University News
UHDS Staff, Students Earn Top Honors
December 1, 2011
MACOMB, IL -- Western Illinois University can certainly bill its housing program as "award-winning." Over the past several years, a variety of awards have been brought back to the WIU-Macomb campus from housing conferences across the nation, and 2011 proved to be no different.
Joe Roseleib, University Housing and Dining Services (UHDS) assistant director of residential facilities, received the Outstanding Facilities Manager Award at the recent Great Lake Association of College and University Housing Officers (GLACUHO) annual conference. The award is presented to an individual whose job responsibilities are focused on housing facilities and who has demonstrated excellent job performance, creativity and innovation and connectedness to student needs.
"Joe is one of those outstanding employees who expects no recognition for his tremendous work. He is someone who you can always count on when things need to be accomplished, and he always gives 100 percent and then some," said Matt Bierman, director of residential facilities and interim budget director.
In addition to Roselieb's award, assistant complex directors and College Student Personnel graduate students sAaron Hill of Rockford (IL) and Nicole Bisang of Athens (OH), received first place in the GLACUHO annual case study competition. Each team had one hour to prepare a resolution to a case, followed by 10 minutes to present and receive questions from a judging panel comprised of housing professionals. This year's topic focused on issues surrounding student conduct.
"Case studies always prove difficult because there is not always a right or wrong answer. It comes down to how well the participants can handle the many issues involved in the study and then effectively communicate the solutions in a short time-frame. We are extremely proud of Aaron and Nicole for exhibiting high-level professional qualities," said AJ Lutz, UHDS assistant director for marketing and communications.
At the recent Great Lakes Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (GLACURH) annual student leadership conference, WIU students and UHDS programs received several honors.
Tenisia Adams, a senior English major from Chicago, received the coveted Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes a student in the region who exemplifies leadership for GLACURH and its member schools.
"Tenisia has taken the time to build a rapport with her professors, which shows her genuine interest in learning. She believes in taking full advantage of her academics and shares that passion with everyone she interacts with. I could not be more proud of her accomplishment," said Tera Monroe, director of residence life.
Camp Leatherneck, WIU's first-year immersion program, received the Student Award for Leadership Training, which is given to a program for the involvement of students in the development of the overall program. Camp Leatherneck is also up for consideration for the National Association of College and University Residence Hall (NACURH) Student Award for Leadership Training.
Camp Leatherneck, which was established by the Inter-Hall Council at Western in August 2010, is a three-day leadership retreat for incoming students. Since its creation, more than 200 first-year students have participated in this dynamic retreat, which is designed to help students discover their leadership strengths in order to get involved as a leader immediately at Western Illinois University.
Western also received the Commitment to Philanthropy Award, which recognizes a year-long commitment to the GLACURH, university and community philanthropic efforts. According to Lutz, the success of such programs as Big Pink Volleyball, Haunted 19, St. Baldrick's, the Autism Walk and Corbin Stock were cited for raising a combined total of $42,875.
In addition to receiving recognition for on-campus programs throughout the past year, the students representing Western at the regional conference received top honors for their roll call.
"The purpose of roll call is to introduce Western Illinois University to the region at the conference. This year, we used the 'Make Your Mark' theme of the conference and introduced ourselves as artists and the tools associated with making great art in a creative five-minute skit," explained Yoshimik Wayne, a sophomore education major from Belleville (IL).
"It's fantastic to see our students and staff represent Western Illinois University in such a positive and outstanding way at the regional level," added John Biernbaum, associate vice president of student services. "It is humbling and it reminds me how fortunate I am to work with talented staff and students."
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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