BLOOMINGTON, Ill. 鈥� A devoted member of Illinois Wesleyan鈥檚 staff, Michael Limacher, was honored with the University's 2026 Max L. Starkey Service Award on April 23.
President Sheahon Zenger recognized Limacher at the annual Employee Recognition Luncheon, which celebrates the end of the academic year while honoring faculty and staff.
Limacher has served IWU for nearly 40 years and is a cornerstone of the Information Technology Services department. Known for his quick response and technical expertise, he has supported countless classes and events by working to ensure classroom technology runs smoothly.
Nominators praised Limacher鈥檚 loyalty, enthusiasm and selfless commitment. He is known for dropping everything to resolve issues, often bringing a positive attitude and humor to high-stress situations.
鈥淚 guarantee nearly every faculty and staff member on this campus can tell you of a time Michael has swooped into their class, or meeting, and saved the day by either resolving the issue at hand or by providing a reliable backup option to remedy issues too great to fix immediately,鈥� one nominator said. 鈥淓ven on the hottest summer days and during the coldest winter chills, Michael never leaves a call unanswered.鈥�
In addition to his technical work, Limacher is recognized for his wealth of knowledge about the university and his eagerness to share his expertise with others. Whether he is training ITS student workers or empowering building administrators with the tools and information they need to assist colleagues, Limacher鈥檚 impact is widely felt.
As Limacher prepares for retirement in May, colleagues emphasize the lasting impact of his decades of service.
The Starkey Award is given to a staff member whose loyalty, enthusiasm and outstanding contributions provide invaluable service to the Illinois Wesleyan community. Established in 2001, the award is named in honor of the late Max Starkey, a 1957 graduate and longtime university controller. The award is made possible through a gift from the Starkey family.
In addition to the Starkey awards, the University honored retirees and celebrated employees with milestone anniversaries from Aug. 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026.
Employees celebrating milestone anniversaries:
5 Years
Olivia Braun, 蓝莓视频
Rocio Gama Antunez, Physical Plant
Amanda Kemp, School of Nursing
Cora Kennedy, Esports
Chisato Kojima, World Languages, Literatures And Cultures
Autum Kopp, Marketing
Brian Law, Computer Science
Nikki Miller, Athletics
Gabriela Montaigne, School of Business and Economics
Tristan Toney, Physical Plant
Courtney Turnbull, Office of Student Involvement
Wathsala Iwadunna Waduge, Chemistry
10 Years
Allecia Correll, Financial Aid
Kaylee Frank, Financial Aid
Beth Milsteadt, Registrar
Linda Sanchez Rodriguez, Physical Plant
Aaron Wilson , Environmental Studies
15 Years
Van Miller, Advancement
Marie Nebel-Schwalm, Psychology
Katy Ritter, Library
20 Years
Greg Huffaker, Physical Education
Tom Quinn, School of Theatre Arts
25 Years
William Munro, Political Science
Crystal Post, 蓝莓视频
Linda Tuttle, Business Office
Julie Wood, Library
30 Years
Zahia Drici, Mathematics
Warren Kistner, Career Center
Gloria Redinger, Library
35 Years
Jean Kerr, School of Theatre Arts
40 Years
Bobby Frank, Physical Plant
RECOGNITION OF RETIREMENTS
Noel Kerr, School of Nursing (15 years)
Brenda Knoll , School of Nursing (19 years)
Weldon Moldenhauer, Physical Plant (24 years)
Paul Menendez, Physical Plant (24)
Will Jaeckle, Biology (25)
Connie Estep, School of Art and Design (28)
Steve Seibring, Advancement (35)
Randy Crow, Physical Plant (45)