2008 Woodie Awards
Student employees celebrate hard work Hawaiian style
Courtney Kretz and Stacey Caswell
Issue date: 4/15/04 Section: News
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Under the influence of mocktails and Hawaiian food, students celebrated their college employment Polynesian-style at the third annual Student Employment Appreciation Day.
The festive day, instituted as a way for campus administrators to thank student workers for their efforts throughout the year, brought over 700 students, faculty and staff members together for a day of fun in the sun in the Cabaret and campus green.
Mary Lou Kutchma, director of student employment, said the day distinguishes students who juggle both schoolwork and a job.
"[Student Employment Appreciation Day] recognizes the importance of the student work experience," she said.
The day set aside for saluting student contributions, is a national event that Kutchma and Financial Aid, in conjunction with several campus organizations, sponsored for the first time three years ago.
"[Student Employment Appreciation Day] comes together because of everyone's efforts," Kutchma said.
Since it's inception in 2002, Student Employment Appreciation Day has gained popularity with Marist students.
After taking root as a party in the Cabaret in its first year, the event has sprouted into a day filled with festivities and prizes, both indoors and out.
Senior Sean Keenan, a student worker in the IT department is impressed with how much the day has changed since its creation.
"They have been finding some interesting and fun stuff to bring in," he said. "They are definitely trying hard, and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. They did a good job with the themes, etc.; way better than previous years."
A committee decided on the Hawaiian luau theme and researched what types of food and activities would go along with the theme, Kutchma said.
When students arrived they were given a Hawaiian lei and received a package that included meal, mocktail, and raffle tickets, a t-shirt, and a thirty-minute phone card.
Luau cuisine included hamburgers, hot dogs, Hawaiian pineapple chicken and fruit cocktail. Non-alcoholic strawberry daiquiris and pina coladas were included with the meal.
Outside of the Cabaret, students could test their might against the inflatable rock-climbing wall or prove their basketball skills. Artists drawing face caricatures or painting body art were kept busy with long lines of students. Popcorn and cotton candy machines, as well as an ice cream freezer, were set up to allow students to indulge during their special day.