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Student Employee of the Year 2011

Gary L. Belleville
Student Employee Appreciation Week
Student Employee of the Year, 2010/11

Cierra Patrick

Cierra is a graduate student seeking her masters in Counseling Psychology through CECP.  Ms. Patrick is originally from Detroit.  

Employing Department: Kanley Chapel

Supervisor/Nominator: Mitchell Beare, Manager Bernhard Center/Kanley Operations

Job Title: Student Building Coordinator

The primary responsibility for the Kanley Chapel Student Building Coordinator shall be to act as an agent of Kanley Chapel, representing the Director's office of the Bernhard Center.

Kanley Memorial Chapel is an interfaith facility symbolizing the fervent interest of the university to offer a complete educational experience for its students. The chapel building houses the Dialogue Center used by students for study, refreshments, and conversation; there are also the Social Room, kitchen, and offices for the Building Coordinator and several campus ministers. The 300 seat chapel is open to the public for weddings, memorial services or for speakers and presentations.

The Building Coordinator is responsible for the operation of Kanley Chapel and reports to the Operations Manager of the Bernhard Center. In the absence of the Operations Manager, the chain of command will be followed. The Building Coordinator will directly supervise the Student Facility Manager.

Functions:

• Train, oversee and delegate work direction to the Facility Manager.
• Coordinate and supervise the building schedule, room usage and assure that all rooms are set to specifications.
• Develop a daily, weekly, monthly etc. task list and insure tasks are completed in a timely manner.
• Participate in extensive training with Bernhard Center Student Managers
• Make sure that all organizations and guests that use and rent space from Kanley Chapel abide by all University regulations.
• Meet with clients to provide information, policies and procedures for the use of Kanley Chapel.
• Prepare, issue, keep track of invoices and deposit monies collected from usage of Kanley Chapel.
• Answer phones and provide information regarding usage and rental of Kanley Chapel.
• Assist in set up and clean up of the chapel and meeting rooms.
• Issue work orders to maintain the integrity of Kanley Chapel.
• First to respond to any and all emergencies (training provided) which may include; fire, ambulance, damage, bomb threat, unlawful assembly, fights, severe weather warnings, etc.
• Dress professionally, traditional business attire required to represent the facility during chapel functions.
• Work with SALP Director in relationship with Spiritual Advisors
• Identify and suggest building improvements

Qualifications:

• Able to work evenings and weekends as well as office coverage during the day.
• Possess public relations skills with excellent verbal and written communication skills. Able to handle complaints, solving problems within their authority, and channeling unsolved problems to the appropriate supervisor.
• Familiar with policies and procedures of Kanley Chapel, the Student Services Organization handbook, Student Code of Conduct and any laws and regulations of the university and police matters.

How long has student been employed in this position? 4.5 years

Nomination:
Cierra Patrick was a student employee at Kanley Chapel when I took over the responsibility as facility manager just under two years. Since working with Cierra I have observed her exceptional work ethics and the great passion, ownership and pride she has for her position. Working with brides can sometimes be challenging but Cierra has always takes on the responsibility of being courteous, enthusiastic and with plenty initiative. She treats each bride as if it were her own sister. One time we had a bride in tears because her bouquet didn't survive the night, Cierra gathered the flowers, took them apart and rebuilt the bouquet in time for the ceremony. She impressed everyone.
Her kindness is extraordinary. She has on many occasions, gotten into her private vehicle and made a trip to the store to purchase something the bride has forgotten or for something to ease her nerves. With her own money she will pickup aspirin, crackers or a cold drink. On cold snowy days, Cierra will go to the parking lot and help brides with their wedding gowns out of their car; she will also assist the elderly through the snow.
Cierra has taken on the responsibility of writing new policies and procedures so that the building will run smoothly and efficiently when she soon graduates and moves on. Occasionally, she will need to take a sick day but that doesn't stop her. Cierra will call me and say that she will work from home that day, answering e-mails and voice messages.
I have been supervising student employees for over thirty years and I can honestly say that Cierra's attitude, leadership skills, ability to work with others and determination has made her one of the most pleasurable and efficient employees I have ever worked with. The only down side to my work experience with Cierra is that someday she will have left, but with great, unprecedented remembrances.
Please accept this nomination for an extraordinary Student Employee of the Year.