Described by their supervisors as “incredibly reliable,” “an asset to the department” and “calming and positive,” five student workers at UT Dallas are being honored as part of National Student Employment Week. 

Student Employment Celebration

A celebration honoring all student workers on campus is set for 4-5 p.m. April 15 in the Galaxy Room (2.602) of the Student Union.

The program recognizes students employees for their hard work in campus jobs. 

UT Dallas presented its Student Employee of the Year Award to Frankie De Soto, a graphic design assistant for the University’s marketing department.  “He works hard and succeeds at learning challenging new skills and performing at a level on a par with the University’s professional design staff,” a letter nominating De Soto said. “He represents UT Dallas at the highest level of courtesy and professionalism.”

Other student nominees included Julianna Chung, Maya Madkour, Brandon Shanks and Jeremy Wright.

Michael Doty, director of the Career Center, said campus jobs help students develop relevant career skills and prepare to enter the job market after graduation.

“Student employees perform invaluable services with enthusiasm, dedication and initiative,” Doty said.  “Many of our departments and offices depend on the contributions of this reliable workforce for the efficient operation of the UT Dallas campus.” 

The annual Student Employee of the Year Award program is coordinated by the Career Center.  Last week, representatives from the center honored the nominees and presented them with certificates and plaques during a ceremony held within their respective departments.  As UT Dallas’ Student Employee of the Year, De Soto’s name was submitted to the regional competition, and, if selected as the winner, he will advance to the national competition. 

“The National Student Employment competition has become more competitive at both the regional and national levels.  UT Dallas students are working in departments and doing many great things that make them competitive for this award,” Doty noted.

Nominations for the UT Dallas Student Employee of the Year were evaluated by staff members from the Career Center, Disability Services, Environmental Health and Safety, the Office of Student Success and Assessment and Recreational Sports.  The committee considered criteria like reliability, quality of work, initiative, attitude, professionalism and the uniqueness of the contribution when selecting the winner.