Luna Alexander named Student Employee of the year

Bloomsburg University's 2021-22 Student Employee of the Year is Luna Alexander, an employee in the First Year Experience (FYE) office. 

In the nomination of Alexander, a junior from Wellsboro, the staff of the FYE office wrote, “Luna’s challenging work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Luna assists with the coordination of all FYE programs throughout the academic year. These programs include new student orientation, HOWL (Husky Orientation Welcome Leaders) and peer mentors, training, learning community events, and first-year student workshops.”   

“I was honestly so surprised,” said Alexander. “I enjoy working with the FYE center, and I love the opportunities I am offered along the way. Personally, I have seen this job as fulfilling and impactful, to not only myself, but also to the campus community, and not a job that I do for recognition. It is truly an honor to have received this award. I am so thankful for this University.” 

While managing a position in the office, Alexander is also a full-time student majoring in communication studies in the organizational communication track. Alexander is a member of the Honors College, Presidential Leadership Program, and the ROTC. As an ROTC cadet, Alexander serves as a platoon leader, recruitment officer, and member of the cadet council and has devoted much time to the Army ROTC Program, the women’s rugby club, Bloomsburg’s University Equality Alliance, BU Student Veterans' Association, and the strength and fitness club.  

 “As a first-year student, I was accepted into the Honors College Learning Community and the Army ROTC Learning Community. Through that program, I was able to get involved on campus. Due to the positive experience, I had my first year with the Learning Communities, I decided to apply to be a mentor. When I didn’t receive the position, I applied to be a part of the office staff and am so happy that I did.”  

“I have had my fair share of struggles and have found how valuable and important it is to have an uplifting, passionate, and empathetic individual in your life to support you along the way,” Alexander states, “Since an early age, I have had to take responsibility in my life and do the best I could with what I had. I have always looked at life as an opportunity to leave a positive impact behind with every interaction, and hopefully make people look at life a little differently.”  

As for her future, Alexander sees a busy and bright future ahead.  

 “After graduation, I will attend further training for the Army and Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant,” said Alexander. Later I see myself going back to school for a master’s degree in college student affairs or sports media and communication. I also see my future filled with service opportunities, LGBTQA+ Advocacy, traveling, photography, and hopefully some motivational speaking opportunities down the line.”  

Alexander will be given a $500 scholarship as part of their award. 

Due to the large number of nominations received this year, there is a four-place tie for runner-ups.  Kyleigh Bilger in Trio, Kayla Kinney in Student Activities, Kalie Tobin at the Children’s Museum off-campus, and Sydney Moyer in Management and International Business, were all chosen as runner-up’s. They will all receive a $50 gift card to the campus store. The “ROOKIE” of the year award goes to Emily Grabow. This award recognizes first-time student employees that show potential and initiative with a positive attitude. Emily received a “Rookie of the Year” gift basket. 

Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees. Sarah Goldstein, Kharie Wilkins, Morgan Hural, Nathan Uitz, Matthew Hazlett, Andrew Borch, Emily Glass, Hudson Smith, Danielle Hooper, Ethan Johnston, Joscelyn Johannessen, Megan Canfield, Luke Josuweit, Michael Bednarczyk, Anna Sassaman, Logan Nauman, and Patricia Wagner!   

Special thanks to all the supervisors who took the time out of their busy schedules to submit nominations. Student employment week will be celebrated campus-wide April 11 through 15.