KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University’s Society for Excellence in Human Resources (SEHR) was awarded a 2022-23 Superior Merit Award by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). The designation recognizes the student chapter for providing exemplary growth and development opportunities to its members.
The SHRM Student Chapter Merit Award program encourages the development of more effective student chapters and highlights 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.
“The Society for Excellence in Human Resources being recognized once again with the prestigious SHRM Superior Merit Award reflects the chapter's enduring commitment to developing future HR leaders,” says Dr. Chen Wang, assistant professor of management and chapter co-advisor. “This repeated distinction speaks volumes about SEHR's effort to empower our students year after year. Through building connections with HR professionals, improving career skills, and fostering positive impacts on campus and beyond, SEHR provides exemplary professional development and enrichment. I could not be prouder of all that the chapter has accomplished and the high bar of excellence they have set!”
Witnessing student leaders develop marquee events that foster professional skills for members is what Dr. Christina Stamper, professor of management, finds most fulfilling as a chapter co-advisor. “The chapter officers did a wonderful job providing valuable programming that allowed members to build and refine their professional knowledge. The assistance that the chapter gave to the Zhang Career Center for their annual Resume Revamp event is just one example of how SEHR strives to support students in practicing career-related skills. I congratulate all the officers who worked hard last year to ensure SEHR was successful!”
One of those officers, Ambika Burramukku, director of awards and alumni relations for SEHR during the 2022-23 academic year, notes, “The SEHR executive board was comprised of a group of passionate and dedicated students who care about HR and wanted to provide fellow students with the best academic student organization experience. We leveraged our network and prioritized communication to make sure that our events succeeded. We revived the HR Networking Night, which establishes connections between students and HR professionals and representatives from graduate school programs. The event was a huge success and led the executive board members to develop new leadership skills. All of this contributed to SEHR achieving the Superior Merit Award, which fosters pride in our chapter among members and a reputation for excellence with employers.”
Hear more about Burramukku’s experiences in the Haworth College of Business human resource management program.
About SHRM Merit Awards
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 lasting from May 1, 2022, to April 30, 2023.
"SHRM student chapter members embody the upcoming cohort of HR trailblazers, and it's vital to highlight their achievements,” says Michael P. Aitken, SHRM chief membership officer. “The dedication displayed by WMU’s SEHR underscores that the future of the profession is in good hands. I commend their achievements and their adeptness in cultivating inventive initiatives, growth and enthusiasm for HR, especially as we steer through evolving work landscapes."
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