Mound City resident named KU Student Employee of the Year

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas has named a Mound City resident working in the Department of Molecular Biosciences as the Student Employee of the Year.

Jake Rowe received an engraved plaque and a $500 award at a ceremony April 14 in the Kansas Union.

The Student Employee of the Year award honors degree-seeking students currently enrolled at KU and was established to recognize student employees who embody service excellence, dedication, and who show stellar academic achievement.

Finalists for the award included Sara Anderson of International Programs, Alyse Bensel of the Department of English, Amanda Hemmingsen of the KU Writing Center and Gabrielle Murnan of the Office of Public Affairs.

Each of the five finalists received a brass Jayhawk and was called to the stage with their nominating supervisor, who spoke to the audience about the student's contribution to their department and why the student was nominated.

The 38 nominees received a Jayhawk pin and certificate of recognition.

Provost Jeffrey Vitter spoke during the ceremony about the importance of student employees at KU and building skills that will benefit student employees in their careers after college. Student Body President Morgan Said also recognized students for mastering the balance of school, work, family and friends.

For more information, email seoty@ku.edu or visit career.ku.edu/seoty.