Hannah Ronning has been selected as UMD’s Student Employee of the Year. A senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders (CSD), she is being recognized for her hard work in the department as well as the Robert F. Pierce (RFP) Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic.

The award aims to honor students who go above and beyond in their work. “Hannah is an exemplary individual who exhibits strong leadership skills and effectively represents her peers on academic matters,” says Professor Mark Mizuko, head of the CSD department. “She is a self-assured leader who advocates for her colleagues and serves as a role model, ensuring that undergraduate students have a voice within her major program.” 

CSD faculty and staff contributed to a glowing nomination letter, which says, “Hannah Ronning embodies the qualities of an outstanding student employee through her leadership, adaptability, and commitment to mentorship. Her contributions have had a profound and positive impact on the workplace.”

Ronning started a student position at the Robert F. Pierce (RFP) Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic in 2022, providing support wherever needed to clients, students, and staff to help ensure that the clinic functioned smoothly. She describes her work in the department as one of the most impactful parts of her undergraduate experience. It allowed her to observe the clinic's operations firsthand and build meaningful relationships with faculty, students, and clients. She believes this experience has significantly benefited her personal growth, academic development, and career preparation.

Ronning feels that working in the RFP Clinic helped her realize that her goals were attainable. Watching those around her improve the lives of others every day greatly motivated her. “I was driven to work hard at my job and in my academics to make a difference like the faculty and graduate students I looked up to—I happily helped wherever I could and was needed. My favorite tasks were associated with helping in the toy room, therapy rooms, and assembling new items like a wheelchair friendly table and the swallow exam cart,” she says. 

Drive to make a difference

Seeing her brother’s speech therapist give him the ability to flourish socially was what initially inspired Ronning to begin her CSD studies. Her time at UMD has "not only deepened my commitment to the field but has also shaped my future,” Ronning says. "My work has solidified my desire to become an advocate and a leader in the field, and given me the means to do so. I want to ensure that all children have access to the communication support they need, and the faculty here has really made me feel that it is possible to do just that.”

In addition, her role as a teaching assistant for an Intro to CSD course allowed her to take on a mentorship position for her fellow students. “It reinforced my own knowledge and grew my passion for teaching and helping others,” she says. “I gained confidence working with students and explaining complex topics in a way that is easier to understand, which will be invaluable as I work with future clients and families to navigate speech and language challenges.”

Ronning is graduating in May. She’s already determined to work to increase access to services in the future. “I have seen firsthand the barriers that exist in accessing speech therapy, particularly in rural and underserved communities, and I am dedicated to being part of the solution," she says.

This story was written by UMD student Jax Wilder, who is majoring in writing studies and minoring in psychology. Jax assists Lissa Maki with communications for the College of Education and Human Service Professions.