Tarnisha Green directs the Success in Engineering through Excellence in Diversity Program (SEED), supporting students in SIU’s College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics, especially those from underrepresented populations. Holly Tugiyanto, an account technician at SIU Extended Campus, nominated Green for Saluki Pride, saying “Tarnisha goes above and beyond to encourage people from diverse backgrounds to study STEM, and she supports them along their journey to make sure that they are successful. It is quite evident in her work that she truly cares about our students and about sending them off into a bright future in STEM.”

As the head of circulation services in Morris Library, Marissa Ellermann’s priority is ensuring that students, faculty and staff have everything they might need available to them. Tony Williams, a…

Coming into a new job in a different state in the middle of a pandemic isn’t easy, but it hasn’t stopped Lorelei Ritchie from meeting those challenges. Previously a judge with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Ritchie has also taught at law schools around the country, including UCLA School of Law, Florida State University College of Law and Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. Since joining the law school faculty at SIU in 2020, she has taught First-Year Contracts, and upper level Intellectual Property courses, published an article in the “American University Law Review,” and taken on the role as faculty adviser for students in the law school’s intellectual property specialization.

FNU Tugiyanto, or “Tugi” as the technical associate for the Office of Information Technology, School of Agricultural Sciences is known, has an amazing work ethic, a good heart, is an expert in his field, and will find a way to fix whatever needs fixing in the quickest way possible without making people feel like they are bothering him to ask for help, according to Katherine Elson, academic adviser for the school.

Kymberlee Mills, a senior library specialist with Morris Library, has helped greatly in the transition to a new unified library service platform.

After working in the restaurant business, Gail Odaniell, administrative assistant in the Office of Information Technology, was ready for a new challenge.

José Ruiz’s aviation career has lasted more than four decades, including the last 26 years with SIU’s nationally recognized program. He’s earned numerous accolades, including leading the University Aviation Association and chairing national panels on runway safety issues.

Susan Graham’s work on campus doesn’t just stop at the end of the work day. Graham’s commitment to students, faculty and numerous agriculture-related organizations recently earned her “Outstanding Cooperation” selection from the National Association of Agricultural Educators Region IV, representing a six-state region that includes Illinois.