Berreth named Student Employee of the Year for Montana Tech & Montana

Ellie Berreth is the recipient of the campus 2022 Student Employee of the Year award, Montana Technological University Chancellor Les Cook announced at a special ceremony on campus. Berreth has also been chosen as Student Employee of the Year for Montana by the Western Association of Student Employment Administrators.

Berreth, a Teaching Assistant in the Civil Engineering department, was chosen after a thorough review of eight nominees via a selection committee. The committee uses the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ criteria for competencies and personal characteristics to judge nominations. Competencies include critical thinking, problem solving, oral and written communications, teamwork, collaboration, and more.

“Ellie is a hard worker, a kind person, and a natural leader,” Assistant Professor Jessica Daignault said in her nomination of Berreth. “Ellie stands out as an exceptional student, employee, and person who works hard to achieve her professional and academic goals. This is a student who has worked multiple jobs to support herself throughout her undergraduate education, while maintaining academic excellence and a positive attitude. Ellie deserves to be recognized for her hard work, determination, and tenacity.”

Berreth’s nomination letter was submitted to the Western Association of Student Employment Administrators for its Student Employee of the Year Awards. Berreth was then selected as the 2022 state winner for Montana. All students recognized for the 2022 year will be spotlighted here.

The Montana Tech committee also recognized the 2022 honorable mentions for the campus award, which include:

-Avery Londo, a Research Assistant for Civil Engineering
“Avery has been a vital piece of our growing department,” Assistant Professor Bret Robertson said in his nomination. “Her professionalism, critical thinking, and collaboration go above and beyond what is required. Avery is the first to volunteer for new and exciting opportunities, quick to research new topics, and she is persistent enough to get others to listen to her ideas.”

- Eduardo Pantoja, a Help Desk Associate for Information Technology
“Eddie is constantly exceeding expectations,” Casey Vanatta, Supervisor to Montana Tech’s Help Desk, said in her nomination. “He has a calm and patient demeanor that is very respectful and understanding. No matter your issue, Eddie will work through it with you and help come to a resolution in a peaceful way. He is very punctual, dependable and reliable. He helps guide, motivate and lead others in his area to do great at their job. He is consistent and positive every day.”

Other nominees included: Taylinn Garrett nominated by Tristan Sewell; Cody Hennessy nominated by Gary Wyss; Garrett Hopkins nominated by Susan Barth; Damon Irvin nominated by Rita Spear; and Alexander Perala nominated by Akua Oppong-Anane and Lee Richards.

“Montana Tech employees over 400 students on campus, and these nominees were all exceptional,” Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Craig Elliott said. “I want to thank all of the nominators for acknowledging their student employees and the committee for reviewing all submissions. I am so proud of our students and their work ethic.”