Western student chapter receives superior merit award

Contact: Samantha Hooker

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The Western Michigan University chapter of the Society for Excellence in Human Resources (SEHR) has once again been recognized by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) for providing superior growth and development opportunities to its student members.

The SHRM student chapter merit award program encourages the development of more effective student chapters and distinguishes outstanding activities and projects. Chapters are recognized based on operations, chapter programming and professional development of members, support of the human resource profession and SHRM engagement.

“This award is a recognition of the strong human resources program at WMU and a credit to the chapter’s executive board members,” says Dr. Christina Stamper, professor of management and faculty advisor for the organization. “The 2020-21 SEHR officers were an exceptional group of leaders who built on the culture of excellence and were able to adapt quickly in stressful circumstances. Their response to the pandemic, persevering with high-quality online programming, was amazing and indicative of the professionalism they will bring to their careers.”

about the merit program

“The members of our SHRM student chapters represent the next generation of human resource leaders, and it’s critical to highlight the instrumental role they play in SHRM’s success,” says Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM president and CEO. “The hard work of WMU’s Society for Excellence in Human Resources shows the future of the profession is, indeed, in good hands. I applaud their accomplishments and ability to foster innovative programming, development and interest in HR as we navigate changing workplaces.”

SHRM student chapters have the opportunity to earn an award based on the number of activities they complete during the merit award cycle, the most recent one of which lasted from May 1, 2020, to April 30, 2021.

SEHR president Lauren Pytlak worked closely with her executive board to create an engaging virtual environment by hosting presenters from various companies, including General Motors and Nike, offering workshops and working closely with the Zhang Career Center to assist with Resume Revamp. This year also saw the chapter begin new initiatives, creating a new diversity and inclusion board position and mentorship program.

About the Society for Human Resource Management

The Society for Human Resource Management creates better workplaces where employers and employees thrive together. As the voice of all things work, workers and the workplace, SHRM is the foremost expert, convener and thought leader on issues impacting today's evolving workplaces. With more than 300,000 HR and business executive members in 165 countries, SHRM impacts the lives of more than 115 million workers and families globally.

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