Sangamon Sun

Khoi Minh Pham Honored as SIUE Student Employee of the Year

Khoi Minh Pham, of Olney, a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville senior in the School of Engineering, was surprised with the news this week that he is the 2023 Student Employee of the Year.

Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, and Abdullatif Hamad, PhD, chair of the Department of Physics, presented Pham with an award certificate and $500 on Tuesday, Nov. 29.

“I was very surprised yet honored to have been chosen to receive this award,” said Pham. “Every student job I have had has strengthened my leadership and problem-solving skills. These skills have helped me  become a better student and  prepared me for my future profession.”

Pham has served as a physics student lab prep assistant, lecture recitation leader, lab teaching assistant and a resident assistant for Cougar Village. The award recognizes Pham for his reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism and the ability to exceed expectations.

“Khoi’s strongest attributes are his impeccable work ethic, his enthusiasm for all he takes on and his natural intelligence,” said Catherine Williams, MS, instructor in the Department of Physics, who nominated Pham for the award. “He builds his confidence by working hard toward his goals and continually maintaining a growth mindset. As others get to know him and his work ethic, they are positively influenced by him. Khoi respects other students, and they respect him." 

First runner-up was Charlie Whittleman, of Chicago. Whittleman works for the Department of Information Technology Services (ITS). Allison Simpson, of Tower Hill, was second runner-up.

Original source can be found here