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Gravert is pictured alongside her nominators, WQPT Director Dawn Schmitt and WIU Foundation and Development Director Jen Von Kaenal.
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Gravert Named WIU July Employee of the Month

July 31, 2023

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - - Western Illinois University WQPT Director of Outreach and Education Melissa Gravert has been named the Al and Elaine Goldfarb Civil Service Employee of the Month for July.

"Melissa goes way above and beyond to make sure she not only does her job well, but she also stepped up in the last several months to lead the planning and coordination of the WIU-QC STEM/STEAM summer camps for local area junior high school students when the WIU faculty member who was coordinating the summer program left WIU," said her nominator. "She put in countless hours in addition to her regular hours to be sure that this program ran successfully, which contributed to the positive image and direction of WIU and potential future students. She also built an organizational system that staff can use for planning future camps. She is a true professional."

In June 2022, Gravert became a part of the WIU community. Before joining, she worked as a librarian at four elementary schools in Moline, Washington, Lincoln-Irving and Roosevelt. From 2015-2019, she taught third grade at Washington Elementary. Her teaching career began at Jefferson Elementary in Davenport, IA, where she worked for three years as a teacher for English Learners in Kindergarten through second grade.

"I began my role as the Director of Educational Outreach last summer and since then have worked with so many amazing people here at WIU-QC and throughout our community," said Gravert. "The small but mighty team at WQPT PBS is incredibly supportive of the important outreach work we do. In particular, our First Book donation program with its classroom visits throughout the Quad Cities and beyond has been a great success in helping teachers, students and families support literacy at school and at home.

Gravert's nominators are impressed by her optimistic outlook and contagious enthusiasm towards all her endeavors.

"Melissa's positive approach and infectious smile encourages and welcomes parents, educators and children as they participate in fun learning opportunities all based on the PBS learning model," said an additional nominator. "We are incredibly proud to have Melissa as part of the WQPT team."

"WIU-QC and WQPT PBS have provided me with so many amazing opportunities to teach, learn and connect with students and their families and support educators in our community," said Gravert. "It is an honor to serve in the role of Director of Educational Outreach and to receive this incredible award."

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