Ritter Named August Employee of the Month

 MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois University Photography Laboratory Manager Sarah Ritter, of the Visual Production Center, has been named the Al and Elaine Goldfarb Civil Service Employee of the Month for August 2021.

Ritter began working at WIU in July 2012 as a digital imaging specialist at VPC, and audited to assistant manager of the laboratory in 2018.

According to Ritter's nominator, "she brings enthusiasm, passion and drive to her work, and it shows through her award-winning photographs. "

"Those who work with Sarah across campus - from Student Services to Athletics, to academics, to University Relations, Admissions, and more -- will attest to her positive, can-do attitude, and her creativity through the shots she takes," said her nominator. "There were many instances that Sarah went above and beyond her regular job requirements. She captured, through photos, the best of Western, even though the campus was closed. She came up with the 'Hearts for WIU' photo project and made it happen. This social media campaign is another example of how she brought WIU students, faculty, staff, and others together during the worst of times. Her photographs capture the people, buildings and wildlife of Western Illinois University in a positive, uplifting, and beautiful way."

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.