Game Day also enjoys record numbers

By Wade Moricle | May 24, 2019

LITS employees enjoying Game Day (L to R): Jeselyn Rhodes, Liz Lucabaugh, Addison Jones, Lisa Cogdill, Kenyon Register.

One of the positive aspects of hosting Game Day immediately after the inaugural LITS Employee Appreciation Party and in the same building? Rollover attendance.

LITS Game Day enjoyed its largest crowd since Tara McCurley became director of the facility. “We had about 340 people come through our turnstiles this year, which is up by over 100 from last year,” says Tara. “It was exciting to see so many LITS staff in our space. They brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm.”

Cecilia Bolich and Jenn Sutcliffe run trivia.

The event host a variety of game opportunities, from board games and puzzles to gaming consoles and even an HTC Vive virtual reality headset, where employees saved the universe from the zombie apocalypse.

Team Trivia was once again a major highlight of the event. Led by Cecilia Bolich and Jenn Sutcliffe, the competition included 12 teams. The winning team was the Fifth Law of Thermodynamics and was made up of Katie Sparks, Laura Trittin, Lawrence Hamblin, Kelly Kautt, and Lisa Granholm, all of whom work in Emory Libraries. Second place went to the team of Tom Vincent, Lee Clontz, Adam Forrester, Lindsay Narbeth, and Kathy Hayes.

Trivia winners! (L to R): Katie Sparks, Laura Trittin, Lisa Granholm, Lawrence Hamblin, and Kelly Kautt.

The poker tournament was won by Jose Holguin Cruz, whose Ace-King, “Big Slick” in poker parlance, won the final hand.

Special thanks goes to the team that put the event together:

Organizing Committee: Kim Braxton, Amelia Frances, Tara McCurley, Rob Renner

Trivia: Cecilia Bolich and Jenn Sutcliffe

Jose Holguin Cruz and his winning hand.

Poker: Wade Moricle

Setup and game donations: Michael Buchmann, Derek Butler, Haynes Chewning, Lee Clontz, Jay Clement, Adam Forrester, Dawn Francis-Chewning, Tricia Goddard, Anthony Hess, Robin Horton, Robert Kruse, Alex Kyrychenko, Khadijah Muhammad, Lindsay Narbeth, Linda Richardson, and Sam Timme.

See you next year! If you have any feedback about the event, please send to Tara McCurley.

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Closer to the Cloud: A Cloud Infrastructure Migration Planning project update

By Mark Kawasaki | May 24, 2019

A lot has been happening with the CIMP project, so we wanted to give you an update on how the cloud migration planning is progressing. 

As a refresher, in this project, we are working on a plan for how we would approach, organize, and prepare for a migration of our data center infrastructure to the cloud, specifically AWS at Amazon. We are looking at all of the LITS infrastructure and all of the applications that we support across campus, determining how best to leverage some of the amazing new technologies that are offered in the cloud for innovation, scalability, agility, and regional redundancy. We will not be migrating anything during this project, but our work will position us to be able to start migrations within the next phase of our cloud transition. So that’s what this project is about at the highest level. 

You may know that we’ve been working with a vendor called Smartronix as a consulting partner. It has been extremely beneficial to have their knowledge and experience as they led and guided our project team. At the end of March, we were ready to take the lead on directing the project, and Smartronix assumed a consulting role. This was a positive change for the project, as it allowed us to more accurately plan for closing out this phase of the project. We also have expanded the project team to include more Emory LITS staff, to get more people exposed to the work that we’re doing. We are now heading into the final stretches with getting things ready to be able to migrate applications to AWS.

The final phase of our planning work focuses on the “Landing Zone” at AWS, making sure we have a production-ready environment to migrate to at AWS. We have ensured that every infrastructure area has been considered. Much of the Landing Zone work has focused on shared services and security hardening of the environment. We have made decisions regarding Firewalls, DNS, Remote Access, among others. Sometimes Amazon has a native cloud solution for these services, and we have to decide as a team and as an organization whether or not we should go with their offering or move our existing service into the cloud. As we get closer, our planning has been building, as we are actively preparing the Landing Zone. 

