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UIS Employee of the Month Program

Mary Wilson is December EOM and 2003 Employee of the Year

Mary Wilson, Building Service Worker I extraordinaire, had been meeting with her supervisor Carolyn Quintanilla in preparation for Mary's upcoming retirement. They were interrupted when someone asked Carolyn to come check out a problem in the PAC restaurant. Carolyn asked Mary to walk with her and as they entered the restaurant to thunderous applause, Mary jumped backwards with her hand over her mouth.

"Surprise," said Carolyn, announcing that Mary was the December Employee of the Month.

"You sure did! I'm gonna give everyone here a spanking! Bless your hearts! I've gotta put this in the paper! Bless your hearts. Oh, my," exclaimed Mary to everyone gathered. "I tell ya. I just can't believe this. I am just so thrilled. You should have had music, I would've boogied," said Mary as she danced a little jig. "Well, people, go to the food!"

Later, on January 22, Mary's dedication, spirit, and willingness to go above and beyond her job description were echoed by stories from many who were gathered to honor her 27 years at UIS and her selection as 2003 Employee of the Year.

Larz Gaydos is EOM for November

Sometimes the best laid plans go awry, and sometimes a little “heads-up” is a good thing. Larz Gaydos proved both of these points when he accidentally got an inkling that, just maybe, he was Employee of the Month for November.

Putting two and two together, Larz came to a mysterious “meeting” on November 6 well-prepared, and so was able to deliver one of the most articulate and gracious acceptance speeches in EOM history. 

Steve Goodman, director of Campus Services, ushered Larz in to the PAC restaurant a tad late, saying, “I couldn’t drag him away from work. 

“To be honest,” Steve continued, “when I received word about this I said I thought you’d already got it (the honor). All I hear about Larz is praise.” 

In his turn, Larz admitted that he’d been tipped to the surprise. “But this is still pretty cool,” he said. 

Thanking his family, colleagues past and present, mentors, and clients, he concluded, “It’s great to work with all of you and to be a part of this family.” 

Currently printing production coordinator in Campus Services, Larz has worked for the department since 1981. 

His wife, Julie Slack (project coordinator with Conference Services); their daughter, Natasha; son, Dane; and Larz’ father, Albert, were among those gathered to share the celebration.

October EOM is Wendy Withrow

Wendy Withrow, secretary IV in Student Life, walked into the Student Center with her arms full of food and flowers, accompanied by her supervisor, Cynthia Thompson, director of Student Life.

Cynthia had taken Wendy shopping for snacks for the Lost Film Festival that night (which were actually needed) and flowers to brighten up the Student Life Office (which was a lie, because the flowers were for Wendy).

"Wendy is very hard to get out of the office, especially since she doesn't have a p-card," laughed Cynthia. "We've been plotting this for awhile!"

Cynthia pulled the shocked Wendy toward the crowd and announced, "I am very, very honored that all of you have come to show Wendy how appreciated she is. Wendy is a wonderful, dependable, and hardworking employee and on top of that she is always smiling."

Coaxed by the crowd to speak, Wendy stated, "It's been a pleasure to work with everyone at UIS."

Wendy's daughter, Kiley; brother, Tim Hays (a chef in the UIS Food Emporium); her parents, Don and Dorothy Bridgewater; and her pastor, Gaylord Spilker (also a part-time UIS student) and his wife, Pam, were on hand to help her celebrate.

Farokh Eslahi is September EOM

Farokh Eslahi, director of Educational Technology, popped into PAC conference room G recently and then tried to back out when he spied a room full of people. He looked questioningly at Ray Schroeder, director of OTEL, and Burks Oakley, associate vice president for Academic Affairs, as Jane Treadwell, dean of Brookens Library, drew him into the room.

"You must have made a mistake!" exclaimed Farokh. "This is beyond expectations! I'm just doing my job."

"Hi! Welcome to your 3 o'clock meeting," said Burks, grinning. "By the way, I invited a few friends to join us." Ray and Burks were meeting with Farokh about the installation of Blackboard upgrades on campus and were called upon to help with the surprise.

Once Farokh began to accept that he was being honored as Employee of the Month, Jane continued. "Farokh has done so much for us and the campus," she said. "He has been an ambassador for UIS, even helping with the purchase of a new projector so we can get first run movies on campus. We are so appreciative of all of his efforts."

