University News

Piper Named WIU August Employee of the Month

September 11, 2023

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - - Western Illinois University Bookstore Retail Assistant Manager Zakary Piper has been named the Al and Elaine Goldfarb Civil Service Employee of the Month for August.

"Zak is an outstanding employee and colleague, and someone whose work and dedication always show their commitment to the task at hand," said his nominator. "I appreciate how excited he is to be part of the WIU Bookstore and the campus community. Zak is not afraid to assist when needed and the initiatives introduced into the store benefit WIU and the community."

In October 2021, Piper was hired as the retail supervisor of the WIU Bookstore. He was recently promoted to retail assistant manager in September 2022. Prior to joining WIU, Piper was a substitute/paraprofessional at MacArthur Early Childhood Center in Macomb.

Piper's nominator is impressed with his endless creativity and desire to grow.

"Zak's creativity and desire to grow the WIU Bookstore and its offerings make him stand out above the rest," said his nominator. "He has a pulse on the audiences; follows trends and popular items from other platforms and finds items that are desired by current students, staff and alumni. His efforts in improving the WIU and Macomb town and gown relationship by exploring the "Made in Macomb" initiative not only showcases WIU but also provides a great connection to the city of Macomb."

"The WIU Bookstore has provided me with a unique opportunity to better the union of both Macomb and WIU," Piper said. "As a Macomb native and an alumni, the relationship between community and university is an important part of what makes both stand out. It's an honor to be a contributing force in that relationship."

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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