An Essential Piece: Mary Van

After less than two years of employment in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at the University of Denver, Mary Van anticipates tasks that need to be completed. It makes life a lot easier for her supervisor and nominator, Laurel Shurtleff, the department's budget manager.

"Mary undertakes work assignments with initiative and pride," according to Shurtleff. In addition to working as an administrative assistant and managing her courses, Van has volunteered her time to World Vision and Boys & Girls Club. The 2011 Student Employee of the Year Nominee is a sophomore who is majoring in business. Cheers to Mary for all her hard work.

An Essential Piece: Greg Hisscock

In his position as Aquatics Coordinator for DU Recreation, there is no doubt about it: Greg Hisscock is swimming, not sinking. The 2011 Student Employee of the Year Nominee was hired as a swim instructor, but quickly took on additional duties, eventually working cooperatively with four different supervisors.

 
He assists with retail for DU athletic events, serves as the Hilltopper Swim Meet Manger, and helps organize a variety of collegiate swim meets. His nominator, Hilltoppers Head Coach Shawn Smith, attests Hisscock has streamlined the preparation process for swim meets and brought a heightened sense of organization to operations. Hisscock is a second-year graduate student of forensic psychology. We salute his exceptional work!

An Essential Piece: Rachael Dudley

Deborah Bain hires about 50 students each year. The Events and Operations Manager at the University of Denver Driscoll Student Center says she has never employed a student as reliable as Rachael Dudley. The 2011 Student Employee of the Year Nominee is a building coordinator at the center. Her duties include supervising customer service staff, managing events and general troubleshooting.

Bain's simple declaration sums it up: "I never have to worry when Rachael is on duty." Dudley is a student in the 4/1 program, which will enable her to earn her MBA in one year.

An Essential Piece: Jonathan Stiefel

To say that Jonathan Stiefel's position requires patience and skill would be an understatement. As an IT technician for the School of Engineering and Computer Science, he diagnoses and repairs university-owned computers."It is very helpful to have someone who can just sit down, and work on (repairs) independently, and then report to me when the problem is fixed without needing much guidance," observes his nominator and supervisor, IT Director Tim Sheu.

Sheu also remarks, "Jonathan stands out to me for his enthusiasm and interest in the job. He has interest in not just his own duties, but the more technical aspects of the other parts of my job." Stiefel is a junior at DU who is majoring in engineering.

An Essential Piece: Becca Roy

Becca Roy is often the first person to greet alumni, donors and students who contact the Office of Alumni Relations at the University of Denver. The 2011 Student Employee of the Year Nominee does so pleasantly and professionally.

"Her positive attitude and ability to think analytically will serve her well in her future endeavors. She is a joy to have on the team," according to Cheri Stanford, her nominator and the associate director of Alumni Programs. In addition to working 15-20 hours per week on campus, Roy volunteers her service to nonprofits, including The Brick Foundation. She is a second-year graduate student of the Josef Korbel School of International Studies. Congratulations, Becca, on your nomination!