For the first time, the Student Employment Office is happy to announce the Outstanding Student Employee Scholarship winner - Cameron Doane!

The prompt for this scholarship was as follows: Students being nominated should have shown leadership, dedication, and innovation within their on campus employment. These students are role models for their fellow student employees and continually treat those around them with kindness and respect. 

We received over 50 nominations from amazing students who exemplify what it means to be an outstanding student employee. Throughout reading all of the submissions, it was incredibly clear that Grand Valley State University would not be the institution it is without the dedication and commitment it receives through it's student employees. We were blown away with just how involved so many students are in their hiring departments and how important of a role they play on campus and within the community. Please see below to learn more about Cameron and to read excerpts from several other submissions that deserve recognition. 

CAMERON DOANE - WINNER

I currently work at the Sustainable Agricultural Project (SAP) at GVSU as one of the lead farm workers, and I absolutely love it! My days are filled with planting, weeding, harvesting, applying soil amendments, installing irrigation systems, and even beekeeping. I get to work with awesome employees, volunteers, faculty, and interns to carry out sustainable agricultural tasks and teach others about permaculture and eco-friendly practices.

As one of the first people to join the farm crew this season, I naturally stepped into a leadership role with many responsibilities. During my first few weeks, I dove headfirst into learning everything about the SAP operations. When the summer interns arrived, they often looked to me and my manager, Isak, for guidance. I’m the first on the farm every morning, ready to unlock and turn on the equipment. After our morning stretching routine, I organize the interns into smaller groups, assign tasks, and work right alongside them, offering support and assistance whenever needed. For example, I implemented a new washing system that significantly improved our waste management and crop hygiene. This project involved coordinating with different interns, researching best practices to encourage a socially positive atmosphere, and ensuring everyone was trained on the new system.

My dedication to SAP is clear through my consistent involvement. I’m committed to making our initiatives successful by being punctual, reliable, and fully engaged in every task. For example, a few weeks ago, I stayed late to help fix a broken irrigation valve. I noticed one of the spout heads had water pooling at the base, so I dug in and found a cracked pipe. Isak and I put in extra hours, making several trips to the local hardware store to fix the leak before sunset. This hands-on experience taught me so much about practical, critical thinking skills. Another instance of my dedication was during the first peak of the harvest season when I voluntarily extended myself to ensure we were harvesting to fulfill our production targets which directly benefited our community-supported agriculture (CSA) program.

Innovation is a huge part of my role at the farm. I’m always on the lookout for new methods and techniques to boost our sustainable practices. When I first joined, I quickly realized that this summer would be the first time Isak has hired any farm employees. On top of that it would be a new experience for all of us since we haven't grown anything at the SAP in the summer yet. It is a fresh start for all of us, there were no established work values. Working closely with Isak, we created a positive working culture for the interns and staff that wasn't established before. We incentivized hydration, longer breaks, trips, and a fun environment to make the farm an inclusive and enjoyable place. One of my key innovations was helping introduce/plant an efficient crop rotation plan alongside Isak that increased our yields while maintaining soil health. Additionally, I maintained and reimplemented a drip irrigation system for our community garden plots that reduced water usage by 30%, making our operations more sustainable. I also suggested implementing regular farm meetings twice a week to improve communication and transparency, ensuring everyone is on the same page and fostering a collaborative environment.

Leading with empathy and understanding has helped me build strong, respectful relationships with everyone around me. I actively listen to my colleagues' and interns’ ideas and concerns, providing constructive feedback and encouragement. For example, when an intern struggled with a task, I took the time to understand their difficulties and offered personal guidance to help them improve. The initial objective was to create a positive welcoming environment, so I promoted drinking lots of fluids, taking breaks for longer, and even planning beach excursions to make sure everyone has a good time and feels appreciated while working on the farm. This approach has not only boosted morale but also enhanced productivity and teamwork.

By leading by example and working alongside interns, I have positioned myself as a role model for others. My commitment to sustainability, coupled with my proactive problem-solving and innovative approaches, has inspired others to take initiative and contribute creatively. I strive to demonstrate the importance of dedication and a positive attitude in achieving our collective goals, and I am proud to see the positive impact this has had on the team.