Cherrill Kimbro, right, helps support shocked EOM Bev Weddle.

Beverly Weddle is August EOM

Bev Weddle, secretary IV in the chemistry/clinical laboratory science program, walked in to PAC conference room G on Friday morning, August 29, with co-workers and was so surprised that she literally gasped.

Cherrill Kimbro, assistant to the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Bev's supervisor, had quite a time trying to get Bev to her EOM.

"You don't know what trouble we had getting her here. We wanted to take her out for her birthday and she didn't want to go out to eat with us!" said Cherrill.

Bev spotted her husband and slowly began to realize what was happening.

"We were so happy to get Bev," stated Cherrill. "Her faculty would probably kill anyone who tried to take her away. She filled a large hole more than adequately."

"My legs are shaking!" said Bev, adding "I was in the private sector before, but it's great to be out here. To my friends from media....I love and miss you, but....(as everyone laughed)......I really like where I am now. My faculty—all seven of them—are great....but don't anyone get a big head!"

July EOM is Peggy Lister

Peggy Lister, account technician in the Accounting Office, was named Employee of the Month at a party held on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 30, in the Student Center.

Chief accountant Linda McCaffrey explained, "We got her to the party by setting up a meeting in Pat Robertson's office in the Student Affairs Building to discuss sales tax issues related to the snack bar area in the Student Center. After a while, we decided (as planned) to walk over to the center to see how the snack bar was set up. As we opened the door, Peggy saw everyone gathered inside. She was surprised - in fact, she was so stunned, she didn't give a speech."

Peggy later confirmed this. "I was surprised," she agreed. "So much so that my heart rate went up and I was speechless. I want another chance to make my speech!" she joked. "I think I thanked everyone for coming but at this point I'm not sure what I said. At any rate, I think there are a lot of great people with the University and I do enjoy working here."

The materials nominating Peggy as EOM noted in part that she "is always very cooperative and helpful," often "goes out of her way to be accommodating to anyone who needs assistance," and "is always willing to assume new tasks, such as the UIS payroll bank reconciliation (which is reconciliation like no other)."

Making the official presentation, Linda summed it all up nicely: "Peggy is a wonderful, dedicated person to work with."

Peggy's husband and two sons were able to attend her party, which added to her surprise, especially when she learned that they'd kept the secret from her for about three weeks.

Ernie Cowles surprises Peggy Boyer Long, editor of Illinois Issues, as Employee of the Month for June.

Peggy Boyer Long is June EOM

Peggy Boyer Long was expecting a web meeting when she followed Diana Nelson, administrative specialist for Center publications, into the PAC Atrium on Thursday, June 19.

Ernie Cowles, interim director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Center for Governmental Studies, surprised Peggy as he announced that everyone was there to congratulate and celebrate her as the June Employee of the Month.

Ernie told Peggy that their new director Milan Dluhy would be sitting in on their meeting, so not only did she dress up, but "she bought new shoes for this 'meeting,'" said Ernie, so be sure to check out her new shoes before you leave.

Peggy became editor of Illinois Issues in 1994. Twice she served as bureau chief for the university's radio station, then WSSU-FM and WSSR-FM. Between these employments with the university, she taught graduate courses at Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston.

"She is a tireless leader in meeting constant deadlines," said Ernie, adding, "And I'll bet you didn't know you are about to publish your 100th issue of Illinois Issues!" After the crowd's applause Peggy thanked everyone, including her husband, Ray, who was in attendance for the surprise.

Lawrence Johnson, associate chancellor for access and equal opportunity, smiles as Chancellor Ringeisen presents him with EOM honors.

Lawrence Johnson is EOM for May

Lawrence Johnson is nothing if not thorough. That's why, when he heard that a meeting of a National Commission on the Future of UIS task force had been set for 10 a.m. on May 21, Lawrence called a 9 a.m. meeting of his own group to prepare.

What he didn't know was that his colleagues on the chancellor's staff are thorough too, and also very sneaky. At 10 o'clock Lawrence walked into the "meeting" in the PAC restaurant only to find that it was actually a party honoring him as Employee of the Month for May.

"We ought to get a prize for that one," remarked one of the group who had just sat through the hour-long pre-meeting.

