Robert "Joe" Taylor is the September Employee of the Month

Robert “Joe” Taylor, a stage foreman for Sangamon Auditorium, has been selected as the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for September 2017.

Taylor is one of the important behind the scenes leaders that makes sure that shows happen at Sangamon Auditorium. He works long hours and many weekends supervising crews and doing whatever it takes to make sure shows are ready.

“I believe Joe performs his job with the best possible outlook, the most positive manner, and in the best spirit of this university,” said a nominator. “I have never had anyone say an unkind word about Joe. He will bend over backwards to help anyone and everyone. He is always friendly and positive with all of the clients and with local groups and campus departments.”

Taylor has worked for Sangamon Auditorium for more than 30 years. He started in a part-time role and now works full-time for the auditorium. He has a passion for making sure shows are successful and all needs are met.

“He takes great pride in the work he does,” said a nominator. “He is kind and pleasant to all the staff and road show crews he works with and is always willing to assist with whatever you ask him to do, and he does it without complaining.”

Outside of his UIS employment, Taylor also works as a stage manager for the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, which performs at Sangamon Auditorium.

“Joe’s position is one that is never really mentioned or talked about on campus, but the shows happen because Joe is there to make sure that the details are taken care of,” said a nominator.

Jason Gibson is the August Employee of the Month

Jason Gibson, a building service supervisor for Facilities Scheduling Services, has been selected as the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for August 2017.

Gibson recently helped to coordinate a large office move in the Student Affairs Building (SAB) to make room for the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing. Under a tight deadline, Gibson and his team helped to relocate the offices previously located in SAB. They disassembled furniture, relocated it and helped the staff get adjusted to their new space.

“It was such a pleasure to work with (Jason),” said one of his nominators. “His patience, problem solving skills and willingness to be of assistance just went above and beyond for this extraordinary move. It was more than just doing his job. He had such a great attitude in what surely must have been a grueling three weeks.”

According to his other nominator, Gibson is known for going the extra mile to make sure projects and moves are accomplished on time. The nominator says he “puts a lot of thought into the best method to achieve the maximum results.”

“Jason is not only efficient and timely in his performance, but he is also courteous, helpful and caring towards his fellow employees and UIS students and visitors,” said the nominator.

Gibson’s nominators say he always demonstrates a positive attitude at work and is upbeat and truly cares about his work, even on days when he has large moves, such as commencement or taking surplus furniture downtown to the State of Illinois.

“Jason relates well to his fellow employees and treats everyone equally,” said a nominator. “I have seen him work with the campus community and he is calm and level headed even when things are difficult.”