Student Employee of the Year

Student employees are a valued part of the Emory community. Not only do they bring exceptional skills and energy to our work environments, but they also equip many units and departments to fulfill their responsibilities critical to Emory’s mission. Part-time campus employment is also beneficial for students, as these positions provide both a practical resource for contributing to the cost of education and a valuable opportunity to gain work experience.

The national Student Employee of the Year (SEOTY) competition is sponsored by the National Student Employment Association. This competition starts at the school level, where supervisors nominate outstanding student employees. Emory’s Student Employee of the Year selection committee reviews all nominations and selects the Emory University Student Employee of the Year in early February of each year. Emory’s annual honoree is featured on the Office of Financial Aid website and receives an award certificate and a $1,000 scholarship sponsored by the Office of Financial Aid.

The Campus Student Employee of the Year is submitted to compete at a regional level each March, and regional honorees move on to the national competition. The National Student Employee of the Year celebration occurs during National Student Employment Week, which is celebrated during the second full week of April each year.

Meet the 2021-2022 Emory University Student Employee of the Year

Mario Becerra Aleman

Mario Becerra Aleman, 22C

Emory College Department of Spanish and Portuguese


“[Mario] is a valued and steady member of the administrative team, always available to step up and support faculty and staff in myriad tasks: managing library materials as a proxy for faculty, supporting teaching as needed, and especially stepping up to support computer and software management (putting into practical and professional practice his computer science major). However, his duties have gone well beyond these office support activities and lead us to nominate him for this distinction.” – Astry Silvestre, Academic Department Administrator, Emory College Department of Spanish and Portuguese

“As Office Assistant for the Spanish and Portuguese Department at Emory College of Arts and Sciences, I worked in a versatile environment that promoted both professional and personal growth. As a Computer Science student, I used my technology skills to design posters and presentations, update the department website, and resolve tech related issues. Not only was I given the opportunity to expand skills within my field, but I also gained invaluable interpersonal and communication skills. I engaged with several department candidates by assisting with virtual interviews and providing campus tours. Throughout the three years, I also collaborated with many supportive faculty and staff, many of whom have become great mentors. I am grateful for all the wonderful people and experiences." – Mario Becerra Aleman

SEOTY Frequently Asked Questions

Undergraduate students employed on campus, receiving employee payroll, and performing a student employee job are eligible. Resident advisers, graduate students, and teaching assistants are not eligible.

Nominations have two parts – a recommendation letter and a cover page. Review the SEOTY supervisor nomination guidelines (PDF) for more information about what must be included in each of these items.

Nominations must be emailed to Whitney Tucker-Jenkins at fws@emory.edu with the subject line “SEOTY” no later than 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 9, 2022.

Nominees are evaluated against the National Association of Colleges and Employment's competencies for a career-ready workforce:

  • Career and self-development
  • Communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Equity and inclusion
  • Leadership
  • Professionalism
  • Technology

We encourage all supervisors and colleagues of student employees to take time during the second full week of April to recognize and reflect upon the contributions of their student employees. In 2023, this celebration will occur April 9-15.