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HR News
UNT System HR is bringing UNT World experts directly to you in this periodic and always timely installation called "Ask An Expert." So, let's ask...
EXPERT: Dr. Han Wen, Assistant Professor, UNT Hospitality Management
EXPERTISE: Shopping for, serving and gifting wine
December is the month for giving, and what better way to express our appreciation for family, friends and colleagues than by giving an exemplary bottle of wine? But, if you're anything like us, you can stand in front of the wine aisle for an hour and accomplish nothing more than scratching our head. What variety should I buy? What year? Does that one cost too little or too much? So many questions, so little time.
Have no fear, Dr. Wen is here.
Q: When giving a bottle of wine as a gift, what are ways to make it feel more personal?
Dr. Wen: If you have toured a winery and enjoyed its wine, buy a bottle from that winery and you can pass along a meaningful story about your trip, how you happened upon the winery or about how the grapes there grow and how the winemaker produces the wines. Another personalized idea is to select a wine with vintages that match the birth year of the person who's accepting the gift. Also, some websites allow you to personalize the wine bottle with a picture or customized text.
Q: While perusing the wine aisle desperately trying to decide on the right bottle, is there a way to research bottles of wine right there in the store?
Dr. Wen: Yes. One of the great methods to research the wine at the store is to download apps on your phone, such as Delectable or Vivino. Open the app and you can scan the label and find out the rating of the wine, a tasting profile based on thousands of user reviews, suggestions of foods that go well with the wine and other information. To do research before you go to the store, a website such as Winefolly.com is an excellent resource.
Q: OK, so we've heard that a bottle with a screw cap is inferior to one with a traditional cork. Is that true?
Dr. Wen: From experts' perspective, there's actually not much difference between those two -- just different types of closure. Traditionally, wine makers love to use cork as the closure. For modern wine-making, a lot of producers have started to really like the screw caps. Screw caps will prevent the problem of cork taint.
Q: Price is always sticking point for us. Some wine can be out of our price range, but we also don't want to spend too little. What is a price point that lets us know we are giving a bottle of wine we can be proud of?
Dr. Wen: Depending on the occasion, a different type of wine with different price ranges may be selected. For example, if you would like to select a bottle of Champagne (i.e., the Sparkling wine made in Champagne, France), you’re expecting to pay $30 or more. Likewise, a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley costs $20 or more. However, a Prosecco or Moscato d’Asti only costs between $10-$15, but most consumers love them, especially Millennials. I wouldn't really recommend some cheaper wines advertised below $5.
Q: Speaking of different regions of the world, is there a particular region that is currently particularly trendy?
Dr. Wen: As there are a large number of wine regions throughout the world, it is hard to say which wine region is getting particularly trendy. The most recent trend in the wine consumer market is that consumers are more and more interested in learning the “stories behind the bottle.” For example, consumers are concerned about the wine-making processes and value sustainable wine-making practices. If you have already tried many Old World wines (i.e., wines made in European countries which has a long history of wine-making), I would recommend you to experience some New World wines (i.e., wines made in non-European countries). These New World wines give the Old World vines completely new expressions. Examples of these excellent New World wines include Shiraz from Australia, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir from New Zealand, Pinotage or Chenin Blanc from South Africa, Malbec from Argentina, Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile, Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley (U.S.), and Pinot Noir from Oregon (U.S.).
As an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and the Director of the UNT Cyber Forensics Lab, Dr. Scott Belshaw works to develop technology that helps catch criminals. A U.S. Navy veteran, he considers himself a "dark web expert" and his research interests include cyber security and crime. He has enjoyed working at UNT World for 13 years and loves "working with the awesome students we have at UNT."
Judging by his photo, you might think Dr. Belshaw's favorite place to travel is Mexico or maybe Central or South
America, but you'd be wrong. He has a very specific (and tasty) employee benefit he'd like UNT World to consider -- surely one that every carnivorous Texan can get behind. And, Dr. Belshaw is the proprietor of a quite active and often humorous Twitter account (@drscottbelshaw) with tweets like this Happy Thanksgiving message (maybe don't show to your young children if they watch Sesame Street). To learn more about the man with the iguana on his head, click the button below.
Q&A
What employee benefit or activity would you like to see added to UNT World?
More places on campus where the faculty/staff can barbecue. I love barbecue and the faculty and staff should be able to do it more often and at work.
What is your proudest work moment?
Seeing my students graduate from college.
What is your proudest non-work moment?
Being married to my wife, Amanda, and the birth of my two sons (Clayton and Dillon). Clayton spent two years at UNT and is at Mississippi State, and Dillon is currently an undergraduate student.
What fact about you might surprise your colleagues?
My family was in the NASA space program. My father was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work at NASA. I also served in the U.S. Navy and during Operation Desert Storm.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE...
Inspirational Hero?: My father is my inspirational hero. He taught me the skills I needed to be a productive member of society. When things got tough in my life, he never gave up on me.
