Student Employee of the Year Award Winners

Student employees are vital to the mission of Idaho State University. We recognize excellence in our student employees each year through the Student Employee of the Year Scholarship ($2,000) and the second place Lupher Scholarship (approximately $400). 

To commemorate National Student Employment Week, the ISU Career Center and Scholarship Office wishes to recognize outstanding student employees who go beyond the job requirements and provide exemplary service to ISU. Below are the 2023 winners. 

1st Place: Rebecca Hazard, Student Research Coordinator in CAMAS 

Her supervisor said that Hazard is the most consistent, conscientious, and yet creative and innovative student employee of the more than 65 undergraduate and graduate students that have been employed and mentored by her supervisor during his 15 years at ISU. The impact that she has had on the CAMAS facility’s student-focused research initiatives and internal research sponsorship is profound. Hazard has helped grow the visibility of CAMAS to external contract analysis and academic research through her tireless efforts and enthusiasm for learning and mastering instrumental analysis in academic fields well outside her experience. 

Runner Up: Rhys Ellis, Marine Fish Husbandry in Biological Sciences Department 

Qualities that drive Ellis' work ethic include his professionalism, meticulous note-keeping and thorough analysis of issues that arise and willingness to explain their thought process to others. Ellis does not settle for a sub-par solution or something that is merely satisfactory. He goes deep into the root of an issue to treat the problem, rather than a symptom. 

Second Runner Up: Desiree Molina, Alaska Pharmacists Association Executive Intern Molina’s supervisor describes her as n incredibly hard worker and talented leader. As an executive intern at the Alaska Pharmacists Association (AKPhA), she has taken on a unique position that requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to analyze and implement professional continuing education (CE) standards, manage a busy and varied workload, perform under pressure, and serve as a liaison between the ISU/UAA doctor of pharmacy program, Alaskan pharmacists, and the association. Molina’s attributes of a positive attitude, high work ethic, independent problem solver, and excellent communicator have contributed to her success in this role. 

Third Runner Up: Samantha Oliva, Recruitment Assistant in High School Equivalency Program (HEP) 

It is easy to forget that Oliva is a student employee because she is so dedicated and efficient, truly committed to HEP and advocating for migrant seasonal farmworkers throughout Southeast Idaho. She not only supports the daily operations of HEP, she also contributes to shaping the future trajectory and vision of our project. On a practical level, Oliva is always willing to go to events and put forward her name and face as a representative of HEP.