University News

Recognizing Ade as Our December 2025 Employee of the Month

February 16, 2026

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MACOMB, IL — Lucy Ade, Assistant Director in the Western Illinois University Office of Student Engagement, has been named the December 2025 Al and Elaine Goldfarb Civil Service Employee of the Month.

Ade has demonstrated exceptional innovation, leadership and commitment to elevating the student experience at WIU. Her enthusiasm and creativity have made an immediate and transformative impact on student engagement campuswide.

One of Ade's most significant achievements is the development and launch of the Purple & Gold Points Program, WIU's first university-wide student involvement tracking system. Ade created this initiative entirely from the ground up—conducting research, coordinating with multiple departments, integrating technology and building a comprehensive marketing strategy. The impact has been substantial: in just 10 weeks, more than 2,200 students have participated in events, earning over 45,000 points.

The program has unified campus event advertising through Leatherneck Link, standardizing event management and significantly increasing visibility and attendance across student programs. By making involvement easy to track and rewarding for students, Ade has strengthened WIU's recruitment, retention and overall student success efforts. The system also provides valuable engagement data to help guide the University's decision-making and resource allocation.

In addition to this major initiative, Ade advises the high-profile University Union Board, helping deliver large-scale, high-attendance programs such as Rocky After Dark, Casino Night, Outdoor Movie, Family Day BBQ, Westfest (featuring BigXThaPlug and Sophie Gray) and Homecoming—all within her first eight weeks on the job. She also mentors two graduate assistants responsible for campus programming, ensuring continuity, leadership development and the execution of polished, student-centered events.

Ade's nominator praised her alignment with WIU's core values, particularly integrity, social responsibility and student success. Her professionalism and dedication are evident in the support she provides to complex, budget-holding student organizations and in her commitment to building a more vibrant, connected campus community.

"Lucy has not only excelled in her role but has elevated the entire campus engagement ecosystem," her nominator said. "Her creativity, energy and willingness to take on complex challenges reflect the very best of WIU."

As the Civil Service Employee of the Month, Ade will receive a $100 stipend (before taxes), a plaque, a reserved parking space and recognition in WIU communications. She will also be eligible for the Civil Service Employee of the Year Award in December.

The Al and Elaine Goldfarb Civil Service Employee of the Month Award was established in 2010 through an endowment created by Al Goldfarb and Elaine Goldfarb. The WIU Foundation provides a $500 stipend for the annual Employee of the Year Award.

WIU faculty, staff, administrators and community members who wish to nominate a Civil Service employee for monthly recognition can contact the Civil Service Employees Council at csec-nominations-g@wiu.edu.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing