EIU Media Relations

EIU leaders thank union, volunteers for participation in campus beautification efforts

(Charleston, IL) – Leaders at Eastern Illinois University are commending the coordinators and participants of a recent event that helped to further beautify Eastern’s 320-acre campus.

On July 13, university administration worked closely with Teamster’s Public Service Division Local #26 to host “Collaborative Campus Beautification Day” at Eastern. The event further united Eastern Illinois University with its hardworking union partners, and along with approximately 100 volunteers, the integrated group devoted significant hours toward enhancing the allure and charm of the state’s top-ranked public regional university.

“Eastern is renowned for building and maintaining quality relationships,” said Paul McCann, EIU’s Vice President for Business Affairs. “Our union partners are integral contributors to EIU’s operation and upkeep, and the beautification day was a testament to everyone’s commitment to continuously enhancing our university. This event wouldn’t have been possible without the great relationship we share with Teamsters #26, and we’re extremely grateful for their ongoing cooperation and support.”

In an earlier communication to faculty and staff, Maintenance Equipment Operator and Union Steward for Local 26 Ron Croy expressed his enthusiasm for EIU’s first-ever Beautification Day.

In an email to campus, Croy shared that Eastern’s broad appeal results from a mutual, collective effort to continuously enhance every part of this university—“from our individual classrooms to our entire campus.”

That broad view includes knowing that campus visits regularly provide students and families with their first real-world impressions of the university. That understanding, McCann added, is also why EIU’s ground staff of Teamsters #26 works so diligently to maintain the beautiful look and feel of Eastern’s campus.

“Our campus and community friends were able to demonstrate their appreciation for our grounds staff by working alongside them in a collaborative demonstration of love for EIU,” McCann said. “We’re all driven by our shared passion for Eastern, and I’m proud of this university’s ability to work together to support the long-term happiness and success of our students.”

The Teamsters represent more than 200,000 public service men and women across the State of Illinois, and are committed to the ideals of dignity, quality, and respect. The Teamster’s Public Service Division Local #26 has been a critical partner of Eastern Illinois University for many years.

For more information about EIU, or to learn more about its growing assortment of programs and services, visit the university’s website at www.eiu.edu, or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.