How do I gain work experience while in college that will help finance my education and maximize chances for grad school and the job market? The answer for many Rhodes students is through on-campus jobs, and the college offers meaningful work through its Rhodes Students Associate Program (RSAP), which allows motivated students to get real-world career experience and mentoring working alongside Rhodes’ outstanding faculty and staff, and through its Student Employment Program, which is available for students with demonstrated financial need to work in various jobs on campus, as well as at some nonprofit agencies off campus.
Through the RSAP, for example, students organize and develop marketing materials for special events, manage archival projects and digital media, supervise teams of students, and manage studio and lab spaces. Typical student employment positions include reception responsibilities, filing, data entry, mail sorting and delivery, and organizing uniforms or equipment.
Rhodes’ Student Employee Appreciation Week, which is April 13-17, includes a spotlight on Grace Tomeny, Rhodes Student Associate of the Year; Megan Wassef, Student Employee of the Year; and Tiffany Ford, Supervisor of the Year.
Here’s what the award committee had to say about the honorees, based on nominations from their supervisors and co-workers:
Rhodes Student Associate of the Year Grace Tomeny ’20
“Grace is deserving of the RSA of the Year Award as she has provided invaluable assistance to the music department, generated a positive but fair work environment, and gone above and beyond her leadership duties. Throughout her time as the musical arts production assistant RSA, Grace organized a haunted house to raise money for the Rhodes Singers 2020 New York Tour, implemented a contractual obligation for her peers to ensure that they would learn and adopt their roles for the annual Opera Scenes production, and assisted the orchestra director in setting up rehearsal and stage settings during performances. According to her supervisor, we would be hard pressed to find someone more dedicated and passionate about leaving their mark on a campus department.”
Student Employee of the Year Megan Wassef ’21
“As Rhodes Express’ student supervisor, Megan has employed her friendly personality and ability to communicate well with others in order to thrive in a changing environment. Megan’s problem-solving skills have come to life through her role as a supervisor of five other student workers, and she has earned the praise of other staff members who work closely with the Rhodes Express office. Everyone has noted her eagerness to help and willingness to learn. She continually strives to become more knowledgeable, and therefore to become a better worker.”
Supervisor of the Year Tiffany Ford
“Tiffany Ford has made a tremendous impact on her student workers in the Bonner Center for Service through her consistent support in working to develop both their professional and relational skills. She listens intently, creates new opportunities for her students to share their work, and keeps others accountable while also maintaining a supportive and understanding environment. The respect her students have for her is evident, and she makes everyone around her feel that they are being heard and are cared for. She is an exemplary mentor and an example of what a supervisor should strive for!”
Winners will each receive a gift from the Rhodes Office of Financial Aid, and the students’ names and materials will be submitted to the nationwide Student Employee of the Year Recognition Program.
“Grace Tomeny and Megan Wassef are outstanding examples of student employees who are making a difference on campus. The college and the students benefit from this experience,” says Karyn Allen, assistant director of financial aid. “Great supervisors such as Tiffany Ford make a huge impact on the student experience here at Rhodes.”