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Rericha: COAP Employee of the Year

June 2, 2011

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MACOMB, IL – Tim Rericha, research and instruction consultant in University Technology (uTech) at Western Illinois University, has been named the 2011 Employee of the Year by the Council of Administrative Personnel (COAP) for his "endless hours of commitment and his dedication."

The annual award, presented by COAP in conjunction with the University president, recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of a COAP member who has far exceeded his or her duties.

"Tim configured the network for the new Caxton Building in the Quad Cities, while managing the Macomb campus network and WIU's ResNet program for the residence halls," said his nominator, Bev Baker of uTech. "He is an effective manager and was key in increasing the bandwidth in the residence halls. Tim was also responsible for overseeing the networking in Memorial Hall following the remodeling."

In his position, Rericha oversees network access in WIU's 10 residence halls and graduate and family housing and assisted with an upgrade to the fire alarm system in the residence halls; is assisting with the Corbin/Olson network as part of the renovation process; provides assistance for computer lab issues; and oversees the campus' wireless network and VoIP telephone system.

"Under Tim's tutelage, some amazing technicians have come out of uTech. He leads by example, which translates to professionalism, respect and trust. Some individuals think network technicians stay behind the scenes, but that's not true. Tim is right there working for, and with, the rest of the campus. He believes a team is what it takes to get the job done," added Shannon Cramer, uTech research and instructional consultant, in a nomination letter.

Rericha began his career at Western in 1997 as a research and instruction consultant in University Housing and Dining Services. He was named to his current position in 2004.

He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in computer science from Western Illinois University.

"The COAP Executive Council is pleased to honor Tim Rericha for his positive impact and his dedication to Western Illinois University," said Jennifer Tibbitts, COAP president.

Rericha was presented with a plaque and received a 2011-2012 Faculty/Staff parking permit, a Donald S. Spencer Student Recreation Center membership, Western Illinois athletics season tickets, Bureau of Cultural Affairs season tickets and a $50 University Bookstore gift certificate.

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