PEOPLE OF EIU

 
 

CONNECTING THE PANTHER COMMUNITY

 
   
 
 

Welcome to the latest issue of People of EIU! I hope everyone had a wonderful Homecoming! It was great to see all of our students, employees, alumni and friends out showing their Panther Pride. 

Additionally, 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.

I hope to see you there, and as always, I encourage you to nominate an individual for a future issue of “People of EIU”, as well as consider submitting a staff Shout Out.

 
 
  
 
 

Jay Gatrell
President, Eastern Illinois University

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

People of EIU: October 2023

 
 
 

Chad Elliott

IT Manager for ITS at the Gregg Technology Center

 
 
  
 
 

Chad attended Boys State at EIU in 1992, when he fell in love with the campus and, as he puts it, “pretty much never left.” When he’s not spending time making sure all the equipment and behind-the-curtain techno-wizardry is ready and waiting to fulfill Gregg Technology Center’s faculty, staff, and student training and success initiatives, you might find Chad walking around campus—an activity he says is “always refreshing.

Chad attended high school in Bunker Hill, IL and currently lives in Decatur. He spends his free time enjoying anime, tabletop gaming, and immersing himself in British literature. When asked what makes EIU special, Chad shared that “EIU is a community, not just a University. The more we care about our neighbors [and each other] … the stronger we will be as a society.”

 
 
 
 
 

Diego Oliver

Sophomore, Corporate Communication, DB for EIU Football

 
 
  
 
 

Diego graduated from Kenwood Academy in Chicago before deciding to attend and play football for EIU. Diego is dedicated to family — in fact, he recently saw a Snap memory he shared that read "I want my Grammy to see me graduate college, that's my only goal." Though Diego lost his grandmother, she did witness him graduate high school, win a championship, and start his college journey at EIU. Because of that, Diego gives his all in the classroom and on the football field. In his spare time he enjoys swimming, water polo, playing chess, and drawing freehand.

He lists his personal interests as politics and giving back to others and the community. “With EIU being a smaller campus … you are afforded the opportunity to build relationships with professors and staff.  Having these kinds of relationships allows students to master the material being taught [and leads to] a higher percentage of students finding success in their classes.”

 
 

Jen Buchter

Associate Professor in the Department of Special Education

 
 
  
 
 

Jen is a seasoned American, having lived in California and Nevada before moving to Charleston to work at EIU. As a first-generation, non-traditional student, Jen’s work in higher education is aimed at supporting students who may need assistance to be successful navigating the higher ed system. She says her work on committees is probably some of her favorite times on campus, as she relishes the opportunity to join people outside her department while working to help others.

She admits there are many things she loves about EIU, which spans the support she receives from administration and the capacity to help others in the community—but most of all, she loves her colleagues. “EIU is a great fit for me and how I saw my professional trajectory. As a faculty member, I appreciate that my research and service is valued and supported. And EIU is committed to students!”

 
 
 
 
 

Don Holly

Chair & Professor of Anthropology

 
 
  
 
 

Don teaches a variety of Anthropology courses at EIU, but he’s an archaeologist by training and usually spends his summers excavating on the island of Newfoundland, Canada. Most of his research there focuses on understanding the history and culture of the Beothuk peoples of the island, as he is interested in the anthropology and archaeology of hunters and gatherers. Don graduated from Penn State and Brown University (Rhode Island) and brought his talents and family to Charleston in 2005. “I could tell EIU was special from the start…when my family moved here in 2005, the faculty in my department showed up to help us move into our new house. And in so many ways since then this community has been there for our family.

Don spends his weekends and free time traversing the ridges and ravines of Lake Charleston, Warbler Ridge, and Fox Ridge with his Newfoundland dog, Stella, and when he’s not out hiking, he enjoys craft beer, jazz, live music with friends, and quiet weekday mornings at Starbucks with quality reading material. 

 
 
 
NOMINATE A PERSON OF EIU!
 
 
 

Shoutouts - September 2023

R.J. Vanderwerf

Thank you, RJ, for being my "hero of the week" and stepping in to help with technological challenges during a difficult time. Your swift response and kind spirit were deeply appreciated!

Austin Schaefer

Austin came and fixed our classroom computer as soon as I called!

Jude Norvor

Jude always shows up with a smile and a ready-to-go attitude! Jude also updated our Global Site Manager - which was very old and very in need of an overhaul. The new version is much more user friendly and has new features that makes everyone's jobs easier. Thanks Jude!

Lucas Lower

Lucas has done an amazing job on making the EIU website much easier for everyone to update and look good! It was a big project to update our infrastructure, and he did a fabulous job!

Christy Kilgore

I'm always grateful when Christy is involved in a project. She is able to step back and find solutions that are so smart and just make sense.

Amanda Harvey

Amanda is a dedicated advisor who goes the extra mile for her students. She is an amazing person and asset to EIU.

Ryan Howard

Ryan always steps up and helps all students whether incoming or current. He is a team player in the Admissions Department- helping their staff and brainstorming ideas. He definitely "Bleeds Blue" wherever he goes.

Bobbi Kingery

Bobbi does a wonderful job collaborating with others on campus to ensure our students receive the best experience possible at EIU! She is a great team player and has all the resources readily available to help our students succeed at EIU and in the future. She is definitely "ALL IN".

Angie Hackett

Angie went above and beyond in walking me through the intricacies of selecting Benefits and making sure I did not miss important deadlines. Her expertise and helpfulness made my week!

Sandy Dryden

Thank you, Sandy, for helping me get all my IT permissions and questions taken care of!  You made the transition to IR much easier.  

James Baird

James has done an AMAZING job with our Fan Engagement and Game Day atmosphere! Last Saturday's game was phenomenal! THANK YOU JAMES! GO PANTHERS!

