whether they need help with an assignment or want to have a conversation about cute cats, she’s there! Every day, Shana continues to prove herself as a leader in ArtSci, and a friend to everyone around her. Shana has never given less than 110%, and she truly goes above and beyond every time she steps in the doors of the office. We are so lucky to have her incomparable expertise and vibrant personality in MarComm!

Student Writer Emily Godsey '24 holds Buzz Lightyear Figure

January 2024 - Emily Godsey '24 Student Writer

Emily, a native Chicagoan turned Texan, is an extremely talented writer and is a vital member of the ArtSci MarCom writing team. As a journalism major and sports management minor, Emily constantly brings new ideas to the table and executes each of her stories seamlessly and with confidence. When she is not writing, Emily can be found watching hockey, trying out new College Station restaurants, or listening to her favorite artist, Taylor Swift. Emily is a bright light and leader in the office and always has a positive attitude. Emily has been with ArtSci for about a year and a half, and as she approaches graduation in May, we are so glad to have been a part of her college journey!

Student Writer Emily Chan '25 holds Buzz Lightyear Figure

December 2023 - Emily Chan '25 Student Writer

Emily is a talented Aggie majoring in communication and journalism. When she’s not refining her leadership skills with the Memorial Student Center Spencer Leadership Conference and the Aggie Leaders of Tomorrow, you can find her working hard at her desk in Blocker on her latest ArtSci story. She has written amazing pieces on topics important to ArtSci and Texas A&M. Emily writes well about a variety of subjects to give our constituents a platform on which to be seen and heard. Like any strong leader - and like Buzz - she goes above and beyond, always with a smile, a positive attitude, and great attention to detail. This bodes well for a bright future and career. We love having Emily Chan on our team!

Communications Specialist II Reyes Ramirez holding Buzz Lightyear action figure

November 2023 - Reyes Ramirez Communications Specialist II

Reyes is a creative writer who finds a story in everything. He is a published author of two books: The Book of Wanderers and El Rey of Gold Teeth. (reyesramirez.com) How cool is that? He also writes great stories about the College of Arts and Sciences that inspire interest and engagement. Reyes listens more than he speaks because the wheels in his head are always turning, thinking up ideas for his next character, another adventure, or a thought-provoking poem. Thanks, Reyes, for being such a positive role model for our team and for going above and beyond to make every story compelling!

Communications Specialist II Janae Jordan holding Buzz Lightyear action figure

October 2023 - Janae Jordan Communications Specialist II

Janae has seamlessly integrated into the ArtSci MarCom team, even though she is from Alabama (we're just teasing, Janae, we adore you!). She readily takes on any project thrown her way and has played a crucial role in our extensive degree finder project, which has demanded a significant amount of time and effort lately. Her contributions to managing departmental social accounts, crafting eye-catching Canva graphics, and weaving compelling stories have rightfully earned her the title of this month's recipient of the prestigious ABOVE & BEYOND Buzz Lightyear Award!

Creative Manager Grant Hawkins with Buzz Lightyear

September 2023 - Grant Hawkins '98 Creative Manager

Grant is humble and kind and makes everyone laugh, and always willing to lock arms to better serve our team and our clients. Grant is a good coworker, but what makes him a good leader and someone who goes above and beyond is his willingness to get his hands dirty and has the ability to do a bit of everything — writing, designing, social, web, operations, project management, handling an intergalactic emergency — because that’s what the team needs. Grant Hawkins we’re lucky to have you!

August 2023 - Kat Martin Social Media Strategist

Kat goes above and beyond in everything she does for our team and ArtSci. Her social media work, which ranges from strategy to collaboration across campus, to content creation and insightful analytics, is second to none. She is co-leading our BeHere marketing campaign and steps up to help anyone anytime. Kat has a light that travels with her through space and shines on others. Our team is better because of Kat.