Mary Umbarger named October Employee of the Month

Mary Umbarger, Student Organization and Leadership Coordinator with the Office of Student Life, has been selected as the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for October 2017.

"Mary is selfless in her dedication to students and student life at UIS," said one nominator. Her dedication to the university shines through, as a former student, a Student Life employee and now an established Student Life professional."

Umbarger was instrumental in creating the UIS Connection website as a central point for all student life organizations. Because of budget constraints, she is one of only two full-time employees in the Office of Student Life. She oversees 111 student groups and the 1,842 events they put on each year.

"Despite these challenges she managed to keep a positive attitude and makes everything a success," said a student worker. "Many of SAC and Student Life events take place late at night or on the weekends and, as the lone adviser, she is here for every event, which requires her to forsake her family at home."

"Her office door is always open for students to come and talk to her about what their needs may be," said a student worker. "No matter how early or late, if you need Mary, she is there to help."

One of Umbarger's most notable and largest events is helping coordinate the university's annual Springfest, which a nominator states is "one of the greatest traditions UIS has and a major part of so many of our students' lives."

"Mary put in countless hours helping to plan and execute this event, from attending weekly committee meetings, ordering supplies, setting up each night, helping run the events, cleaning up after each event, and staying up late into the night to tally scores," said a nominator.

"Mary goes above and beyond in her role and is a true advocate for creating an engaging and exciting campus," said a nominator. "She tries her hardest to make sure that all students are able to be the best student leaders that this campus has seen."

Robert "Joe" Taylor is the September Employee of the Month

Robert “Joe” Taylor, a stage foreman for Sangamon Auditorium, has been selected as the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for September 2017.

Taylor is one of the important behind the scenes leaders that makes sure that shows happen at Sangamon Auditorium. He works long hours and many weekends supervising crews and doing whatever it takes to make sure shows are ready.

“I believe Joe performs his job with the best possible outlook, the most positive manner, and in the best spirit of this university,” said a nominator. “I have never had anyone say an unkind word about Joe. He will bend over backwards to help anyone and everyone. He is always friendly and positive with all of the clients and with local groups and campus departments.”

Taylor has worked for Sangamon Auditorium for more than 30 years. He started in a part-time role and now works full-time for the auditorium. He has a passion for making sure shows are successful and all needs are met.

“He takes great pride in the work he does,” said a nominator. “He is kind and pleasant to all the staff and road show crews he works with and is always willing to assist with whatever you ask him to do, and he does it without complaining.”

Outside of his UIS employment, Taylor also works as a stage manager for the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, which performs at Sangamon Auditorium.

“Joe’s position is one that is never really mentioned or talked about on campus, but the shows happen because Joe is there to make sure that the details are taken care of,” said a nominator.