Bob Blick of Facilities Management and Narry Kim of the Office of the President have been announced as the winners of the Esprit de Corps awards at the annual Founders Day Convocation.
The award is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a non-faculty member.
Blick was named the Civil Service Esprit de Corps winner. He first became involved with Illinois State University in fall 1973, when he began pursuing a degree in communications. His background in music, event announcing, and radio contributed to his interest in this field of study. While working in the construction industry to fund his education, he discovered a love for the building trades and completed a degree for journeyman as a carpenter.
After working in the trade for several years, including some time at the carpenter shop at Illinois State, he was offered a status position with University Housing Services (UHS) as a building mechanic, where he continues to work. He has been an asbestos abatement and remediation supervisor since the program’s inception. He has been a positive contributor to conflict resolution and rational discourse for cooperation between the building trades and management as a longtime union steward.
Blick has been an active member of the University community, serving four terms on the Civil Service Council (CSC) and with several other activities across campus. While with the CSC, he has contributed to and helped organize the annual food drive, Homecoming, scholarships, and many other promotional events for the University. Blick represents the CSC as a member of the University Foundation board of directors.
Kim of Presidential and Trustee Events is the winner of the Administrative/Professional Esprit de Corps Award. She earned bachelor’s degrees in history and mass communication in 1993 and 1999 and a master’s degree in history in 1995, all from Illinois State University. She has worked at Illinois State for nearly 16 years.
Kim joined the Office of the President six years ago as a public functions supervisor in the area of Presidential and Trustee Events. She had previously served in different positions across the University, including in University Advancement, University Assessment Services, and Milner Library. In her current role, Kim assists in the coordination of presidential dinners and receptions, as well as university-wide events such as the Faculty/Staff Appreciation Luncheon, the Children’s Holiday Party, and Founders Day. She also works part time for the Office of Media Relations as a copy editor for the weekly Report and biweekly Identity newsletters.
Outside of work, Kim stays active on campus by attending events organized by the College of Fine Arts, Athletics, and University Housing Services; serving on the board of the Identity newsletter and various scholarship committees; and supporting initiatives like the annual SECA campaign. She volunteers her time regularly each academic year for Welcome Week, Move-In, and Homecoming. Kim especially enjoys volunteering for Alumni Relations and Student Access and Accommodation Services at Commencement.