We are also focusing on Operational Readiness, or being able to support and maintain the environment. Being operationally ready means a seamless experience for users, which is one of our primary goals. This includes tools and processes around patching, monitoring and logs, as well as incident response, changes and upgrades, and the process of provisioning AWS resources from user requests. How do we respond to incidents and work those? How do we deploy changes or upgrades? Do we need to expand our Service Catalog for new types of requests? As we mature, we will use more automation in many of these areas. We’re looking at what kinds of automation we are ready to implement now versus higher levels of automation maturity that we will grow into over time.

What are the next steps? Basically, the CIMP project ends when the Landing Zone is complete and ready to receive application migrations. The next phase of our overall cloud journey will be a new project (CIM?) to migrate applications from our data centers into the cloud at AWS. Our experience so far gives us good insight into how we would best organize to actually migrate applications, working with application owners through a prioritized pipeline of application migrations. So stay tuned for information on that. We hope to provide you with a good understanding and visibility for the details of the migration project as it approaches.

Lastly, I wanted to just remind you that this is the time to make sure that you are comfortable with cloud concepts and what AWS can do for us. We plan to have more community engagement opportunities to get everyone involved and aware, as well as training opportunities. If you feel like you would benefit from an introductory session about AWS and the cloud, we do recommend the free, one-hour, online course offered by Cloud Guru. It provides a 10,000-foot view of what cloud in AWS is and how it works. Here’s the link:  https://acloud.guru/learn/aws-technical-essentials.

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New LEAF Committee announced

By Amanda Adams | May 24, 2019

The newest version of the Library Employee Advocacy Forum (LEAF) has been announced. LEAF’s vision is to bolster a community where each person can feel empowered to succeed. The committee is comprised of members elected by each of the library’s departments and terms usually last two years. LEAF serves as a liaison between the University Librarian and the employees and organizes events such as the monthly LEAF Coffees and the end-of-year Emory Libraries Holiday Party.

Current members are:

Officers –

  • Amanda Adams, Library Specialist, Goizueta (GBL) – Chair
  • Erich Wendt, Senior Library Specialist, User Services (ARS) – Vice Chair
  • Peter Shirts, Music Librarian, Music and Media Library (RESC) – Communications Coordinator
  • Cari Lovins, Assistant Director, Digital Product Strategy (LTDS) – Treasurer
  • Ayana Bohannon, Coordinator of Events, Campus and Community Relations (CCR) – Elections Coordinator

Representatives –

  • Samuel Timme, Academic Technology Specialist (ATS)
  • Robin Horton, Academic Technology Specialist (ATS)
  • Mark Johnson, Library Specialist (ARS)
  • Kathy Britt-Rogers, Library Coordinator (User Services) (ARS)
  • Erica Bruchko, Librarian for African American Studies and United States History (RESC)
  • Nick Wantsala, Library Specialist (ARS)
  • Anne Marie McLean, Reference Librarian and Outreach Coordinator (Pitts)
  • Jacqueline Reed, Senior Library Specialist (Rose)
  • Becky Sherman, Visiting Librarian (Rose)
  • Maria Flowers-Brooks, Resources Management Specialist (WHSC)

The next LEAF Coffee is June 12 at 9:30 AM.

If you would like more information about LEAF or if you have issues to raise to leadership, please contact LEAF at bit.ly/LEAF-form.

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Key things to note about using the new travel management partner

By Celeste Hermida | May 24, 2019

Corporate Travel Management (CTM) is the recently-announced new travel management partner for Emory. CTM can be reached using the following methods:

Travel Profile

Set up your Travel profile using the Quick Start Job Aid.

Existing Reservations and Unused Tickets

If you have an existing reservation that was booked through BCD or Maupin, please use them. For questions, changes, cancellations or unused tickets please contact travel [at] emory [dot] edu. 

LITS REQUIREMENTS WITH THE CHANGE TO THE NEW TRAVEL AGENCY (CTM):

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Derrick Leach, Communications Specialist I, Field Services

By Wade Moricle | May 24, 2019

“It seems like I already know everyone.” – Derrick Leach

Derrick Leach is a new communications specialist on the Field Services team. Before Emory, he worked for a year as a data center technician at the HP Data Center. He spent six years at the AT&T Data Center (ADC). Derrick also used to work as a cable/electric installation technician at Emory Healthcare.

An Atlanta native and proud graduate of Westlake High School, Derrick has a bachelor’s degree in information technology from South Carolina State University.

