Indiana State University Newsroom

Two Indiana State University Career Center employers received awards at the 70th Midwest Association of Colleges and Employers Annual Conference in Indianapolis, July 29-31.

Alex Allen, Career Center assistant director of events and marketing, and Tradara McLaurine, career services executive director, both received the "High Five: Gratitude Award" for exemplary work beyond expected job requirements and demonstrating the six core attributes: teamwork, leadership, resourcefulness, innovation, attitude and focus.

McLaurine also received the "Diversity Advancement Founders Award" in recognition of distinguished contributions providing consistent leadership related to issues of diversity.

"I was shocked! I did not know I was nominated for any awards so when I saw my name on the screen for the first award I was caught off guard. I just sat there until my colleague said, ‘Go up there'," McLaurine said. "The Diversity Advancement Founders Award was the last award of the presentation and again I did not know I was nominated so I was listening to the description of the award and I heard my name again and then saw my picture of the screen. I am honored to be recognized for the work that we are doing. I have a vision in mind for the ISU Career Center, therefore these awards are affirmation that we are on the right track."

"I was pretty surprised when I found out I had received an award and thought it was a mistake. I've been with Indiana State University and the Career Center since April 2018 and this was my first Midwest ACE conference, so awards were far from my thought," Allen said. "What was more of an honor was finding out I had been nominated by a colleague. I thought of my colleagues and the incredible work they're doing and how I have learned so much from all of them. Being on the Career Center team has been a combination of growth, opportunity, many laughs, and learning from my talented colleagues; I have them to thank for my ISU experience being so positive."

The Midwest Association of Colleges and Employers advances the professional development of its members by connecting collegiate career services and employer recruiters/staffing professionals, cultivating best practices and sharing knowledge.

The association represents members from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

"I have been with the Career Center for eight years now and help lead the career center team with assisting students in achieving their career goals," McLaurine said. "The awards are a direct reflection of the work we do at ISU."

Allen joined the Career Center team in April of 2018 and coordinates event and marketing efforts and the Clothing Closet.

"Receiving the High Five: Gratitude Award, I believe, is a reflection of my drive to grow what currently exists, develop new opportunities, and finding ways to increase efficiency and effectiveness," he said.

Photo: https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Media-Services/Submitted-Photos/Staff-Uploads/i-hbs5bV3/0/0984d4bc/X2/Midwest%20Ace-X2.jpg - Tradara McLaurine and Alex Allen