Emily Vigneri, training coordinator for Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality (EMDH), and recent recipient of the Civil Service Distinguished Service Award, is a vibrant new member of the EMDH staff.
Before starting in EMDH, Vigneri worked for University College and held positions within Orientation and Transition Services as well as the First Year Experience and Testing Services. She has played a role in coordinating three Human Library events for Illinois State University students as well as student employees in EMDH.
Vigneri first found a passion for the field of training and development while working in University College training Preview guides.
“I enjoyed seeing the progress in the guides from when they started training in March compared to the end of the summer. The guides were so much more confident at the end of the summer and I saw real changes right before my eyes, which was extremely gratifying,” Vigneri said.
Vigneri ’07, M.S. ’10, is an Illinois State University alumna who obtained her master’s degree in college student personnel administration. Following her desire to focus on training, she is also pursuing her second master’s degree, this time in technology focused in training and development.
“I truly believe that trained employees are happy employees, and I think that training is a good way to invest in people. That is why I decided to work in this field—it is so rewarding to get to be a part of building a better workplace,” said Vigneri.
Vigneri is not only committed to the development of students and professional staff members, but is also very involved in the local community and strives to be a global citizen. Through her involvement in the Bloomington-Normal Multicultural Leadership Program (MCLP), Vigneri found several organizations that she now serves on as a board member.
“I learned so much about community organizations through the program. It was really a catalyst for me and allowed me to pursue many different opportunities,” Vigneri said.
Through MCLP, Vigneri became involved with the McLean County League of Women Voters, which she will serve as the president of starting in May, and with “For a Better Tomorrow,” a global philanthropy that operates on both local and international levels.
The Civil Service Distinguished Service Award is a great recognition that was awarded to two Civil Service employees at Illinois State University, including Vigneri, during the Founders Day Convocation on February 16.
