Lucille Harris Heading link
Position: Administrative Secretary
Department: Oral Anatomy
Lucille Harris started working at UIC in 1978 and was very involved in the campus community. She believed work should be more than a place to receive a check, and that everyone should get involved. She began working in the Center for Educational Development, the College of Nursing and the Office of Student Services, and eventually became administrative secretary in the Department of Oral Anatomy in 1987. She had helped organize the office’s first holiday parties and a Bible study group attended by staff, students and faculty while also being president of her neighborhood association. While working at UIC, she attended Chicago State University for a bachelor’s degree in sociology.
lucille quote Heading link
People try hard, but sometimes they can’t help but bring their problems to work or to class. We can work together and love. It’s important to get a hug or a warm handshake.
Renee Pleshar Heading link
Position: Administrative Aide
Department: Biological Sciences
Renee Pleshar started working in the Department of Biological Sciences in 1978. Initially, it had been on a temporary basis after she had completed her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at UIC. She eventually became the department’s administrative aide and began working on a master’s degree in social work at UIC. She is very active in her community, spending time at church and food drives, also volunteering for a domestic violence hotline. She provides support to the faculty with research, teaching and administrative tasks, helping others through difficult emotional times and being willing to go the extra mile.
renee quote Heading link
She is the interface between the biology faculty and the University bureaucracy. She knows to whom one should talk with to ameliorate problems impinging on teaching and research.
| Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences
Ken Youngsma, treasurer of the Staff Advisory Council, presents the seventh Staff Support Appreciation Award to Renee Pleshar, administrative aide, department of biological sciences.