Erin Schiltz named Student Employee of the Semester at The U
“It was definitely a surprise. I didn’t even know I had been nominated,” admitted Schiltz, who accepted the award during a reception in her honor at Noteboom Hall on The U’s campus. “I really like working with the people in the office whether it’s the staff or the professors. From day one, they’ve made me feel right at home.”
Schiltz was nominated for the award by Patsy O’Neal, senior secretary, communication disorders department. O’Neal noted Schiltz’s work ethic as well as her professionalism and efficiency in prioritizing office responsibilities as reasons for nominating the USD junior.
“Erin never complains and is always a joy to work with,” O’Neal said. “She is so efficient that we have left her in charge when the regular secretaries have to be gone at the same time. She is very capable of handling difficult situations.”
Schiltz, from Pierre, S.D., has worked in communication disorders at The U for three years. She began working in the office her freshman year as a way of possibly getting her foot in the program’s door. Along the way, she has provided invaluable service to the department by doing everything they’ve asked of her, including scheduling hearing evaluation appointments and for being able to meet strict deadlines.
“They know me more than just as a student in the classroom,” described Schiltz who, following graduation next year, will apply to graduate school. “It’s an opportunity for me to see what students are doing in their clinical experience, helping me as I prepare for my future.”
Schiltz is the inaugural recipient of the Student Employee of the Semester Award, which is presented by the Career Development Center. This new award recognizes the contribution and exceptional performance of student employees. A photo of Schiltz receiving her award from Billie Streufert, director of the Career Development Center at USD, is available for download at www.usd.edu/urelations/images/Erin_Schiltz.jpg.