UF Announces Supervisor and Student Employees of the Year ‘22

University of Findlay has recognized Brad Hammer, director of career and professional development, as Supervisor of the Year, and Olivia Organiscak and Marissa Baker as Student Employees of the Year for 2022.

These are awards in which supervisors nominate student employees whom they feel warrant particular recognition for their performance on the job, and vice versa. Required criteria for Student Employee of the Year include skills in communication, digital technology, problem solving, professionalism, work ethic, intercultural fluency, career management, leadership, and teamwork. The criteria for the Student Employee Supervisor of the Year include mentoring, professionalism, and leadership provided to the student employee. 

Student Employment Supervisor of the Year

Hammer was nominated by his graduate assistant, Maggie Morehart who stated, “Some of Brad’s greatest attributes are his willingness to listen, his humility, and his ability to inspire his staff to continually find ways to improve. He is one of the most sincere and caring people I know, and he makes his entire staff feel heard and respected. Brad is always happy to give credit where credit is due.”

Mr. Hammer also goes above and beyond in his own professional and personal development. He is currently participating in the Hancock Leadership program, has been on several Oilers Serving Abroad trips, and regularly volunteers for nonprofit organizations in the community. Maggie stated, “I look up to Brad as a mentor and role model: he cares about his community and is willing to give his time to help others achieve their goals.” 

Undergraduate Student Employee of the Year

Organiscak was nominated by Patrick Grine, chemistry lab manager, for her excellent communication skills, efficiency, work ethic, and leadership qualities. Serving as a Student Assistant in the Chemistry Department since January of 2020, Grine said Organiscak “has the tenaciousness we need in the department.”

“I have come to find Olivia as a quiet leader,” Grine said. “You would not know she is leading but she is. It is because of who she is. Olivia is a very kind and sincere person. She is always concerned with others before herself.” 

Graduate Student Employee of the Year

Baker was nominated by Harley Ferris, Ph.D., assistant professor of English, for her work as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Findlay’s Writing Center.

“Nominating Marissa Baker for this award was an instantaneous decision,” said Ferris. “Her daily contributions to the Writing Center since she joined in fall 2020 have been significant and hugely beneficial. She has clearly demonstrated both leadership and competency that is already helping her emerge into the field of Writing Center Studies as a proficient director, aligning with her future career goals and, in the meantime, serving the Writing Center and by extension the entire campus community effectively.”

“Our hope is that this institution-wide recognition helps future Writing Center tutors – at the graduate and even the undergraduate level – envision what UF students are capable of when they apply their energy and talents in a given space. Marissa’s ability to both execute in an exemplary manner assigned tasks as well as identify and address other areas illustrates the best possible balance between community and autonomy in a student worker.”

Visit the Student Employment webpage for information on-campus jobs, frequently asked questions, and more.