OSU Student Employee of the Year named

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Alex Bryant, a sophomore from King George, Va., is this year’s OSU Student Employee of the Year.  Bryant, who works in the OSU Office of Undergraduate Admissions, will graduate in 2016 and plans to pursue a career in agricultural sales.He was nominated by Jamie Loomis, the department’s events and campus visit coordinator.

“Personable, responsible, professional, super star, these are just a few words that come to mind when asked to describe Alex,” Loomis said. “It is not uncommon to walk through our office and overhear staff members talking about his many positive contributions to our office and the campus visit program at OSU.” 

Bryant received a $1,000 scholarship presented by Dr. Lee Bird, vice president of OSU Division of Student Affairs, during a special ceremony on Wednesday, April, 16, in the ConocoPhilips OSU Alumni Center. Bryant also won floor seats to a men’s basketball game, donated by OSU Athletics, and a framed portrait.

Each year, Oklahoma State University recognizes its most outstanding student employees during National Student Employment Week. These students work in various departments around campus and in the Stillwater community and are nominated by their employers.

Five finalists were named from a group of 80, the largest group of nominees ever. They received a gift basket worth $200 including items from various Stillwater businesses and OSU departments, as well as an orange business portfolio with an engraved plate.

“We are excited to be able to honor 80 student employees this year,” said Dr. Pam Ehlers, director of OSU Career Services.  “This shows the dedication and responsibility of OSU students as they work and attend school. Students work an average of four million hours every year and earn over 41 million dollars in wages.  This is an enormous contribution to the Stillwater economy.”

Architectural engineering junior, Danielle North, and biosystems engineering senior,Tony Blackbear, were also awarded two student employee scholarships by Terry Baker, director of University Dining Services. Each received $1,250 from US Foods.

The other finalists for Student Employee of the Year included Kelcea Chapman, Perkins, Okla., nominated by Kim Brock, OSU Department of Animal Science; Erica Crockett, Stillwater, Okla., nominated by Brenda Smith, OSU Department of Nutritional Sciences; Mauresa Hankinson, Houston, nominated by Debbie Shotwell, OSU Student Union Marketing; and Anneliese Krull, Stilwell, Kansas, nominated by Chase Rheam, OSU Office of Undergraduate Admissions. 

For the first time ever, a Student “Employer” of the Year award was also offered to an employer who hires, trains and invests in OSU students. The winner for the first annual Student Employer of the Year is The Hideaway. Owners, Marti Dermer and her late husband Richard, were recognized for hiring and mentoring many students through 50 years of business.