Bame honored for service to SIUC, community

April 07, 2004

Bame honored for service to SIUC, community

by Pete Rosenbery

Bame, from Murphysboro, was among four finalists for the award, which recognizes individuals who give above and beyond to the University and community. A University employee for the past 17 years, Bame started his current position in May.

It's quite an honor," said Bame. " I'm very proud of this institution and what we accomplish. I'm proud to be part of it. SIUC has been very good to my family and me. I'm proud to work here and proud to accomplish what we do.The announcement came during Tuesday's A/P spring constituency meeting at the SIUC Student Center. Those finalists were chosen from among nine nominees.

"I certainly appreciate the vote of confidence," said Bame, who acknowledged he was surprised by the award.

He receives $2,000 from the SIU Foundation and a personal parking space for a year. Bame's name also will appear on a plaque that hangs in the Student Center.

A Murphysboro native, Bame is a 24-year veteran of the accounting and tax fields. He holds a variety of professional designations, including certified public accountant, certified risk manager, certified internal auditor and certified fraud examiner.

He began his University service in October 1986 as an internal auditor. In July 1995, he became director of tax management and compliance, before becoming director of the University's risk management and self-insurance program in July 1999.

Bame obtained his bachelor's degree in accounting from SIUC in 1979. He earned his MBA from SIUC in 2002.

In a nominating letter, insurance risk manager Sharon Purcell and office systems specialist Paul Keith wrote of Bame's participation in University-related activities outside his normal job responsibilities. Those efforts include serving on numerous search committees, spending almost two weeks at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville after a fire at a student residence building to ensure that students' needs were taken care of, and participating each fall in the freshman move-in day at Bowyer Hall.

"Kevin not only sets a good example, he serves as a wonderful mentor to his staff," the nominating letter states. "He encourages all staff to continue their education and professional development goals. Kevin adheres to the philosophy that continued education will not only enhance an employee's individual performance, but will also benefit the University as a whole. As a supervisor, he inspires employees by setting an exemplary example of how to balance work and family, and do them both exceedingly well."

Catherine A. Hagler, executive director of Facilities and Business Operations, wrote in a nominating letter that Bame possesses a strong work ethic, is willing to take on additional workloads when necessary, assists colleagues and works as a team player.

"He's fair, and isn't afraid to make the tough decisions, even when they might not be the most popular," wrote Hagler. "Kevin is a leader, and leads by example."

Bame's community involvement includes serving for the last 11 years on the Murphysboro School Board, the last three as board president. He is also active in Our Savior Lutheran Church.

Bame and his wife, Lyn, have two children, Alex and Alyssa.

Here are the other finalists:

• Susan C. Edgren, assistant director, Division of Continuing Education.
• Anita Hutton, coordinator of recruitment and retention, College of Liberal Arts.
• Thomas F. Thibeault, director, College of Liberal Arts New Media Center/Language Media Center.

Giving special recognition to University employees who foster pride within their office or department and community involvement is among the goals of Southern@150, the blueprint for the development of the University by the time it celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2019.