State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) honored its Student Employees of the Year during ceremonies on the Bradenton and Venice campuses. The recognitions are part of National Student Employee Appreciation Week.
Theron Lee-Reilly, photography lab and classrooms in Bradenton, and Mary Lopez Marin, Academic Resource Center (ARC) in Venice, were named the Student Employees of the Year for going above and beyond in representing the College and helping students.
Lee-Reilly makes sure the photo labs are orderly and ready for the students. He is self-motivated and prepares chemicals for film and paper developing, monitors contrast filters’ condition and positioning, and cleans trays and working surfaces. In addition, he helps students if instructors are not available. His advisor said: “He has enough knowledge to advise other students in most cases and has the willingness and drive to teach them. I witnessed multiple times how he takes the lead, to offer help, even if he just overheard conversations about any difficulties students may have.”
Lopez Marin works as a biology, chemistry, Spanish and math tutor in the Academic Resource Center. She takes pride in her work and likes to make students feel confident about themselves. Her supervisors said she has an intuitive sense in mathematics that allows her to adapt to the different questions students have, and for her asking questions does not reflect the abilities of the students, but their desire to understand. “Mary is 100 percent engaged in making the ARC a suitable environment for students, and she makes sure all of our materials are in place and ready to be used. Her work is meticulous and organized. Mary’s easy-going and approachable personality makes it comfortable for students to ask for help.”
Student employee supervisors made nominations for Student Employee of the Year. All nominees had at least six months of employment and a minimum GPA of 2.5. A review committee evaluated the students on attributes, expectations, leadership, style and impact. The nominee with the highest overall score is sent to the Southern Association of Student Employment Administrators to be judged on a regional level. The regional winner is sent to the National Association of Student Employment Administrators to be considered for a national award.
Student employment offers participants the ability to develop skills relevant in any career and to better prepare for the job market upon graduation. Many students are able to earn a significant portion of their college expenses. The student workforce also contributes to efficient operations.
Each student who was nominated for the honor received a small gift of appreciation and certificate of achievement.
For information, contact Kelly Tippy with the CRC, at TippyK@SCF.edu or 941-752-5335.