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PEOPLE OF EIU

 
 

CONNECTING THE PANTHER COMMUNITY

 
   
 
 

Welcome to the November edition of People of EIU! As we get closer to Thanksgiving and the winter holidays, there’s so much happening on campus. You can stay updated on all EIU events through the University calendar, catch a performance at the Doudna Fine Arts Center, or explore exhibits at the Tarble Arts Center.

On November 11, EIU will honor Major Carlos C. Ogden — our only known Medal of Honor recipient — at a Veterans Day event in Old Main. We invite everyone to join us in recognizing his incredible service. You can also read about his legacy in this month’s People of EIU feature.

We were also saddened by the recent passing of Eastern’s 7th President, Dr. David L. Jorns. We honor his impactful contributions and celebrate his legacy, which lives on in the work we do every day. 

If you know a student or colleague whose commitment to EIU deserves a spotlight, consider nominating them for a future People of EIU feature or sending a Shout Out to recognize their dedication.

Thank you for all you do for EIU and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season! This is our last People of EIU edition for the fall semester, so we’ll see you again in January 2025 to continue this journey together.

 
 
  
 
 

Jay Gatrell
President, Eastern Illinois University

 
 
 
 
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PEOPLE OF EIU ARCHIVE
 
 
 
 

People of EIU: November 2024

 
 
 

Major Carlos C. Ogden

EIU Alumnus, Special Veterans Day Feature

EIU’s only known Medal of Honor recipient, Major Carlos C. Ogden, was born May 9, 1917, and raised in Fairmount, Illinois by his parents, Ray and Myrtle Ogden. He had two younger siblings, a sister named June and a brother, Robert. After high school, Ogden attended Eastern Illinois University, where he was a standout on the Panthers’ football and basketball teams in the late 1930s. By the spring of 1941, as the threat of World War II loomed, Ogden was drafted into the Army. 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Photo courtesy of  The Keep

 
 
 

While commanding an infantry company near Cherbourg, France, on the morning of June 25, 1944 , Ogden single-handedly eliminated one heavy enemy gun and two machine gun emplacements aimed at his command. Despite being seriously wounded in the process, Ogden did not stop until he accomplished his mission. The Presidential Citation awarded to him in conjunction with the Medal of Honor noted Ogden’s “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity involving risk of life above and beyond the call of duty." Ogden remained in the Army for two more years, reaching the rank of major before leaving the service in 1947.

After the war, Ogden married Louise Sanford, with whom he had four sons. Ogden spent much of his post-war life participating in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and a variety of youth sports leagues, but never forgot his military roots. In 1956, he went to France as a member of the official U.S. delegation to attend the dedication of the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. Two years later, at the invitation of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, he served as an honorary pallbearer at the internment of the World War II and Korea Unknown service members at Arlington National Cemetery. Ogden was also invited in 1964 to serve as one of 15 people from the U.S. to attend France’s 20th anniversary commemoration of the Invasion of Normandy.

Ogden died on April 2, 2001, in Palo Alto, California, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. He was posthumously recognized as a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient by the EIU Alumni Association in 2004, being represented at the ceremony by his wife Louise.

 
 
 
 
 

Jenna Gove

Assistant Professor of Costume Design, Department of Theatre

 
 
  
 
 

Jenna Gove is an Assistant Professor of Costume Design in EIU's Department of Theatre. Though her office is officially listed as Doudna 2047, most of the time she can be found in the Doudna costume shop. Hailing from Rolla, Missouri, Jenna loves getting to know her students in the costume shop and watching them mastering a new sewing skill or tackling a difficult project with confidence. "It's incredibly rewarding to teach hands-on skills that can be immediately applied in the creation of our department's plays and musicals," she said. In her spare time, Jenna loves gardening, baking, sewing for her nieces and nephews, rewatching her "comfort shows," going to concerts and sporting events with her husband, and taking couch naps with her puppy, Toby. 

"I also love taking little mental health walks around campus...it's so beautiful, and seeing all the members of our EIU community out and about helps me clear my mind and put my day into perspective." When asked what makes EIU special, Jenna shared "EIU is an incredible place with hard-working, imaginative, inspiring students. I've only been a part of the community for a short time but already it feels like home. I'm looking forward to many more years of teaching, learning, and creating at EIU!"

