Yaneff was surprised with the honor, literally, during a reception recently in the housing offices at Slagle Hall. As a student at The U, Yaneff has worked for University Housing for more than two years doing a variety of tasks from moving furniture to delivering supplies.

"It was definitely a surprise. They had called me in for something else, so I didn’t suspect a thing," admitted Yaneff, the son of John and Ellen Yaneff of Sioux City. "I really like working with the people in the office. They’re easy to get along with and they make it a fun place to work."

Yaneff was nominated for the award by Mary Lou Christopherson, Program Assistant II, University Housing. Christopherson noted Yaneff’s work ethic as well as his professionalism and efficiency in prioritizing housing responsibilities as reasons for nominating the USD senior.

"Paul is a young man that will go far in life," Christopherson said. "He is inspired with a sense of pride, honesty and dedication to his work. Paul is a senior this year and I fear his shoes will be extremely hard to fill."

In addition to working 15 hours a week as a student, Yaneff has also worked full-time for housing during the summer months. A graduate of Bishop Heelan High School in Sioux City, Iowa, Yaneff is entrusted with various detail-oriented projects for University Housing, including residence hall inventory and moving projects. He’s also called upon to make minor facility repairs as well as help carry beds, mattresses and chairs up four flights of stairs to ready the residence halls for the return of students.

"I’ve enjoyed working here. It’s been a great experience," described Yaneff who, following graduation this spring, will apply to graduate school in hopes of landing a federal law enforcement job someday. "It’s been an opportunity for me to work on campus and meet a lot of people in the process."

Yaneff is the second 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 Yaneff receiving his award from Billie Streufert, director of the Career Development Center at USD, is available for download at www.usd.edu/urelations/images/SES_Yaneff.jpg.

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