Student Employees, Supervisors Shine

Allison Eichler| April 19, 2025

Every year, the second full week in April is designated by the National Student Employment Association as National Student Employment Week (NSEW). New York Tech is one of hundreds of universities across the country to participate in honoring the contributions of student employees and their supervisors who help make student employment programs a success.

NSEW kicked off on Monday, April 10, with a “Breakfast of Champions” on the New York City and Long Island campuses. Two days later, a professional development summit was held on each campus where students could learn valuable tips and information for putting their best foot forward with potential employers. Students learned how to craft the perfect elevator pitch, explored experiential education opportunities, and enjoyed prize giveaways and refreshments. On Friday, students in New York City and on Long Island raced around their campus as they competed in a selfie scavenger hunt.

On the New York City campus, Assistant Director of Student Employment Denniesia Cameron Richards presented this year’s NSEW winners with their awards during a Tuesday evening dinner. On Thursday, Richards traveled to Long Island for a celebratory luncheon for the award winners on that campus. 

The NSEW planning committee selected students for their communication and teamwork skills, leadership qualities, and work ethic, among others. Honored students were also commended for the outstanding work they performed while managing their academics. Honored staff were thanked for all that they do to ensure a smooth operation of student employment.

Cybersecurity student Siddhant Bhandari is presented with the 2023 Office of Student Employment Student Employee of the Year Award.Cybersecurity student Siddhant Bhandari is presented with the 2023 Office of Student Employment Student Employee of the Year Award.

NSEW 2023 Award Winners

National Student Employee of the Year
Maite Naranjo Velastegui (majoring in interior design)

Supervisor of the Year
New York: Kelli-Ann Francis, student support specialist in the Office of Student Life
Long Island: Madeline Leonard, assistant director of the Office of Undergraduate Student Success and Advising

Office of Student Employment Employee of the Year
New York: Siddhant Bhandari (majoring in cybersecurity)
Long Island: Gabriel Santiago (majoring in architecture)

Graduate Assistant of the Year
New York: Fatema Dula (majoring in architecture)
Long Island: Adityabarna Banerjee (majoring in business administration)

Honorable Mention
New York: Stefanie Inoa (majoring in biotechnology); Micki Bradley, administrative assistant in the Office of Career Success and Experiential Education
Long Island: Kuntal Kanani (majoring in computer science); Summer Buffin, library assistant

By Allison Eichler

More Features

Group of students and their professor

Vancouver Energy Management Students Light Up the Competition

April and May proved exciting for Vancouver-based energy management students, who earned awards in energy design and poster competitions.

Class of 2025 student speaker Ryan Ahmed

Cheers to the Class of 2025!

On May 18, graduates, family members, and friends joined faculty, staff, and administration at New York Institute of Technology’s Long Island campus to celebrate its 64th annual commencement.

Students working at computers

New York Tech Launches Innovation and Entrepreneurship Academy With $5 Million Venture Fund

In a bold step to strengthen its leadership in entrepreneurship education, New York Tech has launched its Innovation and Entrepreneurship Academy, along with the creation of a $5 million venture fund to invest in startups.

Derrick Chiu holding a prototype

Sci-Fi Sparked His Studies

As a child, watching science fiction cartoons inspired Derrick Chiu to pursue a degree in electrical and computer engineering at New York Tech, where he is also working as a project manager in the ETIC.

Group of New York Tech staff wearing aprons standing in front of boxes of food

The Growing Spirit of Volunteerism

April was National Volunteer Month, and New York Tech students and staff showed their community engagement spirit both on and off campus.

Group of honorees holding awards

Celebrating Excellence in Engineering

On April 24, the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences hosted its fourth annual Ingenium Awards reception to honor luminaries in the engineering field.