 
 
 
 
 

Michelle Morgan

Assistant to the Dean in the
College of Health and Human Services

 
 
  
 
 

Michelle Morgan is currently Assistant to the Dean in the College of Health and Human Services in Klehm Hall … but she has a long history with EIU. She’s worked in the Human Services Department through a handful of its iterations and name changes, as well as in the current School of Family and Consumer Sciences, where she began her EIU career in 1995 when it was called the School of Home Economics. Suffice it to say, she has broad knowledge of EIU and is invested in its success at every level. She is a representative and current President of EIU’s Civil Service Council and a founding member of its Scholarship Committee, which created an endowed scholarship with the EIU Foundation. She’s also served on EIU Staff Senate and the Council of University Planning and Budget. She is currently finishing up a Master of Science degree in Political Science, Public Administration and Public Policy option at her alma mater after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from EIU in 2018.

Michelle grew up in Oakland, Illinois and is a graduate of Oakland High School. “When I came to EIU 29-plus years ago, the first thing I noticed was the supportive faculty, staff, and administration. The work we all do changes lives and opens a world of opportunities for students. As a student, I was inspired and encouraged to hold on to my passions so that I could hopefully make a difference in society. As an employee, the University offered me an outstanding education to help me achieve greater things.” For that reason, Michelle says she strives to make EIU a better place and to be a positive role model EIU students can look up to. When not strolling around campus and attending EIU sporting events, she enjoys watching sports of all types, working out, and spending time with her family and friends. “I have met some really great people here, some are friends for life now. EIU is a pretty great place to be!”

 
 

Yaczirin Avila

Senior Construction Management Major

 
 
  
 
 

You might say Yaczirin Avila is “in the business of building a future career”—a little play on words for the senior Construction Management major with a Business Administration minor. From Chicago, Yaczirin says she was worried that being a transfer student might limit her engagement at EIU, but she quickly discovered that her EIU experience is giving her a lifetime of memorable moments. “I’ve had interactions with some great professors, made amazing memories with friends, and have gained such great opportunities as well. I’m very grateful for my time here at EIU and how welcoming it has been to me since day one.” She lists doing homework and being social in different spots across campus as a plus—“we pick different building lounge areas, outdoors areas, or any unique setting that can motivate us to lock in on homework or catch up with one another.” 

When not on her academic grind, Yaczirin loves to go thrifting and attend local community events such as farmers’ markets and Small Business on the Square. “You hear it too often, but EIU really is a hidden gem. The saying ‘the world is your oyster’ applies to EIU, because ‘EIU is your oyster.’ I was able to make my two years here at EIU memorable in a short time…and so can anyone else!”

 
 
 
 
 

Angela Vietto

Chair, Department of English

 
 
  
 
 

Angela Vietto is Chair of the Department of English, headquartered in Coleman Hall. A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she loves and advocates for the entire English faculty, who she says are talented writers and scholars and amazingly dedicated teachers. “It's a privilege to be part of this team,” she added. When asked what she loves to do on campus and in the community, Angela shares that she enjoys playing one Saturday a month with the Charleston Scrabble Club. 

“Our Club has included many EIU faculty and students over the years and is led by a world-ranking Scrabble player!” (If that sounds intriguing, she wants to use this opportunity to tell anyone interested to drop her a line and she'll get you in touch with the group’s director). “I'm happy to be part of a long tradition of making the highest quality higher education not just available but accessible for an amazing group of students,” she said. “It’s important to let prospective students know they can get the same quality of education at EIU as they can at a larger school for less money and with more personal attention. That makes EIU a great place to learn and grow—and also provides a wise beginning to a lifetime of smart financial choices.”

 
 
 
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Shoutouts - October 2024

 
 

Anna Nelson

Congratulations on your one year work anniversary! You have brought a youthful outlook to our public relations side of the library and you are a welcome addition to our team!

Lynze Greenwood

Shout out to Lynze for making sure our scholarships system was ready to go this year! Thank you for helping me get the last puzzle pieces together with the scholarship cycle. I appreciate your willingness to help out and dive in! Thank you! 

Abby Zoch

Shout out to Abby for making sure our scholarships system was ready to go this year! Thank you for always being so willing to help out, even with the craziest requests I have with the scholarship system. If it weren't for you, I'd be losing my mind right now! Thank you! 

Christy Kilgore

Thanks for your work publicizing and implementing the Formula 1 watch party at Doudna -- that was one of the best race experiences I've had. What a great event; I hope we can continue (and build on) this tradition!

