University News
Walter McGath has been recognized as the 玩偶姐姐 Al and Elaine Goldfarb Civil Service Employee of the Month for May 2026.
McGath Named May EOM
May 26, 2026
MACOMB/MOLINE, IL 鈥� Walter McGath has been recognized as the 玩偶姐姐 Al and Elaine Goldfarb Civil Service Employee of the Month for May for his exceptional dedication, problem-solving abilities and commitment to supporting students and colleagues across the Division of Student Success.
McGath is widely recognized as a core and vital member of the Division of Student Success team, consistently going above and beyond his formal responsibilities to assist others, identify solutions to complex challenges and provide support to offices across campus. While his role focuses on financial support, processing and organizational operations for the Division, his impact extends far beyond his job description through his willingness to step in wherever help is needed.
His extensive professional background at WIU reflects a long-standing commitment to institutional service and operational excellence across multiple units. McGath began his career in an accounting role before transitioning into increasingly responsible positions within the Beu Health Center, including medical records, clerical supervision and business management.
Over time, he advanced into higher-level administrative roles, ultimately serving in business administrative associate capacities supporting both the Beu Health Center and University administrative functions. This progression reflects decades of experience in financial operations, administrative leadership and organizational support, all of which contribute to the depth of expertise he brings to his current role.
During a recent staffing transition at the Veterans Resource Center, the University faced the possibility of closing the Center for part of the day for nearly a month while hiring processes were completed. Recognizing the importance of maintaining services for military-affiliated students and their families, McGath voluntarily offered to temporarily relocate his work location to help keep the Center open and fully supported during the transition period.
For nearly a month, McGath split his workdays between his office in Sherman Hall and the Veterans Resource Center in Wright Residence, adjusting both his workload and personal routine to ensure students continued receiving personal, financial, emotional and technical support services without interruption. His willingness to prioritize the student experience and support colleagues during a period of uncertainty had a significant impact on both students and staff throughout the Division.
McGath is also recognized throughout the Division of Student Success as someone colleagues can depend on to resolve difficult issues and streamline processes. As reporting structures and operational responsibilities across the University have evolved, he has played a critical role in helping offices locate account information, identify deposit histories, retrieve purchase records and modernize outdated systems and procedures.
Over the past several months, McGath has worked collaboratively with nearly every office within the Division of Student Success, dedicating extra time and effort to solving challenges others struggled to resolve. From locating long-forgotten account numbers to implementing new approval systems and improving operational workflows, his work has not only addressed immediate concerns but also created more sustainable and efficient processes for the future.
McGath exemplifies the WIU core values of service, collaboration, integrity and commitment through his daily work and his continued dedication to supporting both students and colleagues across campus.
As a recipient of this recognition, McGath will receive a $100 stipend (before taxes), a plaque, a reserved parking space and formal recognition through a University press release. His recognition will also be recorded as part of his personnel file and will make him eligible for consideration for the Civil Service Employee of the Year Award in December.
The Al and Elaine Goldfarb Civil Service Employee of the Month Award recognizes Civil Service employees who demonstrate exceptional enthusiasm, effort and quality in job performance by consistently going above and beyond their regular job duties.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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