University Communications and Marketing

May 16, 2012 

Contacts:

Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education, 657-2168
Dan Carter, University Relations, 657-2269

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — Four Montana State University Billings students who took part in cooperative education internship programs in the 2011-12 academic year were recognized recently for their outstanding contributions, achievements and professionalism by the faculty and agency supervisors.

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 seven years more than 1,602 undergraduate and graduate students have completed internships, from which more than 474 students were offered a permanent position.

Those honored for their work this year were:

Meagan Rees, a business administration management intern, was nominated by Kathy Dietz of Northwestern Mutual Financial Network whose comments included, “Meagan did extremely well in training and embraced what she was taught.  She’s one of the more coachable interns we’ve had in a long time.  Her professionalism, determination and natural leadership skill will serve her well in this career.  Meagan is a very professional young lady with the skill and leadership capabilities to be very successful.  We are delighted to have her be part of our team!”  Rees, from Billings, graduated in December, 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Laurie Burton, a health administration intern, was nominated by Cheryl Nelson of Billings Clinic Aspen Meadows. Nelson’s comments included, “Laurie took on every project that would be helpful to the running of a successful organization with enthusiasm and insight.  She was soon approached by many staff as an acting assistant administrator. Laurie was able to demonstrate to the staff in her three months of internship that her heart was for skilled, long term care and the assisted living field.  All staff gained respect for Laurie and her enthusiasm for this field.  Laurie’s largest demonstration of growth was in her confidence.  She demonstrated that she will be a blessing to any organization that chooses to employ her.”  A native of Laurel, Burton graduated in December 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Alicia Domagala, a criminal justice intern, was nominated by Lynelle Amen of the Yellowstone County Attorney’s Office. Amen said, “Alicia exceeded my expectations ten-fold, as well as the expectations of the attorneys and staff she worked with.  She tackled every assignment with vigor and completed them all with perfect results.  Alicia possesses many qualities that will make her very successful in whatever she chooses to do.  She is very well organized and manages her time efficiently, and possesses excellent writing and editing skills.  She has demonstrated confidence and professionalism, as well as a work ethic that I have not often seen in a young person just completing college.”  Domagala, from Baker, graduated in April with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Larry Herman, a process plant technology intern, was nominated by Mike Freeman of Rain for Rent. His comments included, “Larry consistently went above and beyond to ensure our customers were taken care of.  He was provided little direction on jobs and was the key to each projects success.  He does not lose his cool in front of superiors or coworkers when placed in challenging positions.  He has the ability to see detail and ensure each step is completed.  Larry applied several concepts learned in school and it helped him become a full-time employee with Rain for Rent.  I would like to have three more Larrys.”  Herman, from Billings, was offered full-time employment at ConocoPhillips this spring. He graduated in December 2011 with an Associate of Science degree.  

In addition to those recognitions, a current MSU Billings student was honored for his contributions as a student employee.

Isaiah Garrison, from Auburn, Wash., was selected as 2011-12 MSU Billings Student Employee of the Year. A criminal justice major, Garrison is also the new president of the Associated Students of MSU Billings.

He was nominated by Jeff Rosenberry, Assistant Director of Housing and Student Life. Rosenberry noted that that in the two years Garrison worked as a Resident Assistant, he “inspires and motivates those on his floor and in his classes to become stronger and more ethical individuals.”

Rosenberry also highlighted Garrison’s involvement in assisting residents who were displaced in the spring floods last year, noting that “[Not at one time] was there a complaint or a wish that he was somewhere else,” as the Residence Halls at MSU Billings served hundreds of people on a 24/7 basis, helping to provide their most basic needs.

In addition to being recognized as the MSUB Student Employee of the Year, Isaiah was recognized as the Montana Student Employee of the Year, through MSU Billings’ membership in the Western Association of Student Employment Administrators (WASEA).

For additional information regarding the cooperative education program, contact MSU Billings Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education at 657-2168.