Mariah Cattaneo, 23

Biology, Environmental Science
Billings, Montana

March 17, 2017

By Blair Koch, University Communications and Marketing, 657-2269

On March 21, Advising and Career Services at Montana State University Billings will recognize student interns and student employees at its annual awards luncheon for their outstanding contributions, achievements, and professionalism by the faculty and agency supervisors.

Cattaneo, an environmental science major, is humbled a colleague took the time to nominate her years of work at the MSUB Library.

“It’s very flattering. I didn’t even know these awards exist, so I certainly wasn’t prepared for it,” she said.

The Billings native has worked at the library since 2012, her freshman year. This fall, she was named a Student Lead, which gave her more duties like helping patrons with research and staffing the “Ask Here” desk during the weekend.

“It really helped in my breaking out of my shell,” Cattaneo said. “Working at the library made me more comfortable talking to other people. I’m more outgoing now.”

She was nominated due to conscientious, accountable, and high-quality work.

“The Library is so lucky that we were able to hire Mariah and that she has been a dedicated, conscientious, reliable employee,” a colleague said. “Library staff would all agree that Mariah is very deserving of this prestigious honor. She is someone who we have seen grow and mature into a well-rounded, responsible, and dedicated employee.”

Cattaneo said working at the library helped push her into more activities on campus, something she wishes she had done sooner.

She was elected as a senator at large with Associated Students of MSU Billings, is a member of the Science Club and served on the search committee for recruiting a new Library Director.

“My advice for other students is don’t wait to get involved,” Cattaneo said. “It is definitely a learning experience and helps you grow as a person.”