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Diane Jackman, EIU dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies, presents John Biernbaum with the 2016 Eastern Illinois University College of Education and Professional Studies Leadership and Services Alumni Award.
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Biernbaum Receives EIU Alumni Award

March 25, 2016

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MACOMB, IL -- Western Illinois University Associate Vice President of Student Services John Biernbaum was presented the 2016 Eastern Illinois University College of Education and Professional Studies Leadership and Services Alumni Award during the annual Alumni Awards ceremony March 22. The award is given to an individual who has had a significant impact in their chosen field, community or society. Biernbaum earned his bachelor's degree in political science and his master's degree in guidance counseling from Eastern Illinois University.

"JB goes above and beyond for Western Illinois University, and we are excited to see him recognized by his alma mater," said Joe Roselieb, director of residential facilities. "He does an outstanding job within student services, and in addition, what he does outside of his position within his professional organizations and for the Macomb and WIU communities is what makes him even more deserving of this award."

As the associate vice president of student services, Biernbaum oversees the administration of the University Housing and Dining (UHDS) and residence life operation, Student Development, Campus Recreation, the Harry Mussatto Golf Course and the University Union. Biernbaum has served the WIU community in a variety of roles, including director of residential facilities, associate director of residential facilities and assistant director of residential facilities. He was a complex director and a residence hall director in Bayliss and Henninger Halls when he first came to Western in 1994. Biernbaum also was the St. Louis Rams Summer Training Camp liaison at Western for nine years. He also served as the assistant to the Rams vice president of operations advance team for Super Bowl XXXIV and in Super Bowl XXXVI.

In addition to his role at WIU, Biernbaum is extremely active in his various professional and community organization roles. On campus, Biernbaum is a member of the Leatherneck Athletic Club Advisory Board and is the co-chair for the annual Purple and Gold Gala and Auction. He is a member of the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International (ACUHO-I), GLACUHO (Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers), NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education; and the American College Personnel Association. In the Macomb community, he serves as a member of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of McDonough County, and on the executive board for the McDonough County Humane Society Board and Macomb Chamber of Commerce, to name a few.

Biernbaum has presented at numerous conferences locally, regionally and nationally, with one of his most recent presentations earning a GLACUHO "Top Ten Program Award." He served as the co-chair for the 2014 GLACUHO Annual Conference, in addition to a variety of other roles for GLACUHO. Most recently, he served as a regional representative for the ACUHO-I Foundation Board, and in 2012, served as a faculty member for the National Housing Training Institute at the University of Georgia.

While Biernbaum has received numerous accolades throughout his professional career, two awards he is most proud of include being named the 2014 Western Illinois University Honorary Alumni recipient, as well as being the recipient of the 2012 GLACUHO Distinguished Service Award.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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