Seton Hill University’s Career and Professional Development Center has been named the 2015 recipient of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Services Excellence Award. The honor is awarded annually to a university that employs new and innovative practices in the field of career development. 

“The NACE Career Services Excellence Award highlights the extraordinary work that Seton Hill’s Career and Professional Development Center does to ensure that our students and alumni are successful as they pursue career opportunities,” said Mary C. Finger, Ed.D., Seton Hill president. “The work the Center does is critical in fitting students for the world. The entire University community celebrates this prestigious and well-deserved honor.” 

“It is humbling and an honor to receive this award and to have the Seton Hill University Career and Professional Development Center recognized at a national level,” said Renee Starek, the Center’s director. “This award serves as a constant reminder that we are doing great work and moving in the right direction to benefit students.” 

Seton Hill received the award for its program, “Brown has Delivered for Seton Hill University,” which highlights the unique employment partnership fostered with UPS. Seton Hill students have been working at UPS in New Stanton with transportation to and from campus provided by the company. The partnership has allowed students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and earn a salary and tuition benefits from the company. The program is the result of a successful collaboration between the Career and Professional Development Center, the Seton Hill Office of Institutional Advancement and UPS. 

“Earning this award was truly a team effort,” Starek added. “We could not have achieved it without the Office of Institutional Advancement providing assistance in building the relationship with UPS. Collaborating with other departments at the university as well as employers in the community to accomplish shared goals is essential. We are grateful for the collaboration we have built, and we believe we can continue to achieve even greater accomplishments working together.” 

Hundreds of applications are submitted for NACE awards each year. A committee comprised of both career services professionals and employers determine the finalists. This year, Seton Hill University’s Career and Professional Development Center was a finalist along with career centers from Brandeis University, Springfield College, and Williamette University.