Kenyon Chosen as CWU Student Employee of the Year

Kari Kenyon, a resident assistant in Central Washington University’s University Housing, Wellness and New Student Programs, was named the Student Employee of the Year at a ceremony on April 16.

Kenyon, a junior pursuing a degree in public health, was nominated for the award for her stellar work ethic and drive, as evidenced by her reliability, initiative, and professionalism.

“Kari is a self-starter who needs minimal guidance and coaching,” said Rebecca Richards, CWU residence hall coordinator for the Women’s Theme Community. “[She] takes initiative in training new and returning staff members and she does with a kind, patient, coaching skill rarely seen in student employees.”

As the senior resident assistant in the Women’s Theme Community in Sparks Hall, Kenyon was responsible for programming activities and events to meet her residents’ needs. This ranged from creating a spa night to help her residents relax during midterms, to engaging speakers to address issues such as how women are portrayed in the media, the different social expectations for women and men, and gender issues. In addition, Kenyon helped to create the four pillars of the Women’s Theme Community: Empowerment, Academics, Service, and Leadership.

“I worked with the Center for Diversity and Social Justice to develop some of our program,” she said.

Kenyon also volunteers at community organizations such as Aspen and Planned Parenthood. She plans to seek a chemical dependency counseling certificate and perhaps work at a wellness center at a university after graduating next spring.

Kenyon is a 2011 graduate of Port Angeles High School.

Media Contact: Valerie Chapman-Stockwell, Public Affairs, 509-963-1518, valeriec@cwu.edu

May 2, 2014