Student workers are praised for their work

Student workers at the university were recognized for their contributions during the annual Student Employee Appreciation Day held on April 15 in the Adanti Student Center Ballroom.

The event, scheduled from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., featured activities including crafts, guided paint sessions and complimentary massages along with an awards ceremony at noon.

“I feel like so often, in a small way, we can kind of be the unsung heroes that help keep the university running,” music therapy major Lindsey Brown, a junior, said.

Organizers said the event aimed to recognize not only the work students perform but also the skills they develop through employment on campus.

From front desk roles to peer mentoring positions, student employees contribute across departments, helping offices meet demand while gaining professional experience.

“This is our fourth year that we are doing it, and the goal has always been to recognize our student workers for the great work that they do and help them to be valued and appreciated,” Rachel Cunningham-Exavier, assistant director for the Office of Career and Professional Development, said.

For many students, campus employment provides more than just financial support. It offers opportunities to build connections and navigate college life, particularly for those adjusting to a new environment or coming from out of state.

“As each year progressed and as I took on new roles, I really just met more and more people,” Brown said. “Being a student worker has really helped shape my connections on campus.”

Organizers emphasized that student employees often take on responsibilities that extend beyond their job titles.

Whether managing front desks, assisting with tutoring or supporting administrative tasks, their work contributes directly to the university’s ability to serve its student body and maintain daily operations.

“It’s not just about something that they are doing, but it’s something that they’re creating,” Cunningham-Exavier said. “They help create an environment for the university and give it a good name.” The event also highlighted professional development, with awards recognizing students for leadership, inclusion and overall impact.

Organizers said these recognitions are intended to affirm the value of student contributions and encourage continued growth in both academic and professional settings.

For student workers, the experience of working on campus can also provide flexibility that off-campus jobs may not offer.

With schedules that adapt to academic demands, campus employment allows students to balance responsibilities while gaining relevant experience that prepares them for future careers.

“It allows us employment within an environment that will work around our ever-changing academic schedule,” Brown said.

As attendees moved between activity stations and gathered for the awards presentation, the atmosphere reflected the event’s purpose: creating a space where student workers felt seen and appreciated.

“I want them to feel loved,” Cunningham-Exavier said. “I want them to feel appreciated and to know that what they are doing is something that is great and something that is valued.”