Jenna Sorenson named 2026 Kyle Pelton Student Employee of the Year
The five finalists for the Student Employee of the Year Award at Kansas State University receive their trophies at a ceremony.
The K-State Career Center celebrates the outstanding work of Jenna Sorenson, winner of the 2026 Kyle Pelton Student Employee of the Year. Sorenson, lead guest services attendant at the Union Bowling Center, was nominated by Austin Donovan, the Bowling Center's general manager.
Sorenson started at the Bowling Center two years ago as a freshman and has become known as a "first-call employee," said Donovan. Whether it is day-to-day operations or the opportunity to help renovate, clean or remodel, Sorenson is a cornerstone in the cultural shift at the Union Bowling Center and has been a key player in training newer employees.
Sorenson, along with four other finalists, was among 35 nominees honored April 8 at a ceremony at the Alumni Center. Department heads, colleagues and supervisors from across the K-State community nominated these exceptional student workers, all of whom display initiative, reliability and professionalism in their positions.
In addition to their exceptional work, these students also demonstrate a defining story that distinguishes them from fellow nominees and other employees.
"The Steering Committee engaged in much deliberation to select the finalists and the winner, as so many of the nominees were truly outstanding. The Career Center is grateful for the K-State community's support in recognizing and celebrating the impact student employees have," said Kaidy Smith, employer relations associate at the K-State Career Center.
A total of five students were chosen as finalists for this award. The additional finalists are Campbell Gaskill from Housing and Dining Services, Laly Hernandez of the Union Program Council, Ana Valldeperas from Academic Success and Student Affairs and Jensen Woodworth from the K-State Beef Stocker Unit.
The Kyle Pelton Student Employee of the Year Award is part of the National Student Employment Week. The ceremony and videos highlighting the five student finalists are available on the Career Center website.
— Submitted by Rob Sanders