Congratulations, Jenny Smith ’16, who was awarded the honor of student employee of the year! Each March, Scripps recognizes the importance of student work experience during Student Employment Appreciation Week and nominates student workers for their outstanding contributions to the College.
A selection committee composed of faculty, alumnae, and staff had the difficult task of reviewing each submission and choosing a winner and four finalists from the multiple nominations. After thorough deliberation, the committee selected Jenny Smith ’16 and four finalists: Daniela ’16 and Juliana Baena Canas ’16, Julia Black ’17, and Evelyn Gonzalez ’18.
Jenny works for the Office of Admission as the lead Admission ambassador, where she serves as the primary liaison between the ambassadors and supervising Admission staff members. She performs all Admission ambassador duties, including leading tours, recruiting and training volunteers, and arranging overnight stays.
“Jenny is always a step ahead, leading by being proactive instead of reactive,” said Anna-Marie Wood, Jenny’s supervisor. “When the office had a group of 60 high school counselors visit in September, and other student workers called in sick that morning, Jenny stepped in – on her birthday! – to guide the 60-person tour,” said Wood.
Student Employee Finalists
Juliana ’16 and Daniela Baena Canas ’16 work for Academic Resources and Services in the Dean of Students Office as the First-Generation@Scripps program co-interns. They are fully responsible for intentionally engaging in informing, planning, and carrying out various programmatic aspects of the program’s year-round plan. “Juliana and Daniela are truly amazing human beings. They have an exceptional work ethic, but most importantly, exclude a beautiful caring spirit,” said Sonia De La Torre-Iniguez, their supervisor.
Julia Black ’17 works for Student Activities and Residential Life Office (SARLO) as the New Student Program coordinator. She organizes the first-year and transfer student orientation, trainings for peer mentors and team leaders, and plans numerous events each semester. Julia was nominated by two student peers, one who said, “Julia completely influences new students’ experience and provides productive events for the community.”
Evelyn Gonzalez ’18 works for the Denison Library as the special collections student assistant. Among other duties, Evelyn greets and assists students and visitors in the library, retrieves requested books, and assists with special library projects. “Not only is Evelyn an outstanding ambassador for Denison Library, she is active in the community of First-Gen students, serving as a leader and mentor. Her commitment to diversity in the Library and campus-wide is deep,” said Judy Harvey Sahak, Sally Preston Swan Librarian for Denison Library.
Special thanks go to Assistant Professor of English Michelle Decker, Kelsey Figone ’12, and Katie Graham for their diligent work on this year’s selection committee.
-Niah Grimes, Student Employment Coordinator
Career Planning & Resources