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Whether it’s providing excellent customer service or spearheading an off-campus fundraiser to benefit a coworker, Jordan Mendez demonstrates stellar qualities, which earned her the Student Employee of the Year Award at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. 

Mendez, a sophomore majoring in accounting in the SIUE School of Business, has worked in the Bursar’s Office since fall 2013. Some of the student worker’s office responsibilities include assisting customers over the telephone and scanning and linking documents in imaging and data entry. 

“It was a shock to me,” Mendez said of her award.” I try to do the best that I can and am always pushing myself to do more than is required.”

“I have high expectations for myself. I am that way with school, work and everything,” said Mendez of Edwardsville, who has a 3.875 GPA. “My family has always pushed me to be the best that I can be, and achieve my goals and dreams.”

The National Student Employment Association (NSEA) celebrates April 12-18 as National Student Employee Week. Student workers are being recognized by their employers and departments all week. A total of 12 SIUE students were nominated for the Student Employee of the Year Award.

Other SIUE winners included:

• Kirstie Chase of Chatham, first runner-up, Campus Recreation, nominated by Amada Couch
• Coleman Choate of Pickneyville, second runner-up, University Housing, nominated by Vicki Dean, Meagan Gunn and Scott Baietti
• Zachary O’Bryan of South Roxana, second runner-up, University Housing Facilities Management, nominated by Kenny Kutter, Jennifer Hoxsey and Alexandria White 

For the Bursar’s Office, having Mendez as a student worker has proven beneficial for the customers, department and the University, according to Cathy Foland, associate director in the Bursar’s Office, who nominated her. 

“For many parents and students, their only interaction with the Bursar’s Office is by phone,” said Foland, in her nomination letter. “So providing good customer service over the phone is extremely important. Jordan is very patient with customers when answering questions. She does everything she can to resolve questions instead of transferring the caller to someone else.” 

If her impressive credentials at work were not enough, Foland also tells of Mendez’s commitment and compassion to a Bursar’s Office coworker, Cheryl Meikamp. Meikamp was facing a financial hardship because of a medical condition.

“During her off hours, Jordan, along with another employee in the Bursar’s Office, organized a fund-raising event for Cheryl,” said Foland. “Jordan spent many hours seeking donations, organizing the event and getting people to attend. It was a huge success and because of it, Cheryl was able to get the physical therapy she needed.”

“I love working in the Bursar’s Office,” Mendez added. “I couldn’t ask for better people to spend my working time with. They are all very friendly and supportive. It’s more like a work family.”

Photo: SIUE Chancellor Julie Furst-Bowe presents the Student of the Year Award to Jordan Mendez as Catherine Foland, associate director in the Bursar’s Office, looks on.