Student Employee of the Year Nominees (2026)

As a library assistant building manager, Alvarez ensures the library remains safe, welcoming, and efficiently managed during evening hours, often working until midnight or later during finals. She conducts hourly building rounds, tracks patron counts, assists students and visitors at the information desk, and communicates proactively with staff to maintain smooth operations. Her professionalism, reliability, and dedication make her an invaluable member of the library team.

In addition, as a Story Time program assistant, Alvarez fosters community engagement by planning and leading monthly Story Time sessions for children from surrounding communities. She carefully selects age-appropriate stories, designs engaging crafts, and creates an inclusive, welcoming environment that encourages learning and critical thinking. Her creativity, enthusiasm, and leadership strengthen the university’s connection with the local community and help introduce young children to a love of learning.

Through both roles, Alvarez demonstrates outstanding initiative, leadership, and commitment, making a meaningful impact on students, visitors, and the broader community. Her dedication and strong work ethic exemplify the qualities of the overall Student Employee of the Year Award.

Paola Valle Alarcia has demonstrated exceptional leadership, critical thinking, and professionalism across multiple high-responsibility roles in Monmouth University Athletics.

Alarcia serves as Athletics event staff, Ocean First Bank Center (OFBC) building manager, and Fitness Center desk assistant. In each role, she goes beyond basic responsibilities, mentoring younger staff, leading event setups, and managing daily operations with poise and reliability. She is frequently entrusted with guiding new employees, resolving complex situations, and ensuring smooth operations even in challenging circumstances.

As a Fitness Center desk assistant, Alarcia skillfully balances immediate needs with policy adherence, handling membership and access issues with sound judgment. As a Building Manager, she takes initiative to open the facility early, maintain safety, monitor equipment, and provide consistent support to patrons and staff. Her peers and supervisors recognize her as a dependable, proactive, and inspiring leader.

What makes Alarcia’s accomplishments truly remarkable is her context: she is a full-time international student maintaining a GPA with honors, serves as captain of the university indoor and outdoor track and field teams, and successfully balances her academics, athletics, and multiple work responsibilities. Despite a demanding schedule, Alarcia consistently arrives early, stays late, and leads by example—empowering her peers and fostering a positive, efficient work environment.

Through initiative, integrity, empathy, and expertise, Alarcia exemplifies the qualities of a student leader whose impact extends beyond her positions—she inspires, strengthens the community, and sets a standard for excellence. She is highly deserving of recognition as a Student Employee of the Year in the Leadership category.

Chris Buzaid has been recognized for his exceptional contributions as a student research assistant, advancing technology, innovation, and leadership at Monmouth University.

Buzaid founded and leads the LearnAi team, identifying a gap in AI literacy on campus and recruiting, training, and managing a cross-disciplinary team of five undergraduate students. Under his guidance, the team has provided AI consulting to over 30 faculty and students across nursing, business, special languages, biology, and education.

His technical innovations have directly benefited the campus community:

• Custom Attendance Tracker: Automates attendance for classes, enabling more efficient and timely decision-making.
• University-Wide Portfolio Hosting: Supports over 30 students with professional portfolio webpages under the monmouth.edu domain.
• Custom Booking System: Streamlines AI consulting requests for faculty and students.

Beyond technical contributions, Buzaid demonstrates outstanding leadership and mentorship, training his team to deliver AI education to more than 300 students through workshops and class sessions. His ability to synthesize complex information, contribute to published research, and mentor peers exemplifies professional maturity and academic rigor rarely seen in undergraduate employees.

Buzaid’s initiative, technical skill, and leadership make him an exemplary candidate for the Student Employee of the Year Award.

Madison Bush has been recognized for her exceptional contributions as a reading tutor through the FWS Off-Campus Community Service Program, promoting social impact and belonging among her students.

Bush demonstrates a rare ability to connect authentically with children of diverse personalities, learning styles, and abilities. She creates a safe and welcoming learning environment where each student feels seen, valued, and supported. Through individualized strategies, encouragement, and empathy, Bush helps students build confidence, embrace challenges, and celebrate their growth.

In her role with the FWS Off-Campus Community Service Program, Bush not only tutors students but also strengthens the university’s connection with the local community. She models professionalism, kindness, and collaboration, fostering inclusion and positive social impact beyond the classroom.

Bush’s dedication, empathy, and commitment to both her students and the community make her an outstanding candidate for the Social Impact & Belonging category—and a strong contender for the overall Student Employee of the Year Award.

Aidan Cole has been recognized for his exceptional critical thinking skills as a live broadcasting student worker in the Athletics Department and Monmouth Digital Network.

