Abraham Lincoln Ethics Award

U of I ethics officer wins statewide award

April 30, 2008
Contact: Donna McNeely, 217/206-6202, dmcne1@uis.edu

(Springfield) -- University of Illinois Ethics Officer Donna McNeely has been named recipient of the Illinois Executive Ethics Commission's 2008 Abraham Lincoln Ethics Award. The award was presented at a luncheon held April 29 at the University of Illinois at Springfield campus.

Created by the IEEC in 2006, the award recognizes a state employee who has a "demonstrated record of exemplary adherence to the principles of integrity, fairness, and service" to Illinois citizens. In her position, McNeely is responsible for ethics issues across all three U of I campuses – in Urbana, Chicago, and Springfield.

Presenting the award, Commission Chair Fr. Shawn Denney noted that McNeely's work is "an example to all the kinds of efforts an ethics officer can undertake to develop and make profound differences in the ethical climate of the state."

Denney cited a number of efforts undertaken by McNeely and her staff, including revising and circulating a handbook and preparing a newsletter for faculty and staff; conducting workshops on conflicts of commitment and interest; conducting outreach to campus contacts to familiarize them with the ethics training process; enhancing communication with the Ethics Office; and working to heighten awareness of ethics issues within the university structure.

The University Ethics Office is designed to be a partner, educator, and source of specialized guidance for employees of the University of Illinois. It is the designated liaison to receive and coordinate or refer investigations of alleged fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, misconduct, or other violations of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. The office is also charged with reducing unethical or illegal behavior by University employees, while improving employee decision making and commitment, as well as the University's work environment, reputation, and image.

For more information, contact McNeely at 217/206-6202.