Student Worker of the Month
Celebrating Butler's amazing student workers
Know a student worker who goes above and beyond? Nominate them for Student Worker of the Month! We're looking for student employees who promote a pleasant work environment, complete tasks thoroughly and diligently, and demonstrate ambition for success after graduating from Butler.
Makenzie Hott - May 2024
Sophomore - Cyber Security | Bishop Carroll Catholic High School, Wichita
Makenzie started her role in September 2022 and performs tasks related to helping students complete and update their financial aid forms. Makenzie has found value in her campus job, crediting it for a professional toolbelt she will use after graduating in May.
Because her position is student-centered, Makenzie is comfortable conversing with students in person and over the phone. She was originally uncomfortable with phone call assists, as it is a different structure than in person, but she quickly found her groove and her “professional language.”
“Makenzie assists students with all aspects of financial aid, scholarships and Kansas Promise,” Chasity Anderson, supervisor, expressed. “She has had a lot to learn and re-learn with all the changes to the FAFSA and student aid processes. She always takes time to understand and assist our students. We are so proud to have her in the Financial Aid office!”
Makenzie enjoys her job and appreciates the challenges it has given her to help her grow professionally. She noted the formal interview was beneficial, as it encouraged her to prepare for questions, be personable and exercise professional conduct she’ll need in her career field. “Talking with them gave me a lot of interview skills, so I can be more comfortable answering questions in that environment,” Makenzie said. “They helped me build my teamwork skills, so I know I can ask questions on the job to learn.”
As a Cyber Security major, Makenzie needed an internship to graduate. Her coworkers in the Financial Aid office connected her with the CEO of Tandem Cyber and previous Butler Chief Information Security Officer Tevin Manuel, who allowed Makenzie to be the first intern at the company. Makenzie’s work impressed them enough that she was offered a full-time position to begin after graduation. She is very relieved to have secured a position this early, taking away summer job hunting stress.
“My associate degree gave me more than enough knowledge and hands-on experience for me to move straight into working,” she exclaimed.
Outside of Butler and her internship, Makenzie spends time building and enhancing her computers, enjoys board and card games with her family, plays video games and has recently picked up reading. She is a competitive shooter, a family tradition she joined in high school to trap shoot with her dad and grandpa.
Greta Santini - April 2024
SOPHOMORE - CRIMINAL JUSTICE | REGGIO, ITALY
Greta started her Campus Police Department student worker position in November of 2022 for experience as a Criminal Justice major. Working with Chief Henderson and the other officers has given her insight into the field she’s currently pursuing.
“Greta Santini has been instrumental in helping me with closing some cases and investigations,” Kevin Leiker, Butler Community College Police Officer, said. “I appreciate her greatly.”
In her role, Greta takes care of the lost and found and helps officers with various needs like jump starting vehicles and helps patrol by monitoring campus cameras to ensure safety.
“I am interested in this field, so I think I’m learning a lot right now from the day to day [duties] and particular episodes that happened,” Greta said. “[It] is making me realize what is this job and what are the expectations, what I have to do in the future if I’m going to go into this job. It’s really interesting.”
As a dedicated student worker, Greta has even accompanied Chief Henderson when approaching an individual who was no longer permitted on campus grounds. Although Chief gave her the option to avoid the interaction, she decided to stay with him for the experience. She has also assisted the police department by studying surveillance footage while they were searching for someone on campus.
Greta is an international student from Reggio Emilia, Italy and on a volleyball scholarship. Although she takes advantage of the campus residence halls, Greta spends time with her host family for dinners and on weekends. They attend her games – sometimes with cookies for the team, welcome her into their home often and even walked with her and her mother on Sophomore Night. She plans to stay with them this summer after graduation before transferring.
On top of her academics, on-campus job and volleyball, she also works with Richard Alvarez of the athletic department at other sporting events selling tickets and concessions.
Greta found her way here through College Life Italia, an organization that helps athletes find and secure athletic scholarships in the United States. She was accepted onto the team after sending a video of her playing and joined our school and the team without ever visiting campus. She says the individuals she has come across have been welcoming and friendly, including other international students.
In her spare time, Greta is a painter, drawer and music enthusiast who enjoys sporting activities and the gym. She intends to transfer to St. Thomas Aquinas College in New York next semester.
