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Andi Henderson, left, receives the 2008 Director's Award from Cathy Couza, director of Equal Opportunity and Access
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2008 Equal Opportunity and Access Director's Award Recipient

May 12, 2008

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MACOMB, IL -- A Western Illinois University human resources manager received the Western Illinois 2008 Equal Opportunity and Access Director's Award for her contributions to the University and the community at the 19th annual President's Excellence in Diversity Awards Reception held May 8.

The 2008 Affirmative Action Director's Award was presented to Andrea Henderson. According to Cathy Couza, director of Equal Opportunity and Access, "Andrea unselfishly gives of her time and talents with the University and Macomb communities and has provided persistant, unwavering support of our shared commitment of diversity, equality and social justice.

"Andrea devotes countless hours living the values that define the core values of this institution," Couza added. "She is a concerned citizen and works to make Macomb and the University a better place to live and to work. Andrea exhibits the utmost care, compassion and professionalism in all that she does. Her contributions to Western and to the community are significant, and she is most deserving of this year's award."

Henderson was named human resource manager for classification and compensation in
August 2007. Prior to her appointment as human resource manager, she served a dual appointment as equal opportunity officer in Affirmative Action (now called Equal Opportunity and Access) and Human Resources from 2006-2007 and as an assistant equal opportunity officer from 1998-2006. At Western Henderson has also served as coordinator of the Civil Service learner and trainee programs and as a purchasing officer II and secretary III.

In the Macomb community she is a board member of Macomb's Big Brother/Big Sister, Samaritan
Well, Inc. and PRIME (Pride and Responsibility in My Environment). She is a Macomb police and fire commissioner and a volunteer member of the Community-University Partnership Program (CUPP).

She received her bachelor's degree in sociology from Western and is working toward her master's degree in instructional design and technology.

In addition, WIU faculty and staff, students and a Western organization received Excellence in Diversity and Multicultural Leadership awards to recognize their special efforts to promote diversity and multiculturalism at WIU or in the community.

This year's recipients include:

Excellence in Leadership Award: College of Arts and Sciences Dean Inessa Levi.

Excellence in Service Award: Wendy Walton, assistant director of marketing and promotion/program support, Beu Health Center.

Excellence in Education Award: Nancy Kwang Johnson, African American studies assistant professor.

Excellence in Service Community Awareness Award: Carla Paciotto, associate professor of educational and interdisciplinary studies.

Excellence in Education Community Awareness Award: Leslie O'Ryan, associate professor of counselor education at WIU-QC.

WIU students receiving 2008 awards include:

Excellence in Service Student Award: Jennifer Shields, a college student personnel graduate student.

Excellence in Education Organization Award: Tanner Hall housing staff Ryan MacLeod, Nicole Remy, Krista Wiseman, a senior psychology major from Belvidere (IL), Meghan Morrill, a senior elementary education major from Lake Forest (IL); and Emily Wehling, a junior art major from Edwardsville (IL).

University employees receiving 2008 Special Recognition for Excellence include:

Donna Bradford, an academic adviser in the College of Education and Human Services; Jill Myers, assistant professor of law enforcement and justice administration; and Heather McIlvaine-Newsad, associate professor of anthropology.

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