EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville junior vocal performance major Ramon DeShazer, of Edwardsville, has been honored by the Office of Student Financial Aid as the 2016 Student Employee of the Year. The award recognizes DeShazer’s tremendous contributions and dedication to his position as mail clerk in University Housing’s Cougar Village.
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April 10-15 has been declared National Student Employee Week by the National Student Employment Association. As part of the celebratory week, DeShazer was surprised by his colleagues, mentors and managers on Tuesday, April 12 with the award, presented by Sally Mullen, director of the Office of Student Financial Aid.
“I’m completely shocked, because I had no idea I was nominated for this award,” DeShazer said. “It is definitely an honor to be recognized as Student Employee of the Year when there are so many of us on campus. One thing that I loved about SIUE when I researched coming here is the fact that there were so many student employment opportunities. They want students to be involved.”
DeShazer is responsible for daily tasks in the mailroom and is a leader among his peers. Jennifer Hoxsey, chief clerk in University Housing’s Cougar Village, nominated him. Hoxsey praised DeShazer for his punctuality, leadership abilities and innovative contributions to maintain an efficient workflow.
“Mr. DeShazer is more than dedicated to his position and displays an exceptional work ethic, which he does with a professional and positive attitude,” Hoxsey said in her nomination letter. “Not only does he excel at his duties in the mail room, but he also exhibits leadership skills in any organization in which he is involved.”
Along with his professional commitment, DeShazer excels academically and serves as president of the National Society of Leadership and Success. He was founder, director and president of the ENCORE Show Choir, has served as a Springboard leader and volunteered his time to enrich the lives of other SIUE students.
“My ultimate goal is to work in student affairs,” DeShazer said. “Through this job, I’m developing professionalism and learning to connect with students and provide quality service.”
“Ramon encourages others to be successful,” Hoxsey commented. “He exhibits great personal and work skills that inspire others to strive for the same achievements that he has accomplished. His contributions will last long after he graduates from SIUE. He will make an impact wherever he goes in life.”
As part of the award, DeShazer receives a plaque, a $75 gift card to the Cougar Store, an SIUE beach towel and bag, and cards for free Pepsi products in the Morris University Center. He is now entered in the Midwest competition through the Midwest Association of Student Employment Administrators, a branch of the National Student Employment Association.
First runner-up for SIUE Student Employee of the Year was senior Chris Crabel, of Chillicothe. Crabel works in the Morris University Center Administrative Office. Senior Robert Crater, of St. Joseph, was second runner-up. Crater works in Library and Information Services.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville provides students with a high quality, affordable education that prepares them for successful careers and lives of purpose. Built on the foundation of a broad-based liberal education, and enhanced by hands-on research and real-world experiences, the academic preparation SIUE students receive equips them to thrive in the global marketplace and make our communities better places to live. Situated on 2,660 acres of beautiful woodland atop the bluffs overlooking the natural beauty of the Mississippi River’s rich bottomland and only a short drive from downtown St. Louis, the SIUE campus is home to a diverse student body of more than 14,000.
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