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PEOPLE OF EIU

 
 

CONNECTING THE PANTHER COMMUNITY

 
   
 
 

Welcome to the latest issue of People of EIU! I am so proud of everyone's hard work this semester, and for continuing to enhance EIU's spectacular living and learning environment. I hope you're all taking advantage of the mild weather as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday and that everyone is excited to finish out the Fall 2023 semester strong as we head confidently into 2024. 

We've received a great deal of positive feedback for "People of EIU," and we're excited to pick up the series again beginning in January. I encourage you to continue nominating individuals for future issues, as well as to keep submitting staff Shout Outs.

As a reminder, I would like to invite you to the Presidential Investiture ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. in the Doudna Fine Arts Center. Please RSVP, as there is a seating limit in the Dvorak Concert Hall.

With appreciation,

 
 
  
 
 

Jay Gatrell
President, Eastern Illinois University

 
 
 
 
NOMINATE A PERSON OF EIU
 
 
 
 
SUBMIT A SHOUT OUT!
 
 
 
 
PEOPLE OF EIU ARCHIVE
 
 
 
 

People of EIU: November 2023

 
 
 

Danny Gourley Fischer

Director, EIU Academic Advising Center

 
 
  
 
 

Danny Gourley Fischer is the Director of EIU’s Academic Advising Center, located in McAfee Gym. A native of Alamo, Tennessee, he is a double graduate of Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro (’95, ’02). In less than two years at EIU, Danny already has “so many great memories, [including] my first night in Charleston, when Director of Housing and Dining Mark Hudson took me to dinner and gave me the best tour of campus and the town that anyone could want. I have seen that same level of kindness and personal interaction repeated often in my time here.”

An avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, lifelong video gamer, and comic book collector, Danny’s favorite EIU activities are the “alpha and omega” of the EIU experience — orientation and commencement. “It's always energizing to see the new students coming to campus with big dreams and nervous anticipation.  Then seeing some of those same people walk across the stage at graduation serves as the perfect bookend to help remind me of why we are here and the impact we can have.” He says the collaboration, community, and dedication to students shows up in every meeting he attends, and that that the extremely high level of buy-in and quality of relationships at EIU ultimately translate to great things for EIU students.

 
 
 
 
 

Drew Britton

Lecturer in Television & Video Production in the School of Communication & Journalism 

 
 
  
 
 

Drew Britton is a Lecturer in Television & Video Production (TVP) in the School of Communication & Journalism at Buzzard Hall. Hailing from Milwaukee, Drew’s interests include filmmaking, wakeboarding, wakesurfing, skydiving, BASE jumping, scuba diving, snowboarding, longboarding, and hiking. This is one of his favorite times of year on campus, as he enjoys walking around campus during autumn and looking at all the beautiful foliage. “It's a gorgeous campus and much more appealing than so many of the universities you'd find in a bigger city,” he shares. 

In addition, he says what makes EIU uniquely special is its focus on relationships and shared success. “I've loved seeing the comradery develop among my TVP students. I started in the fall of 2020 when Covid was rampant and interaction amongst students was very minimum. But since and over the past year, I've been so thrilled to see the blossoming friendships and overall great sense of community.”

 
 

Richard Clapp

Assistant Professor and Director of the Traditional Prelicensure BSN Program 

 
 
  
 
 

Richard Clapp hails from nearby Toledo, Illinois, and is Assistant Professor and Director of the Traditional Prelicensure BSN Program, located in Ninth Street Hall near Greek Court. A member of the Nursing Council, Richard also chairs the Quality Assurance and Improvement Committee/Curriculum Committee and Unit A Faculty Search Committee and sits on the Health and Counseling Services Board. He carries his active involvement into the community, where he serves as a volunteer youth sports coach at Neal Center YMCA and Cumberland Youth Recreation League. Richard also was a Commander in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps and Reserve Component 1945 ER/Trauma RN Specialty Leader, and still serves as a Reservist today. “I have had the amazing opportunity to be a part of a lot of firsts in the Gail and Richard Lumpkin School of Nursing at EIU. Admitting the first students, launching the first courses, participating in the first simulations and clinicals, attending the first White Coat Ceremony, organizing the first Pinning Ceremony, and watching the first graduates walk across the commencement stage. Having a front row seat to the beginning of something so special has truly been a highlight of my professional career.” 

