Island University Celebrates Student Workers with Luncheon and Awards Ceremony
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi recently celebrated the contributions Islander student workers make in the multitude of roles they fill at the University during National Student Employment Week, April 9-15. The week kicked off with the Student Employee Bash luncheon, sponsored by Career Services. The luncheon hosted more than 400 students and their supervisors.
“This is the 15th year that we have celebrated National Student Employment Week on our campus,” said Sharron Herrera, student employment coordinator at Career Services. “The week is set aside for faculty and staff to recognize the invaluable contributions our students make toward the efficient operation of our campus.”
Another way the Island University shows appreciation to its student workers is by selecting a Student Employee of the Year. This year, 17 departments nominated students who were all recognized at the Student Employee of the Year reception. The first place Student Employee of the Year award went to Kathryn Hamilton, senior biomedical sciences pre-professional major, for her work with the Department of Information Technology (IT). The grand prize included $100 added to her SandDollar$ ID card.
“Kathryn has truly created a positive team atmosphere for our student employees by going above and beyond the expectations outlined in her job description,” said her supervisor, Jonathan Payne, IT Manager II. “When a new student employee is hired, she routinely adjusts her entire schedule to align her work with theirs to ensure they are properly trained and on-boarded.”
The first runner up for Student Employee of the Year was Anyssa Villanueva, senior biomedical science pre-professional major. Villanueva received $75 on her SandDollar$ ID card for her work at Momentum Village.
“Anyssa’s focus on ensuring that every encounter she has is a positive one provides for a strong basis of great customer service,” said Manuel Vela, Momentum Village general manager. “Moreover, her ability to take on the responsibility of rectifying issues that arise and/or taking initiative to address possible concerns prior to them arising is what raises her customer service level to excellent.”
Ernesto Hurtado, senior nursing and health sciences major, was this year’s second runner up for Student Employee of the Year. Hurtado was gifted $50 on his SandDollar$ ID card for his work with the College of Nursing and Health Sciences (CONHS).
“Ernesto has gone above and beyond all basic job requirements and the expectations of his position,” said Rachel Holman, CONHS academic advisor II. “He will not only brainstorm with the graduate advisors and administrators, but he also implements the ideas to make those tasks more efficient.”
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi currently employs more than 1,000 student workers. For information on student worker positions available, visit Hire an Islander.