Jay Gatrell

Thank you for organizing the F1 watch party at Doudna -- what a great day! I hope we can keep this tradition going and keep building campus and community involvement. It was a great idea to make this happen, and I appreciate the effort of everyone involved. Hat tip to the Latin American Student Organization and Alpha Psi Lambda as well!

Conor Baltz

Thank you, Conor and staff, for the use of Doudna for the Formula 1 watch party on October 27th; what a great event! I'm grateful that you were willing to come in on your day off and allow us to use the facility, and I'm hopeful we can do it again. That was incredibly fun!

Mike Goble

HUGE SHOUT OUT to BSW Mike Goble. Cannot thank you enough for magically taking care of things while we are out of the office. Appreciate all you do! Thank you so much!!

Jessica Cobert

Jessica and the entire Counseling Clinic staff deserve a huge thank you from our campus, and our support. Thank you all for working tirelessly to help our students work toward and maintain positive mental health. The staff makes a difference every single day in the lives of many students, thereby positively impacting those of us who work on campus as we strive to serve our student body. EIU is fortunate to have such a skilled, empathetic and dedicated counseling staff. Please know that your work is noticed and appreciated.

Christopher Cougill

Chris addressed the CLAS chairs recently. His demeanor was so open and enthusiastic. He has cheerfully helped me at least twice since then and I am very grateful. Good hire, Michael!!

Dennis Malak

Many thanks to Dennis Malak and his staff, who carved time out of their weekend to accommodate a tour of the Doudna for a small group of Theatre Alumni. It was genuinely appreciated, and the group loved reconnecting with their beloved spaces and comparing the old facility with the new. Dennis is an extraordinary asset for the DFAC.

Christian Bennett

Christian was EXTREMELY helpful with an IT issue and got us back up and running in a timely manner. Thank you for assistance and dedication to our students and staff. Greatly appreciated.

Mark Hudson

Mark, thank you for your willingness to brainstorm and be a positive force throughout any challenge or obstacle. Your dedication, service and devotion to EIU is exemplary. You are truly valued and genuinely appreciated.

Heidi Hawkins

Thank you for assisting the HR staff. Your guidance and expertise were helpful and deeply appreciated.

Alexandria Thomas

I want to give a shout out to Alexandria Thomas for being a massive help in HR in getting a big project completed and giving her time to the department to get the project finished.

Christy Hooser

Thank you Dr. Hooser for all you do for the College of Education. You always go above and beyond the call of duty. Words cannot express our appreciation. We are so fortunate to have someone who cares about the university, programs and students.

Jill Bowers

Jill has gone above and beyond not only for the Department of Human Services as an acting Department Chair, but for the entire College of Health and Human Services. Her excellent leadership and communication skills have proven to be key for our College's success. She is constantly working on how to better courses and collaborating with departments to set our students up for success. She supports faculty/staff ideas and professional development goals. Jill's integrity, presence, innovation, and commitment to EIU is why she deserves this shout out!

Oluwakunmi Eholo

I wanted to give a Shout Out to both Alex and Kunmi in HR for stepping up and giving me help with a massive project giving their time and attention fully to the department.

Jessica Hills

¡Muchas gracias! To our super office manager Jessica who did such a fabulous job coordinating our homecoming decorations. Thanks to Jessica's creativity and craftiness we won a prize in the office decorating contest. Jessica, it is inspiring to work with someone like you who always goes "above-and-beyond!"

Joy Rainey

Thanks to Joy for moving into our department and helping all of us get what we need throughout the process.

Diana Taylor

Thanks to the Bobbi and Diana at Career Services for meeting with my students after they did their Focus2 assessments for my ENG 1000's Career Exploration Paper. They do outstanding work. More first-year students need to use the resources at Career Services.

Ngozi Onuora

Dr. Onuora is our new department chair in Teaching, Learning, and Foundations. We are thrilled she is here! She brings a fresh perspective and infectious positivity to the department. She is always ready to listen and support the efforts of faculty and staff. Thank you, Dr. Onuora, for your hard work!

Bobbi Kingery

Thanks to the Bobbi and Diana at Career Services for meeting with my students after they did their Focus2 assessments for my ENG 1000's Career Exploration Paper. They do outstanding work. More first-year students need to use the resources at Career Services.

