CWU Names Student Employee Of The Year

March 19, 2004

Contact: Robert Lowery (509-963-1487/fax 509-963-2301/e-mail: loweryr@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG, Wash.-- In connection with student employment month in Washington state in April, Irina P. Lyamin has been named Central Washington University's 2004 Student Employee of the Year.

A 2001 graduate of Day Star Christian Academy, Lyamin, now a junior at CWU, has worked in the office of the Asia University America Program (AUAP) since the fall of 2002 as a student office assistant.

Lyamin was born in Narva, Estonia. Her family immigrated to the U.S. about 14 years ago, first settling in Quilcene, Wash., then moving to Moses Lake about seven years ago.

The daughter of Paul and Nadia Lyamin, she was nominated for the award by three AUAP staff members: Cynthia Green, AUAP director; Patty Schell, senior secretary; and, Nicki Kukar, student services coordinator; and Nancy Vogel, international student advisor for the office of international studies and programs.

"She embraces everyone -- student and staff -- alike," Vogel says. "Her personal integrity demands not only perfection in her work ethic, but an enjoyment of helping all. She is skilled, quick to grasp and accomplish any project. It is, however, her sensitivity, both to excellence and to others, that makes her special."

Lyamin's nomination has been forwarded to the Washington State Association of Student Employment Administrators (WSASEA) for its 2004 Student Employee of the Year Competition.

WSASEA will announce the state winner at its spring conference in May. In addition to well-deserved recognition, the winner will receive a certificate and a $100 U.S. Savings Bond.