Reflecting on my time at SAP, I realize how much I have grown personally and professionally. These experiences have taught me valuable lessons in leadership, critical thinking, and innovative problem-solving. They have prepared me for future challenges and opportunities in sustainable agriculture and beyond. My contributions have not only advanced SAP's mission but also fostered a stronger, more cohesive community committed to ecological stewardship.

IZAK DAVIS - CAMERON'S SUPERVISOR

Cameron, or as we call him, Cam, is one of the lead farm crew members at the Sustainable Agriculture Project (SAP). Since Cam started working at the SAP in the early spring, he has been extremely dedicated to the SAP and helped us fulfill our mission of promoting ecologically sound farming practices that are both socially responsible and economically viable. Cam is a stellar employee who exudes positivity in the workplace, leadership amongst his peers, and novel solutions to streamline our farming routines.

Cam was one of the first employees I hired, and I knew I wanted him to be part of the farm crew from our first encounter. I met Cam when he came to the SAP as part of GVSU’s soil judging team to help one of the SAP interns capture the soil morphology of the SAP and compare our sustainably farmed soil profile to the profile of a nearby conventional farm. Cam is very knowledgeable about soil characteristics and has taught me (and other SAP employees and interns) about the SAP’s soil profile since he has been part of the farm crew. Soil is the basis of farming, and knowing how to read and amend your specific soil type is necessary for growing healthy strong plants. Since Cam has been at the SAP, he has helped me rethink what we should plant in our South field, which routinely pools with water due to the clay-dominate soil. He proposed that we should either increase drainage in the field (to prevent root rot) or plant water-loving agricultural plants. These solutions are part of the innovative approach that Cam has brought to the farm.

In addition, Cam sees the larger picture of the farm’s operations and is always looking to streamline our approach. After our first wash-pack day, Cam came to me to discuss how we could improve the flow of the wash-pack set up in the garage. He noticed that the farm crew was constantly bumping into each other, and he noted that we could arrange our sinks, and packing tables to increase production, save time, and encourage positive behavior amongst the farm crew. The next day, he drew out the proposed flow, and after some edits, we implemented it the next week. Everyone appreciated the changes, which allowed for smooth movements, clear communication, and most importantly, a more hygienic wash-pack.

Cam’s dedication to the farm has not only increased the farm’s production and focus on long-term soil health, but he is also a clear role model for the rest of the farm crew and SAP interns. The farm has a core group of farm crew members who assist with the daily demands of a small-scale sustainable farm, and we also have SAP interns who periodically assist with the farm work. Being one of the core members, Cam is a clear leader for the other farm crew members, SAP interns, and other community volunteers who visit the farm. He is the first to arrive every morning, unlocking the garage and steeping a pot of hot coffee for the rest of us. I have seen him treat novices with respect by providing encouraging feedback, and he has stepped up to assign interns jobs when they arrive at the farm. He clearly explains the numerous jobs required of a farm worker and helps the interns know what qualities we are aiming for when harvesting the various vegetables on the farm. This behavior has fostered a positive atmosphere on the farm, allowing the workers to function as a team and enjoy all aspects of their work.

Additionally, Cam has constantly advocated for the wholistic sustainable health of the farm crew members by leading a short but effective yoga routine at the beginning of the workday to increase each worker’s strength, balance, flexibility, and stress management- all qualities that have boosted the farm’s overall morale. Interestingly enough, this addition has increased our productivity, and now other farm crew members have said they have incorporated that routine into their daily lives.

Cam’s positive influence and dedication to the farm is truly a gift. His kindness, sense of humor, and encouragement of his peers have made a lasting impact on the farm’s work culture. People now enjoy being at the farm and leave fulfilled after putting in a hard day's work, due in part to Cam’s influence Cam’s dedication to the long-term vision of the SAPs soil health has increased our overall yields, allowing us to donate extra produce to Replenish and other food resources in Grand Rapids. Cam’s impact deserves to be recognized as an outstanding student employee at GVSU, and this honor will encourage him to make lasting sustainable change wherever he ends up.

