Celebrating National Student Employment Week 2025

Student employees play a vital role in the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) community, contributing their time, talents, and dedication to help campus offices, departments, and services thrive. From assisting in research labs and supporting campus events to providing exceptional customer service, student employees make a lasting impact every day.

During National Student Employment Week (April 14–18), Maverick Student Employment recognizes and appreciates the hard work and dedication of on-campus student employees. Their efforts help keep the university running smoothly while also gaining valuable skills that prepare them for future careers.

All faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to take a moment to thank student employees throughout the week—whether it’s a simple word of appreciation, a note of gratitude, or a small gesture to acknowledge their contributions.

Maverick Student Employment is also proud to highlight the nominees for the Maverick Student Employment Awards, recognizing outstanding student employees and supervisors who have gone above and beyond in their roles. These nominees exemplify excellence in leadership, service, and professionalism.

Let’s show appreciation for the incredible work of UNO’s student employees this week and beyond!

2025 Award Nominees

Graduate Student Employee of the Year

• Amarnath Chaudhari, Graduate Assistant, Department of Management
• Claire Foley, Graduate Assistant, Service Learning Academy
• Colina Matthews, Movement Analysis Core Student Worker, Department of Biomechanics
• Emily Fuller, Graduate Assistant, University Honors Program
• Frances Reyes, Graduate Assistant, School of Music
• Luis Bustamante-Salgado, Career Coach, Career Services
• Madison Lackowski, Graduate Assistant of Membership, Campus Recreation and Wellness
• Meghan Witte, Graduate Assistant, Grace Abbott School of Social Work
• Shao Zhi (Joesline) Teo, Senior Venture Analyst, Maverick Technology Venture Alliance

Undergraduate Student Employee of the Year

• Amna Ali, Student Worker, Office of the University Registrar
• Brooklyn Williams, Student Worker, Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Camden Carmichael, Student Researcher, Center for Collaboration Sciences
• Caz Lowe, Resident Assistant, Housing and Residence Life
• Che'Marquis Pinkney, CEC Student Worker, Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center
• Connor Johnston, Venture Analyst, The Maverick Technology Venture Alliance
• Emmalee Undereiner, Animal Care Assistant, Office of Research and Creative Activity
• Gabriela Rodriguez, Peer Advisor, Health Careers Resource Center
• Haley Schuler, Exploratory Studies Peer Mentor Intern, College of Arts and Sciences
• Hanna Latham, Career Services Intern, Career Services
• Izzy Martin, Resident Assistant, Housing and Resident Life
• Jonathan (Jon) Watson, Building Manager, Campus Recreation and Wellness
• Kathryn Fulkerson, Student Worker, Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center
• Keira Miller, Recruitment and Partnerships Support Assistant, International Programs
• Lara Ohling-Guilliatt, STSE Event Team, Office of Spirit, Tradition, and Signature Events
• Leilou Guerrero, Peer Mentor, Durango’s Advancement and Support Hub (DASH)
• Litzy Morales, Student Worker, Office of Research and Creative Activity
• Madelyn Harrifeld, Resident Assistant, Housing and Resident Life
• Mirsada Demirovic, Office Assistant, Office of Financial Support and Scholarships
• Nathan Wisecup, Career Services Intern, Career Services
• Perla Cuevas, UNO Ambassador, New Student and Family Programs
• Ruby Martinez, Resident Assistant, Housing and Residence Life

Student Employee Team of the Year

• Career Services Student Employee Team
• DASH Peer Mentors, Durango’s Advancement and Support Hub
• Deterrence Lab Assistants
• Mav Mentors Peer Mentors
• Office of Financial Support and Scholarships Student Employee Team
• Peer Mentor Team, Project Achieve
• Quantitative Reasoning Learning Assistant Team, Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
• Social Media Ambassadors, Strategic Marketing and Communications
• The Dodge Campus Resident Assistant Team, Housing and Residence Life
• The Maverick Technology Venture Alliance, Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Franchising
• The Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center Student Workers
• TVTP Grant Program Evaluation Project Team
• UNO Ambassadors, New Student and Family Programs
• Writing Center Staff, Department of English

Student Employee Supervisor of the Year

• Aaron Likens, Ph.D.; Assistant Professor, Biomechanics
• Alissa Miller, Graduate Assistant for Fitness and Wellness, Campus Recreation and Wellness
• Blake Ursch, Senior Communications Manager, Center for Collaboration Sciences
• Britney Huish, Residence Life Coordinator, Housing and Residence Life
• Elise Janson, Events Coordinator, New Student and Family Programs
• Eric Wolford, Director, Strategic Retention Programs
• Erin Bass, Ph.D.; Professor, Department of Management
• Erin Pleggenkuhle-Miles, Ph.D.; Professor, Department of Management
• Hunter Pehrson, Recruitment and Retention Specialist, Aviation Institute
• Jesse McBee, Operations Manager, School of Music
• Jodi Benenson, Ph.D.; Associate Professor, Public Administration
• Josh Nichol-Caddy, Technology Commercialization Program Director, Nebraska Business Development Center
• Kristy Schweitz, Assistant Advising Director, College of Business Administration
• Madeline St. Clair, Assistant Director, DASH
• Morganne Grutsch, Assistant Director, Thompson Learning Community
• Myoungkyu Song, Ph.D.; Associate Professor, Computer Science
• Robert Smith, Library Associate, Criss Library
• Ryan Wong, Ph.D.; Associate Professor, Biology
• Sammi Svendsen, Residence Life Coordinator, Housing and Residence Life
• Sihley Pawaskar, Residence Life Coordinator, Housing and Residence Life
• Stacy Hartwig, Assistant Director, Campus Recreation and Wellness
• Steve Schulz, Ph.D.; Dean, College of Business Administration
• Song Yue, China Program Coordinator, International Programs