During National Student Employment Appreciation Week, Dordt University recognized two outstanding student workers for their exceptional dedication and performance on campus. Caroline Brown and Jessica Walczak were awarded the title of Student Employees of the Year for their exemplary work ethic and positive contributions to their respective departments, receiving a $500 payroll bonus along with the prestigious honor.
Dordt University officials recently awarded two students the title of Student Employees of the Year as part of National Student Employment Appreciation Week (April 8-12).
These student employees were nominated by their supervisors for their excellent work ethic and drive to accomplish their on-campus employment well. A committee of five staff members reviewed the nominations and selected two recipients.
Of the more than 750 student workers who are employed at Dordt, 24 students were nominated, and two recipients were chosen:
Brown and Walczak each received a $500 payroll bonus as well as the Dordt University Student Employee of the Year Award.
Brown has served as a library student manager for the past three years. “She takes her responsibilities very seriously,” says Public Services Coordinator Josiah Cogan, who supervises Brown’s work at the Hulst Library. “She genuinely cares about the library and is always trying to find ways for us to improve. She loves the library so much she is still working here on top of completing her student teaching. I cannot imagine this place without her, so I feel very blessed that she is still a part of the team.”
Walczak is a strong leader within her team of student workers, says Creative Dining Employee Angie Witt, who supervises Walczak’s work at Dordt Dining. “Jessica is always positive and looks on the bright side for lessons to be learned when there is a challenge. She is very well liked by all members of Dordt Dining – students and full-time staff alike. She works well with our special needs staff and builds positive relationships with them. Jessica always acts with kindness and professionalism.”
Director of Student Employment Kyle Achterhoff says that Dordt University student employees work hard and contribute significantly to helping Dordt function well and effectively. “We believe that observing Student Employment Appreciation Week and, more specifically, selecting Student Employees of the Year is one way we can recognize the hard work of our students.”
Student employees develop so many skills through their on-campus work, he adds. “We have great students at Dordt, and over half work on campus during the academic year. This group of 24 Student Employee of the Year nominees is a sample of all the great work our students do on campus.”
Other students who were nominated for the Student Employee of the Year awards include:
About Dordt University
As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, The Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.
The Dordt University Wind Symphony will perform at Iowa Bandmasters Association (IBA) Annual Conference in Des Moines in May. Director Dr. Onsby Rose highlights the significance of the opportunity for students to showcase their talent to over 2,000 music educators, emphasizing the exceptional quality of Dordt's non-music-major musicians.
Dordt University was recognized among Iowa’s top private colleges by Stacker, based on 2024 data from Niche, earning an A- alongside three other institutions in Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota.
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