November 05, 2010

RSS recognizes student employees' efforts

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Recreational Sports and Services is announcing the newest winners of the Student Employee of the Month honors.

Michael Jacobson and Mattison Nicole Rebbe are the August honorees while Joseph Paul Langdon and Gracie Ann Stefaniak earned the recognition for September.

Jacobson, of Mesquite, Texas, is an intramural sports supervisor with two years of work experience at RSS. The son of Mike and Debbi Jacobson, he’s a junior civil engineering major. After completing his bachelor’s degree, he plans to obtain his master’s and then seek employment in the structural engineering field.

Supervisors praise Jacobson for his work preparing and marking equipment for the intramural sports and sport clubs and for organizing the work area.

“Mike Jacobson works as a supervisor, office assistant and official for the intramural sports and sport clubs program. He is a good example to his peers on the field/court and continuously seeks new opportunities to improve our programs,” said Cassie White, coordinator of Intramural Sports and Sports Clubs.

Rebbe, of Urbana, is in her third year as a student supervisor for RSS. The daughter of Nancy and Gary Gady and Phil Rebbe, Mattison is a junior majoring in athletic training. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she plans to go to graduate school and become a physician assistant. Her career goal is working as a physician’s assistant for an orthophysician and doing outreach with high school sports.

Supervisors commend Rebbe for her strong customer service skills.

“Mattison Rebbe is a strong leader. She works hard and completes all tasks when asked. She sets the bar high for future supervisors to follow in her footsteps. Mattison always has a welcoming smile and is eager to help patrons/members. She helps new employees with training and educates them about our policies and procedures at the SIUC Rec Center. She sets the right example for our employees and we are happy to have her at the Rec Center,” said Natalie Rosales, facilities graduate assistant.

Langdon, of Jacksonville, has logged more than a year working at the front desk, reception desk and in the business office at RSS. The son of Philip and Kathy Langdon, he’s a junior business management major. He plans to graduate in spring 2012 and his career goals are undetermined as yet.

Langdon has drawn attention from supervisors for working well under pressure with a friendly attitude and demeanor.

“Joe is constantly helping out the new students at the front. Even when it gets extremely hectic and stressful up front, he always has a smile on his face and is ready to help out. When the full-time staff is busy with other work, he doesn’t hesitate to volunteer to help a customer, go on a mail run or anything else that needs to be done. His excellent customer service and positive attitude make him wonderful to work with,” said Amber Bratsch, facilities coordinator.

Stefaniak, of Westville, has worked a couple of months at the equipment desk. The daughter of Rich and Karen Stefaniak, she is a junior majoring in fashion merchandising. She is seeking a career as a store buyer or designer and hopes to one day own her own store.

Although a fairly new employee, Stefaniak has already won accolades for her helpfulness and friendliness.

“Gracie is always very friendly and helpful. She is always doing something and keeps herself busy. She is very personable and demonstrates good customer service,” Bratsch said.

Recreational Sports and Services presents the Employee of the Month awards in recognition of outstanding effort and service by student employees.