The 2010 Spring Conference will be held May 17-19, 2010 at the stunningly beautiful Rainbow Lodge in North Bend, WA

WSASEA is pleased to announce the 2009 Student Employee of the Year Winners!!

 

The selection committee had a difficult task to choose from the large number excellent nominees this year. Per a member vote at the 2008 Spring Conference, we now recognize the first and second runners-up in the competition. Our distinguished students received a congratulatory letter from the WSASEA President.

Ms. Kate Batten from Western Washington University was selected as our Student Employee of the Year! Kate works as a Student Services Assistant.

Mr. Brian Ahern from Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA was our first runner-up, and works as an Advertising Manager.

Mr. Kenneth Lambert from The Evergreen State College was our second runner-up, and works as a Human Resources Office Aide.

Gayle Dohrman, Kate Batten, and Caryn Regimbal

Ms. Kate Batten of Western Washington University

Kate and her proud family traveled to Rainbow Lodge to accept her award. As our winner, Kate received a certificate, $100 cash prize, $100 savings bond, and a letter of congratulations. Please join in celebrating Kate's exceptional service and outstanding contributions to the students of Western Washington University!

Kate is planning to work abroad in Africa after she graduates this year. Kate was nominated by Caryn Regimbal, Celia Farr, and Georgie Muska of WWU. Kate is a shining example of the service and excellence of today's students. Kate has been employed with the Intensive English Program since June 2007 as a Student Services Assistant. Some comments from her nomination:

We have come to depend on Kate’s unfailing reliability. Her duties include meeting students arriving from long international journeys at the bus or airport in Bellingham, taking them to their on- or off-campus housing situations, and dealing with any unknowns. The unknowns might include delayed flights, incorrect arrival information, problems on check-in, or an urgent need to make purchases.

Kate has had to take the initiative in all areas of her student employment work with us. Kate has never been faced with a situation she could not use her initiative to solve. A prime example is that she has led field trips with large groups of IEP students as chaperone/coordinator. Kate rapidly assumed responsibility in this area and has been leading our field trips with other student employees as her assistants.

Kate performs all her assignments to the highest level expected. She takes every project through from beginning to end and follows through after each trip with anything that is needed. She has the gift of being able to foresee potential challenges for the students and will head these challenges off with her quick thinking. Kate is also a strong advocate for students and their needs. If there is a detail that might have been forgotten regarding an event or a trip, Kate kindly brings it to light: all with the positive intention of making the students’ experience a richer one while studying here.

Kate maintains a constant professionalism. She is respected by both students and staff...Kate is also a very kind, thoughtful and empathetic person. She looks for ways to make others feel comfortable, be it at a first-day orientation meeting for a new student or on a crowded trip to a Mariners’ game. Her ready smile and warmth immediately put the students at ease. Kate is a role model of optimism for all of us in the department. When asked to do a task – any task – Kate meets every request with a smile and a positive attitude. We all admire Kate for living out the old adage: Helping hands make light work. Kate’s positive disposition and attitude have been an invaluable asset to our department.