Two UIS staff members honored with Department of Defense Patriotic Employer Awards

University of Illinois Springfield employees Keith McMath and Scott Fay were honored with the Department of Defense Patriotic Employer Award from the Illinois Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) committee during a ceremony on Nov. 16, 2012.

McMath, assistant director of residential facilities and operations, and Fay, building service foreman, were honored for going the extra mile to help accommodate Spc. Corey Cooperider, a UIS student-employee, who is currently serving in Afghanistan.

“Before my deployment, my supervisors never questioned my needing time off to prepare, or to spend time with my loved ones, even making sure I took the time I needed to do so. They allowed me to work flex hours if needed,” said Cooperider, who nominated McMath and Fay for the award.

The Patriot Award honors individual supervisors for their superior support to Guard and Reserve employees. Award nominations must be made by a National Guard and Reserve member or their spouse. Nominated employers receive the Patriot Award and accompanying “Patriot” lapel pin.

The intent of the ESGR Awards Program is to recognize employers for their vital support to the members of the Guard and Reserve and to ESGR's mission.

During the ceremony, UIS Associate Chancellor for Constituent Relations Ed Wojcicki also signed a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve on behalf of the university. The statement pledges UIS’ continued support of military members on campus.