Presidential Distinguished Service Award recipients are recognized for their extraordinary
and exemplary service to our University community.
All full-time employees with at least one year of full-time service are eligible to
be nominated. Nominees should personify the EIU brand of All In and all things that
make EIU a special and unique place to live, learn, and work. Nominations will be
reviewed by members of the President’s Council who will provide recommendations to
the president for final selection. Up to five Service Award recipients will be chosen,
each receiving special recognition at the President's State of the University address,
along with award plaques commemorating their admirable achievements.
2024 Recipients
Darren Donaldson
Darren is described by his nominator as a humble and caring colleague who takes pride
in his work and who seeks to serve others. Darren is a member of the Facilities Carpenters
Shop whose craftmanship and care are second to none.
Michelle Morgan
Michelle's commitment to EIU is on display every day through her service and leadership
on the Civil Service Council. But this individual’s most important contribution is
caring for our students—as her nominator states, “she saw potential in me before I
saw it in myself”.
Matt Boyer
Matt is an empathic leader who cares deeply for his colleagues and our students. He
has had numerous roles across all areas of EIU’s housing division. His nominators
note his work ethic, everyday excellence, and abundant kindness.
Mona Davenport, Ph.D
Mona is a “students first” leader, ally, and EIU alum who has paid it forward for
more than 20 years and always raises her hand to help every student. She is someone’s
counsel on which our entire campus relies and serves as Eastern’s Inaugural Dean of
Student Success.
Mandi Starwalt
Mandi is a recognized leader and the backbone of EIU’s Office of Financial Aid. As
one of her nominators notes, Mandi is a determined and dedicated leader whose team
maximizes opportunity for every student.
2023 Recipients
Julia Awalt, Office Administrator, Housing & Dining
Julia is recognized as “a warrior and advocate for each student that steps foot on
our campus regardless if they are in housing or off-campus” and one nominator described
her as a “warm, empathetic and above all sincere” colleague who cares deeply about
our students.
Nate Brown, Building Service Foreman, Facilities Planning & Management
A familiar face to everyone across campus. As his nominator notes he has “a positive
attitude that is infectious” and he makes everything work “behind the scenes”. This
individual cares deeply about this campus and the people he works with.
Becky Shew, Support Manager, Information Technology Services
A dedicated colleague who has transformed the culture of EIU’s ITS help desk. Her
supervisor reports — and I know everyone in this room can attest to the fact that
she is a kind, helpful, and trusted voice on the other end of the line on many tech
support calls.
Dr. Heidi Larson, Professor, Counseling & Higher Education
A faculty member whose service to the community and commitment to K-12 education represents
service in action. She spearheaded a highly successful high school mentoring program
at Mattoon High School and brought here to EIU as Freshman & Transfer Connection.
Christy Kilgore, Director of Marketing & Communications
Described by a nominator as an individual with an “energy and tone that is always
a welcoming, inviting, and deeply authentic” — she’s a person who lives and oversees
the everyday operations of the EIU brand. And her colleagues note that she “supports
us and challenges us to do our best” and does so with a “big picture” vision that
is complemented by an attention to detail.
2022 Recipients
Debra Buell, Building Service Worker, Facilities Planning & Management
Debra is an energetic and optimistic Building Service Worker who takes incredible
pride in her work, and is always going the extra mile to keep her building [Old Main]
clean and inviting. One nominator commented, "She does her very best and it shows.
She always comes in with a great attitude that puts a smile on your face, and she
creates personal connections with the people not just in our office but all of them
in the building."
Sandy is a Graphic Designer and Athletic Photographer for EIU’s Intercollegiate Athletic
programs. She can be seen day and night capturing the excitement and accomplishments
of EIU’s student-athletes. Those who know her are quick to share that Sandy will
always welcome colleagues with a hug and a smile. One nominator further clarified:
"She is the best example of school spirit, sacrificial friendship, and general 'positive
attitude' found anywhere on campus — and there are a LOT of nice people at EIU."
Jody E. Stone, Senior Associate Director of Housing & Dining
