Nancy Hembey is new to the University Interscholastic League (UIL), but not the university.
In 14 years, her associations include the Texas Union Student Activities Center, which opened in 2011, the Institute for Advanced Technology, and the Technology, Commercialization, Patent and Copyright Office, both located off-campus at the West Pickle Research Center. Now she is the UIL receptionist. In her current role, she interacts with UIL staff, students and customers.
Nancy Hembey congratulates Michael Williams, UT student, at September division staff meeting.
“I’ve dealt with the outside public, and I love being with the students,” she said. “The students are why we are here. I’m proud to be part of a unit that helps all of the schools in Texas.”
When Nancy is not assisting others with joining a UIL program, she likes spending time with her family, and developing her creative side. She presently runs a seasonal costume rental business out of her home.
Halloween is not only her favorite holiday; it is also her busiest time of year. In 20 years, Nancy has accumulated 200 costumes by shopping at thrift stores and making them herself. The costume making started as a hobby when she served as parent-teacher association president at her children’s school, staging carnivals that called for props and costumes. Word spread and now she rents costumes to friends and through referrals. Her most popular item is a gorilla costume.
This Halloween she plans to be a bumblebee at her annual party that has been featured on the local news. Other than invited guests, her house also sees about 200 trick-or-treaters, who she does not want to spook.
“I try to make Halloween fun like when I was a kid,” she said.