When he’s not working or volunteering, you might find Richard running or attending EIU sporting events — especially track/cross country, volleyball, and men’s/women’s basketball games. When asked what EIU means to him, Richard shared “EIU really is a best value university because EIU values its people. EIU offers high-level academics taught by faculty that are not only experts in their field but also care about students and their learning. You will learn at EIU and will leave here well-educated and well-prepared.”

 
 
 
 
 

Karolina Guzek 

Senior Political Science major 

 
 
  
 
 

Karolina Guzek is a senior Political Science major on a Pre-Law track from Palos Hills—a southwest suburb of Chicago. Like most students her age, Karolina enjoys hanging out with friends, listening to music (country!), trying out new coffee shops, gardening, watching documentaries, and learning new languages. On and near campus, she says she loves to go on coffee runs, grab a bite to eat, take walks with her friends and spend time at the Newman Center. 

She says attending university-sponsored events is always a fun thing to do too, because there’s always something happening at EIU. And when she’s focused on academics, she reveals Booth Library makes a great study spot. Karolina remembers a unique experience EIU offered her to present arguments at the University of Chicago with her moot court class, where she learned a lot about legal oral arguments and expanded her skill set. When asked to share something about EIU that others might not know, Karolina says “EIU is not just a place to get your degree, there are so many opportunities that EIU offers to help you succeed anywhere you go! Do not be afraid to reach out and seek these opportunities!”

 
 
 
NOMINATE A PERSON OF EIU!
 
 
 

Shoutouts - October 2023

 
 

Kirstin Duffin

Thank you Kirstin for your continued dedication to your colleagues, the faculty and students of EIU and Booth Library! You go above and beyond every day making sure everyone is offered impeccable service while still pursuing your own scholarship that adds to the collective of academic libraries. Well done!

Abby Zoch

HUGE shout out to Abby for helping us get our scholarship system prepared for this new cycle that starts on November 1. We couldn't have done it without her! Thank you Abby for being so willing to help us and tolerating my crazy instructions! I appreciate you!

Alisa Gray

Alisa goes above and beyond for the Department of Human Services every day. She is such a quick learner, pays attention to detail, and takes initiative with all Department projects. She is also always kind and has a smile on her face. Thank you for all that you do, Alisa!

Arlene Brown

Arlene, you are the touchpoint of so many of the library's critical operations and functions. Our day-to-day business wouldn't be possible without your knowledge and skill set. You are the "make it happen" person here and I don't know what we'd do without you!

Diane Highland

Diane - you have gone above and beyond to support everyone at the library and keep this place humming! We appreciate all you do and couldn't do it without you. Thank you!!!

Felicia Magee

She is the foundation to our department, the calm in the storm, the master of organization and guru of all things EIU!

Jose Esparza

Every day, Jose has proven to be a valued member of the ITS Help Desk. Jose continually shows a willingness to lend a helping hand no matter the situation, and his eagerness to jump on any request that comes his way is appreciated. Thanks, Jose, for having a positive attitude and for all you do every day!

Josh Koontz

Thanks for your effort on our PHAROS/PaperCut conversion. You approached the project with concern for the needs of our patrons, and got the job done as efficiently as possible. We see you and we appreciate you!!!

Sandy Dryden

Thanks for your effort on our PHAROS/PaperCut conversion. You approached the project with concern for the needs of our patrons, and got the job done as efficiently as possible. We see you and we appreciate you!!!

Jong Kim

Thanks for your effort on our PHAROS/PaperCut conversion. You approached the project with concern for the needs of our patrons, and got the job done as efficiently as possible. We see you and we appreciate you!!!

Mindy Hurst

Thanks for your effort on our PHAROS/PaperCut conversion. You approached the project with concern for the needs of our patrons, and got the job done as efficiently as possible. We see you and we appreciate you!!!

