Yolanda Antonio named Student Employee of the Year

Yolanda Antonio, an electrical engineering junior, is the recipient of the Montana Technological University 2024 Student Employee of the Year award. Antonio was announced as the  recipient at the annual Student Awards Ceremony on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

Yolanda, an office assistant in the Admissions and Enrollment Department, was selected based on the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ competencies and personal characteristics. Competencies include critical thinking, problem-solving, intercultural fluency, collaboration and teamwork, professionalism, work ethic, and leadership and communication skills.

“Yolanda has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her academic pursuits and employment, through NACE capacities,” Communications and Event Coordinator Shelby Baker stated in her nomination for Yolanda. “She exhibits a strong work ethic and level of professionalism that, oftentimes, is rare among college students. Over the last two years, she has been an invaluable asset to the Admissions team. She consistently goes above and beyond her role as a student employee, exhibiting a solid work ethic and ability to tackle tasks in a swift and precise manner. Yolanda has no issues with jumping right in and doing work.”

Summarizing from Baker’s nomination form, Yolanda exceeds what it means to be an Oredigger. She arrives at every shift on time with a positive supportive attitude, and takes the initiative to assist with projects, tasks, and additional duties without being prompted. Using her experience as a first-generation Hispanic female college student, Yolanda shares her hardships and successes with potential new students at Tech Days and various recruiting events.

“She is open to listening to and helping students with various backgrounds, cultures, races, ages, genders, and religions,” Baker said. consistently.” She does not hesitate when answering questions nervous high schoolers and parents have and helping out in any way that she can. Yolanda’s strong and invaluable communication skills have allowed so many families to feel safe and welcome here on Montana Tech’s campus.”

In addition to her consistent professionalism, a strong sense of intercultural fluency, and effective communication skills, Yolanda is very successful at critical thinking and problem-solving.

“If an issue occurs, Yolanda uses her strong digital technology and communication skills to solve it, before escalating the situation to me, if need be,” Baker said.

Based on Baker’s nomination, Yolanda is a well-deserving and hardworking recipient who displays dedication, community, strong interpersonal skills, and much more.