Donald Fay is the October EOM

Building Service Sub Foreman Donald Fay didn’t know what to expect as he entered the Stars Lounge on October 31, 2012. He could have been walking into a Halloween party, but it turns out it was his Employee of the Month party.

Fay was named October 2012 Employee of the Month at UIS. His co-workers, friends, and family gathered to help him celebrate the award.

“Don’s pleasing, outgoing personality, character and honesty, combined with his energy, skills, enthusiasm and attention to detail on behalf of the occupants of his building are just a few of the talents that enable him to succeed,” said Fay’s nominator for the award.

Fay is known for coming up with practical solutions to resolve problems and maintains a “high, productive, consistent output of work.”

“Don consistently exceeds performance expectations,” said his nominator. “When asked about an assignment, his answer is usually ‘just finished’ or ‘we’re in the final states.”

He often completes projects ahead of his supervisor’s schedule and easily adapts on his own and makes decisions about challenging situations. He never leaves his supervisor wondering if a project has been completed.

“Don treats all of his co-workers as well as staff and faculty with respect,” said the nominator. “He provides encouragement to newer employees that he is training or works with. He is polite and tactful in all situations, follows proper protocol and responds to criticism without being defensive.”

Outside of work, Fay is active in his church and enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren. Before coming to UIS in 2006, Fay served for over 20 years in the U.S. Navy.

As Employee of the Month, Fay will receive a special parking spot for the month along with some extra spending cash on his i-card.

Patsy Nation is the September EOM

Patsy Nation yelled “surprise” when she walked into the PAC Restaurant on Sept. 26, 2012. However, the surprise was already out of the bag. Nation was planning to take the afternoon off, leaving her co-workers no choice but to tell her about the party.

Nation, an office support associate in the Provost’s Office, was named the September 2012 UIS Employee of the Month. Like most employees at UIS, she is known for going above and beyond what is required to help others and get the job done.

“Patsy pursues excellence in all things,” said one of her nominators. “She has high standards for her work products and her customer service, and she assists co-workers in achieving high quality work products as well with her top-notch proofreading skills.”

This past spring, Nation stepped outside her comfort zone to provide staff support for the UIS Campus Senate meetings, while a vacant position was being filled.

“Patsy did not just maintain the status quo but implemented improvements to existing processes. She very capably sought out the information and resources needed to perform the job effectively, and followed through to resolve technical issues that surfaced,” said a nominator.

Nation is known for her excellent interpersonal skills as she effectively interacts with diverse groups of students, faculty, staff, and guests in the Provost’s Office and while answering calls coming into the main UIS switchboard.

“Patsy routinely goes the extra mile to seek out information for callers, even anticipating and gathering information regarding upcoming campus events,” said the nominator.

Nation has worked in the Provost’s Office at UIS for the past 8 years. She was also honored with the Employee of the Month award in 2007.

As Employee of the Month, Nation will receive a special parking spot for the month along with some extra spending cash on her i-card.