Biehl is 2017 Christopher W. Garber Staff Member of the Year
NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. – Jill Biehl is the Manchester University 2017 Christopher W. Garber Staff Member of the Year.
Administrative assistant in the Office of Admissions, Biehl has worked at Manchester for 43 years.
“While that longevity is nearly unparalleled, we honor her for the dedication she brings to her role every day,” President Dave McFadden said. “Long before we started encouraging members of our community to ‘discover their best selves,’ Jill already had.”
Biehl helps coordinate prospective student visits, lining up meetings with faculty, coaches and staff, arranging tours and organizing lunches. She also creates the admissions files, manages the database, assembles acceptance packages and generally keeps the office running.
“As the first person prospective students meet when they walk through our door, Jill welcomes them warmly and provides the best customer service possible. She makes sure everyone feels special and cared for,” McFadden said.
Here is what one of the nominations said about her:
“The families that visit Manchester comment on the family-like atmosphere and how friendly everyone is. It helps that the first smile they see on campus is Jill Biehl’s.”
Biehl also contributes to life at Manchester outside of her official role. There may be no more loyal fan of Spartan athletics. She attends many games and meets, and even announces the players at MU home baseball games.
The award is named in honor of Garber, who served North Manchester and the University in myriad ways. At the time of his death in 2015, he was assistant vice president for operations at MU and president of the North Manchester Chamber of Commerce. A 1973 graduate of Manchester High School and a 1977 graduate of MU, his roles also included being North Manchester Town Council president and vice chair of the Community Foundation of Wabash County Board of Directors.
Last year was the first year for this award. Its recipient, Conference Services Director Alexis Young, presented the 2017 award.
About Manchester University
Manchester University, with campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers more than 60 areas of academic study to 1,600 students in undergraduate programs, a Master of Athletic Training, a Master of Pharmacogenomics and a four-year professional Doctor of Pharmacy. It has students from 20 nations and is home to the world's first undergraduate peace studies program, established in 1948. Learn more about the private, northern Indiana school at www.manchester.edu.
September 2017