The Staff Award for Campus Impact recognizes up to two staff members per year who have demonstrated excellence in areas that help with beautification, maintenance and services to the campus community, such as excellence in maintaining the grounds, building maintenance, infrastructure support, etc. These staff members are essential to ensuring campus operations and providing the infrastructure needed to carry out NIU’s mission, vision and values.
Criteria:
- Be a regular staff member at least 51% time or a full-time temporary staff member
- Demonstrate excellence in one or more aspects of campus operations by going above and beyond the call of duty to perform duties associated with position
- Be known by the units served for creating positive work environments and displaying positivity through day-to-day challenges
- Demonstrate pride for NIU and a recognition of the importance of NIU’s mission, vision and values
Adrienne Arhos and Sue Phelps have been named the recipients of the 2023 Staff Award for Campus Impact.
Adrienne Arhos
Adrienne Arhos
If being the business manager for Facilities Management and Campus Services is a numbers game, Adrienne Arhos is a strategic player. She helps manage approximately $50M for annual support operations which includes building maintenance, utility purchasing and generation, janitorial and grounds upkeep, major capital project improvements, parking and transportation, and material purchasing and distribution.
In addition to helping manage these budgets, Adrienne’s accounting prowess has led to major savings and funding for the university. As a result of her data collection and analysis, the university was able to secure $120M in state capital and capital renewal authorizations to help fund building maintenance projects.
“Adrienne is not the one directly maintaining buildings, pulling weeds or keeping spaces clean,” said Associate Vice President of Facilities Management and Campus Services John Heckmann, “However, without her orchestration of the overall financial network for these operations, the processes would not be functioning effectively or efficiently.”
Fellow leaders in Facilities Management and Campus Services also appreciate Adrienne’s efficiency, advocacy and dedication.
“Adrienne has a passion and attention to detail in the work that she does every day, along with a ‘can-do attitude’ that helps others be successful in their work,” said Tom Viel, director of Physical Plant. “I truly admire her dedication to the success of the departments she serves and to the entire campus.”
Sue Phelps
Sue Phelps
There are many people who work behind the scenes to make NIU a clean, safe and welcoming environment for those who work and learn here. Building Services Worker Sue Phelps is one of those individuals who goes above and beyond to make sure our campus is a welcoming environment for students, employees and visitors.
Someone familiar with Sue’s work is Director of Innovation for the Division of Research and Innovation Partnerships, Karinne Bredburg, who works in Lowden Hall, a building maintained by Phelps.
“During our interactions, and by seeing Sue’s actions for myself, I have come to appreciate how physically demanding her job can be, but she never complains, and her work is impeccable,” said Bredburg. “Sue has always taken pride in her work, and it shows with her exceptional attention to detail, her ability to collaborate with others and her willingness to go above and beyond.”
Not only does Sue excel in her job responsibilities, but she also proactive when communicating with colleagues.
“Sue is personable, a good communicator and keeps us appraised of any concerns or work orders that we put in or need to put in,” says Liz Wright, executive assistant for the President’s Office. “She always follows up to ensure that things are taken care of or to see if we need assistance.”
