Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Connie Komnick named the UIS Employee of the Month for February 2020

Connie Komnick has been named the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for February 2020. She is the assistant director of the UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center.

Komnick’s supervisor says she values the mission of the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center, as well as the people she engages with, calling her “the glue that holds the center together.”

“She handles many projects concurrently and can always be counted on to do an exceptional job with each of her responsibilities,” said her supervisor. “When unexpected challenges occur and a solution must be found on the spot, Connie remains calm and finds a way to resolve the issue.”

Prior to the hiring of a new director, Komnick managed the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center for a year on her own. She managed all student employees and the Americorps Vista, coordinated all service projects, scheduled transportation and food for service projects, supported students in the Leadership for Life program, completed voter registration drives, collaborated with other departments and maintained strong relationships with community partners.

“When managing student staff and the Americorps Vista, she provided them with meaningful work, encouraged their growth and learning and completed all other aspects of managing employees,” said her supervisor.

One of Komnick’s greatest abilities is her ability to adjust to last-minute challenges, such as securing transportation and drivers for more than 100 students over the course of two days.

“Connie thinks of everything,” said her supervisor. “She often has multiple projects at one time and still manages to remember every detail and every ‘to-do’ in order to seamlessly execute a service project or event. Nothing falls through the cracks with Connie.”

Komnick is also praised for her exceptional customer service skills, respect and kindness to others and for representing UIS in a professional manner.

“Her level of dedication, positivity, focus, detail and quality of work inspire those around her,” said her supervisor. “She always has a meaningful response and maintains a professional attitude, especially when dealing with difficult people. It is evident that students and staff/faculty respect Connie as a result of the positive interactions they continually have with her.”

Thursday, February 06, 2020

Jamie Weber named the 2019 UIS Employee of the Year

Jamie Weber, office manager for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, has been named the 2019 Employee of the Year at the University of Illinois Springfield. She was honored during a reception on Feb. 5, 2020, in the Student Union Ballroom.

Before announcing the winner, UIS Chancellor Susan Koch thanked the eleven Employees of the Month who were nominated for the award.

Weber, who was the March 2019 Employee of the Month, is described by her nominators as “one of the hardest working, organized, knowledgeable, customer-driven” employees on campus.

“Her dedication, positive attitude, willingness to help and attention to detail have played an integral role in the success of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences dean’s office,” said her supervisor.

In her role, Weber helps to manage the multiple departments that make up the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Co-workers say she is a wealth of knowledge and the “go-to person” when it comes to answering questions about the college.

“Jamie is truly unique in her ability to clearly and effectively convey information to both staff and faculty,” said her supervisor. “She is patient and is able to explain, sometimes very complex issues, in a very detailed, clear manner.”

In addition to her strong work ethic and dependability, Weber is “notorious for her positive, enthusiastic attitude,” according to her co-workers.

“Without waiver, she is courteous and respectful to everyone she interacts with and is always smiling and friendly. She never complains and always has our office’s best interest at heart,” added her supervisor.

Weber is also active in volunteering during the State and University Employees Combined Appeal (SECA), a once-a-year voluntary campaign that allows state and university employees to donate to charities. She has helped to plan SECA events and made items for the bake sale.

“We are very fortunate to have Jamie as part of our team,” said her supervisor. “Not only does the quality of her work exceed my expectations, but she adds so much value to our department in other ways. She is an invaluable asset to our office.”

As Employee of the Year, Weber will receive a check for $500, plus a special parking spot for the entire year.