OSU student earns national recognition as Student Employee of the Year
Monday, April 26, 2021
Media Contact: Mack Burke | Editorial Coordinator | 405-744-5540 | mack.burke_iv@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University’s Student Employee of the Year Emily Albiter is moving forward to national recognition.
In a normal year, Oklahoma State University’s Employee of the Year competes for the National Student Employee of the Year presented by the National Student Employee Association (NSEA). Because of the pandemic, the NSEA decided that the top three submissions from each region (a total of 12 nationally) will be recognized instead of one winner. Not only was Albiter chosen by OSU judges, she was chosen at the regional level to be one of the top 12 recognized as a National Student Employee of the Year.
A studio art junior from Tulsa, Albiter manages the Thrifty Butterfly shop for Wings of Hope Family Crisis Services, a nonprofit organization geared toward breaking the cycle of domestic violence through providing safe housing and services to victims. The store is staffed by volunteers, and all proceeds go toward funding Wings of Hope services.
As Albiter’s supervisor, Wings of Hope Operations Manager Casey Nichols said Albiter’s work managing the store has been vital in the face of pandemic uncertainty.
“Emily is so friendly, positive and persistent,” Nichols said. “Emily has done anything and everything she can to keep Thrifty Butterfly open during the pandemic. She truly has a heart of gold and is impressively resilient.”
Presented by OSU Career Services, the OSU Employee Awards Ceremony recognized 68 student nominees and announced Albiter as the winner on April 15.
The process began in the fall, and nominations were open to any on- or off-campus employers of OSU students. Judges reviewed nominations, selecting the top 10 nominees. Judges conducted virtual interviews to narrow the field to five finalists.
While her service has been essential to Wings of Hope, Albiter said the position has benefited her as well, providing a home away from home.
“My job has given me a place where I feel secure and content,” she said. “It has given me time to find a role for myself in Stillwater.”
Story by Kylee Sutherland | Communications Intern