LILLIE WALDRON

Being a student employee has been one of the most impactful experiences I have had during my time at GVSU. I have been employed at the Chemistry Success Tutoring Center (CSC) for almost two years and I will continue to work there for my final year at GVSU. Like anything in life, you get out of experiences what you put into them, and I know the reason my job on-campus has been so impactful is in part a result of my own effort to leave a positive and lasting effect on the CSC.

In order to help the CSC become the best it can be, I have implemented innovative ways to benefit other tutors and the students we help. As a senior and third-year tutor, I have reflected on my experiences as a beginning tutor and have developed resources to support the successes and well-being of new tutors. Recently I created a guide for tutoring sessions to help new tutors become more comfortable with the process of tutoring. In addition, I designed a handout to provide helpful tips and positive affirmations for all tutors with reminders designed to combat the imposter phenomenon that so many tutors can experience. With innovative resources like these, I hope new tutors are able to have a better transition into their new job and become highly effective tutors. 

To me, the most important part of working in the CSC is maintaining a positive and friendly atmosphere. My kind approach helps me to connect with students and be a calming presence to them when they are frustrated. While this benefits the people I tutor, it has also been impactful for me, and I have really enjoyed connecting with others through my job. Intertwined with my kindness-first approach is the way I show respect to others in the CSC. Being respectful is an essential component of being an effective tutor. I show respect with students in the CSC by always having an open mind and never taking a judgmental attitude or condescending tone. In the CSC I respect each student’s individual situation and never judge their level of knowledge. I positively affirm their efforts and successes, rather than focusing on negatives, and this strategy of respect helps to build the student’s confidence. I also model good behaviors and practices with tutoring, such as greeting students when they enter the CSC and following guidelines such as not using your phone while working. Many new tutors ask me for advice on procedures and specific content. I am grateful to be able to be a role model and I strive to inspire other returning tutors to do the same.

Working as a student employee at GVSU has transformed my life. Through my experience working with students in the CSC, I realized that I wanted to pursue a career as a chemistry professor to continue doing work which fulfills and inspires me. The monumental impact from this job was a result not just of the job itself, but because of my hard work as a leader and dedicated innovative employee who is a role model and puts treating others with kindness and respect above all else.

SARAH CLARK - SUPERVISOR

Lillie has worked as a CSC tutor for two years now, and she has become a true leader and role model on the CSC staff. She is helpful, kind, and approachable, causing her to become an informal mentor to many new tutors. New tutors turn to Lillie for advice on challenging tutoring situations and content questions, and they know they can count on her to provide helpful and non-judgmental support. At staff meetings and trainings, Lillie stands out for providing insightful comments that drive the conversation forward and address the concerns of many new tutors.

In addition to the dedication Lillie demonstrates in fulfilling her regular responsibilities, I have been impressed by the many ways in which Lillie goes above and beyond her required duties. Lillie regularly volunteers for extra opportunities as they arise. She has made announcements in lecture sections to promote the CSC, helped facilitate group work in organic chemistry lectures, and attended teaching demonstrations to provide student feedback on faculty candidates. Each of these is an example of a service the chemistry department asked tutors to help with, and every single time Lillie demonstrated her dedication by going above and beyond to participate.

Lillie is also incredibly creative and innovative. She is working in the CSC this summer, and during the slower summer months, tutors complete extra project work when there are not students in the CSC. Lillie’s work has been incredibly innovative, demonstrating her capacity for both reflection and creativity. Lillie has designed resources for new tutors aimed at addressing imposter syndrome, has generated many student resources ranging from practice worksheets to reference sheets to puzzles, and has made improvements to the logistical operations of the CSC by clarifying signage. In all these projects, Lillie shows that she has thoughtfully reflected on the needs of tutors and students as she designs products aimed at addressing these needs. In conclusion, I give Lillie my highest recommendation for the scholarship. I have supervised 200 student tutors in my ten years at GVSU, and I can confidently say that Lillie is at the top of that list for the qualities you are looking to recognize with the scholarship: leadership, dedication, innovation, kindness, and respect.

BRIDIE TOLLEY

As President of the Campus Activities Board within the Office of Student Life, I've found immense joy in my experience at Grand Valley State University. Transitioning into a leadership role on the board happened swiftly, as I earned the trust of my peers through my unwavering dedication and eagerness to support others. I serve as a role model for the members of CAB and the other student workers in the office through my genuine passion for the job and ability to go above and beyond to ensure success in my work.

