University News

Kessler Named July EOM

July 29, 2024

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University employee Mitch Kessler, University Union Bookstore retail manager, has been named the Al and Elaine Goldfarb Civil Service Employee of the Month for July.

Kessler started at WIU in July 2022 and loves the opportunity to work for WIU.

Kessler was recognized after he used his selfless character to help the family of a fellow Leatherneck who passed away.

"This story begins with the tragic loss of Steven Wright, a student employee at the Veteran's Resource Center (VRC), who died unexpectedly in a traffic accident in late April. While assisting Steven's family with the aftermath, it was discovered that Steven's favorite Western hat, which he wore everywhere with pride, was damaged in the accident. Steven's father, Tom, expressed a desire to have three of these hats for the family," his nominator said.

"The VRC team, familiar with the hat, searched extensively but could not find the exact one as it had been sold over a year ago. The nominee heard the story and realized he had the same hat in his collection. He generously offered his hat to the family without accepting any compensation or seeking praise."

Further, the nominee connected Sarah from the VRC with the hat manufacturer, who, upon hearing the story, agreed to remake the hats despite their usual minimum order of 75. The manufacturer donated a dozen hats for Steven's family and coworkers at the VRC. These hats are expected to arrive later this summer, providing a cherished memento for those mourning Steven's passing,"

The nomination focused on how much Kessler went out of his way to inform the manufacturer from information at the WIU Bookstore.

"I firmly believe that Kessler doesn't think of his decision to give his hat to Steven's family as a big deal, but Steven's family has expressed heartfelt gratefulness at such a gesture. In a time when life was chaotic, they took comfort in knowing that Steven had his hat," his 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 and a plaque.

The WIU Foundation provides a $500 stipend for the Civil Service Employee of the Year. Western faculty, staff and administrators, and 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.

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