Stamper Named Stuckert Intern of the Year

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 3, 2011) — Josh Stamper can add another honor to his resume. The University of Kentucky senior biology major recently was named the 2011 James W. Stuckert Intern of the Year. Stamper, a Richmond native, was recognized along with 11 other nominees at a ceremony that included James W. Stuckert Career Center staff and the nominees' employers, faculty sponsors and families. James W. Stuckert himself, a Career Center donor and UK Board of Trustees member, attended and spoke at the event.

Stamper interned as a dental coordinator for The Refuge Medical Clinic in Lexington, a free clinic for the underprivileged. Stamper intends to go to dentistry school after graduating from UK.

"The hands-on experience with all the dentistry, and the staff I was working with, made for an awesome working environment," Stamper said. "It's great to have a physical representation of all the work that we as students put in. It's great to be honored for that."

Employers who host UK students have the opportunity to nominate interns for the award each year. A selection committee consisting of Stuckert Career Center leadership, as well as representatives from the UK Alumni Association, Education Abroad program and the Gatton College of Business and Economics, chose the winner based on how much the interns contributed to their employers, the volume and quality of work produced, dedication, teamwork, and evidence of original or creative thinking.

Stuckert congratulated the nominees and Stamper at the end of the event. He told them that the opportunity to intern before entering the job market is invaluable.

"I just think it's fabulous that you had the opportunity to get out there and see what it's all about," said Stuckert. "You all have showed, by virtue of being in an internship program, that you care. I think you are truly the future leaders of the world."

Stuckert Career Center Director Francene Gilmer encouraged the students to put their nominations for the award on their resumes.

"Employers are encouraged by students who are not shy about their achievements. Entries like this make students more competitive for specific opportunities," Gilmer said. " We look forward to evaluating the nominations and hope more and more employers and students submit entries in the future."

Stamper received a one-year membership in the UK Alumni Association, a gift certificate from the Stuckert Career Center, a pen and a certificate as part of his award.

Other nominees for the award included UK students Matthew Dintelmann, Sydney Henschel, Suzanne Holt, Anthony Marshall, Benjamin Talley, Grace Thompson, Jeremy Tomes, Devan Vannarsdall, Jasmine Whitlow, Rachel Williams and Kelsey Young.

Employers hosting a UK intern can nominate students by requesting a nomination form when they turn in their intern evaluations. Nomination materials for students who complete internships in the spring, summer or fall 2011 semesters are due by Jan. 12, 2012 to be considered for the next Intern of the Year Award. Nomination forms can also be requested by contacting Cindy Edwards, coordinator for experiential education, at the Stuckert Career Center at (859) 257-2746.