WINONA LAKE — Grace College recognized students Emily Stichter and Jessica VandenBoom, as well as area businesses MudLove and Polywood at its Influence Awards Luncheon April 10.

The annual event awards outstanding interns and applied learning students, along with the employers where they work.

“Having the Grace Influence Awards is an opportunity for students who go above and beyond in their internships and applied learning experiences to be recognized in a special way by their employers,” said DeeAnna Muraski, associate director of the Center for Career Connections at Grace College. “And, it gives us the opportunity to recognize outstanding employers of Grace students.”

One of the recipients expressed her gratitude for winning the award.

“I did not realize just how much my supervisor appreciated my work,” said Jessica VandenBoom, 2018 Grace College Intern of the Year. “It was heartwarming to hear his comments from the nomination form.”

VandenBoom, a junior majoring in facility and event management and marketing, was selected for her outstanding work at Phoenix America. The Fort Wayne company manufactures encoders, sensors and magnetic compounds. VandenBoom was in charge of updating the website, which is the company’s primary way of presenting its product to the world. VandenBoom’s work included using 3D-design tools for the website, which she taught herself how to use with no prior experience.

Emily Stichter, a visual communications design major, was awarded the 2018 Applied Learning Student of the Year award for her focus on detail and tireless work ethic at RedBird Studio in Warsaw. Stichter helped publish a children’s book with illustrations by one of RedBird’s artists. All of the studio’s artists are clients of Cardinal Services, which helps people with disabilities to live with dignity, growth and opportunity. Sixty percent of the income from the studio goes directly to the artists.

“A couple of my many takeaways were realizing the importance of being present in the moment and recognizing the power art has to connect us with others,” Stichter said.

Polywood of Syracuse was awarded the Intern Employer of the Year. Polywood has a long partnership with Grace College, attending each of the annual Career Connections Fairs with a popcorn machine in tow, as well as making it a point to conduct interviews on the college’s campus. The company prioritizes character, competence, and service, some of Grace College’s core values, and it values student interns’ input on projects that matter.

MudLove of Warsaw was recognized as the Applied Learning Employer of the Year. The company sells handmade pottery and jewelry, with the proceeds of every purchase providing one week of clean water to a person in need through a partnership with Water for Good.

“It meant a lot to me to be named the Applied Learning Employer of the Year because we do try to be intentional in the community and with Grace College,” said Luke Wright, director of vision and strategy for MudLove. “Our applied learning interns really want to engage and learn about what we do, and they add a lot of value to our company.”

Grace College’s Muraski explained Mudlove’s role in the vital collaboration with the college.

“MudLove continues to partner with Grace by providing unique opportunities for students who are motivated to get work experience, but also want their experience to make a difference in the world,” she said.

Grace College’s applied learning and internship programs are designed to incorporate real-world experience in the college curriculum. All Grace students are required to complete 12 hours of applied learning credits to earn their bachelor’s degree. Grace’s Center for Career Connections has developed partnerships with more than 250 area businesses and organizations from which students may choose to apply their classroom learning and explore their desired career path.

For more information about Grace’s applied learning and internship programs, visit www.grace.edu  or call (574) 372-5100, extension 6101.