On April 15, 2025, Olivet Nazarene University recognized senior Mandi Paddock as the Student Employee of the Year and Courtney Sauerbier as Student Employment Supervisor of the Year. The Office of Human Resources coordinated surprise celebrations for both Mandi and Courtney, and the departments in which they work.
Nominations for these annual awards came from students, staff and faculty members in recognition of the contributions and positive impacts student employees and supervisors have on their respective department or office.
Student employees add immense value to the workflow at Olivet. During the 2024-25 academic year, Olivet employed around 800 students in jobs in almost every department across campus. Not only can wages earned benefit the student directly, the job experiences and relationships built have a positive impact on the entire community.
“It is beneficial for Olivet to employ students around campus because it promotes both an engaged and connected campus community between our students, staff and faculty,” says Keri Langan, director of student employment. “It can also serve as an increase in retention and graduation rates, as well as provide students with valuable learning and career readiness skills. Giving the students the opportunity to participate in campus positions helps them gain not only confidence, additional income and work experience, but also to create work relationships with people with whom they may not regularly interact.”
Mandi Paddock is a senior, studying business administration and psychology from Antioch, Illinois. She is nominated for her work as the Student Development Student Supervisor.
Mandi’s supervisor, Jacki Tamez, said in her nomination: “When working in Ludwig, we interact with a lot of different types of people, alumni, parents, students, guests and even law enforcement. Mandi excels in caring for, working with and respecting every single person. Sometimes it can be difficult to understand accents over the phone or assist older adults with finding directions on their emails, but Mandi is patient and kind.”
“She started as a Ludwig desk worker but even in that role she created a team culture,” Jacki reflected. “Now, she is in charge of our team tasks. She is an excellent project manager who respectfully checks in on team members to ensure they feel empowered and equipped to do their job. She assigns tasks base on team members’ skills AND what is life giving to them! Mandi purposefully visits the office at different times during the day to check in on the team, even when she is not working.”
Tyler Hall, Mandi’s co-manager for Ludwig Desk, emphasized her strong leadership capabilities in his nomination letter.
“Mandi is a great leader and team player,” Tyler wrote. “She demonstrates what an Olivet employee should aspire to be. Recently, I was playing ping pong with her while we talked about some work stuff. A family came by—clearly, they were visiting students—and Mandi was quick to drop her paddle and introduce herself; showing love to prospective Tigers. If that’s not Christ’s love I don’t know what is.”
Courtney Sauerbier is the Associate Director of Development Operations in the Department of Advancement Services.
Courtney was nominated by one of her student workers, Rosalee Hough.
In her nomination letter, Rosalee said, “Courtney is absolutely dedicated to her job and does nothing halfway. She has a strong desire to do everything she does well, and succeeds. She is hardworking and I have witnessed her stay late many times if that’s what it takes to get things done and done well. Her dedication is something I strive for.”
“Courtney goes above and beyond to let us know how much she appreciates us. She also provides us with everything and more that we need to do our jobs well. She recently implemented a fantastic new returned mail checking procedure that has streamlined this process. She also thought of putting up whiteboards in our workspace where reminders and updates can be posted. I have really appreciated all her helpful updates and ideas!”
“I can’t speak for other supervisors—I’m sure they are amazing,” Rosalee concluded, “But, I have seen firsthand just how amazing Courtney is. I believe her desire to encourage and help her student employees succeed sets her apart. Also, her amazing work ethic that just comes naturally is refreshing. I have never heard her complain about her job. Advancement Operations is a pretty unknown department on campus, but the work she and other staff in this department is so important to the University. I am thankful for everything she and the other staff members do.”
To learn more about student life on campus, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@olivet.edu or 800-648-1463.
