UToledo Student Employee and Supervisor of the Year Announced

May 4, 2022 | News, UToday
By Krystal Clark



Career Services announced the winners of the Student Employee and Supervisor of the Year awards at the On-Campus Student Employment Awards Banquet on April 13 in the Thompson Student Union Ingman Room.

“These awards are a way for supervisors and the university to share the incredible work our students do to make UToledo a better place,” said Josh Vail, student employment specialist at Career Services.

Rita Kamoua was recognized as the UToledo Student Employee of the Year. A pre-med senior majoring in exercise science, Kamoua works as an office assistant in the Pre-Health Advising Center.

The award is given to a student who, in their work role, exemplifies reliability, quality work, initiative, professionalism and unique contributions.

“Rita has an authentic desire to learn and is willing to take on any task and needs very little guidance,” said Deborah Hendricks, director of the Pre-Health Advising Center, in her nomination. “Rita is a wonderful human being who is honest, ethical, empathetic, culturally sensitive, reliable, professional, resilient and mature. She has demonstrated teamwork, stellar communication, problem-solving and genuine care for humanity, which allows me to give her my highest recommendation.”

The senior will begin her medical journey at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine in the fall and believes her on-campus job has set her up to succeed in her chosen field.

“My on-campus job at the Pre-Health Advising Center played a critical part in strengthening my skills and competencies as a pre-med student. It allowed me to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and helped me develop my problem-solving and leadership skills,” she said.

Kamoua was selected from a pool of 15 nominees for the top honor based on guidelines defined by the National Student Employee Association. She is automatically in the running for the state award, with the possibility of advancing to regionals and nationals.

The Supervisor of the Year Award was presented to Julie Radwanski, academic services coordinator in the Learning Enhancement Center.

“Julie’s work and work style is organized, efficient, and focused on improving the work environment for her staff. She frequently reaches out to us about various housekeeping tasks, and we are aware of our schedules very far in advance,” said Alana Knapke, science and master tutor at the Learning Enhancement Center, in her nomination. “She always takes others’ opinions into consideration and frequently asks for feedback. Julie is a highly motivated supervisor who never fails to show how appreciated we are.”

Radwanski said she was honored to receive the award.

“This award makes me feel blessed to work with the amazing student employees in the Learning Enhancement Center and it motivates me to continue being a mentor and supporter of them and the work that they do,” she said.

“Our student workforce plays a critical role in the successful operations of UToledo departments on all campuses. We could not do what we do without our student workers, which is why it is such a joy to celebrate their contributions through the Student Employee of the Year annual awards,” said Shelly Drouillard, director of Career Services “Supervisors contribute in many important ways to the career readiness and professional development skills of our student workers and the award ceremony provides an opportunity to recognize their positive impact as well.”

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