Jessica Employee of the Month

 MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois University Director of Creative and Marketing Services Jessica Lambert has been named the Al and Elaine Goldfarb Civil Service Employee of the Month for September 2021.

Lambert began working at WIU in 2010 as a Web Specialist I in University Relations. She was reallocated by audit to the title of Webmaster in 2011. In June 2017, her title was changed to Creative Digital Integration Associate and again in August 2017 to Creative and Digital Integration Manager through an audit. She was named to her current title in May 2020.

According to Lambert's nominator, her outreach to prospective students and families, her work to ensure both campuses are represented equally, and the work she does in the community makes her essential.

"Countless individuals across campus have commented on her positive, go-getting attitude, and that she truly cares about her alma mater," said her nominator. "Jessica initiated a clean-up in the front of Sherman Hall, which is one example of her going above and beyond her job duties. She knew Facilities was short-staffed, and she spent her own time finding volunteers, weeding flower beds and mulching. This act exemplifies her dedication to WIU."

Lambert's nominator added that she created a community presence for WIU during the annual Heritage Days celebration, securing space and volunteers for a University booth in Chandler Park.

"Jessica's efforts to make sure WIU is well-represented to the outside world, and internally, are appreciated," her nominator concluded.

In August 2010, the Goldfarbs established an endowment to permanently fund the University's Civil Service Employee of the Month award. The Goldfarb endowment is used to fund a $100 award for the recipient of the Civil Service Employee of the Month, as well as a plaque.

The WIU Foundation provides a $500 stipend for the Civil Service Employee of the Year. Western faculty, staff and administrators, as well as community members, wishing to nominate a civil service employee for the monthly recognition should contact the Civil Service Employees Council (CSEC) at csec-nominations-g@wiu.edu.