Moraine Valley Community College is the first college to have winners for both the Illinois Student Employee of the Year and Illinois Student Employee Supervisor of the Year in the same year. The awards are presented to two- and four-year colleges and universities who are members of the Midwest Association of Student Employment Administrators.
The Illinois Student Employee Supervisor of the Year Award was earned by Demetrius Robinson, manager of Student Life. Robinson, who also earned the Student Employee Supervisor of the Year Award at Moraine Valley, each year hires between 10 to 15 student employees in his department through the college’s Job Resource Center (JRC) student employment program. Supervisors who win at the campus level advance to the state level competition, where they are evaluated on mentoring, professionalism and leadership.
“I was very excited to win this award at the college level,” Robinson said. “When I learned about winning at the state level, I was surprised and delighted. It honored me and gave me validation for what I am doing with the students. It’s just amazing,” he said.
Robinson was nominated because of his dedication and passion for mentoring, coupled with his work to build future leaders. “Demetrius comes into work every day dedicated to making sure the students at Moraine Valley feel a sense of belonging,” said Reem Motan, a student worker who nominated Robinson. “He has provided us with the opportunity to develop management skills, strong communication and listening skills, and has been such a positive influence.”
Dr. Pamela Payne, director of the Job Resource Center, said Demetrius sees the best in students. “Hence he creates an environment to draw out their potential and build their confidence,” she added. “Students often talk about how they feel valued and respected by him.”
Dr. Payne said her excitement was triple fold. “I was so happy for Demetrius. I also was excited for the student who nominated him because that affirmed the importance of saying thank you to someone who has done so much for them. And I am thrilled for the college to receive recognition on a regional level,” she said.
The Illinois Student Employee of the Year Award was presented to Jordan Murray, of Burbank, who worked in the college’s Computer Integrated Technology department through the JRC student employment program. As part of his student employment, Murray maintained four industrial labs for 10 staff members and 21 courses.