SIC Recognizes Employee Service, Accomplishments, and Retirees
Faculty and staff of Southeastern Illinois College gathered April 23 in the George T. Dennis Visual & Performing Arts Center for the college’s annual Employee Recognition Ceremony, celebrating professional achievements, years of service, and retirements.
The program began with a welcome from Dr. Tyler Billman of Harrisburg, Executive Dean of Academic Services, and Paul Cummins of Harrisburg, Communication Instructor and Division Chair for the Humanities, Social Sciences and Fine Arts.
Employee honors included recognition of several faculty and staff members for professional accomplishments. Jason Fitzgerald of Harrisburg, Biology Instructor and Division Chair of Mathematics, Science and Technology, earned a Level 1 Esports Coaching Certificate from the National Association of Esports Coaches and Directors and serves as Falcons FoG (Esports) Coach. Lolita Mack of Marion, TRIO/Student Support Services Director, was named a finalist for Southern Illinois University’s Saluki Women’s Leadership Council Trailblazer Award, which recognizes women with 10–25 years of experience who are making significant strides and demonstrating leadership as agents of change. Dr. Todd Spellman, Student Success Coach, was recognized for publication of his article in the Learning Assistance Review.
Arla Murphy of Harrisburg, Director of the Learning Commons, received the SIC Assessment Award for excellence in using data-driven practices to improve student learning and outcomes.
Sabrina Stout of Eldorado, Nursing Instructor, was named Faculty of the Year and received the Loren P. and Velma Dallas Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award. Stout brings more than 20 years of health care experience to her role and is known for helping students build confidence, critical thinking skills and professionalism as they prepare to enter the nursing workforce. A graduate of SIC’s Associate Degree Nursing program, she later earned a Master of Science in Nursing from Frontier Nursing University and is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She will be recognized at the Illinois Community College Trustees Association banquet in June.
Ellen Prince of Carrier Mills, Student Resource Assistant, was selected to receive this year’s Living the Mission Award. Nominated by her peers, Prince was recognized for her dedication to students and her ability to create a welcoming and supportive environment across campus. Colleagues described her as someone who ensures every student feels valued, supported and seen from the moment they walk through the door.
SIC President Dr. Karen Weiss said the award reflects the college’s commitment to student-centered service.
“The Living the Mission Award represents the heart of Southeastern,” Weiss said. “Ellen’s care for students and her dedication to making each person feel valued truly reflect who we are as an institution.”
Service awards were presented to full-time employees celebrating milestone years. Recognized for five years of service were Paul Camaione of Mt. Vernon, Learning Technology Technician; Kimberly Hambleton of Carrier Mills, Administrative Assistant to Executive Dean of Institutional Research and Administrative Services; Audrey Talbott of Harrisburg, Assistant Director of Adult Education; Erik Wolf of Carrier Mills, Assistant to the Director of Environmental Services; and Kendra Zirkelbach of Marion, Communications and Relations Specialist.
Ten-year honorees included Aaron Aul of Tunnel Hill, Physics Instructor, and Maddison Maloney of Raleigh, Student Services Liaison.
Fifteen-year service awards were presented to Dr. Kyla Burford of Marion, Executive Dean of Student Services; Lisa Hite of Carmi, Vice President of Administrative Services; Lolita Mack of Marion, TRIO/Student Support Services Director; Aaron Poole of Eldorado, Biology Instructor; Breannen Richardson of Carrier Mills, Web and Academic Services Associate Director; Michelle Stanley of Eldorado, Senior Director of Financial Aid; and Angela Wilson of Harrisburg, Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations.
Stacy Moore of Johnston City, Senior Director of Auxiliary Services, was recognized for 20 years of service, and Jason Fitzgerald of Harrisburg, Biology Instructor and Division Chair of Mathematics, Science and Technology, received recognition for 25 years.
SIC also welcomed its newest full-time employees, known as “Greenies.” Those recognized included Casey Buretz of Vienna, Cosmetology Instructor; Michael Donofrio of Marion, Psychology Instructor; Leif Johnson of Equality, Welding Instructor; Alyssa Oglesby of Raleigh, Nursing Instructor; Aidan Shaw of Harrisburg, Network AV Technician; and Shelby Thompson of Marion, Dana Keating Student Success Center Assistant.
This year’s retirees, Marzel Scates of Omaha, Assistant to the Executive Dean of Administrative Services, and Kim Martin of Eldorado, Mathematics Instructor, were recognized for their service to the college. While unable to attend the ceremony, both were honored for their contributions and dedication to SIC.
Several former retirees also returned to campus for the event and were recognized during the ceremony.
SIC President Dr. Karen Weiss closed the event by recognizing the dedication of faculty and staff.
“Our employees are the reason our students succeed,” Weiss said. “Their commitment to teaching, service and support makes a lasting difference in our communities every day.”
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