Darren Donaldson

Darren does amazing work! We could not get the scholarship plaques on our wall, due to them being discontinued from the company we previously ordered them from. Darren made them. They look just like the previously ordered plaques! Then he drilled and inserted uncountable name plates and screws into them, so they are lined up just like the old ones. He is the best!

Koty Gough

Thanks so much for all of your hard work that went into making Homecoming such an engaging experience for our alumni and donors. It was an amazing weekend of activities that our alumni are still talking about!

Amber May

Thanks so much for all of your hard work that went into making Homecoming such an engaging experience for our alumni and donors. It was an amazing weekend of activities that our alumni are still talking about!

Jurnee Evans

Jurnee is a beacon of resilience and is such a positive example for our students. Students always feel welcome sharing with them because they are so relatable and accepting. They bring a lot of knowledge to the OAA that we would be lost without. There are so many students that rely on them and they never fail to provide support. Thank you for all of your hard work, Jurnee. You are more important than you know.

Brandy Verdin

Brandy is such a knowledgeable, flexible, helpful human being. She does so much for her departments, and still finds the time to make all of her collogues feel welcome. She is so caring and passionate about the success of our students - it's very admirable. Thank you, Brandi, for everything that you do! You've created such a friendly environment at this university!

Ngozi Onuora

This shout out for Dr. Onuora comes too late and does not adequately describe what she has brought to the Teaching, Learning, and Foundations department since she arrived as our new chair! She is consistently working to make sure the systems in the department are consistent and transparent, and she somehow does even the messiest of tasks with a smile. We are so lucky to have her with us!

Megan Wise

Thank you for stepping up and helping with the health fair for the Bridges Schools and for encouraging the students in your classes to volunteer.

Justin Tierney

I just want to take a moment to recognize Justin for his unwavering dedication to student success at EIU. From the very first contact with prospective students to celebrating their graduation, he consistently juggles the demands and data of what feels like a million different constituents. Despite the challenges, Justin always stays focused on what truly matters—doing what's best for the students. His commitment to our values and to putting students first truly embodies what we stand for at Eastern Illinois University.

R.J. Vanderwerf

Jumped right in with a positive solution to improve an important process. He is always very responsive which is appreciated!

Alisa Gray

Thank you for the help late Friday afternoon!

Brad Bennington

Huge shout out to Brad for putting the student first whenever possible, and helping us out with all kinds of ... interesting ... situations.

Edward Taylor

Thanks for giving the Life Sciences bridgeway a major make-over. It looks great!!

Chris Carter

Thanks for giving the Life Sciences bridgeway a major make-over. It looks great!!

Jeremy Clark

Shout out to Jeremy! Always helpful!

Ryan Osborne

I'm glad I get to work with such a great Team member!

Laura Shute

Thank you for being a great Teammate!

David Smith

HUGE shoutout to David Smith! Every time I have a technology related issue, which is a lot, he is always right there solving the issue. Even urgent matters, David is right there solving them within minutes. He has helped me out so many times I have lost track. Thank you so much David for all that you do and keeping individuals like me on track!

Lynze Greenwood

Lynze is an exceptional member of the Financial Aid crew, she is always willing to go above and beyond her responsibilities to provide our students with the best help. Lynze is constantly learning new skills while cultivating the knowledge she already has. Thank you for all that you do!

Diane Highland

Always there, always doing, always creative, always taking care of, always happy to help. Thank you for all you do ... always.

Mechelle Cohoon

Mechelle has been instrumental in the tuition waiver process ... her help, knowledge, and patience are MUCH appreciated!! Thank you so much, Mechelle!

Le Thanh Truc Phan

Thank you for jumping right into any task that is needed and handling it without any issues.

Macy Lux

You handled the remote sale at the Homecoming Game, like you had been doing it for years.

Erica Niemann

A big thank you for handling the many tasks that do for the Bookstore.

Isabella Nantes

I appreciate the way you have stepped up by taking charge of the Social Media for the Bookstore.

Gregory Green-Bryant

A Big Thank you for the handling the Bookstore and all of the prep for Homecoming.

Rhonda Bence

Rhonda is always so helpful and exhibits great customer service. Thank you, Rhonda!

Arlene Brown

Thank you for all you do for EIU! You are a rock star!

Ke'an Armstrong

Thank you for all you do for EIU. You are a rock Star!

Christy Kilgore

Special Thanks Christy Kilgore and the MARCOM Team for all your work and support in making EIU Homecoming Week 2024 a memorable week of showcasing EIU School Spirit and Pride at its' BEST! Thanks for All You Do for the Student Life Office at EIU.