A positive work environment is something that I firmly believe contributes to the success of an organization, and I keep this belief with me when I enter the office every day. I've made it a priority to connect with my fellow workers, recognizing the value of collaborative and supportive relationships, and have received recognition from both staff and students for my proactive approach and positivity-driven work ethic. By contributing to a positive work environment, kindness is ingrained in how I present myself in this role. Whether it's stepping beyond my designated responsibilities out of necessity or genuine enthusiasm, I approach every task with generosity and excitement. My enthusiasm for my work is unmatched - it is not uncommon for me to be the most spirited in the room, encouraging others to embrace any situation they are in.

This is extremely important work for a campus community, and my appreciation for the position drives me to consistently seek out new opportunities to positively impact campus through my involvement and work. I do this by researching new social media trends to utilize, applying what I learn in the classroom to my writing for websites, socials, and newsletters, honing in on my creativity to come up with new events or have a fun twist on a returning one, and by constantly searching for new ways that CAB can help GVSU students love the school as much as I do.

Programming is a very specific role. I have helped lead the Campus Activities Board to successfully produce massive events on campus. When it comes to these events, Presidents Ball for example, there are so many moving parts that have be taken into account both in the planning and execution. I have spent countless hours understanding the theme, working with the Promotions Office help set up the video and graphics, acted as the know before you govoice over that went out to ticket holders, assisted in seating charts, decorations, performances, run of shows, marketing, and staffing of the event all before it even started. Day of, I spent the day on site prepping this huge event become as upscale as it deserved: setting up decorations, hanging up proper signage, photo booth prep, sound checks, answering any last minute questions via socials or email, running GVSU CAB’s social media, and taking over the main GVSU account’s story. There is so much behind the scenes actions that go into a great program, and that is where my job comes in.

My job is very unique, I personally get to indulge myself in the student experience and put on both small and large-scale events for a collective of 24,000+ people; not many people get to say that. Seeing students laugh, smile, hug, and post makes my job the coolest one any Grand Valley student could have, and I would not change that experience for the world. Being a student, working for other students does not always sound like it is going to be the most enjoyable, but there is nothing more rewarding than seeing new friendships or memories be created because of something that you took part in putting together, and that is the magic of on-campus employment.

KATIE GARRETT - SUPERVISOR

I was first introduced to Bridie at the conclusion of her freshman year when she applied to be a general member on the Campus Activities Board (CAB). She was new to me, but quickly become fundamental in the success of the events and activities that CAB was able to produce. She is reliable, dedicated, and a true servant-leader. She constantly works to make sure that others feel included and seen and respected. She is fun and a bright light to be around. In our office (the Office of Student Life), there is a noticeable, positive difference when Bridie is around. Not only do I highly depend on her, but it has been so fun to watch other staff in our office get to know her and realize just truly how special she is.

The events that CAB produces are fun and social, yes. But are so much more than that. At our annual retreat we talk about how the events that CAB has the privilege to implement, are creating transformational experiences in the GVSU community. That the memories that students hold with them after they graduate often come from a CAB event. That relationships are built and forged through attending these events together. It is no small task, what CAB is asked to do. And at the heart of it all is Bridie. She is truly the heart and drive behind our events. If you want to consider a student who singularly is making a difference in the entire GVSU community, it is Bridie Tolley. I am so proud to know her. She has really contributed to the success of our social media outreach and has found innovative and creative ideas to re-imagine the ways in which we connect with students via social media. She is constantly connecting theory with praxis - and is helping us be better as a result. Bridie is one of those students you hope never graduates, but also you know that once she does, she will make a lasting impact wherever she goes. 

RUTH YEBOAH

As a student employee at Grand Valley State University (GVSU), my experience at the office of IT Innovation and Research has been characterized by a steadfast dedication to leadership, innovation, and a compassionate approach to collaboration. My tenure as an Extended Reality Education Research Assistant has allowed me to spearhead projects that not only enhance the educational landscape but also foster a culture of inclusivity and curiosity.

