Judith Waswa named the Student Employee of the Year
Judith Waswa was chosen PSU Student Employee of the Year.
Judith was born and raised in a village in western Kenya and brings a diverse culture from the region. She works in international admissions in the Office of Admissions, Registration and Records. Four outstanding honorees were also recognized: Nikki Nguyen. Financial Aid; Jeff Pinkerton, New Student Programs; Zena Piccolo, Women’s Resource Center; and Tammy Gomez, Office of the Dean of Fine and Performing Arts.
Here is Judith’s nomination:
Reliability
Since Judith has worked in this office, she has literally NEVER missed a shift. She is also very sure to give the best, most informative answers when talking with prospective students and their families. Judith has been the most reliable worker we’ve had in the office of international admissions while maintaining an outstanding gpa in the rigorous pre-medical program at PSU.
Initiative
When Judith first arrived at PSU from Kenya, she brought with her almost nothing but her blazing intellect and unparalleled work ethic. She had never used a computer before, and within a couple of months she became the “go to” person when anyone in the office had a computer question. She taught herself how to use the computer, both in the work setting and the class room setting, without any help from outside sources. She is not one to sit around and wait to be told what to do, rather she is a self-starter and figures out what needs to be done and does it.
Uniqueness of Contribution
One example: When asked to prepare a simple, one-page flow chart for how international applications are processed in the office, she came back with a full binder (with illustrations and examples) of the “life of an application” as it goes through the admission process. It was a work of art, and well beyond the call of duty. Judith also, due to her background as an international student, is able to help students from all types of backgrounds and skill levels with patience and finesse.
Quality of Work
Always top-notch, impeccable and pristine. We in the office of International Admissions often joke that Judith has made 3 mistakes in 3 years (and we believe that is a high estimate). She also has been known to double-check the work of the other student assistants in the office to make sure that they are not making any mistakes. She is a natural leader, and the other workers look up to her and use her work as an example to improve their own performance.
Professionalism
Judith never loses her cool. Part of her job entails answering the phones, and it is not unusual for students to be angry or confused when they call. She is outstanding at actively listening to the student and providing the best possible information available. She is also very good at keeping the conversation focused and on-track while maintaining a pleasant demeanor. A call that often begins heated will end on a positive note thanks to Judith. She is an excellent liaison for PSU, which is especially important in admissions as we are the university’s front door.
Community and Campus Service
Judith has been the recipient of several scholarships, including the ICSP, a requirement of which is giving presentations at PSU and in the community about her native Kenya. She is a leading member of the Organization of International Students. Her duties in this position include organizing various international events on and off campus. Judith also volunteers at OHSU as a research assistant working on copper metabolism and Wilson disease. She serves as a mentor for incoming international students.
Additional Comments Judith represents the finest example of a PSU student’s contribution to the department and to the University. She is always respectful, enthusiastically embraces any assignment, no matter how small, and always delivers more than was asked. She has participated in international chat sessions with prospective students in the wee morning hours and is never late or sick. She has never so much as whispered a complaint. She has a delightful sense of humor that is balanced with a seriousness of purpose. She cherishes her rich African heritage, sharing its beauty with students and staff. She is truly an ambassador. Without being asked, she warmly reaches out to welcome prospective and new students from her home continent. This too, is balanced with a spirited curiosity about her adopted American culture. All this she willingly brings to her job and to her educational experience.
Judith is small but strong. Judith is brilliant but humble. Judith is serious but the first to offer a smile. She is beloved by all who know and work with her in ARR. There are many fine students contributing to the work of this fine university, but among them, Judith stands tall. A few years from now, we will find ourselves beaming at her photo on the cover of Time Magazine….
Dr. Judith Waswa, President of Kenya.