Northeastern Illinois University Recognizes Employees for Excellence and Years of Service

Northeastern Illinois University held an Employee Excellence and Years of Service Awards ceremony on Thursday, May 28, 2026, in Alumni Hall on the Main Campus.

The celebration recognized the contributions of Administrative and Professional (A&P) and Civil Service employees to the University. It also recognized employees for reaching milestone years of service in five year increments, with one employee being recognized for 35 years of employment at Northeastern.

“The Employee Excellence and Years of Services Awards gives us an opportunity to come together and appreciate one another and the support that we continue to try to give to one another in lifting up this University,” President Katrina E. Bell-Jordan, Ph.D., said. “Through the successes, the changes and the growth, through it all, our employees have stayed the course and continued to contribute with genuine good cheer in ways that move the University forward.”

More than 160 faculty, staff and administrators were recognized for their years of service during the ceremony.

The Employee Excellence Awards Program was established in 2012 to acknowledge, honor and award A&P and Civil Service employees whose contributions have had a significant impact in helping achieve the University’s objectives. Nominations were submitted by employees and students, then reviewed by a committee of employees from units across the University. Awards are given based on demonstrated excellence in three award categories: 

• Work Contributions that advance departmental or institutional goals;
• Professional Contributions that reflect continued growth, leadership and initiative; 
• University Community Contributions that support a positive, collaborative and inclusive environment.

There were 37 individual and two group nominees for Employee Excellence Awards. The FY26 awardees were:

• Jess Bass, Civil Service, Department of Art + Design
• Mary Green, Civil Service, Office of International Programs
• Angelica Rivera, Ph.D., A&P, Proyecto Pa’Lante

“Whether you’ve been at NEIU for five years, 25 or longer, your impact is felt every single day. We know you believe in this University,” President Bell-Jordan said to employees at the ceremony.  “You help shape the University and you continue to work to make our path stronger and more bright.” 

Top photo: Northeastern Illinois University employees smiling at the 2026 Employee Excellence and Years of Service Awards ceremony.