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WIU HR Announces Service Award Winners

April 23, 2018

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MACOMB, IL – The Western Illinois University Office of Human Resources has announced the University's 2018 Community Service and Distinguished Service award winners.

University Counseling Center Director Jim DiTulio has been selected for the 2018 Administrative Distinguished Service Award; University Technology Associate Director Kathy Barrett has been selected for the 2018 Civil Service Distinguished Service Award; and Office Manager Angela LaFrance has been selected for the 2018 Community Service Award.

The winners will be honored during the 35th annual Employee Service Recognition Awards Reception at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 1 in the University Union Lamoine Room. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a 30-minute social with a cash bar and appetizers.

The Administrative Recognition and Service Award honors one administrator for unusual and significant contributions to his/her profession, organizational unit or other areas within the University and is a reflection of one or more of WIU's core values of Academic Excellence, Educational Opportunity, Personal Growth and Social Responsibility. The Civil Service Recognition and Service Award acknowledges initiative, innovation and/or dedication to service at Western Illinois University and is a reflection of one or more of WIU's core values.

The Community Service Award recognizes exemplary volunteerism and/or outstanding service to any non-profit community organization and is a reflection of one or more of WIU's core values.

2018 Administrative Distinguished Service Award

DiTulio was nominated for his 29 years of service to the University.

"He demonstrates exceptionally strong leadership capabilities as the director," his nominator said. "I am especially impressed with his efficiency and skill working collaboratively with students, staff, faculty and administrators. He is an advocate for his area and for all students, particularly those who have received or need services from the Counseling Center."

The nominator also mentioned DiTulio's ability to manage financial resources during difficult budget times, while continuing to provide excellent services to WIU students.

"He is committed to sustaining and improving mental health services on this campus," said the nominator. "Mr. DiTulio is a thorough leader, who is certainly a valuable asset to WIU. Most notably, throughout his career, Mr. Ditulio has been a compassionate leader. He is well-respected among his colleagues, and is a self-motivated individual, who is highly committed to the well-being of all within the University community and beyond."


2018 Civil Service Distinguished Service Award

Barrett was nominated for her dedicated service to WIU and for being a "model example of what a WIU employee should be."

"It is evident, by watching her work, that she is dedicated to WIU, to the success of the University and its employees," according to her nominator. "She strives to provide excellent customer service to her fellow employees within University Technology, as well as those external to technology. She makes sure (each) person's needs have been met and that they feel their issue is important."

Her nominator added that Barrett is dedicated and "fiercely loyal" to both WIU and to the department she works in.

"She always goes above and beyond what is expected – tirelessly supporting many facets of uTech's operations," the nominator said. "In many ways, she is the unsung hero and the glue behind the scenes in uTech."


2018 Community Service Award

LaFrance was nominated for her work as president and founder of Macomb's ePITome Dog Rescue. The rescue's mission is to remove dogs from bad living situations, treat any health issues they may have and place them in loving homes with responsible guardians.

"Ms. LaFrance founded ePITome in 2001, after her dog, Vincenzo, died of cancer," said her nominator. "She is very passionate about this work. ePITome provides education to the public regarding the truth about these dogs and advocates for responsible ownership of bull breeds, which includes spaying/neutering, obedience training, appropriate management/leadership and a proper home atmospheres in which the dog can flourish."

The nominator said LaFrance cares so much about placing animals in good homes that she is willing to be an ongoing resource for those who adopt.

"This mission promotes a safer community for both dogs and people and exemplifies the WIU value of social responsibility," her nominator said.

The winner of each award will receive $250 from the WIU Office of Human Resources.

For more information, visit wiu.edu/vpas/human_resources/.


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