April 10, 2003
Contact: Robert Lowery (509-963-1487/fax 509-963-2301/e-mail: loweryr@cwu.edu)
ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Known for his friendly, courteous manner and ever
present smile, Kim Chen, who works in Central Washington University’s
computer support services (CSS) department, has been named the
university’s 2003 Student Employee of the Year.
Chen was nominated by Patricia Jack, CSS program support supervisor,
who noted, “Kim is able to explain even the most technical process in a
way that is easily understood. Kim always goes above and beyond for
our department as I’m sure he does for the campus.”
His supervisor, Steve Beekley, echoed those sentiments, adding that
Chen is very proficient in the computer field, calling his
troubleshooting skills exemplary.
“This enables him to fix problems the first time,” Beekley says. “He
is very enthusiastic about his work. He enjoys digging in and testing
new software or hardware. He continues to further his knowledge by
taking and passing certifications.”
Those certifications include: MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional),
A+ Certification, Network+ Certification and Server + Certification.
“He is well respected around campus and is often asked for -- by name
-- to fix end users problems,” Beekley adds.
Born in Cambodia, Chen, 20, came to the U.S. with his parents when he
was in the third grade. A 2001 graduate of Ellensburg High School, he
began working as a volunteer at CSS while a high school student, under
the tutelage of his grandfather, Glen Prothero, a CWU information
technology systems specialist.
“My freshman year in high school, I decided to volunteer during the
summertime because I had nothing else to do,” Chen recalls. “So, I
came down and helped him put parts in computers and he educated me. If
I hadn’t started working here, I probably wouldn’t have gotten into
computers.”
Chen, a junior, is majoring in business administration with a
specialization in operations management/information systems at Central.
While the majority of his work involves interfacing with computers,
Chen says the most satisfying part is interfacing with university
personnel.
“By now, I’ve probably met everyone on campus,” he adds, with a laugh.
CSS will sponsor a public reception Friday, April 11, to honor Chen’s
selection as the university Student Employee of the Year. It will be
held in the Samuelson Union Building (SUB) Yakama Room from 1:30 to 3
p.m., and refreshments will be served.
Chen’s nomination has been sent to the Washington State Association of
Student Employment Administrators Student Employee of the Year Liaison
for submission into the WSASEA 2003 Student Employee of the Year
Competition.
