University Communications and Marketing
MSU Billings Cooperative Education students honored
April 22, 2011
Contacts:
Mandy Brottem, Cooperative Education Specialist, 657-1717
Dan Carter, University Relations, 657-2269
MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — Five Montana State University Billings Cooperative Education internship students have been recognized for their outstanding achievements, professionalism and contributions toward the host company’s goals.
The students were nominated by businesses and faculty who supervised their internships
in 2010 and were honored recently at a special ceremony at MSU Billings.
Earl Fisher, a diesel technology major, was nominated by Joel Carlson of Montana Department of
Transportation and Albert Bummer from the MSU Billings College of Technology. Their
comments included, “Earl exhibited willingness to learn and the knowledge that he
brought to the internship was impressive. It was a great experience for us at the
DOT to have Earl here.” Fisher is from Shepherd and graduated in May 2010.
Lauren Anderson, a human services major, was nominated by Stacy Dreessen of The Family Tree Center whose comments included, “Throughout Lauren’s internship she was punctual, hard-working, self-motivated, and developed a good rapport with staff members and clients. She has a high level of maturity, and I felt that I could give her tasks such as facilitating make up classes for parents or preparing and facilitating family interaction time during parenting classes. Lauren was a positive role model for class participants.” Anderson is from Ridgefield, Wash., and graduated in December 2010.
Lillie Grace, an art major, was nominated by Grace Frankforter of the Northcutt Steele Gallery
and Dr. Patricia Vettel-Becker, chair of the MSU Billings Department of Art. Their
comments included, “Lillie is one of the most exceptional students, indeed human beings,
I have ever met. She always gives tirelessly and generously of her time and resources.
Her internship was no exception. Lillie was deeply interested in the work, attentive
to details and always willing to put in extra time and effort. She was flexible,
creative, and tireless.” Grace is from Laurel and will graduate in May 2012.
Jason Rodriguez a business administration major, was nominated by Liz Jung of United Way of Yellowstone
County VITA Program whose comments included, “Jason constantly went above and beyond
the call of duty. He often came early and left late. Jason was a leader among the
volunteers. He soon became known as an ‘expert’ as fellow students and other community
volunteers would often ask him for tax law help when they were preparing returns.
Jason has been an incredible ambassador and representative of the University.” Rodriguez
is from the Bronx, N.Y., and graduated in May 2010.
Leah Brince, an education major, was nominated by Kristin Thompson of Youth Dynamics and Dr.
Cheryl Young-Pelton, assistant professor of special education at MSU Billings. Their
comments included, “Leah works as a therapeutic mentor, working one-on-one with a
youth struggling with behavioral and emotional difficulties. She has built a very
strong relationship with the youth and caregivers. I was very impressed at Leah’s
maturity and motivation. Supervising Leah’s internship was a refreshing experience.”
Brince, from Laurel, will graduate in May 2012.
The MSU Billings Cooperative Education program provides students with “real world” experiences by placing them in internships throughout the community where they develop their job skills while earning credit to enhance their education. In the last six years, more than 1,348 undergraduate and graduate students have completed internships, from which more than 392 students were offered a permanent position.
For additional information regarding the Cooperative Education program, contact Mandy Brottem, Cooperative Education Specialist at MSU Billings, at 657-1717.