The DeKalb County Special Education Association (DCSEA) recently awarded NIU their “Employer of the Year” award for participation in their student work release program.

The four employers from NIU who received special recognition for their work were Gary Olsen from Auxiliary Services, Food Service Administrator Phyllis Roush, and Carolyn Liefheit and Ed Sullivan from personnel.

DCSEA vocational coordinator Craig Bordner said five students from their program worked at NIU.

“I decided to award NIU because three of their offices participated in the program,” Bordner said.

He said learning disabled or behaviorally disordered high school students from DeKalb County are employed through their organization at various locations.

Every day these students are released from classes to work at NIU, where they receive special on-the-job training. The students are paid for their work.

Sullivan, director of the personnel office, said the students are screened by their office and their interviews are reviewed with the DCSEA coordinator.

Olsen, employed at auxiliary services, said, “I’ve really had a good response with these kids.”