.Student Life Student Employees, Supervisor Honored by Regional Association
Student employment within Student Life provides a foundation for future careers by providing Boilermakers with opportunities to develop the professional skills they need to succeed in the workforce. As part of their employment, student employees are introduced to the Leadership and Professional Development competencies and the Steps to Leaps learning pillars to ensure they are building skills employers want.
MASEA is a non-profit, professional organization comprised of administrators and counselors from post-secondary institutions who are involved in securing employment opportunities for students. The MAESA awards recognize outstanding student employees and their supervisors. Fourteen states make up the Midwest region.
More information on Purdue honorees can be found below.
Daniel Martin was awarded the Student Employee of the Year for Technology and Innovation. Martin serves as a tour conductor for the University Residences Alumni & Guest Center. He was promoted to the team lead position for the data and technology committee in the fall of 2023. He has made numerous changes to Qualtrics surveys to assist in gathering feedback on tours, rebuilt the Alumni & Guest Center’s guest tracker, assisted with alumni relations data projects and lent his analytical skills to improving guest experiences. Martin is also lauded for his customer service, leadership, integrity and work ethic.
Ravani Sansoya received the Student Employee of the Year for Critical Thinking honor. Sansoya serves as the student assistant supervisor for the Roger C. Stewart Leadership and Development Department (LEAD), where she has worked for four years. Her critical thinking skills have impacted the department through the development of an onboarding procedure and tracking document for new student hires as well as the creation of official documentation and task lists for planning programs, events and workshops. These new resources are used by students and professional staff and have made LEAD processes run more smoothly. As part of her role, Sansoya also drafts work schedules and facilitates monthly student staff meetings.
Ella Springer was recognized as the Student Employee of the Year for Leadership. Springer serves as a tour coordinator in the University Residences Alumni & Guest Center. She is described as a natural leader who sets high standards for herself and those she works with. One of Springer’s current projects involves compiling stories, photos and research for a brochure on alumni traditions that will be available for guests. Under her leadership, Springer’s committee also created talking point cards to help conductors interact with guests during alumni tours. She is also praised for her integrity, professionalism and work ethic.
Charles “Chip” Stembler was honored as the Student Employee of the Year for Community Service. Stembler serves as the residence education assistant (REA) for University Residences in Cary Quadrangle. He has made a significant impact on resident assistants (RAs) across all of University Residences with the creation of the “RA Big Book,” which helps RAs track assignments, administrative tasks and resources for their position. He has also organized numerous off-campus trips for Cary residents, participated in the Men’s and Women’s Leadership Series and coordinated events with organizations across Student Life. Stembler has accomplished all of this while serving as a leader and role model for the RAs in Cary Quad.
Ailin Fei was named the Graduate Student Employee of the Year. Fei serves as the graduate administrative professional for LEAD. Fei has made a tremendous impact on the department by creating an entire online course to introduce LEAD competencies to students, pairing written materials and research with educational activities. She also planned and implemented the Essential Career Skills series, which features guest speakers and student-facilitated activities. She additionally serves as a leader for undergraduate students as a co-advisor to the Steps to Leaps Students organization. Fei’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and her ability to create partnerships across campus also highlight her recognition.
Kristin Kirchner was honored as the Student Employment Supervisor of the Year. Kirchner serves as the senior engagement specialist for University Residences, working in the Alumni & Guest Center. Kirchner received recognition for the kindness and compassion she shows in developing relationships with student staff who work in the center. Colleagues are quick to note the rapport she has with students and the positive environment she facilitates through her praise for their successes. Kirchner also serves as a mentor to students through University Residences’ Men’s and Women’s Leadership Series. Kirchner’s exceptional customer service, professionalism and knowledge make a tremendous impact on a student staff of 30.
Student Life brings together the pieces of Purdue – housing, activities, arts, people, programs and more – that help students find their footing on campus. Student Life fosters student success through learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom, with a focus on cocurricular education and leadership development as integral parts of the Purdue experience. In collaboration with colleagues across campus, Student Life challenges students, faculty and staff to explore the value of working together as leaders on campus, in workplaces and in communities.