Celebrating Excellence: 2025 Maverick Student Employment Award Winners

The Maverick Student Employment Awards Banquet, held on April 14, recognized the incredible dedication, impact, and leadership of student employees and supervisors at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). This year’s award recipients represent the very best of what Maverick student employment stands for—initiative, collaboration, service, and excellence in action.

These award recipients embody the Maverick spirit and remind us of the power of student employment to shape lives, build communities, and support academic and personal growth. Congratulations to all the winners!

Emily Fuller

Graduate Student Employee of the Year

Emily Fuller has been an instrumental part of the UNO Honors Program over the past two years, especially during a challenging fall semester when the team was short-staffed. Emily’s leadership, professionalism, and innovation were vital in maintaining and enhancing services for Honors students. She demonstrated a deep sensitivity to others and tackled problems head-on, always willing to stretch beyond her duties to support the department. Her initiative and service-first mindset made her an invaluable member of the Honors team.

Jon Watson

Undergraduate Student Employee of the Year

Jonathan Watson has shown exceptional dedication and leadership in his role as Building Manager at UNO Campus Recreation and Wellness (RecWell). After being promoted from Guest Services, Jon quickly took initiative in addressing staffing gaps and fostering a positive team culture. He’s known for regularly recognizing the efforts of his peers and for stepping up to meet departmental needs. With his proactive mindset, adaptability, and strong work ethic, Jon is seen as a role model among his peers and an essential member of the RecWell team.

Aaron Likens, Ph.D.

Student Employee Supervisor of the Year

Aaron Likens was honored for his outstanding mentorship and commitment to student development. Described as “firm on results and soft on relationships,” Aaron sets high standards while creating a supportive environment where students can learn, explore, and grow. He encourages intellectual independence while providing the guidance and safety net necessary for success. His leadership empowers students to take ownership of their work while developing critical professional skills in a thoughtful and constructive space.

Writing Center Team

Student Employee Team of the Year

The UNO Writing Center Team, composed of 28 student workers, was recognized for its ongoing commitment to supporting the campus community through writing. During the 2023–2024 academic year alone, the team conducted over 2,400 writing sessions, serving more than 1,000 writers and contributing nearly 1,900 hours of service. Writing consultants bring critical thinking and real-time interpretation skills to each session, tailoring feedback to fit specific genres, assignments, and academic goals. Their collaborative approach and dedication make the Writing Center an essential campus resource and a shining example of effective teamwork.