Every year, the Midwest Association for Student Employment Administrators (MASEA) and the National Student Employment Association (NSEA) designate the second full week of April as National Student Employment Week. This week helps raise awareness and celebrates all of the hardworking students on campus who balance their rigorous academic responsibilities with part time work. This week is also a time for the University to acknowledge and recognize students for their outstanding work.
During this week, Ben Shope, a senior animation major and longtime ACT Lab employee was awarded the following awards from the Career Center:
- Ball State’s 2025 Overall Undergraduate Student Employee of the Year
- Regional Undergraduate Student Employee of the Year in Technology and Innovation by the Midwest Association of Student Employee Administrators (MASEA), representing 14 states.
“From book and Braille conversion, to taking a screwdriver and tweezers to our Braille equipment to fix jams, Ben has done every job in Digital Accessibility Services from top to bottom,” Nick Baumgartner, Manager of Digital Accessibility Services shared. “We will miss him and know that great things are ahead in his career!” 
Ben’s dedication, creativity, and technical expertise have made a lasting impact not only on the ACT Lab but across the entire campus community. His recognition at both the university and regional levels is a testament to the value of student employees and the contributions they make every day!