The Stony Brook University Career Center recently held its annual awards ceremony to honor students and supervisors for their dedication and outstanding work. The event took place on April 9 at the Student Activities Center, recognizing those involved in on-campus employment, internships, and community service.
Michelle Hassman and Karisma Persad from the Career Center opened the ceremony. Hassman expressed excitement about hosting the event, stating, “I was absolutely thrilled to see and host a ballroom full of over 200 people to celebrate the contributions of our student employees, interns, and community service volunteers, as well as the supervisors who mentor our students and cheer them on.”
The awards highlighted the commitment of both students and mentors. Gabrielle Barone, one of the winners of the Supervisor of the Year Award, shared insights on effective leadership, saying, “To make a lasting impact as a supervisor, it’s essential to lead with intention and empathy.”
The ceremony also applauded individual student excellence. Keri O’Neill, who received the Undergraduate Student Employee of the Year Award, advised peers to remain open to sharing ideas, remarking, “When you advocate for your ideas with confidence, passion, and open-mindedness, you allow them to evolve.”
The event also recognized several other awardees, including Pelin Bozok, Amelie Nachtmann, and Esther Kwon, among others. The comprehensive list of award winners highlighted achievements across categories such as community service, critical thinking, diversity, innovation, leadership, teamwork, and creativity. The President's Volunteer Service Award was also presented to several students for their exemplary service contributions.
The ceremony provided a platform to celebrate the various ways students and supervisors contribute to the campus community, reflecting a commitment to fostering an environment where students can thrive.