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."

June EOM is Sharon Heflin

By Courtney Westlake

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It was a double celebration on Tuesday, July 1 as Sharon Heflin celebrated her birthday and received a big surprise when she walked into Room H of the Public Affairs Center Tuesday morning.

Sharon, an office support specialist in the Office of Graduate Intern Programs, was honored as Employee of the Month for June 2008.

Pulling off the surprise was stressful, said Kim Hayden, who joked that Sharon can smell cake "three days before it ever gets to campus!" But a startled look, followed by excitement, from Sharon as she entered the room was well worth the effort.

"It's wonderful to be able to honor you today. It's been a lot of fun - a little bit stressful! - but a lot of fun," Kim laughed.

Sharon is an integral member of the GPSI team, and her June EOM status is extremely deserving, Kim said.

"I always think I'm the luckiest supervisor on campus because we have just the greatest staff, and Sharon is like the glue that keeps us all going," Kim said. "Without fail, she always rises to the occasion; she has wonderful compassion and attention to detail, and she goes about her work with a sense of humor."

The recognition was the perfect birthday present to Sharon from the UIS community.

"I just love working where I'm working and getting to work with all of you makes my job easier," Sharon said. "Kim asked me if I was going to retire and I said 'no way!' Thank you all; I really appreciate it."