Get to know the newly elected Civil Service Council members with a quick Q&A.
Tom Cottn
Tom Cotton
Facilities Management/Grounds Services
Joined ISU in 1994, third time on the CS Council
What are your favorite places on campus?
The Quad. The beauty of it and the ability to say “I did that.” There are trees that I have planted. That means a lot to me.
Do you have any family members who work or attend ISU?
My wife is in Property Control, and one son has graduated. I have two other kids, one who was in the Marine Corps, and another who attended school in Springfield.
What do you hope to achieve during your time on the Civil Service Council?
My being on the council helps to improve communication to other areas of campus who need it and don’t have it. It is great to be a voice for the 700 workers who do not have daily access to a computer, and make sure they have a voice.
Favorite Redbird event or pastime?
The beginning of school and seeing the students back. I like helping the students who need to know where to go. “This is Edwards over here.” “You have the map upside down.”
Brooke Hermanowicz
Brooke Hermanowicz
Equipment Attendant, School of Kinesiology and Recreation
Joined ISU in 2014, first time on the CS Council
How did you learn about the Civil Service Council?
Online publications and knowing a few people on the council
What prompted you to run?
It is my first time, and think it is an additional benefit and opportunity that the University offers. I hope to learn something along the way, make even more connections across campus, and help out the best that I can.
What are your favorite places on campus?
I enjoy the green spaces around–taking walks across the Quad and sitting at the Redbird Plaza. (We have to take advantage of the nicer Illinois weather when we have the chance.)
Tony Herter
Tony Herter
Senior Project Manager, Construction Manager
Joined ISU in 2011, first time on the CS Council
What prompted you to run for CS Council?
I was asked by a current council member.
What are your favorite places on campus?
McAlister’s
What do you hope to achieve during your time on the Civil Service Council?
To better ISU.
Judi Khalilallah
Judi Khalilallah
Diversity Advocacy, Dean of Student Office
Joined ISU in 1992, first time on the CS Council
What prompted you to run?
My curiosity of the council’s function, a desire to be a part of the whole, and being named a recipient of the Civil Service Distinguished Service Award.
What are your favorite places on campus?
I can truly admit that I appreciate ISU’s campus on a whole, but the Student Fitness Center does hold a special place in my world, because I’m into fitness.
Favorite Redbird event or pastime?
I struggle with this question, because I have many “favorite” Redbird events—however, Graduation recognitions and Commencement ceremonies wear the crown and sit on top of the list, followed by the week of Homecoming events.
Do you have any family members who work for or attend ISU?
Proudly, four of my children are graduate ISU Alums!!!
What do you hope to achieve during your time on the Civil Service Council?
I’ve always been interested in the functionality and policy making of this institution, therefore, I’m going to take this opportunity to gain as much information and knowledge of the governance that builds the foundation of ISU. I believe being on the council will assist with achieving at least a part of that goal.
Chris Roberts
Chris Roberts
Systems Production Manager, Office of the University Registrar
Joined ISU in 2009, appointed to fill a vacant seat in 2017
What prompted you to run?
I was appointed to the council a year ago to fill a vacant seat, and in my time on the council I have appreciated the opportunity to both give back to the campus community and serve as a member of the CS scholarship committee. Since February I have had the honor of representing the Civil Service Council on the Academic Senate and have held a seat on the Planning and Finance Committee, allowing me to act as a voice for my fellow civil service employees in shaping decisions for campus.
What are your favorite places on campus?
I was a student worker at Milner Library, attached to Floor 6 Humanities, and it continues to hold a spot as one of my favorite places to be on campus, working on my homework in the study carrels and looking out over the Quad.
Favorite Redbird event or pastime?
I have always enjoyed catching programming at Capen Cinema when I was a student here.
Do you have any family members who work for or attend ISU?
My cousin Alicia Doyle (née Campagna, Class 2004) let me come and visit her when she was attending college here in 2000, and I decided I would follow her in becoming a fellow Redbird.
What do you hope to achieve during your time on the Civil Service Council?
I hope to continue my working with the Scholarship Committee and in my time with the Academic Senate, I intend to continue to push for broader representation for both AP and civil service members in university matters.
Contact Civil Service Council members via the CS Council website.
