An Essential Piece: Samson Eberhart

Great attention to detail is a must in Human Resources at the University of Denver. Samson Eberhart demonstrates this trait in spades, according to his co-workers. He also shows great professionalism, handling inquires at the Human Resources front desk and interacting with current and prospective DU staff and faculty members.

In addition to working and studying International Business, the DU sophomore also is active in the Pioneer Leadership Program. Congratulations to the 2011 Student Employee of the Year Nominee.

An Essential Piece: Mali Darr

Conscientious. Competent. Dedicated. Reliable. These are a few of the words Mali Darr's co-workers draw upon to describe the 2011 Student Employee of the Year Nominee. Darr is an administrative assistant at the University College.

She has been employed with the school of professional and continuing studies at the University of Denver since she began her studies at DU as a freshmen. The now junior is majoring in electronic media arts design. Thanks, Mali, for all your hard work.

An Essential Piece: Jen Cupp

Working at the Office of Career and Professional Development at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies requires a broad skill set - the ability to meet deadlines, the patience for impeccable data entry, an eye for detail and organization, and strong communication skills. Internships Specialist Jen Cupp excels in all these essential areas, according to her supervisor, Associate Director Melissa Martin.

The 2011 Student Employee of the Year Nominee is a second-year graduate student of International and Intercultural Communication. She has worked at the Office of Career and Professional Development since 2009. Cheers to Jen for all her excellent contributions.

An Essential Piece: Tarika Cefkin

Tarika Cefkin embodies the best attributes of the Nathan Yip Foundation: she loves people and works hard to lift the spirits of those who surround her, according to the foundation's president, David Thomson. The 2011 Student Employee of the Year has contributed to the foundation in myriad ways since stepping into her position as executive assistant about a year ago. She coordinates corporate outreach efforts, distributes a web-based newsletter and helped the foundation achieve its most successful fundraising campaign to-date. The funds will enable the foundation to build schools in China and Ethiopia.

Grieving parents Jimmy and Linda Yip founded their philanthropic organization in 2002 to honor their son, Nathan, who died in a car accident at only 19-years-old. Nathan often traveled with his parents to rural China and was struck by the poverty and lack of opportunity. Today, the foundation exists to realize Nathan's dream of bringing opportunities to impoverished children in China, Haiti, Mexico, Africa and the U.S.

Cefkin, a recent graduate of the International and Intercultural Communication Program, plans to continue her work with the foundation. Congratulations to Tarika and the Nathan Yip Foundation for their inspired work.

An Essential Piece: Monica Carroll

For the last year and a half, Monica Carroll has eased the minds of Certified Public Accountants at Holben Hay Balzer CPAs LLC. Firm Administrator Donna Mills describes the music major as punctual, reliable and professional.

As a file clerk, Carroll handles a variety of detailed projects for the firm. From the 10th floor where her office is located, Carroll gets the perk of a spectacular mountain view. She also is gaining real world experience to complement her minor in business administration. Carroll plans to graduate this June. The Office of Student Employment salutes her contribution to Hay Balzer CPAs LLC.