Cole plays a key role in producing live broadcasts of Monmouth University sporting events, streamed on SNY Network and NBC Sports Philadelphia. He has gone above and beyond by learning the behind-the-scenes workings of broadcast production, including the set-up of cameras and talent equipment. This knowledge allows him to troubleshoot and solve technical issues in real time during live events.

He consistently demonstrates initiative and problem-solving skills, asking insightful questions to understand production workflows and improve his performance. Cole applies his critical thinking not only to technical challenges but also to refining his camera operation skills, offering suggestions to enhance broadcasts, and seeking opportunities to grow professionally.

Dependable, eager to learn, and highly capable, Cole’s critical thinking and adaptability make him an outstanding student employee and a strong candidate for the Student Employee of the Year Award.

Claudia Decker has been recognized for her outstanding leadership as a live broadcasting student worker in the Athletics Department and Monmouth Digital Network.

Decker plays a critical role in producing live broadcasts of Monmouth University sporting events, streamed on SNY Network and NBC Sports Philadelphia. She has excelled as a wireless camera operator on the sidelines and endlines, consistently performing under the fast pace of large sporting events such as football and basketball.

As a senior student worker, Decker demonstrates leadership by mentoring and teaching younger student employees. She shares her knowledge of camera operation, replay systems, and production workflows in a clear and supportive way, helping new students grow in their roles. Her approachable, positive attitude fosters a welcoming and motivating environment for all student workers.

Decker’s dedication, skill, and ability to inspire and guide her peers make her an exceptional leader and a strong candidate for the Student Employee of the Year Award.

Gina Dige has been recognized for her exceptional contributions as a graphic design intern in the Center for the Arts at Monmouth University.

Dige played a key role in promoting performances, exhibitions, and community programs through thoughtfully designed digital and social media materials. Her work demonstrated mastery of visual hierarchy, branding, typography, and audience engagement, consistently producing polished and effective designs that enhanced the Center’s visibility and professionalism.

Beyond producing high-quality work, Dige showed initiative and innovation, suggesting improvements, contributing fresh ideas, and helping modernize the Center’s outreach strategies. She approached every project with creativity, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of how design and digital media connect with audiences.

Dige also demonstrated leadership through her professionalism, reliability, and collaborative attitude. She quickly became a trusted and integral member of the team, supporting the Center’s mission while serving as a model student employee.

Her contributions and dedication make Dige an outstanding candidate for the Innovation & Technology category and a strong contender for the overall Student Employee of the Year Award.

Vincent Macri has been recognized for his exceptional leadership as a live broadcasting student worker in the Athletics Department and Monmouth Digital Network.

Macri has been part of Monmouth Digital Network for five years, beginning as a high school intern, and has grown into a senior student worker who excels in both technical skill and leadership. He contributes to live broadcasts of Monmouth University sporting events, streamed on SNY Network and NBC Sports Philadelphia, serving as a main camera operator and handling graphics for football, basketball, and baseball.

As an upperclassman, Macri demonstrates leadership by mentoring and motivating younger student employees. He encourages them to try new positions, teaches them how to operate cameras and graphics effectively, and provides guidance in a way that is clear, supportive, and easy to follow. His knowledge, professionalism, and enthusiasm inspire his peers and strengthen the overall work environment.

Macri’s dedication, technical expertise, and ability to lead and teach make him an outstanding student employee and a strong candidate for the Student Employee of the Year Award.

Luke Moleski has been recognized for his exceptional leadership and impact as a production room assistant and game day host in the Athletics Department at Monmouth University.

Moleski has been an integral part of the Athletics Department for four years, managing behind-the-scenes technology that powers live game day experiences, including videoboards, music, public address announcements, and fan cameras. He began as a production room assistant and has grown into a student leader who calls football games, leads the production team, and hosts in-game events that energize fans and enhance the home field advantage.

Moleski demonstrates remarkable initiative and professionalism. He comes early to prepare game scripts, fine-tunes music and promotions, and constantly looks for ways to elevate the game day experience. His technical skills, problem-solving, and creativity have transformed the atmosphere of home games across multiple sports, earning him respect from peers and staff alike.

Beyond technical mastery, Moleski exemplifies teamwork and mentorship. He trains and supports fellow students, filling nearly every possible role in Athletics operations, while maintaining excellence as a manager at WMCX, hosting a radio show, and sustaining a 3.5 GPA. His dedication fosters a culture of belonging, professionalism, and fun, leaving a lasting impact on the Athletics Department and the Monmouth community.

Moleski’s leadership, versatility, and commitment make him an outstanding candidate for the Student Employee of the Year Award.

