Weeklong celebration recognizes student employees

With more than 3,500 student employees at Grand Valley this academic year, it’s no wonder the campus community it able to run as smoothly as it does.

The Student Employment Office will host the annual Student Employee Appreciation Week this year from April 8-12.

“I couldn’t begin to do my job without the students who work alongside me and bring such value and fresh perspective each day,” said LeaAnn Tibbe, assistant director for the Office of Student Life.

Students Bryan Beran, Rosie Cool and Amber Cullison said that working for the Office of Student Life has both connected them with the university and helped them to grow professionally. “I truly appreciate how much the Office of Student Life and Grand Valley values and invests in us as both employees and students,” said Cullison. “I also appreciate their flexibility and willingness to work with our schedules.”

Some of the largest employers of students on campus are Campus Dining, Athletics, Facilities Services, Office of Student Life and the Student Academic Success Center. Studies conducted by the National Association of Student Employment Administrators show that “students who work, do as well or better academically than students who do not work.”  

Anna Hesselschwerdt, a student who works for the History Department, said, “Having an on-campus job made me grow up very quickly, and through my experiences, I have developed organizational skills and become more efficient as both a student and an employee.”

Michelle Duram, office coordinator for the History Department, said she couldn’t imagine their office without student workers. “I think we benefit from the experience just as much as the student employees do,” said Duram.

Events and activities include:

- Office Decorating and Photo Contest, April 8: Students can win a pizza party for their office by decorating their workplace and sending a photo to [email protected] by 1 p.m. on April 9. Voting will take place online.

- Volleyball Tournament and Hot Dog Roast, April 17, noon-1 p.m., Robinson Field: Students and their coworkers can compete for a trophy and office lunch party by competing in the first annual tournament. The Hot Dog Roast at DeVos Center will take place April 10, noon-1 p.m.

- Indulge Day, April 11, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Kirkhof Center, 2204: Student employees are invited to indulge in deserts and massages.

- Night with the Griffins, April 12, Van Andel Area: Tickets are $5 and $8 for supervisors and guests, and can be picked up at the Student Employment Office in the Student Services Building.

Event details are at www.gvsu.edu/studentjobs.