If you work at MSU, you know how important student employees are to the success of your department and the university. Do you know a student who consistently goes above and beyond in their work? Supervisors have the chance to recognize these exemplary Spartans by nominating them for the Student Employee of the Year award by February 10, 2023.
Currently registered in an MSU degree-granting program.
Employed on student employee payroll for a minimum of three months between June 1, 2022 and May 31, 2023.
Nominated by their supervisor. Only one student employee may be nominated per supervisor. Complete an online nomination form here. Note: Graduate assistants, residence hall staff and other student employees who do not fall under the jurisdiction of MSU Student Employment or the Student Employee Payroll may not be nominated for this award. They are eligible for other recognition programs.
All nominees will be honored with certificates. The MSU Student Employee winner’s name is submitted for consideration for the State of Michigan competition. All nominees will be acknowledged at a reception on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, Big Ten A. Learn more about the award on the Department of Student Life website.
The MSU Dairy Store is one of the most popular places on
campus, whether you’re visiting campus for the first time or taking a walk on
your lunch break – everyone stops by to get their favorite scoop of ice cream.
The Dairy Store has not only been a place for students and families to come, but
it has also been a part of a special and unique program on campus that focuses
on students with disabilities.
The Spartan Project SEARCH Program aims to help students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program helps students build skills in communication, customer service and working with others, among various other skills. The program offers employment opportunities with different departments on campus through internship opportunities. Students in the program work with a mentor to help with their time at the job sites and transiting after graduation. One of the smiling faces you may meet at the Dairy Store is a Spartan Project SEARCH Program graduate.
Spartan Project SEARCH graduate, Cash.
Cash Verhil has been part of the Spartan Project SEARCH Program for the last year. Cash works at the Dairy Store part-time and a restaurant in Lansing. The Spartan Project SEARCH Program has helped him gain skills in feeling more confident in interacting with people. According to Cash, the biggest takeaways from his work at the Dairy Store have been “gaining independence, being responsible and customer service.” This fall, Cash will be a student at Lansing Community College and hopes to transfer to MSU to study Human Resources or Economics.
“Cash has always been willing to help and do whatever task
is necessary,” commented Brekelle Wiedenmannott, Dairy Store Manager. This
program has helped Cash’s personal journey and equipped him with skills he can
apply to his other job.
The program not only helps students gain job skills, but it
is also beneficial for the departments that employ them. “With hiring from the
program, you’re able to see how far the student has come,” said Wiedenmannott. Wiedenmannott
has been able to watch Cash’s progress and enjoys having him as part of the
team.
The Spartan Project SEARCH Program has internship sites throughout
campus from the College of Communications Arts and Sciences, the College of
Education, the Dairy Store and more. This program not only brings skills for
employment but confidence as well for the students. Cash’s mentor, Johnny Wenzel, has worked with the program for the last two
years. “Seeing how [the interns] are growing and learning new skills are the
highlights of my day,” commented Wenzel.
The number one goal from the program is having the interns find employment after they graduate. The program hopes to have more departments get involved as internship sites for their students. If you’re interested in getting your department involved in the program, mentoring or learning more about internship possibilities, visit the Spartan Project SEARCH website for information. And next time you’re at the Dairy Store, say hi to Cash and get a scoop of his favorite ice cream – the Sesquicentennial Swirl.