Scarlett Pizarro has been recognized for her exceptional leadership as a biology lab assistant in the Department of Biology at Monmouth University.

Since joining the department in Sept. 2022, Pizarro has become an invaluable resource for both faculty and students. She trains and mentors incoming freshman and underclassmen employees, clearly explaining procedures, promoting a supportive environment, and earning the respect and admiration of her peers.

Pizarro’s technical expertise, particularly in microscopy, has made her a “master microscopist,” enabling her to guide students through complex lab exercises while maintaining accountability and fostering success. She also provides informal mentorship, offering guidance on the nursing program and serving as a positive role model to all students in the lab.

Beyond her lab responsibilities, Pizarro demonstrates initiative and compassion through community service and personal pursuits, including volunteering in Cusco, Peru, and her love for the outdoors. Academically, she maintains a 3.5 GPA and will graduate this spring with a B.S.N. in nursing.

Pizarro’s dedication, leadership, and mentorship make her an exemplary student employee and a strong candidate for the Student Employee of the Year Award.

Delvis Rodriguez has been recognized for his exceptional innovation and technical leadership as a digital marketing coordinator at the Turner Syndrome Foundation.

Rodriguez has transformed organizational workflows through advanced automation, system integration, and data-driven solutions. He designed and implemented AI-assisted processes and integrated platforms such as Salesforce, Monday.com, Givebutter, and Mailchimp, creating connected systems that improved communication accuracy, reduced manual work, and increased responsiveness.

Key contributions include:

• Automated Multi-Step Workflows: Eliminated redundant data entry and synchronized records across systems.
• Mailchimp Automation: Developed email series that respond in real time to volunteer and donor activities, enhancing engagement.
• Volunteer Management System: Built a streamlined on-boarding and task assignment platform, improving efficiency and scalability.

Rodriguez also manages complex data integrations that enable timely, evidence-based decision-making. He ensures data accuracy, implements error checks, and designs dashboards that allow staff to track tasks, volunteer progress, and communication outcomes.

His creativity and problem-solving resulted in a new, sustainable volunteer management ecosystem that reduces errors, accelerates on-boarding, and supports long-term growth for the Foundation. Rodriguez consistently demonstrates professionalism, independence, and technical expertise, turning organizational challenges into optimized, automated solutions.

Rodriguez’s initiative, creativity, and technological excellence make him an outstanding candidate for the Student Employee of the Year Award in the Innovation & Technology category.

Sarah Schuld has been recognized for her exceptional leadership and service as an office assistant and peer mentor in the Honors School at Monmouth University.

Schuld has spent the past three years strengthening campus community through creative programming, mentorship, and service. She independently planned and executed Honors Game Nights, fostering connections among students and creating a sustainable tradition that encourages belonging and engagement.

In her role as a peer mentor, Schuld supports first-year honors students by organizing group activities such as beach volleyball and bowling nights, ensuring they feel welcomed and supported in their transition to university life. She builds strong relationships with her mentees and collaborates with other mentors to promote community and confidence among students.

Schuld’s service extends beyond campus. She volunteers at a local assisted living community, designing activities such as card-making and holiday crafts that bring joy and connection to senior residents. Her initiatives inspire peers to participate in service, multiplying her impact and fostering a culture of civic engagement within the Honors School community.

Through initiative, creativity, and dedication, Schuld has made a lasting impact on both the University and broader community. Her professionalism, leadership, and service-oriented mindset make her a highly deserving candidate for the Student Employee of the Year Award.

Gillian Sepp has been recognized for her exceptional leadership as a lead global education mentor in the Global Education Office at Monmouth University.

Sepp guides fellow students toward a greater understanding of other cultures, encourages respect for differing perspectives, and promotes the United Nations’ goals of peace and trust. She embodies the mission of the Global Education Office by inspiring students to step out of their comfort zones and pursue study abroad opportunities, including convincing STEM majors to participate in programs often perceived as for liberal arts students.

Sepp excels as a mentor, campus leader, and administrative support, demonstrating initiative by posting application reminders, meeting with students, and assisting staff without prompting. She trains new student workers and fosters an environment of collaboration and excellence. Her professionalism, relatability, and maturity have made her a trusted and inspiring leader among her peers.

Academically, Sepp maintains a 3.76 GPA in chemistry with minors in statistics and biology and has been accepted to her dream pharmacy school. She also serves as a tutor and president of the Student Activities Board, further showcasing her ability to lead, motivate, and impact the campus community positively.

Through her dedication, mentorship, and initiative, Sepp has empowered students, strengthened the Global Education Office, and contributed to a campus culture of inclusion, growth, and global awareness—making her an outstanding candidate for the Student Employee of the Year Award.