Chad Franks

BIG Thanks Chad Franks for all your work, time and attention in the coordination of the Saddle Up Panthers marketing campaign for EIU Homecoming Week 2024. The HC Marketing played a major role in the overall success of EIU Homecoming Week 2024. Thanks for All You Do for EIU!

Nikki Hillier

Nikki, I so appreciate the way you care about our students, and put their best interests first. It means a great deal to students and their parents to know that we are dedicated to helping students find the path forward that is the best one for them, and that we are there to support them through the decision making process.

Michelle Morgan

Michelle! Thank you so much for all creative hard work making the CHHS tent so much fun. You and Janet did a fantastic job again this year!

Janet Fopay

Janet! We so appreciate all the hard work you and Michelle put in to making the CHHS HoCo tent a fun time for all!

Laurel Fuqua

Special Thanks to Laurel Fuqua for always going above and beyond for EIU! Your school spirit, dedication and contributions played a major role in the overall success of EIU Homecoming Week 2024. So glad to have you on the SLO Team!

Ceci Brinker

Shoutout to Ceci, Laurel and their crew for what might go down in EIU history as one of the best homecoming celebrations EVER!!!! Thank you for all that you guys do to keep our students engaged and True Blue!

Laurel Fuqua

Shoutout to Laurel, Ceci and their crew for what might go down in EIU history as one of the best homecoming celebrations EVER!!!! Thank you for all that you guys do to keep our students engaged and True Blue!

Justus Lopresto-Jackson

Justus has been an amazing grad assistant in the Housing and Dining area. He has done an amazing job assisting our students in need, and handles each case he receives with such care and enthusiasm. You are truly an amazing asset to the university and our students, Justus!

Megan Morecraft

Megan has been a phenomenal graduate student in the Dean of Students Office! She has exceeded our expectations as a graduate student, and has even taken on roles to assist in other areas across campus. Megan has taken on all kinds of cases that are seen by the Dean of Students office and has dealt with each of them with such care, and professionalism. On top of being a grad assistant in our office, Megan has enthusiastically assisted other offices underneath the Dean of Students umbrella and has always been ready and willing to help wherever she can. She is truly a great asset to our office, and the university as a whole! We are so lucky to have her!

Allison Cooke

Allison has been a huge asset to the Interpersonal Violence Awareness Team this semester! She created the calendar of events for Domestic Violence Awareness month and has been helping with creating social media content. Thank you for all your help!

Sarah Jacobs

A huge THANK YOU to Sarah for all her work as co-chair of the Interpersonal Violence Awareness Team! From tabling, organizing events, and helping with social media posts, you're hard work is noticed and appreciated!

Jessica Cobert

Jessica has been doing an awesome job as co-chair of the Interpersonal Violence Awareness Team, especially as we kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month! Big shoutout for the Instagram posts and all the help with organizing events this month!

Natasha Koenig

I want to take a moment to thank Natasha for holding down the fort and running FSL recruitment during my absence! She's been a wonderful addition to the OLE staff and DOS team!

Tracy Schmitt

For all your hard work so far & for having the wittiest sense of humor! You're appreciated!

Amanda Harmon

Amanda thank you for your assistance with everyday issues that come up! Your knowledge and kindness are greatly appreciated. We could not do what we do without you - THANK YOU!

Kyle Cody

Thank you for facilitating our class visit to the booth library's communication and research support services. Looking forward to our collaboration to support SOT students with their additive manufacturing projects.

Juli Bishop

Juli is always so kind, helpful and quick to assist an any way possible to help our students and staff with any issues that come up. Thank you for all you do everyday!

Kim Pope

Kim goes above and beyond representing our AFSCME Local 981 Union Members and THANK YOU is not enough for all you do. You show the same dedication in all things you do here at EIU and it does not go unnoticed. Again - THANK YOU!

Bonnie Laughlin-Schultz

Thank you so much for your work in arranging and seeing through the teacher workshop and Riccio lecture for the History Department! You are a huge asset to the department and EIU. You rock!

Makayla McPhedran

Huge shout out to Makayla in Purchasing for her assistance with my first time doing a Purchase Agreement. I really appreciate your help and patience!

Jennifer Spracklen

Thank you so much for your patience and guidance with my many, many travel related questions! You rock!

 
 
 
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