Derrick spends nearly all of his free time running after his two kids, a 9-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter. He recently returned from the Georgia State Track Meet, where he and his wife Angela watched their kids compete.

“It seems like I already know everyone,” says Derrick about his co-workers. “My teammates are easy to talk to and have made me feel welcome.”

You can reach Derrick at derrick [dot] m [dot] leach [at] emory [dot] edu.

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Chris Schroeter, Network Engineer I, Network Engineering Run

By Wade Moricle | May 24, 2019

“The amount of knowledge that individuals have on this team is impressive.” – Chris Schroeter.

Chris Schroeter (pronounced SHRŌH-ter) is the newest network engineer to join the network engineering run team. He will be installing switches and trouble-shooting network issues in this role. Before coming to Emory, he spent four years as a network analyst at Fastway Communication. He also spent some time working in the HVAC industry.

Born in Stanford, CT, Chris came to Atlanta with his parents years ago after living for a period in Florida. He is currently working on an associate’s degree in cyber security at Gwinnett Tech.

Away from work, Chris enjoys the Atlanta night life. He loves music and describes himself as cool guy.

“The amount of knowledge that individuals have on this team is impressive,” says Chris. “I like experiencing different scenarios and I am learning a lot about layer one and layer two wireless, as well as fiber work.”

You can reach him at cschro3 [at] emory [dot] edu.

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LEAP! a record-setting success

By Wade Moricle | May 17, 2019

The first-ever LITS Employee Appreciation Party (LEAP!) was attended this week by 375 LITS employees, eclipsing the recently-set employee attendance record of 360 during the 2018 LITS Town Hall. The event included a plated luncheon, LEAP!-emblazoned cupcakes, free LITS t-shirts, door prizes, employee awards and honors, a standing ovation, and two captivating speakers.

Rich Mendola opened the festivities by telling the assembled throng of staffers that, “Today is an opportunity to celebrate and to say ‘Thank You’ to all of you for your hard work, dedication, and the remarkable achievements you have enabled.” Rich discussed how Commencement reminds us that our jobs are about providing constant services and resources to each graduating class. He continued by giving a rousing introduction to the keynote speaker, Gary Hauk.

Gary Hauk delivers a historical perspective of LITS.

Gary Hauk, the Emory University Historian, impressed onlookers with his fascinating tale of the ancestral origins of LITS. His speech, entitled The Convergence of the Twain: A Brief History of Libraries and Information Technology at Emory, was the result of researching the archives of six decades of IT and Libraries at Emory. He said, “I’ve been struck by the nearly parallel development of two phenomena of remarkable beauty, two systems of authority and power, whose paths were destined to cross. And in the crossing, they changed forever our lives as members of an academic community.”

Gary surmised that the two entities began to merge in 1988, the year that the university hired its first Provost, Billy Frye, as well as hiring Joan Gotwals to be vice provost and director of the libraries and Jim Johnson to be the vice provost for information technology. Gary went on to discuss things such as MARC records, the DOBIS/LIBIS system, the emergence of the Emory XT Computer, the restoration of Candler, the consolidation of redundant IT systems, creation of ECDS, the refurbishing of Rose Library, and the creation of the Library Service Center, among others. He closed by saying, “It will be fascinating to see how the mutual transformation of libraries and information technology will continue to shape what the Emory mission statement calls our work of creating, preserving, teaching, and applying knowledge in service of humanity.”

Joe Massey (L) and Rich Mendola (R).

The event continued with the honoring of this years’ Service Award Recipients. They are:

