Houston Daily

The University of Houston community recently held an event to recognize the achievements of its student workers as part of Student Employment Week. The celebration took place on April 18 in the Houston Room at Student Center South, organized by University Career Services.

The event aimed to honor student employees for their contributions across academics, research, and daily operations at the university. This year, a total of 151 nominations were submitted by employees to acknowledge students who have shown exceptional performance in their roles.

Torrence Douglas, associate director of campus recruitment and emcee for the event, expressed gratitude toward those who nominated students and attended the ceremony. Certificates of appreciation were presented to many students before announcing category winners.

Jaimen Singh received the Innovation & Technology Award for developing a secure application that improved assessment processing at the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine. Manasa Yerragunta was recognized with the Outstanding Leadership Award for her research in organic crystallization within the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering. Sanam Davariar was named Undergraduate Student Employee of the Year for her work in visual storytelling at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design, which increased engagement and strengthened community connections. Ah Rum Lee was selected as Graduate Student Employee of the Year for implementing technology solutions and contributing AI research at C.T. Bauer College of Business.

During the event, Torrence Douglas shared his poem “Student Employees – You Are the Real MVPs,” highlighting student employees’ commitment and resilience:

"At UH we roar, but also we grind to shine,

With student employees, they are all one of a kind.

From the front desk pros to the tech-savvy brains,

Running the beautiful campus like a runaway train.

They swipe their student ID with a loud 'Go Coogs!'

Then jet to their classes with an exhausted from the weekend snooze.

They do it all — assignments, exams, and various work shifts,

While uplifting the UH campus with Shasta sized lifts.

Rockin' the red & white, they do it with flair,

Always answering office phones with a professional tone and care.

They’re mentors, peer advisors, assistants, and truly the heart of the pack

With weekly schedules and UH Campus Store snacks stuffed deep in their backpacks.

So here’s to the student employee Coogs who clock in and shine,

Making UH departments run on schedule, and on time!

We thank you all, we shout you out, we hype you up & celebrate you.

Hopefully, we've made that abundantly clear

Now everyone show appreciation with a super loud cheer

For the hardest-working Student Employment Coogs of the year!"

A full list of finalists was also announced during this event.