Monmouth University is pleased to announce that social work major Ekta Shah is this year’s Intern of the Year. Ekta, a social work major who interned for Leisure Chateau Care and Rehabilitation Center in Lakewood, NJ, was honored at an awards ceremony held in Monmouth University’s Turrell Boardroom on April 23. She received a $100 gift certificate and her name will be added to a perpetual plaque in the Center for Student Success at Monmouth University. All Monmouth University undergraduate students must meet an Experiential Education requirement in order to graduate.
English major Danielle Caravella and Accounting major Jonathon Sadagursky were awarded second and third place respectively and each received $50 gift certificates. Danielle interned at Wunderkind PR and Jonathon interned at Commvault Systems.
Etka was recognized for outstanding achievements at her internship at Leisure Chateau. Ekta went beyond her job responsibilities where she was responsible for intake assessments, case management, discharge planning and many other social work tasks in the nursing home facility. Employees and residents at Leisure Chateau describe Ekta as hardworking, dedicated, friendly, warm, compassionate, generous, and happy.
Social Work Professor Kelly Ward, who nominated Ekta for the award, commented: “Ekta has blossomed as a social worker. She is dedicated to the residents, works very hard to learn as much as she can, and has a commitment to working with the elderly. She has found a calling during her internship and will continue to change the lives of all who she meets.”
The Intern of the Year award recognizes the personal and professional achievement of students in Experiential Education placements. It is noteworthy that many of the nominees’ placements have benefited the community with students providing support for young people, the elderly, and even the defense of our nation through homeland security.
Dean of the Center for Student Success and Academic Advising Mercy Azeke said: “Congratulations to all our nominees for sharing their worthy Experiential Education experiences with various corporations, institutions, and community organizations with the Monmouth University community and family. We are very proud of you. In the words of Confucius, ‘I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand.’ Know that you can never go wrong with Experiential Education. It is the key to preparing and empowering for the world of work and lifelong learning.”
In addition, the following students were nominated:
• Courtney Bouchard, New York Department of Homeland Security
• James Morecraft, Second Floor Youth Help Hotline
• Janine Moore, Community Affairs and Resource Center
• Malgorzata Szymczyk, Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiatives
• Cody Watters, New Hope residential treatment center for teenagers
• Daniel Zagury, Community Affairs and Resource Center