Danny Lau named the 2014 UIS Employee of the Year

Food Service Worker Danny Lau has been named the 2014 Employee of the Year at the University of Illinois Springfield. He was honored during an annual reception on January 28, 2015 in the Sangamon Auditorium Lobby.

Lau is known for his smile, friendly hello and his fried rice. His “overall enthusiasm, friendliness, spirit of helping and cooperation go hand in hand with his cooking ability and attention to detail,” said one of his nominators.

He has been known to support international students by literally handing them money out of his own pocket. He often dispenses words of wisdom that lift student’s spirits. According to his nominators, he is always willing to come in and help, even on his day off.

“Danny is an example of what we should be looking for in all our employees,” said a nominator. “His technical skills, combined with such a positive and helpful attitude, make him a tremendous asset for the department and the University.”

In presenting the award, UIS Chancellor Susan J. Koch thanked Lau and other UIS employees for their dedication and strong work ethics.

“I’m personally very, very grateful to each of you as Chancellor for all that you do,” said Koch. “Not only for what you contribute in your area, but for the way you mentor others and the wonderful example you provide for all of us.”

Lau accepted the award by thanking his colleagues.

“Thank you to everyone who chose me for the Employee of the Year. I’m very happy,” he said.

The Employee of the Year gets a check for $500, plus a special parking spot for the entire year.

Becky Prather is December EOM

The University of Illinois Springfield is a school that strives to help students above all else, and Becky Prather is an employee that exemplifies how the staff take that philosophy to heart. For her efforts, she has been named the December Employee of the Month.

Becky works closely with students who are veterans and she serves as the staff advisor for the Military Veterans Student Organization. She helps to raise awareness for veteran issues, and provides a place where these students can gain friends and find assistance with their educational efforts.

She's is known among colleagues as a hard worker and someone who will step forward to take on any tasks that need to be completed. She stays late as necessary and is always accessible to students who need her assistance. As her nominator says, "Becky's first thought when she steps into work each day are the students."