Kimberly Craig is June EOM

Kimberly Craig thought she was walking into a faculty development workshop on Thursday morning, June 18, but was in for a surprise. Kimberly was named June Employee of the Month in a celebration in the Public Affairs Center.

Kimberly is the assistant to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Undergraduate Education for UIS and coordinates the Engaged Citizenship Common Experience speaker series.

"She has single-handedly started and run the speaker series, bringing thousands upon thousands of speakers to UIS to deal with engaged citizenship," said Karen Moranski, Associate Vice Chancellor for Undergraduate Education.

"Kimberly is just steady as she goes, she's our mainstay in our department, and we're just thrilled to do this for her today," Karen said.

Kimberly began her career at UIS in 1995 as a temporary employee and always said she'd like to work in her current office.

"Here I am back all these years later," she said. "I always knew I wanted to work here, and I love it, so you're stuck with me. Thank you."

May EOM is Bob Lael

His first reaction was shock, and then came relief when he realized he wasn't actually in the PAC Restaurant for a phone conference about workers' compensation! Bob Lael walked into his surprise celebration on Tuesday afternoon, May 12, as he was named the 2009 May Employee of the Month.

Bob is the assistant manager of Human Resources at UIS.

"I am extremely honored and proud to present this honor to you," said Wes Weisenburn, Human Resources director. "You are such a friend to all of us; you provide quality service. Bob is dedicated to certainly human resources and the university and the countless students who have come to Bob for support in the student insurance program."

Bob is a leader not only here at UIS, but he also serves on a leadership team for the U of I Office of Business and Financial Services, Wes said.

"He is frequently the first person at the office, and it's a race to see who will make the coffee!" Wes laughed. "He's been a wonderful addition to the HR team for last four years, we've learned a lot from him, and we're very happy to have him."

Bob thanked everyone in attendance for "taking time out of their busy day to come."

"It's always a pleasure to work with each and every one of you because whenever I've needed something, you've always been there to support me, and I've tried to reciprocate with you," he said. "Thank you all very much."