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 this award were due Feb. 7, 2020. We have so many impressive nominees; it will be hard to choose the finalists!
Check back here to see profiles of the finalists, which will also be shared on our social media channels. The awards ceremony will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. April 8 via Zoom as part of National Student Employment Week. We'll be posting the access link to the virtual award ceremony here on the day of the event, so be sure to update your calendar and return to this page!
A Little More About the Award:
Eligible Students
Any student who is on the student payroll and will serve a minimum of six months in an official student employee position during June 2019 to May 2020 (anticipated) is eligible.
GRA, GTA and GA positions are not eligible.
Selection Criteria
The student chosen will be selected based on their reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism and their defining story. Please be prepared to explain specific and measurable examples of each, as well as a brief description of the student's roles/responsibilities in their nomination form. Examples of each are below:
Reliability
- Punctual — always on time, shows up when scheduled and calls in when unable to make scheduled time
- Responsible
- Able to work well with fellow employees and supervisor
Quality of Work
- Work is accurate, thorough and acceptable
- Uses materials and time economically
- Completion of work in a timely manner
- Consistency in meeting deadlines
- Ability to work under pressure
Initiative
- Is motivated to finish work on time and properly
- Accepts/seeks challenges and identifies problems to solve
- Responds enthusiastically to challenges
- Willing to accept new projects/methods/information that add to the position and quality of service
Professionalism
- Dresses appropriately for the position
- Has ability to make sound decisions
- Serves as a leader and model for others
- Regularly works with peers to contribute to a safe and orderly environment
Defining Story
- The lasting imprint this student will leave with your department
- What sets this student employee apart from other student employees in your department
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.
During Limited Operation Status
- Write thank you notes.
- Write thank you notes to parents of students (if appropriate).
- Dedicate a portion of your department newsletter, website or staff meeting to recognition of students.
- Mail remote working/learning survival kits.
- Create certificates of appreciation.
- Send an e-card showing appreciation.
- Host a Zoom meeting to award virtual superlatives.
- Post recognition on social media using #KStateNSEW2020 and #WildcatWay.
When Students Are On Campus
- 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.
