Courteau named August’s Civil Service Employee of the Month

Angie Courteau
Angie Courteau

Angie Courteau, secretary for the University Student Union, has been named South ֱ State University’s Civil Service Employee of the Month for August. 

She will be honored at a reception held from 2-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, in the Hobo Day Gallery/Campanile Room 169 in the University Student Union. 

Courteau has worked in the student union for the past 13 years. 

Her colleagues praised her for her attitude and work ethic, noting she is quick to respond to requests, always polite and easy to work with. She greets internal and external clients with a big smile. 

“She is quick to offer help at career fairs to fill in gaps in coverage when I need her assistance,” said nominator Becky Pistulka, assistant director of employer engagement in the Office of Career Development. “She is great at organization and keeps our staff in line and notified for internal communications. Angie is the face of the student union and a delight to all who know her.” 

Mark Venhuizen, director of operations and event services, has worked alongside Courteau for over a decade and said she consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication and professionalism, making her an invaluable member of the team. He also praised her independence, reliability, efficiency and effectiveness. 

“Angie’s flexibility and willingness to take on any project — no matter the challenge — underscore her strong work ethic. Moreover, she has frequently volunteered her support to other areas of the University Student Union operations, showcasing her collaborative spirit and team-oriented mindset,” Venhuizen said. 

Cody Burggraff, director of student programs, agreed Courteau goes above and beyond in her position, making sure others’ duties are taken care of before her own. “She is the proverbial glue that holds the union staff team together. There are folks with higher titles, but those folks don’t get their jobs done without Angie’s assistance.” 

Burggraff said he appreciated her positive and caring attitude. 

“I have worked with a lot of folks who help me function throughout the day, but Angie is by far the best. The student union and SDSU are better places because Angie makes people feel they matter,” he added. 

Courteau lives in Brookings with her husband, Matt, and they have two grown sons, Wyatt and Jasper. She enjoys spending time with family and the outdoors, traveling, playing games and putting puzzles together. 

She said she’s honored to be the Civil Service Employee of the Month recipient, and SDSU inspires her to always do her best. 

“I am blessed to be part of the student union family and am grateful for all of the meaningful connections I have made with SDSU students and staff,” Courteau said. 

All SDSU Employee of the Month selections are determined through a nomination process by the Civil Service Advisory Council. Each civil service employee of the month receives an appreciation monetary gift from the F.O. Butler Foundation. The trustees of the foundation recognize the importance of civil service employees and take this opportunity to thank them for their exemplary service.

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