Continuing Education Student Employees Honored at 2025 Student Employee of the Year Luncheon

During a special luncheon held on April 17, 2025, CU Boulder Chancellor Schwartz, joined by staff and faculty supervisors, gathered to celebrate the 2025 Student Employee of the Year nominees and winners—among which were several exceptional student employees representing Continuing Education. The award honors the outstanding contributions of student workers—both undergraduate and graduate—who play a vital role in the university’s success. 

In addition to the certificate of achievement all nominees receive, top nominees are recognized for excellence in categories that include community service, diversity and inclusion, leadership, technology and innovation and critical thinking, and are also submitted for national recognition through the National Student Employment Association.

Out of 86 nominees, Science Discovery’s Joaquin Perez de Solay, a STEM education intern, won in the community service category thanks to his dedication to making STEM education more accessible and welcoming for Spanish-speaking families in the Boulder community. Starting as a volunteer, he quickly became a trusted mentor for young bilingual students, creating a space where they feel supported and excited to learn. Today, regardless of the task, Joaquin approaches everything he does with enthusiasm and heart. 

Joaquin Perez de Solay, top-center, Graham Snyder, bottom-left, and Ryan Parker, bottom-right, were honored by Chancellor Justin Schwartz, top-left, during a celebratory Student Employee of the Year luncheon in April. They were joined by their fellow nominees and their nominators such as Tim Ogino, top-right. 

Joaquin’s nominator, Tim Ogino, School and Teacher Programs Manager for Science Discovery, said, "I cannot think of a better student employee in all my time in this organization.” 

In addition to Joaquin, two other Continuing Education student employees were recognized for their contributions and dedication to the division and the university. 

Ryan Parker, a student assistant in the accounting department, was nominated for his work with non-traditional students. Through his patience and clear communication, he is able to help students navigate the complex, and oftentimes overwhelming, billing system that they may otherwise be unfamiliar with. 

Ryan’s nominator, Nate Bindel, Assistant Dean of Budget and Finance, said, “Ryan consistently approaches complex problems with a clear, analytical mindset, breaking down challenges into manageable components to find effective solutions. He not only understands the numbers, but also extracts meaningful insights that help our students make informed financial decisions. These qualities make him an invaluable asset to my team, as his thoughtful analysis and attention to detail elevate the quality of service we offer to our students.”

Like Ryan and Joaquin, Graham Snyder, a student assistant in the student services department, has made a lasting impression on both the students and the greater community he serves. Initially, he was tasked with responding to inquiries about Continuing Education services and policies, but quickly went above and beyond to establish new operations processes and provide comprehensive, supportive solutions to all who pass through the doors.

Cheryl Williams, Office Manager for student services and Graham’s nominator, said, “Graham treats each and every person with respect, kindness and the assurance that our office will do its best to find answers to their questions. Regardless of how complex a situation is or how elevated a guest may be, Graham is always happy to step in and calmly pursue the best way to find the answers.”

Continuing Education is proud to support our extraordinary student workers who strive to uphold our mission of extending the educational resources of the University of Colorado Boulder. Student workers such as Joaquin, Ryan and Graham are an essential part of the division’s identity, and the quality of service they provide is not only a testament to their character and drive, but also their belief in, and commitment to, our shared values of access, excellence and lifelong learning.

Congratulations to our students on this remarkable achievement!