Laura Hecht has been named the University of 缅北禁地 Springfield Employee of the Month for June 2023. She is a customer service representative for UIS Residence Life.
In her role, Hecht works at the Residence Life front desk making sure all aspects of the office function properly. She is often the first point of contact for prospective and current students, often helping to shepherd them through the housing application and room selection process.
鈥淟aura鈥檚 dedication to Residence Life is second to none,鈥� said Michelle Vinson, her former supervisor. 鈥淪he has exceptional attention to detail and ensures all customers/clients are treated with kindness, care and concern. She is extremely compassionate, and it shows in all that she does and within every encounter.鈥�
Her nominator points out that Hecht played a significant role in helping Residence Life navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
鈥淓ven when Laura鈥檚 department shut down and everyone had to go home, she was regularly on campus making sure residents had a first point of contact during a very confusing and anxiety-filled time,鈥� said her nominator. 鈥淓ven when Laura was at home, Laura was constantly working late into the evening to make sure that resident's check-out paperwork was processed.鈥�
Vinson praises Hecht for ensuring consistent and efficient application of all Residence Life policies and procedures, adding she always takes the time to get things right the first time.
鈥淟aura treats everyone the exact way she would want to be treated,鈥� Vinson said. 鈥淪he is kind, compassionate and extremely genuine. She arrives early to work and is always the last employee to leave the office, not because it is required 鈥� but because that is who she is. Laura is efficient with her work and is an effective and excellent communicator.鈥�
She also has great working relationships with her colleagues, student workers, campus partners and external vendors. Her nominator calls her the 鈥渙ffice mom,鈥� as she goes out of her way to properly honor her co-workers, whether it be a birthday, wedding or promotion.
鈥淲hen one of her long-time co-workers got a promotion, she made sure not just to get her flowers, but made sure the arraignment was unicorn themed because it was that person鈥檚 spirit animal,鈥� her nominator said.
Although she likes to recognize others, Vinson adds that Hecht is not a fan of the spotlight.
鈥淟aura is a valued employee who does not want any recognition, however, Residence Life would not be successful if it were not for her presence and great work ethic,鈥� Vinson said. 鈥淗er skill set has been an asset to Residence Life, the Division of Student Affairs and UIS. Laura is extremely deserving of this honor for her years of selfless, dedicated and exceptional service!鈥