Michael Croslow

Huge thanks to Mike for coming to the rescue! I hadn't reviewed our catering contract closely enough, and didn't notice it didn't list the vegetarian option for our student meeting. Mike was kind enough to offer to work with his staff to quickly put together a plate of the awesome veggie wraps for our students. Mike's help exemplifies why I always appreciate working with Panther Catering!

Kaitlyn Standerfer

Kaity is always willing to help out students and faculty any time they need anything. On top of that, she always makes sure the Chemistry Stockroom and labs run smoothly. The CHEM dept is lucky to have her!

Amy Morris

Thank you to Amy for her dedication to helping our students. She listens, works to help them find solutions, and is focused on helping our students believe in themselves and achieve their goals. She definitely "bleeds blue" and represents the best that EIU has to offer our students and their families.

Jason Jacobs

Thanks to the EIU Painting shop for the extra work to get the football field ready for Saturdays game.  

Heather Crank

Shout out to Heather for organizing another great Study Abroad Fair! You kept us well organized and what a great turn out of students! Thank you for always being so kind and helpful to our fellow staff and faculty and of course to all our students! THANK YOU!

Angelo Siwecki-Wilder

Thank you, thank you, thank you for coming to the Open House on Saturday! Slowly but surely your presence with the Military Assistance Center has and will continue to make such an impact on campus for our new and continuing students. This is only the first step but thank you for taking it! 😊

Mercedes Kirby

Thank you SO MUCH for taking time out of your busy schedule to come to the Open House with us on Saturday and help welcome our new students! I hope you enjoyed the experience and will come with us again in the future!

Amanda Starwalt

Thank you for spending some time with us and the incoming Students and Families on Saturday at the Open House! I appreciate your advice and guidance with the presentation too! Here’s to a great upcoming year!

Catrina Stanley

Thank you for helping us advise new students and families at Open House on Saturday! I’m so glad you’re here to help pass along all your knowledge and tips to the next class of new students & families! Thank you thank you!

Laura Shute

Thank you for taking time out of your Saturday to assist our new students & families at Open House and helping us find the Veteran Services table! It was great having you there with us! Your experience and knowledge is invaluable!!!

Marsha Toner

Marsha, you are a SUPERSTAR!  I can't believe you worked on (and finished!) my project up until TWO MINUTES before your vacation started.  Wait, I DO believe that about you - that's the kind of colleague you are.  YOU ARE THE BEST! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Austin Schaefer

Shout out to Austin for all his help with the Suicide Prevention Conference here on campus! You have been a lifesaver.

Rita Pearson

There are not enough words to thank Rita for all she has done for me and this institution. You truly are the epitome of what it means to be "All In" for this institution and any student you come in contact with. We are looking forward to the 50th Annual Transfer Articulation Conference! I know how much work and effort it has taken for you to be prepared. Your efforts in the Transfer Relations Office and campus wide have not gone unnoticed. You truly are a valued and appreciated employee and friend. Thanks for everything. 

Shanae Coffey

Shanae, although you may shy away from the spotlight and stay behind the scenes, you are a crucial individual that this institution should be very appreciative of. With all the work you do in Processing to get students admitted, on top of the other duties that are asked of you, you truly are an inspiration to work with, a valued co-worker, and friend. Thanks for everything! 

Denise Lee

Denise, you go above and beyond for any student that is in need. You are knowledgeable on all things to keep the Admissions office running and assisting staff and faculty campus wide! You truly are an irreplaceable component to this institution. Thanks for everything you've done for me, and everyone else. It does not go unnoticed! 

R.J. Vanderwerf

RJ is a positive force at EIU. He is always looking for ways to make the University a better place for students, faculty, and staff.

Amy Odwarka

Amy, thank you for making so many valuable connections in your short time here! The students are better off for your efforts! 

Christina Jenkins

Tina, thank you for making my life and my students' lives easier! Keep up the good work. 

R.J. Vanderwerf

RJ is a major boon to the EIU community. You make my work life waaaayy easier friend. Please know you are appreciated. 

Kimberly Brookins

Kim is a fantastic benefit to Booth Library! She keeps the facility beautiful and clean for students and staff alike. I always notice when Kim has been through our building. Thank you! 

Sandra King

Sandy puts in countless hours at her job for EIU athletics. She uses her artistic gift to capture great photos and design graphic layouts to uplift EIU and the student athletes. Thanks Sandy for the great job you do!

Jill Bowers

Jill Bowers goes above and beyond to insure staff and students alike receive the help they need. Whether it’s projects that need completed to academic goals accomplished, Jill strives to make the EIU experience a memorable one all those that she encounters! Great job Jill!

Ramey Martin

Shout out to Ramey Martin for always being on top of whatever I need from her to help the work flow move forward.  Thank you Ramey!!!

Yun Sanders

Ms. Sanders is amazing! She's the friendly face you first see at the Army ROTC program and is always helping the cadets. She goes out of her way to make sure the cadets and cadre have what they need to be successful here at EIU! Way to go Ms. Sanders!

Eric Davidson

Shout out to Eric Davidson, for always offering kind words of encouragement and helping in any way he can.   THANK YOU!

Joshua Hunt

Joshua is an AMAZING BSW! The CDS department is always so clean and we really appreciate his hard work.

Alisa Gray

Alisa is an exemplary employee at EIU. She is organized, efficient, and highly intelligent. She has an incredible work ethic and consistently goes above and beyond for The Department of Human Services. We are so fortunate to get to work with her. Alisa - I cannot thank you enough for all that you do. 

Chadd Gaston

Chadd is always so helpful, kind, and responds in a timely manner. We are so lucky to have him in IT at EIU. Thank you for all that you do, Chadd!

 
 
 
SUBMIT A SHOUT OUT!