Laurie Koehne is September EOM

Laurie Koehne couldn’t figure out why everyone kept telling her they were sorry she was sick last week. It all started to make sense when she found out she’d been named September Employee of the Month at the University of Illinois Springfield.

Koehne was honored with the award during a ceremony at the PAC Restaurant on Monday, September 21, 2009.

Koehne went home sick on the day her party had originally been scheduled, which meant some last minute changes. Her co-workers did what they could to keep it a secret and it appears to have worked.

“I’m extremely shocked,” said Koehne.

Laurie has been a building services worker for UIS for almost 4 years.

“Laurie just does everything she’s asked to do and much, much more all the way around,” said Tim Ritzo, Building Services Superintendent.

“Does that mean I don’t have to finish working throughout the day?" Laurie fired back at her boss. Ritzo said they rely on her too much to take a day off.

The party was complete with cake, punch and other treats made by her co-workers.