This article was provided by Ashley Bailey and the K-State Career Center.
Kansas State University student employees, supervisors, family and friends gathered April 11 to recognize more than 40 K-Staters who were nominated for the Student Employee of the Year award.
Before announcing the 2017 winner, Pat Bosco, vice president for student life and dean of students, recognized the family of the late Kyle Pelton, the 2016 Student Employee of the Year. Pelton’s post-graduation employer, Textron Aviation, was also acknowledged and presented a $1,000 lead gift that will help fund a a permanent display for all past and future award winners. In addition to the gift, the award will now be known as the Kyle Pelton Student Employee of the Year award.
Shortly following the gift revealing, Dominique Hoover, student facility manager for K-State’s Recreational Services, was named the 2017 Kyle Pelton Student Employee of the Year. Hoover is a senior in mechanical engineering and from Hutchinson, Kansas.
“Personally, this honor means the world to me. Receiving this award made me realize how much my work actually contributes to everyone here at Kansas State University,” Hoover said. “I know that every individual who is a part of this Rec family are more than honored as well to have the award come back to such a fantastic facility.”
Hoover advises students working their way through school to practice their time management skills.
“Years in college fly by so fast, and without proper time management it is hard to find motivation in what you are doing. I would also say to stay motivated you have to find passion in what you are doing, and look for new and exciting ways to have fun doing whatever that may be,” Hoover said.
Jason Brungardt, supervisor and assistant director for facility operations for Rec Services, mentions the impact Hoover has had on the department.
“Recreational Services is very proud of Dom for winning this award and very thankful for all the work he has put in along the way. Dom has left us in extremely good shape, and we wish him the best after graduation!” Brungardt said.
Hoover was selected for his exceptional reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism and adherence to the principles of the Wildcat Way.
The Student Employee of the Year award is given each year to students that are nominated by their on-campus employers. Colleges and universities across the country recognize the importance of the student work experience during National Student Employment Week. Student employment offers students career-enhancing opportunities, the ability to develop skills relevant to any career, and better preparation for the job market upon graduation