Cynthia Thompson is 24th UIS Employee of the Year

January 25, 2007

Contact: Donna McCracken, 217/206-6716, dmccr1@uis.edu

SPRINGFIELD – Cynthia Thompson, director of student life at the University of Illinois at Springfield, was named 2006 Employee of the Year at the 24th annual Employee of the Year Recognition Ceremony, held January 24 on the UIS campus.

2006 Employee of the Year Cynthia Thompson is congratulated by Chancellor Richard Ringeisen.

Thompson was selected from among 11 UIS staff members who had been employees of the month during the past year. She was employee of the month for September.

Materials nominating her at that time cited her "stellar service and commitment to students and to the university" and her "tireless" efforts to expand programming and opportunities for students. Others noted "Cynthia's commitment to excellence in service is without parallel. Students and their development are the center of all her decisions and activities. She attends all the events, regardless of the time and how many hours she's already worked. Students continually comment on her dedication and commitment to their experience at UIS."

Making the official announcement and presentation, UIS Chancellor Richard Ringeisen observed, "The Employees of the Month are the special ones among us that make us all special. Looking out at this audience, I think that any one of you are deserving of this award."

As she accepted the honor, Thompson shared the credit with her colleagues. "I think just about everybody here has helped me out at some point. This is a wonderful place to work."

Thompson came to UIS in 2002 from the University of North Dakota, where she had also been recognized for exceptional dedication and service to students.

Other employees of the month for 2006 were Mike Bloechle, contract coordinator, Purchasing Office; Sherri Boner, staff secretary, Office of International Student Services; Kemy Brown, program adviser, Teacher Education program; Carolyn Cerven, account technician, University Accounting and Financial Reporting; Steve Chrans, assistant vice president, Student Affairs; Brian Clevenger, registrar; Marque Haupert, assistant director, Housing and Residential Life; Paul MacDonna, assistant athletics director; Steve Marvel, building service worker; and Teresa Szabo, gift stewardship/business coordinator, Development Office.

The University of Illinois at Springfield, one of three U of I campuses, is a small, public liberal arts university that offers 42 degree programs: 21 bachelor's, 20 master's, and the Doctorate of Public Administration. UIS has a special mission in public affairs and service and is known for extraordinary internships, a wireless campus, extensive online offerings, and a commitment to teaching.