  • 5-Year: Saundra Barrett, Enid Britton, Michael Buchmann, Geoffrey Cestaro, Courtney Chartier, Alex Cooper, Yolanda Cooper, Jessie Copeland, Monica Crubezy, Troy Crumbley, Tony Dawson, Kathy Dixson, Chris Doty, Michael Geraghty, Noy Hawkins, Anthony Hess, Mark Hogstrom, Alex Klyshevich, Jamalh Lagrone, Keith Long, Janet Marks, Kim Norman, Rob Renner, Megan Slemons, James Tanis, Lisa Travis, Vince Vaughn, Gretchen Warner, and Damon Williams.
  • 10-Year: Danny Bridges, Dana Bryant, Jymbellyn Carthon, Andrew Chin, Jennifer Elder, Lisa Hamlett, Penny King, Alex Kyrychenko, Chase Lovellette, LaKysha Mack, Philip MacLeod, Tara McCurley, Maureen McGavin, Justin Menacker, Brian Methot, Tomas Ortiz, Kenyon Register, Jamie Weems, Steve Wheat, and Michael Williamson.
  • 15-Year: Erika Buchholz, John Ellis, Richard Gilliam, Camille Hyatt, Tanisha McNichol, Sherri Meador, Ron Miller, Rob O’Reilly, Chris Palazzolo, Jessica Perlove, Chad Robichaux, Elizabeth Roke, James Sawyer, Zavian Weems, Jonathan White, Alvin Wilder, and Leslie Wingate.
  • 20-Year: Alex Berry, Barbara Brandt, Patrick Buckley, Sean Deaver, Melvin Dozier, Joanna Green, Marc Hardison, Russ Havard, Marty Ike, Carl Jeter, Steve Johnson, Shannon O’Daniel, Daniel Palmer, John Pine, Tracy Preyer, Oliver Smith, Ann Berry Ward, Erich Wendt, and Ted Willi.
  • 25-Year: Kyle Brooks, Michelle Crawford, and Norman Hulme.
  • 30-Year: Jerrold Brantley, Derek Butler, Debbie Gray, Kathy Hayes, Kerry Jemison, Steve Lee, Dave Maddlone, Missie Martin, Eric Peng, Pamela Pope, Bob Spencer, and Laura Trittin.
  • 35-Year: Mike Edler
  • 40-Year: Perry Eidson
  • 50-Year: Joe Massey

Joe Massey receives a standing ovation for his 50-years of Emory service.

Joe Massey was honored for being the first 50-year employee of either IT or the Library in the recorded history of Emory. He received a special honor from LITS HR and was given a standing ovation.

The recipients of this year’s Significant Contribution Award were then announced with a summary of the reasons each were chosen. A listing of the details behind each award winner will be featured in a subsequent article. The winner’s were:

  • Caleb Boyd: CIMP project
  • Enid Britton: Automation of new hire on-boarding process
  • Joel Burke: AWS at Emory and CIMP projects
  • Kari Harwitz: eIACUC project
  • Amy Walker: PMO continuous service improvement & training
  • Will Wright: Salesforce implementation for Emory All of Us Research Program
  • Saundra Barrett: User-centric web applications
  • Lisa Cogdill: Algorithm for antibiotic compliance
  • Khushbu Amin: Goizueta ADRC project and EHAS study
  • Keith Foster: Wireless Refresh and Expansion
  • Circe Tsui: AWS at Emory – cloud-based research & teaching
  • Tiffany Miles: ArchivesSpace project
  • Jenn Sutcliffe: Wikipedia-focused innovation grant
  • Melanie Kowalski: Copyright Support Community of Practice
  • Tara McCurley: One-button HD video production studio
  • Larry Frazer: Convocation Hall renovation
  • Damon Williams: Network Edge Refresh project
  • Jimmy Kincaid: AWS at Emory automation

Enid Britton accepts her Significant Contribution Award from PATH Committee member Dawn Francis-Chewning.

LEAP! was followed by our annual LITS Game Day where employees participated in a Team Trivia contest, Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament, video games, board games, and virtual reality. We could thank our hosts in Student Digital Life, our hosts for team trivia and poker, and perhaps name the winners of each contest. [Ed. Note: Stay tuned for an article next week about Game Day!]

The LEAP! event was organized the the PATH Committee, which also put on the 2018 LITS Town Hall. That committee was organized by its leadership sponsors Rob Renner and Leslie Wingate. The PATH Committee included Amy Allison, Ayana Bohannon, Cecilia Bolich, Maya Cody, Kyle Fenton, Dawn Francis-Chewning, Andrea Goldson-Barrett, Susan Henschen, Shoba Mallik (Co-Chair), Wade Moricle (Chair), Jack Scott, Alex Tudor, and Veta Williamson.

Special thanks also go to the volunteers: Carla Ashe-Hutchinson, Kat Boushell, Abby Ellerbe, Nydia Charles-Huggins, Michelle Crawford, Kathy Dixson, Camille Hyatt, and Khadijah Muhammad.

If you would like to see all of the photos from the event, go to: https://lits.smugmug.com/2019/2019-05-14-LEAP/

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