August EOM is Donna Schaub

Dr. Margot Duley, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, called it the "worst kept secret," but although Donna Schaub had been tipped off, she was still thrilled to be celebrated as the August 2008 Employee of the Month.

Donna, who works as the assistant to the dean in the College of LAS, was named Employee of the Month during her "surprise" party on Tuesday afternoon in the Public Affairs Center Restaurant.

"I can't think of anyone who deserves this honor more," Margot said. "I can't tell you the number of people who wrote supportive letters and made supportive comments, so it really is a collective nomination."

Margot noted the tremendous range of duties Donna completes, scheduling more than 500 courses a semester, taking care of faculty appointments in the largest college at UIS and supervising all of the civil service staff in the college.

"The thing that everyone enjoys about Donna is her unfailing good humor, her comprehensive knowledge of university regulations and her general groundedness," she said. "She is an extraordinary human being to work with."

What stands out most, however, is the "incredible role she plays in cementing us all together as a team," Margot said.

"Her office is the prime screen closet for every frustration, her humor and calmness get us on an even keel, and she plays the role of the college Dear Abby, giving advice about life and romance," Margot laughed. "But that's not all. She is the dispenser of candy and treats. And then finally, she is a fountainhead of trivia of Cardinals baseball. And she does all of this and more against background of constant interruption."

The College presented Donna with a gift of mini Cardinals baseball bat, and she expressed her gratitude for the nomination.

"Thank you for this honor. I love working here and I work with the best people; they have been supportive and so strong for me in these past years which haven't been so good (personally)," she said. "This really means a lot to me. I appreciate all of you."

Alice Bettis is July EOM

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Alice Bettis was overcome with emotion as she stepped into the Public Affairs Center area of rooms C and D on Tuesday morning, August 19.

"I just don't know what to say," she said with surprise and gratitude.

Alice was greeted with cheers from her family and fellow UIS employees as she was honored as Employee of the Month for July 2008. Alice is an Administrative Aide for Sangamon Auditorium.

At first, the surprise was on the party-goers as Alice walked in through the wrong door, but the gathered crowd quickly recovered and showered her with applause and hugs.

"None more deserving, hardworking, honest and loyal; I can't tell you all the reasons why you deserve this," said Alice's supervisor Bob Vaughn, director of Sangamon Auditorium. "But let me assure you, you deserve every bit of this. I certainly appreciate every day that you're here. Congratulations."

Alice accepted her award with her children and grandchildren by her side, and tears in her eyes.

"I remember when I first started working here and seeing emails come around about Employee of the Month and thinking, 'those people are just in a class of their own to be selected by their peers'," she said. "I'm humbled and honored. Thank you so much."