The award, presented at the Spring Job Fair, is given jointly by the Division of Cooperative Education and Career Services. The honor goes to an employer who has: demonstrated a solid history of recruiting and hiring EKU students and alumni for part-time, internship and full-time positions; shown a dedication to the professional growth of EKU students and alumni; and actively participated in and supported career-related activities, including career fairs, campus presentations and other student events.

“Bechtel has been tremendously supportive to the EKU Cooperative Education/Applied Learning Program,” said Connie Dirks, associate director of cooperative education. “They have hired and continue to hire students from a variety of majors including for co-op opportunities and, remarkably, Bechtel has offered 83 percent of these students full-time positions upon graduation. A Bechtel employee and former co-op student, Brooke Ratliff-Coccari, has served with distinction on our EKU Co-op Advisory Board for several years.

“In addition, Bechtel has been very generous with their time and support, being available for classroom presentations, and contributing to media marketing efforts on behalf of our program.”

Laura Melius, director of career services, said Bechtel “has recruited candidates and posted opportunities in a wide range of fields, including construction, medical, administration, safety/security, engineering and other technical areas. They have been very generous with their time and support, being available for classroom presentations, panel discussions and various workshops on campus.”

The company’s name is included on the Employer of the Year plaque in the Student Services Building, and the firm was presented with a plaque to display in its own offices.