Austin Schaefer

Thanks for your effort on our PHAROS/PaperCut conversion. You approached the project with concern for the needs of our patrons, and got the job done as efficiently as possible. We see you and we appreciate you!!!

Chadd Gaston

Thanks for your effort on our PHAROS/PaperCut conversion. You approached the project with concern for the needs of our patrons, and got the job done as efficiently as possible. We see you and we appreciate you!!!

James Beech

Thanks for your effort on our PHAROS/PaperCut conversion. You approached the project with concern for the needs of our patrons, and got the job done as efficiently as possible. We see you and we appreciate you!!!

Joshua Ernst

Thanks for your effort on our PHAROS/PaperCut conversion. You approached the project with concern for the needs of our patrons, and got the job done as efficiently as possible. We see you and we appreciate you!!!

Chad Elliott

Thanks for your effort on our PHAROS/PaperCut conversion. You approached the project with concern for the needs of our patrons, and got the job done as efficiently as possible. We see you and we appreciate you!!!

Jeffrey Duck

Jeff is the most supportive advising colleague and always shares helpful knowledge to other departmental academic advisors. He is passionate about helping his advisees to the best of his ability. He spreads joy and laughter wherever he goes and his heart is as big as his smile.

Tyler Stranz

Tyler has done a simply amazing job keeping the plants and flowers watered and tended to all spring/summer and fall. It's been several years since the EIU grounds looked this great. He works so hard and is passionate about caring for the grounds.

Kyle McKinney

Kyle McKinney is an absolute rock star!  She is always professional and handles problems and crazy days with patience and finesse.  She has amazing organizational skills and is such a tremendous asset to EIU.  Thank you Kyle for truly being “All In” for not only our students, but for the campus and the community!

Dustin White

I can't say enough good things about Dustin White!  He is always so quick to respond and is amazing at his job.  He is such a pleasure to work with!  Thank you Dustin for all you do! 

Karla Drum

We cannot say enough kind words about Karla!  She is always so helpful and ensures every event that involves catering is successful.  Homecoming, in particular, is a huge event for Panther Catering to take care of, and with staffing circumstances being a bit challenging this year, she still was able to knock it out of the park!  Karla, we just want you to know that CLAS appreciates all that you do! You are definitely one in a million!  Thank you a hundred times over!!!!

Eric Davidson

Four of us went to the "vaccination station" for our flu shots.  The timing from when we left our desks to returning to the office again was..... ELEVEN MINUTES!  Bravo! Thank you and the Coles County Health Department for providing such a wonderful service to our campus community.

Julie Dietz

Dr. Dietz is "all in" for students and the University. Her innovative and creative ideas, as well her many talents, have played an instrumental role in making the University a better place. Not only that, she really makes a difference in the lives of others by providing guidance and suggesting solutions for various matters. She is a top-notch person!

Ryan Hendrickson

Thanks for listening.

Robert Wells

Robert is exactly what a great employee looks like. He works hard and diligently, and is a terrific coworker. Blair Hall always looks so sparkling clean and, if you're fortunate enough to run into Robert while he strives to do all that he does in the building, he always has a kind word or a laugh to share with you. Thanks for ALL that you do, Rob!! YOU ARE APPRECIATED! 

Tyler Stranz

A big thanks to grounds gardener TJ Stranz for his hard work at Lumpkin Hall.  The plants and flowers are well-maintained and beautiful!

Claire Roberts

Claire is one of the greatest assets to our department. Her care for staff/faculty and the students is always above and beyond here at EIU. We are proud to have her work with us.

Jade Maxwell

Jade comes in every day with a smile on her face and a positive attitude. She is a great asset to our department and to the students. He care and concern is always above any expectations. Thank you Jade for choosing to want to work with us in the English department.

Maddy McLaughlin

Maddy is always willing to help or do anything to help daily processes run smoothly. Thank you Maddy for being a great fit into the department and your willingness to help out whenever needed.

Ethan Miller

Thank you for helping out in the Writing Center or wherever you are needed. You have been a great asset to our department.