My venture into virtual reality (VR) research and implementation stands as a testament to my leadership and innovation. My leadership journey began with the exploration of virtual reality (VR) technologies, leading to the development of a research project with my supervisor titled “Media Conceptions of Authentic Learning in VR: A Public Pedagogy of Social Alienation.” This project allowed me to delve into the pedagogical implications of VR and its potential to transform learning experiences. My dedication to this research honed my analytical skills and sparked a curiosity that drove further innovation - the GVSU Immersive Tour.

The GVSU Immersive Tour is a prime example of my innovative efforts. As the project lead, I have crafted an immersive experience that will guide international and domestic students through the GVSU campus. An immersive tour that can be experienced with VR headsets or on web-enabled devices. Imagine international students touring Kirkhof Center, newcomers finding the library's hidden corners, and learning about the replenish center all from the comfort of their homes or during orientation. Consider this experience for a study abroad program or at GVSU events, where students can tour the GVSU campus in an immersive manner. As I meticulously recreated campus landmarks, I realized that this wasn't just about maps and coordinates; it was about fostering a sense of belonging. This virtual tour will become a bridge connecting distant learners to the heart of GVSU. I also took the lead in drafting an EDCAUSE survey report. For the EDUCAUSE report, I transformed survey responses into meaningful graphs. Each bar, line, and column represented voices students and faculty all shaping the future of education at GVSU and beyond.

My dedication and respect are reflected in my swift mastery of various VR headsets and my eagerness to assist others in navigating this technology. I have been a beacon of support during events, ensuring that every individuals first encounter with VR is as enlightening as it is enjoyable. I have guided students, faculty, and visitors through their first VR experiences, ensuring they are met with patience, respect, and understanding. My role extended to co-presenting at the Stanford University Digital Learning Summit, where I shared insights on scaling VR implementation at GVSU, further highlighting my commitment to educational advancement, and also at the Reach Higher Showcase.

This journey has served as an inspiration and a symbol of resilience and commitment, not only for myself but also for other students and people around me. An example is a recent feature of my story in our office newsletter and also an opportunity to share my journey on the GVSU immersive tour with other student employees in our office, from having no prior experience with virtual reality to creating my own virtual immersive experience for GVSU. In conclusion, my time as a student employee at GVSU has been characterized by a commitment to leadership, innovation, and a culture of respect. The projects I have led and the relationships I have built testify to my dedication to enhancing the educational experience at GVSU. As I apply for the 20242025 student employee scholarship, I am proud of the impact I have made and the role model I have become, and I am  excited for the future opportunities to contribute to our universities legacy of innovation.

JACOB FORTMAN - SUPERVISOR

Ruth Yeboah has been an exceptional student employee during the 2023 -2024 school year. She has shown leadership, dedication, and innovation throughout her work with virtual reality technologies, as she has guided new community members on their effective use, lead the design and development of a VR GVSU tour for incoming international students, and has supported my teams efforts in various research activities. I vividly recall Ruth's first time wearing a VR headset in the fall of 2023, and through her exceptional, dedicated work ethic, she has shown a rare mastery of the technology and its impact on education.

Ruth's most recent project - the GVSU VR Tour - showcases her exceptional work ethic. On her own, she interviewed current international students to understand their experiences coming to GVSU, lead the storyboarding of a VR tour based on these interview insights, learned to operate a 360 camera, and even learned to build immersive VR experiences from 360 images. The resulting product is a 15 minute VR tour designed specifically for international students. Effectively guiding them through key parts of GVSU's campus, including the Kirkoff Center, the Replenish Center, and the student employment office. Throughout the VR tour, she provides incoming students with important information related to work visas, social life, and commuting around campus. The project is truly remarkable, and it was through her leadership that this project could launch.

While Ruth's successful projects speak to her innovative work as a student employee, perhaps her greatest gift is the kindness and respect she shows others. Whether she is introducing people to new technology, or creating a data report synthesizing university insights, she approaches each problem with a sense of humility, imagination, and a can-do attitude. This is well evidenced in a event held at the Blue Bridge, where local Grand Rapids community members were invited to participate in demos of VR headsets. While the weather presented many technical issues for our team, and impeded our ability to engage people with VR headsets, Ruth remained level-headed throughout the ordeal and offered advice proactively, thus de-escalating what could have been a highly stressful situation.