PEOPLE OF EIU

 
 

CONNECTING THE PANTHER COMMUNITY

 
   
 
 

Welcome to the latest issue of People of EIU! With a successful Fall 2023 semester behind us, I look very forward to the work we can accomplish together in the Spring 2024 semester and the entire calendar year ahead. I thank you for all you do for EIU — including your countless contributions and your passion for our University.

Once again, I encourage you to continue nominating individuals for future People of EIU issues, as well as to keep submitting staff Shout Outs. It’s important to recognize the work of our colleagues in cooperatively fulfilling EIU’s mission and delivering on our promise to create impactful global citizens and future leaders.

Finally, as a reminder, I would like to invite you to the EIU Spring Update, scheduled for Wednesday, January 24. If your schedule allows, coffee and donuts will be served starting at 8 a.m. in the Doudna Fine Arts Center Concourse with the update following at 8:30 a.m. in the Dvorak Concert Hall. If you can’t make it in person, you can watch the livestream here (thanks to WEIU!).

With appreciation,

 
 
  
 
 

Jay Gatrell
President, Eastern Illinois University

 
 
 
 
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PEOPLE OF EIU ARCHIVE
 
 
 
 

People of EIU: January 2024

 
 
 

Jeremy Alexander

Associate Director of Administration & Residential Life

 
 
  
 
 

Jeremy Alexander is EIU’s Associate Director of Administration and Residential Life for University Housing and Dining Services, and amongst other things has been a leader in the creation and implementation of Plan 2028. While his office is in the lower level of the MLK Jr. Union, employees and students typically see Jeremy as he performs his duties across campus making sure EIU’s students enjoy the comforts of EIU’s housing and dining experience. Originally from Montego Bay, Jamaica, Jeremy shared that while a career in higher education wasn’t initially on his radar, EIU has become a home where he’s met some of his closest friends and family. “I love this place!” An avid cyclist, Jeremy also confesses a routine fascination with the Summer Olympics, so he’s excited about the upcoming games in Paris. “EIU is a place where our people are committed to the success of our students and staff. People here are invested in you.”

 
 
 
 
 

Mark Kattenbraker

Department Chair, Kinesiology, Sport & Recreation

 
 
  
 
 

Mark Kattenbraker is the Department Chair of EIU’s Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation Department in the Lantz building. Mark has served on a wide variety of search committees both as chair and committee member, and has contributed to various EIU planning committees. Like Popeye’s creator Elzie Crisler Segar, Mark’s hometown is Chester, Illinois—near the Mississippi River—but he decided to cross the state to attend EIU. EIU was an excellent choice for several reasons—not the least of which was meeting his wife of 21 years, Colleen Kattenbraker, while Mark was a graduate student here. “I value greatly the long-standing personal relationships with multiple EIU faculty and staff, and I truly do feel the genuine affinity for EIU and its students that so many people who work here possess.” When Mark chooses to “recreate” on a personal instead of professional level, he enjoys hunting, competitive bass fishing, home repair/remodeling, and auto mechanics & repair.

 
 

Alicia Neal

Director of Bands & Professor of Music

 
 
  
 
 

Alicia Neal is EIU’s Director of Bands and Professor of Music. When she’s not conducting one of EIU’s bands, you might find her in her office at Doudna Fine Arts Center helping students or serving as a member of Faculty Senate. A native of suburban Houston, Alicia also has lived in Boulder, Colorado; Evanston, Illinois; and Minneapolis, Minnesota. “I love my music department colleagues for their teaching abilities and their outstanding musicianship. I am proud of the hard work we do to help our students succeed and the way we continue to support them after they graduate.” Alicia’s hobbies include coaching youth soccer, cooking, exploring the world of craft beers, and shuttling her daughters to their myriad after-school activities. “I love being a part of the larger, vibrant faculty community. EIU provides a unique college experience to our students through personal connection, and the faculty, support staff, and university administration truly have the best interests of the students in mind. I sincerely love teaching at EIU.”