Place to visit?: London, England. I have friends that live there. Love the history and the food. Love teaching at the local universities; knowing that you are teaching in a building that was built in the 1300s. I have a good friend that lives in the Tower of London. Love to go there and walk the grounds after dark.
Charitable cause?: Scottish Rite for Children and Shriners Burns Hospital. I spend outside time involved with patients and staff of these two hospitals. The good deeds they do for people humbles me every day.
Despite the challenges you may be facing, practicing gratitude has been proven to increase resilience. Did you know that adding a daily gratitude list to your day can improve your health, relationships, mindset and helps performance in challenging situations?
Now, on to matters that can cause us a measure of strain this time of year.
Did holiday shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales stress you out? You're not alone. Sign up for webinars this month that can bring peace and calm, such as "Manage Holiday Stress" or "COVID Holiday Blues, Strategies for Coping" with UNT counselor Tamara Knapp-Grosz. Feel like you need to watch your spending habits? You'll learn a tip or two from "Putting Your Debit on a Diet." Find these helpful webinars and many more here.
Holiday shoppers, don't miss these discounts
The Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) offers the Discount Purchase Program to all state employees participating in the Texas Employees Group Benefits Program (GBP) and their immediate families. Check your list twice, with hundreds of discounts from recognized vendors on big-ticket items like computers, electronics and even cars; plus everyday necessities like grocery delivery. Online shopping is a great way to social distance and avoid crowded stores.
Employees can access these discounts at beneplace.com/discountprogramERS. Register by entering an email address and creating a password. Once logged in, employees can view categories of discounts such as “Holiday deals” or search for a particular vendor or item. Offers include discount codes and/or links to the vendor’s site where offers can be redeemed. (ERS does not endorse or sponsor any Discount Purchase Program service or service provider and does not benefit from members’ participation in the program.)
To learn more, visit Discount Purchase Program FAQs in the ERS website.
The Internal Revenue Service has confirmed the 2021 tax year limits that impact retirement plans and pertain to voluntary retirement savings plans:
- $19,500 maximum contribution allowed to a 403b voluntary savings plan TSA (Tax Sheltered Annuity), available to all employees
- $19,500 maximum contribution allowed to a 457 voluntary savings plan (Texa$aver), available to benefit-eligible employees
- $6,500 additional catchup for participants who are over 50 years of age (for both the 403b TSA AND the 457 Texa$aver plan, for a combined limit of $26,000 to the 403b and $26,000 to the 457 in tax year 2021)
- $58,000 annual limit for all contributions to 403b plans (your Optional Retirement Plan/ORP and your 403b voluntary savings plan combined)
- $290,000 annual salary cap. Earnings over $290,000 will not be included in retirement account for non-grandfathered ORP participants and TRS participants
Not participating in the voluntary retirement savings plans? Learn more about these great ways to tax-shelter retirement income via easy monthly payroll deduction here. Questions? Please contact us at HRBenefits@untsystem.edu, and we’ll be glad to help. And, we can help calculate your maximum contribution upon request.
Travis Hicks, HR Generalist, UNT System talks about leading through change in the "Leaders on Leading" audio clip series. This series features quick, entertaining, and motivating Q&As with organizational leaders on having an impact and developing people. Listeners will get real-world advice, learn practical tips, and hear inspirational stories to help improve their own leadership skills.
Joanna Hussey, Executive Assistant to Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, UNT, talks about leadership perspectives on diversity, equity and inclusion in the "Leaders on Leading" audio clip series. This series features quick, entertaining, and motivating Q&As with organizational leaders on having an impact and developing people. Listeners will get real-world advice, learn practical tips, and hear inspirational stories to help improve their own leadership skills.
Dr. La'Cresha Moore, Assistant Vice Provost, Student & Academic Success, UNTHSC, talks about leadership authenticity in the "Leaders on Leading" audio clip series. This series features quick, entertaining, and motivating Q&As with organizational leaders on having an impact and developing people. Listeners will get real-world advice, learn practical tips, and hear inspirational stories to help improve their own leadership skills.
One of the most respected members at HSC, Dr. Knebl received national recognition in October when she was named the American Osteopathic Foundation Physician of the Year. A 32-year member of the HSC, Dr. Knebl is a leader in treatment, research and education related to Alzheimer’s and dementia. She is an active member of the Texas Alzheimer's Research and Care Corsortium that is working to improve early diagnosis, treatment and prevention. When she isn't working, you might find her around the corner from the HSC at one of her favorite haunts, Piola Italian Restaurant, or at home cozying up with reruns of, that’s right, "The Golden Girls."
Q&A
Where does winning the 2020 Physican of the Year award rank in your career?
