Any idea who represents you on Staff Council? The feedback we’ve received suggests that many University staff members would answer “no.” The Councilor Spotlight series is intended to introduce new Council members and how they serve the University on Staff Council. Why would you want to contact your representative? They can elevate your concerns or ideas, help you find information, and connect you with resources across campus. Click here to find your representative.
Alex Paternostro is an Electronic Health Record Education/Implementation Specialist and Staff Council Function Representative for Information Technology staff members. Alex joined the University of Iowa a year ago and has already become an involved member of the University serving on the Health Care and University Relations committees on Staff Council, as well as Information Technology Shared Governance Committee.
When asked what Alex hopes to learn or achieve while serving on Staff Council, he responded, “I hope to explore and enhance how University of Iowa staff can affect positive change and contribute to the improvement of the University for all stakeholders, across its many institutional missions.”
Some additional Q&A with Alex:
Q: What inspires you?
A: I am consistently inspired by the relief and satisfaction people express when I help them learn a new skill or shortcut that makes their daily life easier. People’s gratitude is a never-ending source of inspiration in the workplace.
Q: What is your favorite local spot or attraction?
A: Woodpecker Trail, near the Coralville Reservoir, will always be my favorite hidden gem, especially in the fall.
Q: If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room, what would you choose and why?
A: “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton.
Q: If you could have any superhero power, what would it be and why?
A: The ability to instantly know if a newborn baby is hungry, tired, or cold. Why? Because my wife is due with our second child this month, and that would be a welcomed advantage to have!
Learn more about our other new Councilors and the latest news for University staff in our newsletter articles here.