Emily Hernandez - March 2024
SOPHOMORE - LIBERAL ARTS | WICHITA NORTH HIGH SCHOOL | TOWANDA, KS
Emily began her College Relations & Marketing student worker position in January of 2022 and her Residence Assistant (RA) position in August of 2022. Both positions have challenged her for the better, such as highlighting a leadership quality she was unaware of as an RA and engaging in the creative and analytical sides of marketing.
“Butler has shown me some skills that I wasn’t aware I had,” Emily enthused. “Before coming to Butler, I wasn’t really sure what my plan was, just that my mom wanted me to save money by attending a community college. But now looking back at the last three school years, I’m a whole new person.”
Her Marketing position has introduced her to industry norms of social media and marketing, such as tracking engagement, overseeing video and photo content, creating and editing graphics and more. “It has built up my creative circle [and] taken me out of the box so I can bring more to the table when applying to my next job, as I would like to continue in the field,” Emily said with a smile. She has also switched her degree goals from music to social media and marketing.
Emily regularly meets with Social Media Manager, Elizabeth Cody, to form content ideas and strategize the creation of posts on the college’s social media pages. Along with attending college events, Emily travels to various on-campus locations to engage with students for social media content.
“I think it’s awesome how Emily is making the most out of her time here at Butler,” Cody said. “She’s involved in so many different ways, and it will really benefit her to have the experience she has in the real world. She’s always willing to help us out by taking photos at SGA events and using her creativity to give us ways to show more students on our pages.”
As an RA, Emily is tasked with contributing to a welcoming environment and ensuring the safety of each resident. She is “on call” at times, meaning a resident can contact her for a simple necessity after hours or for emergencies. She also periodically monitors the halls through the night for this shift.
“Emily has been my RA for two years,” Melanie McLemore, Director of Residence Life, said. “In my time working with Emily, she has always shown up in spaces with a smile on her face ready to work and be helpful in any way she is needed. She has helped with jumpstarting our social media, builds great relationships with fellow students, and cares deeply about our students' experience at Butler. I am so proud of the growth I have seen in her as a student leader and have no doubt that she will be successful in whatever she chooses to do after her time at Butler.”
Emily also participates in one-on-one Grizzly Chats with each resident, puts up event fliers and conducts health and safety inspections. “Being an RA can be very overwhelming. You have to be up to date on your communication, leadership, coordinating and teamworking skills. Having a leadership [quality] like this can really make you stand out on a résumé,” Emily said.
Along with her two on-campus jobs, Emily is the Student Government Association (SGA) President and is a member of the Hispanic American Leadership Organization, Leadership Circle and vocal music. She does her best to be involved and step out of her comfort zone, making the most of her time as a Grizzly.
“Being the president of [SGA] and being involved in so much, I don’t think I would have thrived if I went to a four-year straight out of high school,” Emily declared. “It being a smaller community here at Butler, it was easy to find my place and where I shined the best. Now I have a plan for my career thanks to my student worker experience and know that I am capable of anything I set myself up to.”
Outside of Butler, Emily enjoys singing and making music, photography, journaling and amateur astronomy. She plans to take a gap year before continuing her education at Friends University or Wichita State University as a social media marketing and/or management major.
Abi Shaults - January 2024
SOPHOMORE - SPORTS MANAGEMENT | TOWANDA, KS
Abi began her student worker position in Athletics ready to jump into the world of sports management and marketing. Her position is directly tied to her future goals, meaning the work she does supports her future endeavors. Abi started in the fall of 2022 with duties including managing the Butler Grizzly social media pages, game interviews, office work and more.
The work she performs for Butler Athletics has impressed the department. “Abi is beyond dedicated to Butler Athletics,” Michaela Serrioz, Associate Athletic Director and Athletic Compliance, said. "She makes herself available whenever we are in need of extra hands, is at every home event working game day operations and travels to some away games as well. I’ve never met someone more hard working and willing to support Butler Athletics than her. She’s been the best student assistant to date and [will leave] a lasting impact on all of our sports programs.”
Abi believes the work she does for Butler Athletics will benefit her educational and career pursuits in the sports management and marketing field. “My goal is to go to a D1 and work in athletics there, so I feel like wearing a lot of hats at Butler has helped me experience a lot of things,” Abi said.
She plans to continue building connections and relationships, adding to the resources she has acquired from Butler Athletics. These resources helped her secure a position working for the Wichita Wind Surge, contributing to her skills and knowledge of the sports management field. Butler Athletics directed her to the application, gave her solid references and spoke with the Wind Surge on Abi’s behalf. These connections also helped her land a job working the Kansas Junior College Athletic Association (KJCAA) baseball tournament.
