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

2008-2009 Winners

Administrative Employee of the Year - Bill Bushaw, Financial Aid
Mr. Bushaw has been in Financial Aid for over 20 years. Recently, the student lender market was in deep crisis, which required the office to completely restructure the student loan system. Bill was able to do this with professionalism. Bill takes a very proactive role with students and his staff with regard to customer service. Bill sits in the hallway during the first two weeks of school each semester and counsels students so the staff can continue to process paperwork in a timely manner. He is constantly searching for more efficient ways to communicate to students and families. He is also environmentally-conscious. One of his goals is to reduce paper usage and waste in the office. Mr. Bushaw strives to enhance the quality of the student services provided at Western.
Civil Service Employee of the Month - Tara Chambers, VPSS Office
Tara's nominators say that she is always willing to take on any task that they throw at her. She has taken on the task of being in charge of the Division's laptop/projector check out with excitement and no complaints. She has recently taken on the task of hiring a new student assistant. She also provides administrative support to the awards committee. Tara's nominators state that Tara always steps up and takes over the tasks given to her with an eagerness and smile, and never with a complaint. Tara is truly a team player and the office would not be the same without her pleasant personality and cheerfulness.
Graduate Assistant of the Year - Courtney James, Campus Recreation
Courtney's nominators say that she has brought innovative and creative new ideas to the special event programming this year. She has introduced Big Blue Ladder Golf with all funds raised donated to a charity to fight Prostate Cancer. Courtney has had continued success within her professional association, the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association. This year, Courtney was a recipient of the William N. Wasson Student Leadership & Academic Award. In addition to the Wasson Award, Courtney has been named an IIRSA Scholarship winner for the second year in a row. Courtney is very passionate about student development, student leadership, and has a bright future in Student Services.
Student Employee of the Year - Jeremy Homolka, UHDS
Jeremy is a resident assistant in Thompson Hall and was the chairperson for the 8th annual Big Pink Volleyball. Jeremy was the only student back from the 2007 Big Pink committee and accepted the chair of this philanthropic event. He did a fantastic job of organizing meetings, using the committee structure and holding each committee member to their role. Jeremy was a role model for the group and pulled the committee together. For the first time, Big Pink topped 1,000 participants. Jeremy is also an active member of National Residence Hall Honorary.

2007-2008 Winners

Tim Sheridan, Student Judicial Programs (Administrative)

Tim's responsibility is to provide due process to students that have violated the Code of Student Conduct. He is blessed with an impressive ability to work with students, families, and staff when dealing with difficult situations. He does an excellent job recruiting students, faculty, and staff to assist in judicial process. Tim always provides information from a factual and objective point of reference and treats all involved with respect. He spends time with students involved and many times with their parents. During summer, Tim has volunteered to present on issues surrounding alcohol and drug use to the family members of incoming freshmen students. Tim serves on numerous campus committees including Amethyst committee which promotes safer drinking choices for our students.
Connie Van Dyke, Campus Recreation (Civil Service)

Connie always goes above and beyond to help and encourage everyone! She is the epitome of a service-oriented employee. She works hard to make Campus Recreation the very best place for students to relax and enjoy this part of their education at WIU. Connie treats all student and graduate assistants like they are members of her family. She has done an excellent job scheduling courts and fields amidst the construction. Connie always arrives early and leaves only after she has finished everything she feels she should get done. She is a constant voice of encouragement and strength. Connie has assisted a WIU alum in hosting Big Pink Volleyball at Lewis University. She also went beyond the call to secure nets for three courts at SRC for WIU’s Big Pink Volleyball this year.
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Heath Roush, Disability Support Services (Student Employee)

Heath was a student assistant and math tutor for DSS from September 2006 – May 2008. His reliability was exemplified by his perfect attendance. He volunteered to work over breaks when needed. Heath was sincere in his willingness to help and skilled in teaching. His quality of work was excellent. Heath was also charged with managing office when DSS secretary was out.He was the first to volunteer for unpleasant or physically demanding duties, such as delivering exams during inclement weather or lifting heavy boxes. He volunteered to assist with Disability Awareness Day. On one occasion Heath spent time searching the campus for a blind student who was lost and guided her to her destination. On another occasion he carried the luggage of student, who uses a wheelchair, down the stairs when the elevator was down in her residence hall.