 
 
 
 
 

Olivia Price

Exercise Physiology Graduate Student & Panther Softball Player

 
 
  
 
 

Olivia Price graduated from Warren East High School in Bowling Green, Kentucky before coming to Eastern Illinois University as a student-athlete on the Panthers’ softball squad. She is currently a graduate student in Exercise Physiology, a varsity student-athlete (softball) and a representative for the Softball Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Olivia says that EIU has provided her with the opportunity to meet a lot of people she would not normally have gotten to meet on her own—all while playing the sport she loves with her wonderful teammates and getting to make history for EIU and its softball program. Naturally, Olivia says she really enjoys attending other athletic events with her teammates and roommate, as well as helping young softball players foster their love for the game. Advice for EIU’s current or prospective students? Olivia’s got it—she says EIU’s hometown atmosphere and small class sizes create an environment that is very welcoming to Eastern’s diverse student and staff population. Everyone is willing to lend a hand in times of need and will direct you onto the right path for success. 

 
 
 
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Shoutouts - December 2023

 
 

Kevin Hardwick

Kevin has saved the second shift electric shop more than once over the last year, just 2 weeks ago I was locating for the project at the REC. When I completed the locate I returned to a dead van. So once again I called Kevin to ask for his assistance of course his shift had ended and he was at home. Like ALWAYS Kevin came in to get me going. EIU should be very proud to have a AWESOME MECHANIC working on our outdated vehicles. 

Debora Timmons

Thank you Debbie for your hard work and staying late to help with the implementation of new mail system. 

Keith Stanley

Thank you Keith for hard work and positive attitude after implementation of new mailing system. 

Nicholas Fonseca

Nick shows amazing patience with my endless questions for scheduling and building courses! Thanks for all your help! You are awesome!

Nicole Brooks

Thank you so much for working with me on one of our GA's travel voucher! Your hard work and dedication to your job went above and beyond!! Thanks again and Happy Holidays!

Kirstin Duffin

Thank you, Kirsten, for going above and beyond this past semester. On top of your normal duties, you took on the role of Acting Head of Circulation Services. It hasn't always been easy, but you have done a wonderful job. Thank you again for your hard work and dedication.

Denise Adducci

Thank you Denise, for all you do. I can count on you anytime I need help. Your help, and your willingness to go above and beyond is much appreciated!

Janice Derr

Thanks to Janice for arranging the library's access to the New York Times. It was a complicated process that involved much hard work and persistence. The New York Times subscription is a great addition to the library’s collection and will be a valuable resource for students, faculty, and staff.

Elaine Yaw

A big shoutout to Elaine for her outstanding contribution and exemplary work! I want to take a moment to recognize and appreciate the incredible effort and dedication she has shown.

Elaine has demonstrated a remarkable level of communication, teamwork, and knowledge that has not only met but exceeded our expectations. Her commitment to excellence and the ability to respond quickly and accurately has truly had a positive impact on our department and the campus.

Thank you, Elaine, for going above and beyond. Your hard work and enthusiasm have not gone unnoticed. We're fortunate to have you bleed blue for EIU. Keep up the fantastic work!

David Smith

David Smith is AWESOME!!! One of the most helpful people I have ever met! Thank you, David, for always being there when we need you, and doing so with a great attitude--it is a pleasure to work with you!!!

Jessica Bradford

Our Office Manager Jessica Hills (Bradford) has once again made our main office and hallway beautiful with seasonal decorations that incorporate student contributions in the world languages we teach. Thank you for all of the community-building you do for us in World Languages & Cultures! I am grateful that you can't help yourself but to go "above and beyond" always! 

James Guymon

Jim found a Dining Student Employees paper check in the parking lot and turned it into our Dining Office. I'm sure it was the students Christmas money! Thank you, Jim! Happy Holidays to you and your family!

