YSU Business student receives Raymond J. Shuster Award

Lexie Gentry, a Human Resource Management major in the Williamson College of Business Administration at Youngstown State University, is this year’s recipient of the Raymond J. Shuster Award, which recognizes excellence in the study of Human Resource Management.

“I am deeply grateful to receive the Raymond Shuster award. YSU’s student chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management has had a profound impact on my professional journey,” Gentry said. "Through my membership, I discovered my passion for human resources. This award will allow me the opportunity to invest in my ongoing growth by funding my national SHRM membership and opens my possibilities for continuing education."

The award seeks out an individual who is dedicated to a career in human resources, as shown by completing human resource internships, and taking steps to advance their knowledge in the profession, including human resource certifications.

Gentry has been an officer in the YSU SHRM, competed in competitions including the Ohio Human Resource Games, Quest (2024 winning team) and the SHRM Case Competition. She has held two different internships, with the latter leading to a full-time job offer at Meijer, and has already completed her SHRM Certified Professional credential.

“Lexie is a true example of what the Shuster Award embodies,” said Kimberly Pleva, a senior lecturer and YSU SHRM Faculty Advisor. "She has been a solid leader in the YSU-SHRM organization helping with recruiting, communications, programming and community service. She truly is passionate about HR, as evidenced by completing her SHRM-CP certification months before graduation all while working in HR at Meijer. And let’s not forget, she did all this while maintaining a 3.97 GPA."

The scholarship was established in 1984 by YSU SHRM, after Shuster’s retirement, to honor his dedication to the professional development of human resource students. This cash award is given to students who are graduating this academic year, have at least a 3.4 GPA and are a Human Resource major.

The YSU SHRM chapter is open to all students with an interest in human resource management. The organization supports students in the SHRM certified curriculum by providing leadership and professional development opportunities and is supported by the Department of Management at the WCBA.