Pitt State announces Student Employee of the Year 

Hannah Dahl, a senior psychology major from Vadso, Norway, was chosen as this year’s Student Employee of the Year, and as a bonus, was chosen as a runner up at the regional level. 

Dahl, who will graduate in May, was nominated by her supervisor, Misty Hopper, in the Office of Student Financial Assistance. She has been a student receptionist there since October 2021.  

With the exception of during the pandemic, the university’s Office of Career Development has held a recognition ceremony each year for 32 years in the Crimson & Gold Ballroom at Pittsburg State in conjunction with National Student Employment Week. 

“We are proud of all 587 student employees who play a valuable role in keeping Pitt State running, but we are especially proud of the 13 finalists and the winner, Hannah, for the level of contributions they make each day in their respective areas,” said Kim Hull, director of Career Development. 

Student employee of year

PSU President Dan Shipp presents Hannah Dahl with the Student Employee of the Year Award Monday in the Overman Student Center.

In her role, Dahl has been responsible for taking in federal tax forms, copying/faxing/scanning confidential documents, and answering questions from students, staff, and parents regarding the financial aid process, all while adhering to Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations. 

“As an international student who is not eligible to complete the FAFSA, Hannah has been able to acquire the knowledge needed to easily explain to students and parents the ins and outs of the FAFSA which can be confusing to many people,” Hopper wrote in her nomination. 

“Hannah is detail-oriented and organized. The nature of Hannah's position requires exemplary attention to detail when taking in federal documents to make sure they are correct and meet university and federal requirements. She has an amazing ability to multi-task; handling online office chat boxes, phone calls, and emails simultaneously,” wrote Hopper. “She also leads by example, helping to train new student employees in our office, and is the first to volunteer if needed.” 

Dahl also serves as an International Advocate, helping each semester to welcome and guide a group of 10 to 15 new incoming international students, and is an active member of the International Student Association. For one event last fall, she helped prepare traditional Norwegian meals for nearly 200 people. 

“Her involvement in the community helps to create a positive image for the university,” Hopper said. 

Dahl also is the runner up in the Community Service category of the Midwest Association of Student Employment Administrator’s Student Employee of the Year contest. She will receive a certificate and a check for $50. 

Other finalists were: 

    • Taven Allen (Burlington) - Marketing and Communication 
    • Sophia Chiappetti (Pittsburg) - Postal Services 
    • Ioulia Efthyvoulou - International Programs and Services  
    • Starzia Gray (Joplin, Missouri) - Student Financial Assistance 
    • Sai Rohtih Kotti (India) - Custodial and General Services 
    • Megan Loudermilk (Pittsburg) - Psychology and Counseling 
    • Jewel Lunday (Pittsburg) - Physical Plant - Paint Department 
    • Nathaniel Parish (Arma) - Student Financial Assistance 
    • Hannah Reynolds (Douglass) - Chemistry 
    • Peyton Simpson (Pittsburg) - Printing and Design Services 
    • Danielle Torgler (Overland Park) - Human Resource Services 
    • Audrey Unruh (Abilene) - Student Financial Assistance 

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