Making the official EOM presentation, Chancellor Richard Ringeisen noted that in his nearly 10 years (as of June 1) as associate chancellor for access and equal opportunity, Lawrence has done a lot of things to create a campus environment where everyone is welcome. "I've never met anyone who did it better," the chancellor observed.

Johnson announced in January that he would be leaving the university at the end of June, and after noting all Lawrence's activities in the community and on campus — including chairing both the Springfield Race Relations Task Force and the UIS Diversity Task Force — Ringeisen concluded, "But personally, what I'll miss most is our daily commiseration about what it's like to live with a grandma." (The Ringeisens are awaiting the birth of their third grandchild; Lawrence's wife, Nancy Ford, is the grandmother of five.)

After thanking everyone, Lawrence laughed and said that when a friend in the central administration had asked if any farewell celebration was being planned, he'd told her, "I guess not."

"It's been a wonderful ride," he continued. "I've tried to live my dream of helping make a place where all are comfortable. I hope that's what I did."

Rosa Bryan, left, glances backward at Megan Willman upon entering the Student Center and realizing "something is up."

Rosa Bryan is April EOM

Rosa Bryan, office supervisor in Career Services, almost didn't make it to her own Employee of the Month party. Megan Willman, administrative secretary in Student Affairs and designated "ruse," came back empty-handed on her first attempt to escort Rosa to a "secretaries' meeting."

Megan walked in and stated that Rosa wouldn't leave because no one was in the office to answer the phone. Of course, that was because everyone in the office was waiting to surprise Rosa. So Jennifer Berry, Career Services' graduate assistant, volunteered to "cover the phones" so Rosa could "go to her meeting!"

As Rosa finally arrived, Karen Engebrecht, director of Career Services, presented Rosa as the April EOM, commenting on the proof of her dedication.

"Today is a special day for all of us….it is a day which has been long delayed yet will be a day we all remember," said Karen.

"Our friend, Rosa, is a solid and decent person who has made UIS her home for over a quarter of a decade. I figured this was 65,000 days of her life…. So today we are here to wish Rosa the best of what life gives her and thank her for making our lives better," added Karen.

Andy Egizi is March EOM

Andy Egizi was taken aback when he walked into the PAC restaurant and discovered he was the March Employee of the Month.

Jann Renn, staff secretary for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, began setting the stage for the EOM ruse by telling Andy that someone was doing interviews for a reality television show in the PAC restaurant. (Andy has applied to be in the next series of Big Brother.) She said considering it was April 1 some thought had been given to just telling him he was the EOM and letting him think it was an April Fool's Day joke. But the actual trip to the restaurant required Bill Bloemer, dean of LAS, to request Andy's presence at a "meeting with the provost."

Holly McCracken, program coordinator for LIS Online, greeted Andy at the door and presented him with the EOM goodies.

"Andy has been called savior, Santa Claus, and lately the 'great Oz behind the curtain' because he makes things happen," said Holly.

"We would have been here earlier," said Bill, "but I had to wait for him to take a call from a student!"

Many in the audience nodded their agreement, knowing of Andy's commitment to UIS students.

"Thank you, thank you all very much. I really just regurgitate what these folks do," said Andy humbly. "I appreciate the honor."

Joan Buckles presents Jerry Peebles with EOM honors.

Jerry Peebles is February EOM

Jerry Peebles was more than surprised—ok, a little confused—when he walked into the Student Center on Feb. 17. He thought he was attending a welcome reception for Connie Lorenz, their new administrative assistant, on her first day at work.

"Surprise, Jerry!" said Joan Buckles, horticulturist and grounds worker supervisor. "You are the February Employee of the Month."

Turning to the crowd, Joan stated, "Besides being a great worker, Jerry has the most positive attitude all of the time. He is very upbeat, even when he is fighting for what he believes in."

Jerry began as a parttime grounds worker in 1992 and was hired fulltime in 1996.

"When I was out of work, we all prayed that I would get this job," said Jerry. "Working here is great. I have a wonderful family and wonderful friends," he added.

And speaking of family, Jerry had several of them on hand to help him celebrate—his wife, Debbie; children, Josh, Megan, Jordan, and Micah; mother, Charlotte; sister, Marilyn; sister, Barb, and her family; and brother, Randy, and his family.

Dave Barrows later introduced Connie, stating, "The 'ruse' worked out great to fool Jerry, but Connie ended up serving punch to everyone at her own 'welcome' party!"