Wright State senior Nathan Northern named Student Employee of the Year

He’s intelligent. He’s intentional. He’s a leader.

Nathan Northern, a senior majoring in biological sciences, won Wright State University’s 2017 Student Employee of the Year.

He has secured early admittance into the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He plans to travel and help others as a physician.

Northern was recognized April 12 at a university ceremony. The Wright State Career Center received more student nominations than in previous years.

The 2017 National Student Employment Week is from Sunday, April 9, to Saturday, April 15.

Northern has worked on campus as a chemistry laboratory assistant in the Department of Chemistry for three years. He prepares equipment and chemicals for labs and general use.

His supervisor and chemistry lab manager, Kirby Underwood, observed Northern’s diligence.

“Nathan is a humble young man,” said Underwood. “He excels in so many areas of his life, not with vain ambition but with the motivation to be a servant. He would never have pursued recognition for the work he’s put into this position, but that’s one of the main reasons he stands out among his peers. In Nathan’s job, or any task for that matter, you will always get further by seeking to elevate others.”

Northern has demonstrated initiative by taking safety and other training modules prior to being asked. He is always ahead of schedule on his tasks and immediately begins preparing for the next assignment, said Underwood.

His example has motivated other employees to push themselves. He makes himself available to other employees for questions and leads discussions on continuous improvement.

Additionally, Northern has earned a place on the Dean’s list every semester. He is involved on campus and is the treasurer of the Multi-Cultural Association of Pre-medical Students and is president of Cru.

Three traits Northern identifies to be an effective employee includes working hard, going above and beyond and being a leader.

He also volunteers at House of Bread, Metamorphosis Weekend, Wright State’s blood drive, the Raj Soin Hospital’s ER and the Ronald McDonald House.

“I didn’t do everything I wanted to do (while in college). It was all about time management,” said Northern. “But I found what was important to me and that’s what I put my time into.”

Wright State University’s Student Employment program is coordinated by Wright State’s Career Center.

“Nathan, I truly believe, is called to be a light onto the world and is being used to give hope to everyone who works with him,” said Underwood. “And to be able to do that means to excel at what you’re doing. You have to do what’s right, what’s ethical, respectable. … You lead others and Nathan does this. … He’s a good steward of his talents. He’s prioritized people, his obligations and his life in a way that inspires us all to work a little harder and with a little more meaning.”