Jeff Richter, a senior exercise science and sports medicine major from Sanibel, Fla., has been named Samford University’s 2010 Student Employee of the Year.

Richter, who has worked in Samford’s Campus Recreation department since his freshman year, received a certificate and $200 cash prize from Samford president Dr. Andrew Westmoreland during a special ceremony Thursday, April 22.

Student employees were nominated by their supervisors based on unique contributions they make in their work area.

Richter was cited for his steady willingness to learn new skills in order to officiate many sports, and his adaptability to new challenges and responsibilities.

“Now in his final semester, Jeff has worked in all of our facility and intramural positions and helped out in every way that we have ever asked,” wrote his nominator, campus recreation director Nick Madsen.

“The quality of Jeff’s work is evident not only through the multitude of jobs that he has done well, but also through his successes as an intramural official,” said Madsen, adding that attitude has been one of his nominee’s greatest attributes since day one. “He truly is someone who enjoys helping others. He cares about his job and it shows.”

Samford participates in the student worker recognition in celebration of National Student Employee Week, a program sponsored by the National Student Employment Association. Richter’s winning Samford nomination will be submitted in regional competition.

Other finalists for the Samford honor were Erin Bentley, Jessica Bonner, Shannon Cobb, Carolyn Conklin, Stephanie Davis, Laura Beth Gable, Jonathan Haas, JaNeshia Harrell, Lindley Holder, Janell King, Jennifer Rice, Tai Richardson, Thomas Ryden, Brittany Todd and Danae Vaughn.

Samford employs about 882 student workers on campus and at some off-campus non-profit agencies.