Get a chance to learn about and applaud the new members of your Civil Service Council: Tony Herter, Judi Khalilallah, Beth Porter, Kacy Rader, Dominque Schauer, and Lyndsie Schlink.
Name: Tony Herter, Group 4
Position/Department: Construction Project Coordinator/Facilities Planning
Joined ISU in 2011
What are your favorite places on campus?
My favorite place is off campus—Ewing Manor. Part of my job includes assisting with work at Ewing Manor and the property is part of the ISU Foundation. Ewing Manor is a great place to visit and relax.
What drew you to run for the Civil Service Council?
After having served one term, the most enjoyable part of being on the council is to help raise money for scholarships for students and staff. There are other reasons such as being involved on decisions that affect ISU civil service employees.
What do you hope to achieve during your time on the Civil Service Council?
I plan to continue representing Group 4 on the council. The council has a lot of involvement in important issues that affect ISU and I am thankful to have the opportunity to continue my role as a representative.
Favorite Redbird event or pastime?
Founders Day (what has become the Founding Celebration).
Name: Judi Khalilallah, Group 3
Position/Department: Office Support Specialist/Multicultural Center
Joined ISU in 1992
What are your favorite places on campus?
Currently, Campus Recreation is my favorite “go to” because I’m into fitness, and I have an opportunity to take fitness classes. However, I must admit the renovated Bone Student Center is gaining momentum for different reasons—it has turned out very inviting and appealing. I’m sure if I’m asked this question next year, my response will be different as the newly established Multicultural Center will be in place.
What drew you to run for the Civil Service Council?
To be able to run for the Civil Service Council for a second term was appealing to me, as I saw it as presenting an opportunity to continue helping to serve civil service employees in the capacity of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
What do you hope to achieve during your time on the Civil Service Council?
I believe I’m able to help make a difference by closing the gap between bodies of leadership among civil service employees that exist within this institution.
Favorite Redbird event or pastime?
Commencement and Homecoming!!
Name: Beth Porter, Group 1
Position/Department: Administrative Aide/Center for Civic Engagement
Joined ISU in 2019
What are your favorite places on campus?
There are so many! As a student I have fond memories of Milner Library where I met with friends to study. You could always find a secluded area to just get away too. I also loved to get up early to swim at McCormick. As a member of the community, I brought my kids to the Quad for walks and summer concerts. We also attend performances at the Center for Performing Arts. Another favorite family spot is Ewing Manor in all seasons, we love the grounds as well as the history of the home. My first job out of college was a position at Julian Hall and I can’t wait to see the finished re-fabrication of that building. I love the way the University embraces its history and strives to the future.
What drew you to run for the Civil Service Council?
I honestly tucked it away in my calendar to get involved in year three on the Civil Service Council but was given a nudge by some friends on campus to get involved this year. Serving one’s community is a great way to get involved and I look forward to getting to know others across the campus.
What do you hope to achieve during your time on the Civil Service Council?
I don’t have an agenda and will lend my ears and give time to learn more about the University and continue to create an exciting space for all to work, learn, and grow.
Favorite Redbird event or pastime?
I love everything on campus in the fall. Homecoming, the ISU Horticulture Center activities, the beautiful fall foliage and grounds of the entire campus, and the Uptown Normal festivals that have continued to build stronger ties between the University and community.
Name: Kacy Rader, Group 5
Department: Program Coordinator/Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality
Joined ISU in 2018
What are your favorite places on campus?
The Bone Student Center (of course) and the Quad.
What drew you to run for the Civil Service Council?
I have been here three years in July and I am ready to get involved. This is a perfect way to get involved and learn along the way. It is a great place to meet employees from all over campus and also learn how the council communicates with their employees and leadership.
What do you hope to achieve during your time on the Civil Service Council?
I hope to have my voice heard and to bring any issues/concerns that my fellow civil service employees may have to the council.
Favorite Redbird event or pastime?
I love everything about ISU, but one of my favorite events is Festival ISU. I was so sad they couldn’t have it last year, but I am hoping for its return this fall.
Name: Dominique Schauer, Group 5
Position/Department: IT Tech Associate/Office of Technology Solutions
Joined ISU in 2013
What are your favorite places on campus? The atrium of the Science Lab Building is one of my favorite places to walk through during down time. There are always some interesting plants to look at and admire while getting a small break from the hustle and bustle of the office. The Quad is also a favorite of mine for people watching, petting dogs, and lounging in the shade.
What drew you to run for the Civil Service Council? I wanted to be a part of giving back to the civil service employees of the University since a lot of those employees helped me grow professionally and personally. Joining the Council was the perfect opportunity to do just that.
What do you hope to achieve during your time on the Civil Service Council? I hope to bring some fun and fresh ideas to the table to show civil service employees that they matter and that their work is appreciated. The pandemic has brought morale down overall, so this seems like the perfect time to show appreciation to those who keep the University running behind the scenes.
Favorite Redbird event or pastime? Definitely Homecoming. It’s fun seeing not only the campus but the Town of Normal transform overnight to show their Redbird pride. Homecoming 2013 was how I was introduced to ISU so it’ll always hold a special place in my heart.
Name: Lyndsie Schlink, Group 2
Position/Department: Senior Photographer/University Marketing and Communications
Joined ISU in 2007
What are your favorite places on campus?
My favorite places on campus are Redbird Plaza, Fell Hall, the southwest corner of the fourth floor of Milner Library overlooking the Quad, ‘Birds Eye View at the top of Watterson Towers, by the fireplaces at the Bone Student Center, Ewing Cultural Center, and the Horticulture Center.
What drew you to run for the Civil Service Council?
I was interested in being a member of the Civil Service Council so I could expand upon the relationships I’ve built across campus with faculty and staff members, and learn more about the innerworkings of different policies and procedures that directly affect these groups. I welcome the opportunity to advocate for the rights of my fellow civil service staff members to ensure that their needs are fulfilled by the University.
What do you hope to achieve during your time on the Civil Service Council?
I hope to expand upon current efforts to make Illinois State a more diverse and inclusive campus, increase civic engagement opportunities for faculty and staff, encourage more collaboration between faculty and staff from different departments, and work towards a more equitable pay in the civil service system for all positions for all genders.
Favorite Redbird event or pastime?
My favorite events are the college weeks and Homecoming which bring a lot of our alumni back to campus. I also really enjoy attending guest lectures, presentations, theater and dance performances, exhibits at University Galleries, and concerts on campus.