The AOF Physician of the Year Award 2020 was truly a huge surprise and honor. This award is very special to me since I was nominated by many of my fellow osteopathic physicians and colleagues nationally, and also from my patients. Receiving national recognition is very humbling when I think about all of the other deserving osteopathic physicians across the country. The award is also so very special since it recognizes my contributions as an osteopathic physician and clinician. I have been so very fortunate to have been given the opportunity by the osteopathic profession to attend an osteopathic medical school and become an osteopathic physician. I have been very blessed by God to have an energy level and ability to learn and serve patients. It has been my true joy and passion to care for older adults as a physician. This award recognizes what I have truly loved doing since my graduation from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1982.
What is your favorite aspect of your job?
I love caring for older adults. It is a true privilege to be the physician partner with older adults who have such wisdom and life experiences to share. I truly have received more from my older patients than I have been able to provide. Being an osteopathic physician, my focus is on function, maintenance of highest level of independence and quality of life. I also enjoy going anywhere that older adults may be residing as I am portable. I also enjoy working with the interprofessional team of health care practitioners that are involved in all of these sites of care. My other love is being involved in the education of future health care professionals and assisting them in the development of the knowledge and skills to be able to take care of the older populations. Maybe for selfish reasons, by training them to be ready to care for an aging Texas (and America), I will be a beneficiary as I am now in my pre-Medicare year.
What employee benefit or activity would you like to see added to UNT World?
Caregiver support materials and education for those employees caring for an aging parent or family member. We have developed a dementia caregiver education program for persons with dementia that we could add to a menu of options to support our UNT System team members, including faculty, staff and students.
What is your proudest work moment?
I actually have two: Receiving the Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians Endowed Chair in Clinical Geriatrics, which was the first endowed Chair in Geriatrics in the Osteopathic Profession; and the UNT System Regent’s Professor designation which recognized academic achievement and service.
What fact about you might surprise your colleagues?
I have an alter ego -- Roseanne Rossannadanna (played by Gilda Radner) from Saturday Night Live
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE...
Book?: Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
Movie?: The Spanish Maine (old movie with pirates and a dashing young actor at the time, Paul Henreid)
Inspirational Hero?: Mother Theresa
Place to visit?: County Mayo, Ireland
Song?: My Way, by Frank Sinatra
Celebrity?: Lucille Ball
Hobby?: Golf
Charitable cause?: Meals On Wheels and Catholic Charities
Luis Angulo has proudly served the UNT System for 13 years. He works for Budget and Planning, supporting all UNT System financial systems. Chief among his responsibilities is assuring the accuracy and consistency of all UNT System financial reporting data.
Q&A
What is your favorite aspect of your job ?
I love UNT because people care about me personally and professionally. Everybody at UNT has always been more than welcoming and they go out of their way to always help each other. We work in an awesome collaborative environment, and there is a genuine spirit of cooperation. Professionally, I love that UNT has always empowered me to do my job. I can confidently say that I have made long-lasting friendships here at UNT.
What employee benefit or activity would you like to see added to UNT World?
I would love for UNT to provide free access to the UNT Rec Center for all employees and their families.
What is your proudest work moment?
There are many. If I must pick one, it is to work alongside a great group of professionals who care about their jobs and always do their best. I am proud to be part of such a great group of people that really go above and beyond, and really care about their work.
What is your proudest non-work moment?
Seeing my family adjust and grow here in North Texas. There have been challenges along the way, but we always come together as a family and push through no matter the challenge.
What fact about you might surprise your colleagues?
I do not think this is a surprise to anybody, but I am a big Star Wars fan. I even have a very cool lightsaber right next to my desk.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE...
Movie?: Inception/The Prestige
TV show?: Breaking Bad
Restaurant?: Babe's Chicken
Celebrity?: Dirk Nowitzki and Dan Marino
Charitable cause: United Through Hope -- It's a local nonprofit that helps children with disabilities, and provides different opportunities for kids to develop social skills.
November kicks off the fall and holiday season, which means it’s time to turn our minds toward gratitude and also having some fun. We encourage you to take a peek at our new Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Calendar of Holidays & Observances to learn more about various holidays celebrated by our many cultures, heritages and belief systems. We are a richly diverse nation with so much to celebrate together, and especially during difficult times like these.
Americans will celebrate Thanksgiving on Nov. 26 with turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing/stuffing, green beans, pecan pie and the like. How do you celebrate this national holiday? We’d love to hear about your traditions and inspirations for Thanksgiving. Email us to share: edi@untystem.edu.
Did you know a Thanksgiving holiday is also celebrated in Canada, Liberia, Brazil and Santa Lucia (to name a few)? Different holiday traditions abound across the country, but also the globe.
Here in the U.S., we enjoy a smorgasbord of favorite and celebratory holiday dishes as diverse as our backgrounds, from Eastern European fried latkes and braised purple cabbage, to Italian antipasto and manicotti, to Persian basmati stuffing and labneh salad – the list goes on.
The holiday season is a great time to begin your Equity, Diversity & Inclusion journey by learning more about other cultures and celebrations. Also, remember that the In the Green Well-being program is also a good place to start your wellness journey (something we all might especially need as we begin our holiday feasting). We’ve provide plentiful wellness tips and resources, plus virtual workouts you can do at home.