D'Angelo Johnson

D'Angelo was a big help with bringing up all the books to the department and helping me load up things from my office. Thank you so much for you help.

Christian Bennett

When I had a need in the English department Christian was absolutely professional, quick and went above and beyond to help. We appreciate you. Thank you for your help.

Elaine Yaw

Elaine is an amazing asset to our department. Any time there is a question or need Elaine is here that day to help. She's truly amazing at making herself available for any needs. Thank you.

Madalyn Schoonover

I needed EIU branded items for giveaways at an upcoming event and reached out the EIU Bookstore for help. Madalyn, with a professional & positive attitude, already had a plan in place for facilitating giveaways, created a custom "coupon" for me to distribute to attendees, and assisted in making sure the org transfer was ready to go when we I came in to finalize everything! It was like having a bookstore concierge! I will definitely be partnering with the Bookstore again for future events!

Bradley Green

To the man with all the answers. When I, or other staff members, have questions. Brad is the one we all run too. He literally knows everything, and everyone, EIU related. He makes my job so much less stressful, as I know I have a literal rock to rely on. Thank you, Brad, for being so amazing. I truly appreciate you and would be lost without you. 

Karla Drum

Thank you Karla - for always providing excellent service, and your willingness to go the extra mile.  You have saved me from realizing I've left things off a catering contract and helped me fix it (fairly last minute) and then reached out proactively when I make the same mistake. Your professionalism is truly appreciated, and your smile (even when you are overworked and stressed) is very much appreciated. Thanks for your "behind the scenes work" that makes all of us look better.

Jacqueline Janesku

Just a quick thank you to Jackie for all of her hard work! You have been a tremendous help this semester to all of the IDS students, as well as helping Undergrad Admissions with some recruiting! Congrats on winning the tailgate contest at Oakton Community College tailgate event!

Joshua Vicory

Thank you for going above and beyond in the union!! We appreciate you!

Ariel Taylor

Ariel, as the newest member of the SLO Team just wanted to say you are doing a GREAT JOB! In just a few short months you have had an impact and made a difference that has not gone unnoticed. You are a remarkable young professional at EIU with a bright future and more to come. Thank you for all of your hard work and contributions as a member of the SLO Team.

Attainea Toulon

Attainea, Thank You for all of your work and support throughout Fall when it mattered most - EIU Welcome Weekend, Family Weekend and Homecoming Week. The SLO is excited about the new Fall programming and have you to thank.  It is nice to know that the SLO students and programs are in good hands with you as a member of the SLO Team!

Alexandra Tserenova

Alex, just wanted to express my THANKS to you for all of your support and hard work shown during Fall 2023. Thanks for your contributions to the SLO Team when it was needed the most - Welcome Weekend, Family Weekend and Homecoming Week.  Thanks for all you do for EIU!

Taylor Comer

Taylor on behalf of the SLO would like to "Thank You" for going above and beyond and contributing to the overall success of the Student Life Office during- Welcome Weekend, Family Weekend and HC Week!  Glad to have you as a member of the Student Life Team! U-Rock!

Kristal Munoz

Kristal, On behalf of SLO wanted to express our sincerest thanks to you and student members of the EIU Homecoming 2023 Steering Committee for all of your planning and tireless work over the past year that led to a memorable EIU Homecoming Week 2023. 

Laurel Fuqua

Laurel You are simply the BEST! Thank you for your hard work and support throughout EIU Homecoming Week 2023! Thank you for all you do for EIU! 

Ensung Kim

Dr. Kim never fails to make my day better. She is always happy and encouraging. She just always has a smile on her face and I will always be grateful for her help and encouragement. Thank you so much Dr. Kim for being the best!

Kimberly Redfern

Kimberly has been a huge help for me this semester as my academic advisor! She has helped me to register for my courses, personally helped to get my textbooks for me, and been so patient with all my questions and her advice. Thank you so much Kimberly! I can never thank you enough :)

Jan Murphy Morgan

Jan has been instrumental in my courses this semester, and has been helping me get my life back on track this semester. Her courses are fantastically made for independent learning, and she has been so helpful with helping me through a difficult situation with my textbooks. I am taking these courses from South Africa, and unfortunately the postal service in South Africa is really slow, so Jan has been helping me to copy my textbook pages! She really has been going above and beyond as a professor!

