On Wednesday, April 10, the Hubbard Center for Student Engagement held its first Student Employment Awards Ceremony and celebrated the dedication of outstanding student employees and their supervisors.

In previous years, the Hubbard Center hosted appreciation events, including handing out treats and holding a raffle to award prizes. This year, according to Assistant Director of Student Employment Chloe O’Sullivan, the Hubbard Center “wanted to do something a little bit more thought out with specific recognition.” 

Out of 105 student and supervisor nominations, three student employees were awarded the categories of Job Readiness, Leadership, and Student Employee of the Year, while one supervisor was named Supervisor of the Year. The three students who won awards received a certificate along with various DePauw swag supplied by the Hubbard Center. 

Alexis Cagan ‘24, Front Desk Assistant for the Hubbard Center, won the Job Readiness Award for making demonstrable efforts to prepare for her career post-undergraduate. Irene Amalaraj ‘24, STEM Guide and Hillman Intern, won the Leadership Award for her proven history of displaying attributes of professionalism, work ethic, and reliability. 

Finally, Hang Bui ‘24 was named the Student Employee of the Year, for her work in the Information Technology Associate Program (ITAP), demonstrating behavior aligning with the eight career readiness competencies as defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Laurel Tilton, Assistant Director of the Tenzer Technology Center and ITAP, nominated Bui. “I’ve seen the positive impact that Hang makes on her peers. She is a light to those around her, and we’ll miss her terribly when she graduates,” Tilton said. 

Last but not least, the Supervisor of the Year Award, which received over 60 nominations this year, was awarded to Melynda Link, the Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Facilities and Athletic Events. Six supervisors were also named honorable mentions and received gift cards.

Accompanying the main awards, Eliana Alzate ‘26 and Ryan Collins, Assistant Head Coach for Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving and Aquatics Director, were awarded door prizes from this year’s raffle. 

The student employment at DePauw University has complemented a countless number of students’ education, enhanced future employment opportunities, and provided financial assistance. The Hubbard Center has continued to celebrate and empower students to become responsible leaders throughout and beyond their time at DePauw.