Western Washington University employs roughly 3,100 students each academic year. Our student employees contribute to the academic and extra-curricular aspects that makes Western such an excellent place to educate students. Not only do the students help keep Western functioning, but the combined contributions of mentors, supervisors, and peers help our students enter the workforce as better employees.

In an effort to recognize the excellence of our student employees, the Student Employment Center works with the National Student Employment Association and the Western Association of Student Employment Administrators to award a Western Washington University student employee a Student Employee of the Year Award. The award winner is traditionally announced during National Student Employment Week, the second full week of April each year. National Student Employment Week is a week designated to honor and recognize the contributions of all student employees of Western Washington University. Twenty-five Western students were nominated for Western's first annual SOETY award in 2009. The winner was announced during a recognition reception for all of the SEOTY nominees on April 16, 2009.

Governor's Proclamation

On April 16, 2009, Western student Kate Batten was announced as not only the Western Student Employee of the Year (SEOTY), but she was also selected as Washington State's SEOTY. Congratulations Kate!

For being selected as the Western winner, Kate won a $100 gift card to the A.S. Bookstore, as well as a bouquet of flowers and a framed certificate. The prize for winning the WASEA title was $100 cash, a $100 savings bond, and an engraved plaque.

Why Kate? Here is a very small excerpt about Kate's employment performance:

Kate Batten: Intensive English Program

As a Student Services Assistant for the Intensive English Program, Kate has been depended upon for her reliability and initiative in all areas of her student employment work. Her unique contribution includes her willingness to successfully assume leadership and responsibility far beyond expectations. She is a role model of optimism for the entire department while maintaining constant professionalism.

Who else was nominated? Students from a vast array of campus departments were nominated in 2009. This is just one showcase in which the variety of skills and talents Western students bring to campus. Thank you everyone for your contributions to the Western community!

• Melinda Assink, President/Provost's Office
• Christopher Dworetzky, Student Technology Center
• Lia Escudero, Western Libraries
• Emily Foster, A.S. Child Development Center
• Martha Fry, Geology Department
• Erin Haliburton, Academic Technology & User Services
• Katie Kirkness, Financial Aid Department
• Kimberly Kirkpatrick, Student Employment Center/Financial Aid
• Brianne Kumar, University Residences
• Brendan Lund, Western Libraries
• Christopher Mak, Associated Students - KUGS-FM
• Lauren McKnew, WWU Foundation
• Rebecca Mintz, Western Libraries
• Matt Mullins, Financial Aid Department
• Michael Murphy, Teaching - Learning Academy
• Samantha Raddatz, Western Libraries
• Katie Rowlett, Writing Center
• Christa Schiller, Prevention & Wellness Services
• Raeann Schurter, Washington Campus Compact
• Cejae Thompson, Tutoring Center
• Belina Van, Center for Service Learning
• Stephanie Van Cleave, Physical Education, Health & Recreation
• Megan Ward, New Student Services/Family Outreach
• Martha West, Physics/Astronomy Department

National Student Employment 2010 is scheduled for April 11 through 17.

If you would like to make a contribution to help support National Student Employment Week or the Student Employee of the Year Award program, please contact the Western Washington University Foundation.