Chadd Gaston

I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation to Chadd for helping me with my technology/computer then new laptop challenges over the past four weeks. Chadd has been extremely responsive, visiting multiple times, connecting remotely and being patient as I expressed my frustrations about the blue screen of doom, intermittent access to M drive and most recently inability to stay logged-on to Zoom or Teams. Now, things are working great. THANK YOU CHADD!!!!!

Hannah Fino

Miss Fino goes above and beyond for her students! She always brings in positive energy to the class and is always so helpful! - Love your favorite world of chemistry lab class 

Kelly Hart

Thank you for helping with all of Residence Hall Association's travel arrangements!  They were all successful events and we couldn't have done any of them without you!

Shari McKinney

Thank you, Shari, for all your help with Residence Hall Association's purchases for all of their events these past 6 weeks of classes. We couldn't have done anything without you so we are so grateful for you!

Steve Brantley

Steve, I appreciate how much time and energy you give to make EIU a better place. I can't even count how many active committees you are part of, which helps all of us in the long run. Thank you for all your work!!

R.J. Vanderwerf

A big shoutout and many thanks to R. J. Vanderwerf, who recovered my D2L course after it was accidentally deleted this fall!

Danny Gourley Fischer

Thank you for always being quick to respond to my requests, and for always looking to go a step beyond what I ask for!  It's evident that you care BOTH about the experience for the student as well as improving our internal practices.

Kacie Lang

Kacie, Thank you for all your hard work for Homecoming Weekend! 

Brandy Babb

Brandy, Thank you for all your hard work for Homecoming Weekend! 

Jude Norvor

Jude has done such a great job overhauling the old GSM and implementing thoughtful changes that make using the GSM faster and easier for all of us. Well done. 

Beth Harvey

An extra special shout out to Beth in the STEP Program!! She has done an excellent job of managing the program this semester and we appreciate ALL SHE DOES so very much!! Hang in there and know we are to help in any way we can!!

Amy Odwarka

Amy Odwarka should get a shoutout every day! She brings so much positivity and energy to EIU, she has become a campus celebrity. GET TO KNOW HER!

David Bell

Special thanks to Professor David Bell for his commitment and hard work in service to EIU and Booth Library! Mr. Bell David brings his experience to our students daily. David your efforts are seen and valued!

Jessica Bradford

Thank you, Jessica (Office Manager in World Languages), for the amazing work you do every single day! Your hard work, creativity, kindness and enthusiasm are an inspiration. And your "Panthers Royale" decorations for Deck the Halls are simply terrific!!! THANK YOU for being "ALL IN”!

David Smith

David Smith is one of the nicest and most helpful people I have ever met!  Thank you, David, for all that you do!!!

Drew Jacobs

DREW JACOBS THE VIDEO WIZARD!! Drew Created the single most viewed piece of social media content in the history of any EIU instagram account! Thanks for helping hype up Homecoming!

Michael Babcock

Thank you to Michael Babcock for revolutionizing EIU athletics Media Days! With your help our student athlete experience is on the rise! We couldn't have done it without you!

Cristine Shick

Thank you for assisting me and giving me direction. Cristine was very helpful when I was needing assistance with work related issues. Her positiveness and guidance has been very uplifting. Thank you for all you do here at EIU.  

Jessica Bradford

Always being positive, giving great direction and helping me when I was having a rough time with work. Thank you for guiding me in the right direction. Represents great work ethics. 

Catrina Stanley

Catrina is always willing to help anyway that she can. Even if she is swamped with her own projects. She is always willing to help with a smile on her face!

Ryan Boske-Cox

Thank you, Ryan, for editing the Student Handbook for us with lightning speed! Your assistance was deeply appreciated!

Maggie Burkhead

I would like to give a shoutout to Maggie and the other TRIO staff for putting on a great retreat this year! It was a privilege to be a part of this retreat! Keep up the good work!

 
 
 
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