Jason Pappas Awarded SIUE 2020 Student of the Year
Three years ago as a fresh-faced freshman, Jason Pappas took part in the Tour Ambassadors program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Now, SIUE’s 2020 Student Employee of the Year is the Executive Board Tour Ambassador in the Office of Admissions, where he has worked for 2½ years.
Pappas’s accomplishments as a student worker were highlighted when he received the Student Employee of the Year Award on Friday, Aug. 28 in Rendleman Hall’s first-floor lounge.
“I am grateful and overwhelmed,” Pappas said after receiving the award from Kathy Belden, program coordinator in the Office of Student Employment. “I enjoy my work. I come in early and stay until I get everything done. It’s helping the students and working in this office that is so rewarding.”
Pappas, who received an award plaque, $500 and an SIUE hoodie, was nominated by his former supervisor Ramón DeShazer. “Jason consistently goes above and beyond by not only ensuring Tour Ambassadors are comfortable with providing campus tours, but checking the well-being of the individual,” wrote DeShazer. “Jason consistently obtains high-quality reviews from guests he encounters, as they highlight his attention to detail, care for the individual student and love for SIUE.”
Pappas’s job duties also include working as a Springboard to Success student leader. His current supervisor is Regiere Lovett, coordinator for New Student Programs and team leader for Springboard to Success Freshman Orientation.
“Last year, Jason was selected as our Springboard Student Leader ‘Rookie of the Year,’ an honor he richly deserved,” added Lovett. “As a first-year student leader, navigating 10 orientation programs can be daunting, but Jason excelled consistently. He is also a leader to incoming freshmen and motivates fellow student leaders to continually embody SIUE values.”
Working in the Tour Ambassadors program is so much more than a job, according to Pappas, who is majoring in integrated studies with the focus areas of applied communication studies and sociology. He plans to enroll in the College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA) graduate program at SIUE in the spring.
“It’s important, because these students have no idea what to expect,” continued Pappas. “These tours are giving students a huge head start and are a great way to get them interested and ready for the first day of classes.”
Photos:
Jason Pappas, SIUE 2020 Student Employee of the Year (right), was surprised with his award from Kathy Belden, program coordinator in the Office of Student Employment (left).
L-R: Director of Undergraduate Admissions Todd Burrell, Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Scott Belobrajdic, PhD; Pappas, and Coordinator for New Student Programs Regiere Lovett.
