Employee of the Year Awards

The Student Services Awards Committee will select a recipient from each category (Administrative/ASP, Civil Service, and Student Employee) as the Employee of the Year. Candidates will be chosen from the Employee of the Month winners for the year.

Employee of the Year Award Winners

2006-2007 Winners

Jennifer Mason, Undergraduate Admissions (Administrative)

Jen has had to go above and beyond her normal duties. In the absence of a clerk in the director's office, Jen has taken on many duties to help cover the load. Also, the director recently had to be out of the office because of a family emergency. Jen stepped up and covered many of the director's duties, on top of her own, in his absence. She has stayed late many nights to get all of these things done and yet still takes time to help her employees with whatever they need, and do it with a smile. Jen's nominators constantly mention her positive attitude as an invaluable asset to the Admissions office.
Robin Wilt, Beu Health Center (Civil Service)

Robin was nominated by staff members in SDO and Campus Recreation. Nominators appreciated Robin's involvement in the Summer Orientation and Registration programs. Robin volunteered to be there during her vacation time. Nominators stated that Robin always displays a positive attitude and represents Student Services and the University in a professional, caring manner. SDO also mentioned Robin's skill in dealing with students facing challenges that require medical or psychological care. They stated that Robin is always there to talk with them and explore their options. Another nominator also acknowledged Robin's superior participation in the SOAR Health and Safety Panel. Robin presented all twelve times during the summer, due to the implementation of a new Health Center Director. Robin is a prime example of ideal service to the University.
Jeremy Brzozowski, Office of Student Activities (Student Employee)

Jeremy is described as an outstanding graduate advisor. He is creative, inventive, the first to volunteer and the last to leave. Jeremy keeps a smile on his face and is looking out for the best interests of his students and WIU. This summer, while working at his internship in Canada, Jeremy still worked with UUB which resulted in a great opening of events. Jeremy has also stepped up to work with the executive board of UUB while the OSA is short an Assistant Director of Student Activities for Programming. Jeremy's nominators also stated that he has earned the respect and admiration of his students through his dedication to their success. In addition to his successes in the workplace, Jeremy also maintains high academic standards and utilizes the training he receives in his courses to make his work purposeful and to improve his abilities as an advisor.

2005-2006 Winners

John Biernbaum, University Housing & Dining Services (Administrative)

John (JB) Biernbaum has been with WIU for the past 12 years. He currently serves as Associate Director of Residential Facilities. He is described by his nominators as a vital member of our University. JB served as advisor to Inter-Hall Council for many years. JB's coworkers comment on the positive influence he has on the students. He was honored with the Hallenbeck award for the Great Lakes Association of College and University Residence Halls. JB often goes above and beyond his normal job responsibilities. In the past year John has served as the facilities liaison for the Athletics Department. He has made a huge impact on the facilities and programs. JB serves on countless committees and has won numerous awards. He always finds the time to take on extra projects and duties.
Cheryl Allison, Admissions (Civil Service)

Cheri Allison has been with Undergraduate Admissions almost 5 years. Cheri is a Staff Clerk in the office of the Director of Admissions. Nominated by her co-workers, Cheri is viewed as a great asset to the office. She is always on time, extremely organized, and more than willing to take on anything that is asked of her. Cheri's nominators pointed out her motivation and attention to detail. She is described as outgoing, dedicated, and compassionate. Cheri has attended the Biennial Women's Conference, the "Take This Job and Love It" series, along with other conferences and seminars and is always looking for ways to improve her skills. Her nominators also point out that no matter how busy she is, she always takes time to help others when she sees someone in need. Her attitude and willingness to help others goes above and beyond the call of duty.
Paul Lidy, Office of Student Activities (Student Employee)

Paul Lidy is a Graduate Advisor in the Office of Student Activities. Paul was nominated by his coworkers. Paul worked tirelessly to reorganize the Student Organization Center in the University Union. As Paul enters his second year, he is directly advising TEAMLEAD. Paul has a strong commitment to developing working relationships across the campus. His nominators describe him as organized, engaging, responsible, creative, and attentive.