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Lakeland names student employment award winners

Apr. 13, 2026

Two Lakeland University students and two supervisors of Lakeland students have been recognized for their work this academic year.

• Senior Savannah Szalanski, a senior resident assistant, and senior Dani Damrow, Lakeland’s presidential ambassador, were named Student Employees of the Year
• Angie Ritt, manager of Lakeland’s Daily Grind, and Max Breuer, one of Lakeland’s hall directors, were named Student Employment Supervisors of the Year.

The awards were named by Lakeland’s Cooperative Education & Career Readiness office, which focuses on experiential education opportunities and post-graduation prep for Lakeland students. The winners were selected by a committee of composed Lakeland employees who support experimental learning but did not have a direct role in student employment.

The awards are coordinated as the National Student Employment Association (NSEA) celebrates National Student Employment Week, held annually during the second full week in April.

Savannah Szalanski

Szalanski was recognized for her for leadership as a member of the residence life team through her bright and driven personality, her numerous accomplishments and the strong connections she has made through her various roles.

Breuer, one of Lakeland’s hall directors, said he relies on Szalanski to assist with a wide range of tasks, setting up programs for resident students, training staff and being a leader within the residence life team.

“She is always willing to assist me and others with the tasks they don’t enjoy,” Breuer said. “Sav is always there to help those around her when they are in slumps, uphold campus policies or taking on any unwanted or uncovered duty shifts that have gone untaken.”

Breuer said Szalanski helped with his own transition to Lakeland when he was hired as a hall director.

“The first few months in my role, despite me not directly supervising her, she quickly introduced me to what being a Muskie is like, how enjoyable it can be working for Residence Life at Lakeland, and how important she is to the department as a student employee,” he said. “She reached out, showed care, and demonstrated great understanding of how things worked.”

Dani Damrow

Damrow was recognized for her leadership in training Lakeland’s Blue & Gold Champions for summer orientation activities, improving the first-year student experience and playing an important role in guiding Blue & Gold Days.

Michael Bachar, LU’s director of first-year experience and student success, said Damrow consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership and initiative.

“Her willingness to take ownership of Blue and Gold Champion training and orientation activities, combined with her ability to inspire others, sets her apart as a true leader,” Bachar said. “Training peers is no easy task, and Dani has made it look easy. Beyond her leadership, Dani’s contributions to Lakeland have had a lasting and meaningful impact.”

Her work reflects a desire to improve the experiences of our first-year students. The results of her efforts continue to benefit those around her throughout the school year. Equally notable is Dani’s deep sense of empathy and compassion. She treats others with respect and understanding, always taking the time to listen and support those in need.

Bachar said Damrow excels in decision-making and problem-solving and remains calm under pressure which allows her to find solutions that are practical and considerate of those involved.

“Her dedication, integrity, and compassion make her an asset to Lakeland and has without a doubt been the key in laying the foundation for future first-year student activities,” Bachar said.

Angie Ritt

Several students nominated Ritt for the award, citing the support she provides for student employees both on their jobs at the Daily Grind and away from work.

Students shared the following:

• “She supports everything I do and asks how I am with everything that is going on in my life. She also is flexible when her workers have other things going on like homework or family things. She allows us to grow while also guiding us.”
• “Angie is always there when I need her. She is truly taken on a mom role in my life. No matter if it's about friends, school, work, car troubles, Angie is always there to listen and offer advice. Angie always checks in on us as people and as her employees and she also makes sure we're communicating healthily as a staff.”
• “Since I was a freshman, she helped me through my way of communication and just being there for others when there is no one there for them. Every day she comes to work with a smile on her face and never once has a bad day. Everyone who comes to order at the Grind literally loves her and she puts a smile on everyone’s face.”

Max Breuer

Breuer was recognized for creating a positive work environment for students that emphasizes growth and working together.

Students shared the following:

• “My supervisor has supported my growth by providing guidance, constructive feedback, and opportunities to take on new responsibilities. Their encouragement and trust have helped me build confidence and improve my skills.”
• “My supervisor has helped me be successful at Lakeland by being flexible with my schedule, encouraging my academic goals, and supporting my growth both professionally and personally. Their support has helped me balance work and school while continuing to succeed.”

The Student Employee Supervisor of the Year award is designed to honor a supervisor who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to mentoring, guiding and supporting student employees in their professional, personal and academic development.

The Student Employee of the Year award aims to recognize a student worker who has shown outstanding leadership, initiative, empathy, decision-making and impact at Lakeland or the broader community.