Student Employee of the Year, Spencer Dick (center), with his nominating supervisor, Primo Thomas, and the Rev. James Maher, C.M., Niagara University president.

The achievements of undergraduate students who both work and study at Niagara University were celebrated during the Student Employee of the Year ceremony on Tuesday, May 3. Hosted by NU’s Office of Career Services, this year’s event was the first in-person ceremony since 2012.

Eleven students were nominated for the honor based on the core competencies associated with career readiness as identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Those include critical thinking/problem solving; oral/written communications; teamwork/collaboration; digital technology; leadership; professionalism/work ethic; career management; and global/intercultural fluency. Using a rubric based on these skills, a panel of judges selected Spencer Dick, a senior design and production theatre major who has worked in the theatre department’s scene shop for the past four years, as the Student Employee of the Year.

Spencer’s work ethic, knowledge of technology and design, and mentorship of younger students in the scene shop were among the qualities noted in his nomination.

“As the head scene shop work study for the theatre program, Spencer works side by side with me to build, paint, and install the sets for all the productions at the theater,” said Primo Thomas, technical director for the theatre, who nominated Spencer. “Spencer is, in my opinion, the perfect type of student we hope to have graduate from the theatre program. He is responsible, massively talented, hardworking, dedicated, considerate, and coachable.”

Other students recognized during the ceremony were: 

  • Jade Montero - History Department
  • Izabel Rivera - Records Office
  • Noah Kaczmarek - Graduate Studies
  • Azhane Bridges - Women's Basketball
  • Tailor Choquette - Castellani Art Museum
  • Joshua Walerowicz - Career Services
  • Anna Almeter –Academic Success Peer Tutor
  • Tricia Lazatin – Theatre Department
  • Andrew Fleckenstein - IMPACT
  • Emily O'Brien - Dwyer Ticket Office

“We were happy to be able to reinstate the Student Employee of the Year award program this year,” said Stephanie Morris, executive director, Career Services. “It is a great opportunity for supervisors to recognize students for their contributions to the Niagara University community. At NU, we strive to develop the whole person, and on-campus employment opportunities assist our students to develop skills that they will use far beyond the walls of this community."