Abi hopes to attend the University of Arkansas and major in Sports Marketing, but is still keeping her options open for her educational journey. Serrioz has already contacted the athletic department at University of Arkansas to help her with the process.
Away from Butler and Wichita Wind Surge, Abi works at her family’s pool and spa company. She loves her nieces and nephews, enjoys golfing and going to the lake during good weather. Abi hunts and fishes on the weekends, spends time with family and friends and loves her dog, Scout.
Kaden Warner - November 2023
SOPHOMORE - MASS COMMUNICATION, SPORTS MEDIA | HUTCHINSON, KS
Kaden began his Butler Creative TV (BCTV) student worker position a year ago and his Residence Assistant (RA) position this August. Both positions have given him valuable experience, such as communication improvement and career-ready broadcasting practice. He is currently on a sports media scholarship, so his work at BCTV directly benefits his academic and career goals. For his BCTV position, Kaden livestreams events like the Board of Trustees meetings and football games, among other tasks.
“[The benefits] are great, not just with the job, but Butler in general. My major and job go hand in hand. I’m getting so much hands-on experience,” Kaden said.
For Butler athletic games, Kaden researches the history of and between Butler’s team and the competition to add into livestreams. Kaden sets up equipment, creates score board props and writes a script for the livestreams during the student-run Butler football halftime shows. He is handy with a camera and has even had some of his photos featured in Butler’s two print journalism outlets, The Lantern newspaper and The Grizzly magazine.
“Kaden has become a vital member of the BCTV staff,” Matt Jacobs, BCTV Director and Sports Media Advisor, said. “He can be found overseeing the production of live board meeting broadcasts and has assisted with production of campus events such as life enrichment and nearly every athletic event that is streamed on BCTV.
” Kaden’s sports media résumé includes involvement last year as a cameraman for a Wichita Wind Surge Minor League Baseball game. This opportunity let him set up the cameras next to the dug outs, work two cameras and ensure media content for the sports apps and TV channels.
Although Kaden’s RA position is less related to his academic goals, he is still able to draw beneficial experience from it. He is available to student dorm residents to assist with the mail room and help them back into their rooms if they are locked out.
“It’s teaching me leadership skills and really improving my communication skills because you’re in charge of maybe 20 or 30 residents and need to talk to them and deal with tough situations,” Kaden said.
Kaden and other RAs rotate schedules for an overnight shift with an RA phone, where he is usually on call two to three times a month. Students can call Kaden all hours of the night to be let into their dorms. Along with letting a few students back into their rooms at two to three in the morning, he also completes rounds of the building to make sure there are no student altercations or issues taking place.
“Kaden is a wonderful RA for our department,” Melanie McLemore, Director of Residence Life, said. “He works hard to build relationships with students and make the hall he is over feel like a home away from home. He's a wonderful communicator and is always willing to lend a hand.”
Kaden enjoys studying at Butler and the activities he is involved with through his two on campus jobs and his sports media pathway. “I think that something Butler does so well, school wise and at my job, they will give you a lot of work. It ends up working out; you can you ask questions and learn how to do those responsibilities in the future,” Kaden said.
In his personal life, Kaden plays video games to relax and spends time with his friends. He plans to continue with a sports media academic career and is considering Kansas State University and Pitt State University as transfer schools.
Danae Loomis - October 2023
EARLY COLLEGE ACADEMY - EISENHOWER HIGH SCHOOL | WEST WICHITA, KS
Danae chose her position to earn extra money, become actively involved with campus life and to experience “behind the scenes” activities of a successful restaurant. As an aspiring chef, Danae appreciates the opportunities her campus job offers her, such as one-on-one learning with the chefs, building lasting relationships with colleagues and a rounded training in business management
“I’m definitely pushed by my chefs for the better. It’s all so well intentioned, I can tell I’m pushed to grow and get better with my culinary expertise,” Danae said. She has worked in the department since the spring semester and has gained many skills. She credits Chef Luis for part of this growth, as he has helped her pair dishes while developing her menu and given her tips to fill a plate and plate it well.
“Danae has been an asset to the Redler Institute of Culinary Arts from her very first semester,” Chef Luis Peña said. “From the beginning, she has been an integral part of the reboot of our student organization, CHOMP. Danae has taken the lead to create a smooth transition for new students coming into the program through involvement in CHOMP activities and other opportunities happening at the Redler Institute of Culinary Arts. At her young age, Danae has been a role model for students in all age groups.”
