May. 3, 2017
Klein Named Student Employee of the Year
Senior Katie Klein, a dual major in political science and public policy with a minor in economics, was selected as Central Washington University's student employee of the year. Klein was nominated by Dawn Anderson, her supervisor in the School of Graduate Studies and Research (SGSR). Klein received her award at the Student Employee Recognition Ceremony in April.
"I'm really honored that my office nominated me," Klein said. "I've learned so much here. I'll really miss them when I leave."
Her position in the SGR included a variety of duties, including customer service, Excel worksheet data entry, word processing, and web and social media support.
Her nominators were effusive in their descriptions of her work ethic.
"Katie is the embodiment of the Wildcat Way," said Justine Eason, communication consultant, SGSR. "The five points—Welcoming, Inclusive, Knowledgeable, Responsive, and Pride are naturally instilled in her. She is a role model to our other students [and] her upbeat positive attitude, fresh new outlook, and kindness have added value to our everyday work life."
Anderson commented, "Katie is quite frankly a perfectionist, and is very conscientious about each task she completes. In SGSR there are eight staff members and each have different responsibilities, and all of them give tasks to Katie. She prioritizes the tasks from each staff member and methodically accomplishes each task."
"I have worked at CWU for 17 years and Katie is by far one of the best student employees I have worked with," said Natalie Lupton, associate dean, SGSR. "I know that when she leaves, we will soon hear of her accomplishments serving her local/global community."
An Ellensburg native, Klein was homeschooled by her parents, John and Traci. She plans to get married the week after graduation and hopes to take a little time off before seeking full-time work. She looks forward to being a wife and a homeschooling mother.
In addition to the Student Employee of the Year award, the ceremony honored Jazton Broussard with the Josephine Griffith Memorial Award and Madeline Heim with the Mary Lonowski Memorial Award. Stacy Swayze, Computer Support Services, was named supervisor of the year. The Student Team of the Year was Physics and Engineering Pals from Learning Support Services, comprised of Alex Higgs, Jeremy Klarich, Berlin Walker, Griffin Running, Jason Arakawa, Nick Collins, and Phuc Cha. The Wildcat Shop was named the winner of the Department Decorating Contest.
Media Contact: Valerie Chapman-Stockwell, Public Affairs, 509-963-1518, valeriec@cwu.edu