Hard work is something that Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 2018 Student Employee of the Year said she learned, practices and relishes.
“I want to do my best job, and I enjoy helping people,” said Morgan Strom, accounts receivable clerk in the Bursar’s Office and a senior majoring in psychology. “I’m also flexible and dependable.”
Strom was surprised at work Monday, April 9 with the news. The award is an honor given by the Office of Student Financial Aid. The National Student Employment Association (NSEA) has declared April 8-14 as National Student Employee Week, designed to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of student employees.
“Morgan is an exceptional employee, extremely courteous, comes up with great ideas and is always helpful,” said Bursar Cathy Foland, who nominated Strom.
“One of the more challenging things of being a student worker in the Bursar’s Office is answering customer questions over the phone,” added Foland. “Students and parents ask a myriad of questions about their bill or their financial aid and sometimes they are frustrated. Even if Morgan is dealing with an unpleasant customer, she is always patient, never gets flustered and makes every attempt to help the caller with their question or problem.”
Morgan remembered one instance when she helped a parent resolve a problem. “She said she worked in Human Resources for a living and could tell that I was good at my job,” Morgan recalled. “She asked to be transferred to my supervisor, and told my supervisor how good my skills were and how much she appreciated my help.”
Morgan said she values having been able to work in the Bursar’s Office for the past four years.
“The office had an opening when I was a freshman, and I stayed because it’s a good work environment,” said Morgan, who also describes herself as having a good work ethic.
“But anyone can have a good work ethic,” she continued, “especially if they are in an environment that helps them thrive and teaches them what’s important before they get into the real work force.”
Photo:
SIUE 2018 Student Employee of the Year Morgan Strom (center) is congratulated by SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook (left) and Bursar Cathy Foland.