Employee of the Year
The 2023-2024 Campus Recreation, Mick J. Ostrander, Student Employee of the Year is David Dempsey!
David has been working for Campus Recreation for six years beginning as a non-student employee when he was in high school as a lifeguard! He continued to work as a lifeguard for Campus Recreation after formally becoming an SIUE student in the fall of 2020. His extensive experience in the outdoors contributed to him further expanding his work role for Campus Recreation in August of 2021 when David also began working as a Climbing Gym attendant. Then in October of 2022, David earned a promotion to facility supervisor where he became a leader among his peers and was able to work in this advanced capacity through his graduation in May of 2024. David has also worked as a Member Services attendant, and a Fitness Floor attendant for the Department of Campus Recreation! And, in May 2023, David was installed as the SIUE Climbing Club president!
Assistant Director of Facilities & Informal Recreation, Dave Hagedorn, oversees David as a facility supervisor. Dave says, “David’s passion and experience with outdoor activities was strongly supported by his time in Boy Scouts where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. As one of David’s supervisors, I was not at all surprised to learn this because David consistently showed great dedication to his job and to the participants that he served to support.”
Assistant Director for Programming and Aquatics, Natalie Rosales-Hawkins said, “David has truly left a remarkable mark on our department. As a lifeguard, he consistently extended a helping hand to his fellow lifeguards. I'm incredibly proud of David and all he has achieved during his tenure with Campus Recreation, particularly in his significant contributions to the Club Sports community. David not only set a high standard for the climbing club but also inspired other club members to elevate their involvement, whether through participating in Group Fitness Classes or contributing to community service hours. He exemplifies dedication and leadership, leaving a lasting impact on those around him.”
Besides keeping a high GPA and being a part of the SIUE Honors Program throughout his college career, and consistently earning his way on the Dean’s List, David has also served as a supplemental instruction leader for the SIUE Chemistry Department for two years, where he led study sessions for students taking chemistry classes, attended lectures with students to assist the professor, and encouraged students and boosted morale through interactive teaching methods.
David’s volunteer service record includes volunteering for multiple service opportunities through the SIUE University Honors Program, and outdoor conservation service, through the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center. He also volunteers for the Illinois Climbers Association and the Southern Illinois University Climbing Club by removing invasive species, maintaining, and building trails, making climbing more accessible to the public. It’s no surprise that David spends his free time climbing, camping, and reading. He enjoys climbing both in and outdoors and likes to read literary classics.
David has appreciated the connections he has made while working for Campus Recreation, and he likes working here because of how well his work shifts align with his academic schedule, which allows him to simply walk to work after class.
In the future, David hopes to continue to work in the field of campus recreation, especially related to climbing and facilities. SIUE Campus Recreation has been honored to work with David throughout his time as an SIUE student and beyond. We are extremely confident that he will excel in any endeavor he chooses.
Previous Student Employee's of the Year
2022-2023 2013-2014
Olivia Beckwith Daniel Cluphf
2021-2022 2012-2013
Kelly Cruise Sean Ehrhardt
2020-2021 2011-2012
Tamryn Williams Jenny Bealmear
2019-2020 2010-2011
Olivia Middendorf Rachel Ward
2018-2019 2009-2010
Corey Wachter Jenna Schneider
2017-2018 2008-2009
Kourtney Klette Lauren Spencer
2016-2017 2007-2008
Cody Snyder Jen Davenport
2015-2016 2006-2007
Abby Edwards Kandace Roberts
2014-2015
Kirstie Chase
History of this Award:
Every year the SIUE Department of Campus Recreation awards one of its student-employees the SIUE Campus Recreation Michael J Ostrander 2023 Student Employee of the Year, in honor of long-time Campus Recreation director, Michael (Mick) J. Ostrander, who provided 30 years of service to SIUE Campus Recreation. The criteria to even be considered for this award includes:
• High GPA
• 1-year minimum service to Campus Recreation
• Involvement in student life on Campus
• And an involvement in at least 1 outside community service organization
Those Campus Recreation student-employees who meet the above criteria are then scored by their immediate supervisor(s) and voted on by the Campus Recreation professional staff and graduate assistants.
