ESCANABA — Colby Torvinen was selected as the Bay College Student Employee of the Year.Torvinen is from Gladstone and graduated from Gladstone Area High School in 2019. He is currently studying marketing and graphic design and plans to earn an associate’s degree in marketing. After Bay, he will transfer to Lake Superior State University to receive a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is currently working for Bay College as a work study student in the Advancement Department with Dan Williams, graphic designer.

Torvinen is a great ambassador for Bay College and represents the philosophy and professionalism of the college, according to Bay officials. He interacts with students and staff with a professional demeanor and always has a smile on his face. He was nominated for his enthusiasm and passion for his job and the outstanding quality of work that he accomplishes on a daily basis.

“Student employment is a win for both the student and the college. The student employee benefits from the additional financial resources and an opportunity to develop skills for future employment. The college benefits from having the opportunity to have a student’s perspective, innovation, and fresh new ideas on projects,” said Melissa VanBrocklin, human resources specialist.

When asked why he chose to attend Bay College, Colby explained, “I chose to attend Bay College for a few reasons: It is local, the student to faculty ratio is great, I knew a lot of my friends who would be attending the college, and the cost was a better option for my budget. Bay College has helped me to succeed by providing me this work-study job opportunity, and I know that if I ever need help in any of my classes all I have to do is simply ask for it. I mentioned the student to faculty ratio above because, at Bay College you are not just a number in a class. The teachers do their best to get to know you as an individual and will do the best that they can to help you succeed. Bay is the way!”

Visit www.baycollege.edu/awards to watch a short video of Dan Williams, Graphic Designer/Supervisor, presenting the Outstanding Student Employee of the Year to Colby Torvinen along with his acceptance speech.

Any Bay College student employees, work study students, resident assistants, tutors, peer mentors, study group facilitators, and supplemental instruction leaders may be nominated for the Bay College Outstanding Student Employee of the Year Award. These individuals must be working for the college or have worked during the 2019-2020 academic year and must be enrolled in a minimum of six bay college credits. Nominees are judged on the following categories; dependability/team player, initiative, professionalism, and outstanding performance/contribution.