Student Employee of the Year is awarded
Financial aid employee is honored at luncheon for work performance
Michael Knaak
Issue date: 3/11/10 Section: News
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The winner of the Student Employee of the Year (SEOTY) Award was Jeff Christensen of the financial aid department. Christensen, through his hard work and dedication to Lakeland's financial aid department, was also offered a position as a graduate assistant.
Fifteen students were nominated by the 76 supervisors located over the entire campus who oversee student employment. Those students were then evaluated on the following qualities: reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism, and uniqueness of contribution. Jill Preissner, manager of student employment, stated, "It is a very big deal just to be nominated."
Student nominees received a framed certificate and a gift bag, which included a collection of gift certificates redeemable at local businesses as well as the college.
The SEOTY nominees were chosen from the approximately 480 student employment opportunities on campus by a selection committee. The nominees shared certain qualities, such as organizational skills and a great work ethic. In fact, Preissner gave one example of a student nominee who chose to learn a new computer program required in their department before they even started at their job.
Lakeland College celebrated Student Employment Week March 1-5. During the course of the week, student employees were invited to share in various discounts, treats, and special giveaways. For instance, on March 5, student employees were eligible to receive 20 percent off all regular printed clothing or gift items at the Campus Bookstore.
Primarily, students are motivated to seek student employment to lessen the blow of education expenses. Typically, Lakeland College pays out over $1 million in student employment wages over the course of a year. Students who receive part of this payout benefit from being able to earn a significant portion of their college expenses, avoiding a greater debt burden. Students can work for the college year-round, as Lakeland employs about 200 students during the summer months.
"It is appropriate to set aside a special week to draw the awareness of others to the contributions student workers make in the multitude of roles they fill," said Preissner.
"Each year colleges and universities across the country recognize the importance of the student work experience by celebrating Student Employment Week. Student employment offers students career-enhancing opportunities, the ability to develop skills relevant in any career, and better preparation for the job market upon graduation," Preissner said.
When asked if Christensen had any advice to future prospects for the award, he said, "Do more than what is expected of you. You get more out of it and your supervisors really appreciate you more."
Christensen now advances to a regional student employee competition and, if he wins, he will advance to a national competition.
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