Lane Named 2015 Annuitant Ambassador of the Year
May-20-2016 |
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Steve Lane (right) with Foundation Executive Officer Jonathan McKenzie |
Steve Lane of Charleston has been recognized as the Eastern Illinois University Foundation’s 2015 Annuitant Ambassador of the Year.
Many EIU annuitants (retirees) serve as volunteer ambassadors at the Neal Welcome Center, assisting visitors, guests and students who come in to complete scholarship paperwork. In recognition and appreciation of those who have shown exemplary service and dedication to the effort, the EIU Foundation Board recognizes one annuitant ambassador annually.
Lane, who retired in 2014 after 28 years as Eastern’s compensation manager in Human Resources, was overwhelmingly recommended by Neal Welcome Center staff members as the year’s recipient.
“Steve represents the ideal volunteer. He has provided an outstanding level of service and logs hours on a weekly basis,” staff members commented. “He has been great at helping greet students and visitors, and has volunteered to help with issues that sometimes arise in the day-to-day operations of the Neal Welcome Center. He is dependable and is always agreeable to fill in as a last-minute substitute. Steve is an enthusiastic volunteer!”
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Lane graduated from EIU with his bachelor’s degree in 1978. He and his wife, Raelyne, have lived in Charleston for the past 29 years. Since his retirement, Lane has maintained his EIU connections through his volunteer work as an ambassador. He also volunteers with the American Red Cross at EIU (including serving on the RSO-EIUARC committee), works extra help at the Textbook Rental Service and regularly frequents the EIU racquetball courts.
Further, he volunteers at the Mattoon Food Center, Mattoon P.A.D.S., Douglas-Hart Nature Center and as an Embarrass Volunteer Steward. When he is not volunteering, he enjoys sports, music, fishing, reading and travel.
“In Human Resources, I worked exclusively with employees and administrators. It’s fun to now do something with students, both at the Neal Welcome Center and Textbook Rental Service. Best of all, it has been a real pleasure getting to know the (Neal Welcome Center) staff, particularly my ‘bosses’ -- Nancy Zytka and April Marchuk. They make my time there not work at all. Instead, I look forward to every week!”
Past recipients of the Annuitant Ambassador of the Year Award are Dave Maurer, Eulalee Anderson, Shirley Moore, Carol Helwig, Mary Coutant, Dale Wolf, Barbara Funk, Dick Barta, Edward “Mac” Corley and Cheryl Hawker.