Because of the professional tone of the culinary practices and events, Danae receives valuable exposure to the world of business management and preparing and serving quality, artistic foods to various people. The department events draw clientele from high-end visitors to younger children, giving Danae the chance to exercise professionalism and communicate with a variety of groups.
Her work with CHOMP grants her opportunities to meet with business connections and work with individuals she could potentially open a business with. She has practiced menu design and acquired effective strategies to help her fellow chefs.
Away from Butler, Danae bowls on her high school team and with Unified Bowling working with special needs kids. She likes to run and previously served as a runner with Ainsley’s Angels, an organization that allows runners to push individuals in wheelchairs for the purpose of empowerment and advocation. Danae played the baritone saxophone in band class and works occasionally at McAllister’s. She has beloved pets, including a cat named Sam and two poodle mixes.
Danae hopes to find employment or an internship in a well-established Chicago Michelin-star restaurant. After gaining experience, she intends to bring that training and eatery back to Wichita for locals to enjoy.
Shauna Bihlmaier - September 2023
SOPHMORE - LIBERAL ARTS | EUREKA, KS
Shauna started working as a Microbiology Lab Assistant during the Spring 2023 semester to earn lab experience before entering the Medical Lab Science (MLS) program at Wichita State University. Shauna’s efforts to ensure proper lab preparation not only make her an asset to the biology department, they offer her hands-on exposure to a challenging and competitive field.
“She did the job of 3 lab assistants this summer, quite an amazing job,” Susan Forrest, Biology Lead Instructor said. “She did it without a lot of direction and was able to figure out what needed to be done without being told what to do. An amazing accomplishment for her second semester as a lab assistant. We could not have made it through the summer without Shauna. She represents the best use of our Biology Lab Assistant position.”
Shauna’s college academic journey began when she joined the Army after high school, showcasing a seven-year long dedication to her studies and goals. She believes Butler is a great fit for her and her academic background. “As a student at Butler, it has given me motivation to move forward with my degree and career along with personal accountability to show up and give everything I have to be successful,” Shauna said.
Shauna embraces her role and appreciates the responsibilities her position places on her. “As an employee, Butler has given me a sense of purpose; students and the microbiology professors count on me to prepare media – among other tasks – needed for labs and to stay on schedule.” Shauna believes this on-campus job will prove a useful resource for her academic and career goals, including an advantage over some of her academic peers. “Experience from this position will help me get into the Medical Laboratory Sciences program at Wichita State University,” Shauna said. “It is giving me experience and skills that are required for lab work and other responsibilities that I will have while in the program and possibly in my career after graduation.”
Away from Butler, Shauna works another job and finds time to enjoy hobbies and visit with loved ones. She has a spunky mixed dog, Stella, she brought home with her from her time stationed in Guam, a goofy Great Dane, Koda, and recently purchased a pied ball python named Dood. She loves to travel, including multiple countries with the military and going on semi-frequent cruises with her family.
Taylor Buehrle - August 2023
SOPHMORE - DIGITAL MEDIA | MCPHERSON, KS
Taylor started as a student worker in the College Relations & Marketing Department last August to gain entry level experience and an advantage in securing the career she hopes for. She contributes to multiple areas in the department, giving her valuable job training. This hands-on experience includes interviewing Butler students and staff to create informative and publishable website pieces, editing large video files into usable selections and assisting with digital marketing duties. Taylor believes her position has offered her real-world experience and a professional portfolio that will benefit her job-hunting endeavors.
“Taylor is a great asset to our team,” Rodney Dimick, Digital Production Manager, said. “She’s constantly willing to learn new skills to help us be more productive, especially in our video and photo area. Having her here to help assist us while we’re performing other tasks really helps move projects along smoothly. The work she has accomplished makes our lives easier.”
Taylor enjoys her time as a Butler student and worker, crediting her classes and job duties for her gained independence and critical problem-solving skills. She is both an effective team player and independent worker, able to collaborate and share feedback when needed and take initiative on her own.
“Butler helped me maintain a healthy balance within having a school and work life,” Taylor said.
Outside of Butler, Taylor works as a model for M&I Models and spends time with her family, such as visiting Turkey for a month this summer. Once she is a Grizzly graduate, Taylor plans to use her Digital Media associate degree to immediately start working and continue her travels.
