Described by their supervisors as “always a step ahead,” and having “astonishing work ethics,” five student employees at UT Dallas have been honored as part of National Student Employment Week.
The annual program recognizes student employees for their work in on-campus jobs.
The Student Employee of the Year award was presented to Kaitlen Clare, a junior gender studies major in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies who works in the Galerstein Women’s Center.
Clare provides support services and helps coordinate the center’s programs and events.
“She is always a step ahead, especially in identifying and tackling potential issues that may arise during an event,” Clare’s nomination letter stated. “Her ability to think critically and her attention to detail enhance the outcomes of the tasks assigned to her. Everything Kaitlen does, she gives her all, and she ensures it is carried out with pride, loyalty and excellence.”
Other student nominees included Michael “Mac” McGlynn, who works in the Counseling Center; Sri Rama Bhupatiraju of the Career Center; Jamie Choate from Enrollment Services; and Erin Venza with the Center for Brain Health.
“From customer service to helping complete projects, our student employees have the benefit of knowing the inner workings of the University, and they use that advantage to help UT Dallas function at its best.”
Michael Doty,
Career Center director
Michael Doty, director of the Career Center, said student workers gain valuable experience in their on-campus jobs, which can be applied to future internships or full-time employment.
“We’re always proud to honor UT Dallas students at this time of the year,” Doty said. “We understand the value they provide throughout the University. From customer service to helping complete projects, our student employees have the benefit of knowing the inner workings of the University, and they use that advantage to help UT Dallas function at its best.”
As UT Dallas’ Student Employee of the Year, Clare was nominated for the regional competition, the winner of which advances to the national competition.
The Student Employee of the Year award program is led by the Student Employment Coordinator in the Career Center. During the past two weeks, representatives from the center honored the nominees and presented them with certificates, plaques and a small scholarship at ceremonies held in their respective departments.
Nominations for the program were evaluated by staff members from the Eugene McDermott Library, the Career Center, Recreational Sports, and two areas within the Dean of Students Office: Student Leadership Programs and the office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
The committee considered such criteria as reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism and uniqueness of their contribution to their department.
Student Employee of the Year Kaitlen Clare was praised for her ability to think critically and identify potential problems in her work at the Galerstein Women’s Center. Other nominees included:
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| Jamie Choate | Michael “Mac” McGlynn |
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| Sri Rama Bhupatiraju | Erin Venza |