National Student Employment Week
April 12-18, 2020
Each year colleges and universities across the country recognize the importance of the student work experience during National Student Employment Week. Student employment offers students career-enhancing opportunities, the ability to develop skills relevant to any career, and better preparation for the job market upon graduation.
At K-State, our student employees perform invaluable services with enthusiasm, dedication, and initiative. Indeed, many departments depend on the contributions of this reliable workforce for their daily operations. During National Student Employment Week, we celebrate our student employees in a variety of ways.
Kyle Pelton Student Employee of the Year award (SEOTY)
Nominations for the 2020 Kyle Pelton Student Employee of the Year are now being accepted. Any student who is on the student employee payroll and serves in an official student employee position is eligible. The student chosen will be selected based on their reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism, and their defining story.
Submit your 2020 student nomination.
2019 SEOTY Winner
The 2019 Kyle Pelton Student Employee of the Year is Po-Yu "Tony" Lai, a student worker in the dairy unit of the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry! Tony went on to win the SEOTY honor from the state of Kansas as well! He was nominated by William Brown, Graduate Student also working in the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry. Congrats, Tony!
Po-Yu “Tony” Lai
Akayla Calhoun, Finalist
Department: Housing and Dining Services, Derby Dining Center
Nominated by: Valerie Donelan
Zachary Langston, Finalist
Department: Family Studies and Human Services, Family Center
Nominated by: Becky Wolfe
Justin Moser, Finalist
Department: College of Business Administration IT
Nominated by: Stacy Kovar and Michael Raine
Jacob Rose, Finalist
Department: Writing Center, Polytechnic Campus
Nominated by: Kaleen Knopp
Canaan Endicott, Winner
Department: K-State Libraries’ Building Services
Nominated by: Jesica Thornton
Dakota Baccus, Finalist
Department: New Student Services
Nominated by: Courtney Hallenbeck
Kendra Holthaus, Finalist
Department: Veterinary Health Center Dispensary
Nominated by: Landa Colvin-Marion
Brenden Penner, Finalist
Department: K-State Athletics Operations
Nominated by: James Muller
Reagan Swank, Finalist
Department: K-State First
Nominated by: Brent Weaver
Dominique Hoover, K-State Student Employee of the Year Winner
Department: Recreational Services
Nominated by: Jason Brungardt
Ella Magerl, Finalist
Department: Recreational Services
Nominated by: Travis Redeker
Spencer Schrader, Finalist
Department: Applied Aviation Research Center | K-State Polytechnic Campus
Nominated by: Travis Balthazor
Madison Smith, Finalist
Department: Academic Assistance Center
Nominated by: RJ Youngblood and Stephanie Bannister
Jacquelyn Sommers, Finalist
Department: Engineering Extension
Nominated by: David Carter
Kyle Pelton, K-State Student Employee of the Year Winner
Department: New Student Services
Nominated by: Cole Grieves
Katie Harrison, Finalist
Department: Hale Library
Nominated by: Alyssa Bruce
Nelson Pence, Finalist
Department: Study Abroad Office
Nominated by: Joe Milostan
Jessica Stieben, Finalist
Department: Division of Communications and Marketing
Nominated by: Ashley Martin
Trevor Witt, Finalist
Department: Unmanned Aircraft Systems | K-State Polytechnic Campus
Nominated by: Kurt Carraway
Kyle Hooker, K-State Student Employee of the Year Winner
Department: Horse Unit
Nominated by: Kallie Emig and Tasha Dove
Blaine Cash, Finalist
Department: New Student Services
Nominated by: Kiley Moody
Julia Comstock, Finalist
Department: Catalyst Center
Nominated by: Rusty Earl
April Gee, Finalist
Department: K-State Libraries
Nominated by: Felisa Osburn, Jason Coleman, and Lisa Loberg
Sarah Wilcox, Finalist
Department: Pilots Program
Nominated by: Shay Dodson
Ways to Celebrate Your Student Employees
Recognition is an important part of expressing appreciation for the valuable work our student employees do. There are lots of ways you can celebrate your student workers that cost little — and mean a lot.
- Throw a pizza party, potluck, do-it-yourself sundae bar, foot long sub party; have a popcorn machine in your office; serve cake & punch; have a hamburger/hot dog BBQ
- Host scavenger hunts with prizes for the winners
- Decorate office doors or bulletin boards with posters expressing appreciation to student workers and listing all students’ names
- Arrange for administrators to do some "reverse" job shadowing -- partner with a student worker for a day or even an hour, to see what kinds of duties are involved
- Organize trivia contests with prizes for winners
- Distribute certificates of appreciation
- Recognize your students on social media using #WildcatWay to join the conversation
