Kucera wins Student Employee of the Year
A Pearland senior and campus recreation worker received the Student Employee of the Year Award at a special presentation Friday afternoon.
Jason Kucera was one of 16 students nominated on the basis of reliability, quality of work, initiative, attitude, professionalism and uniqueness of contribution. Six judges from various campus departments scored the nominees and chose winners. A single point separated the top three nominees.
"The judges this year were wonderful at making tough decisions," Tony Mitchell, assistant director of career services and student employment coordinator said. "I'd like to say a special thank you to them."
Judges were Dale Duren, Kelly Saros, Missy Devine, Rose Hayter, Eva Pack and Carrie Brown.
Judges also honored William "Ike" Newton, a forestry department employee, and Haley Hoskins, Angleton sophomore and career services worker, with honorable mention certificates.
Eligible students for the awards are undergraduates employed on campus and graduate students other than resident advisers, graduate assistants and teaching assistants, who are on the student employee payroll.
Recipients also must have been employed in their positions for a minimum of three months full time or six months part time within the past year.
Nominations were made during Student Employment Appreciation Week earlier this month. Each department was allowed to submit one name for competition, along with a nomination letter.
Kucera was nominated by his supervisor, Kenneth Norris, who was also present at the award ceremony.
No judges from competing departments decided winners, and the department of student employment was not involved in the selection process.
"SFA students now have another goal to make their campus experience more enjoyable and productive," Mitchell said. "This type of recognition definitely looks good on any graduating student's resume, and it gives the campus a chance to appreciate the valuable contributions made by some very resourceful students."
Mitchell was present to award Kucera and the honorable mention recipients their certificates.
The campus recreation department will house the plaque containing Kucera's name until next year's winner is announced. The department also received a certificate of appreciation.