Mallorie Fonseca

Mallorie always goes above and beyond for the students! She is an asset to the financial aid office. Thank you for being such a wonderful person. 

Carrie Gossett

Thank you, Carrie, for staying a bit late on Friday to help one of the directors settle into her new office! You are always willing to lend a hand. We appreciate you!

Brandy Babb

There were a lot of catering events on campus last week, and Brandy was working all of them that I attended. She is always so professional, and she has a contagious smile and wonderful work ethic. Thank you you for all that you do, Brandy! 

Nathan Brown

Thank you for bringing the tables and chairs for the v-ball event in Lantz. You always go above and beyond, and your support of KSR and EIU Athletics is so appreciated. Thank you, Nate.

Carol Dhom

Thank you for all that you do for KSR and CHHS, Carol. Your leadership is so very appreciated, and your acts of kindness make a lot of people smile. Thank you for organizing the volleyball event. It was the best popcorn most of us had ever tasted. You are the best!

Bonita Flynn

Bonita recently did some printing for me, I could not be happier with the speed and customer service. 

Thank you again !

Benjamen Rienbolt

Ben takes on the monumental task of tirelessly planning the many events that OISS sponsors, including the upcoming new student orientation week. His positive attitude and irreplaceable relationship with are international student population is a key to the success of that office!

Bonita Flynn

Thank you, Bonita, for all your help with Housing and Dining Marketing! I appreciate you, and will miss working and chatting with you!!

Christy Kilgore

Shoutout to Christy for orchestrating the awesome Santa Billy setup/photo op at the Old Main Holiday event, it was a nice addition!

Keri Marti

Keri is the heart of Student Insurance and has worked so hard to learn everything she can to make the office run smoothly for all students & staff. You are very much appreciated, Keri!

Emily Crandall

In Emily's short time here at EIU, she has grasped on quickly to everything and she's always so kind! EIU is lucky to have her!

Barnabas Omulokoli

Barnabas is always willing to help all staff and students when it comes to evaluating their transcripts. He definitely Bleeds Blue for EIU!

Randy Hebron

What a way to start your career at EIU Randy! Thanks for all your great energy and enthusiasm. Thanks for diving into the work head first and making a big splash! The library is a better place for your efforts. 

Blake Bonnstetter

Blake always knows how to get the job done!

This past weekend in a very high pressure situation/problem Blake remained calmed and fixed the issue when nobody else could!

Without Blake I honestly don't know how our department would function! He is our Glue Guy!

Lisa Guymon

Thank you, Lisa, for your excellent work and customer service! We are so lucky that you work in the food court! I've watched you with the food court student employees. You are always patient and you do an excellent job of training them.

Holly Dust

Holly's commitment to her students' well-being is amazing. She goes above and beyond to ensure her students are cared for and connected to resources. 

Nathan Brown

Huge shout out to Nate Brown for going above and beyond to find a stand up desk for my office and make a crank for it! I appreciate all the hard work he does for EIU and knowing how busy he and his crew are, it meant a lot that he took the time to do this :)

Elizabeth Kastl

Huge shout out to Beth Kastl for doing the work of at least two people all while making the Academic Advising office a welcoming and happy place to be at EIU! You always go the extra mile to help students and let them know that they are important. EIU is lucky to have you! :)

Juli Bishop

Juli has done such a great job learning the job of admissions officer for the graduate school in a short six months! With little cross-training, Juli has shown her tenacity and dedication to making sure she was doing her best in her new position. She's a cheerful and fun coworker and has been a great addition to the staff.

Lana Beasley

Always upbeat and ready to help, Lana is the heart of the graduate school. Her exceptional patience and understanding (both of the graduate school and of the people needing her help) make her invaluable to the day to day function of the office. We're so grateful to have her as a coworker!

Dana Stodden

Dana is always willing to help out and answer all of my questions at any time. She is the true definition of a team player.

 
 
 
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