Laura Lundelius

Laura Lundelius

As director of campus services, Laura Lundelius strives to achieve a single, yet complex, goal each and every day: top-notch customer service.

“Everybody we serve is working with the students. If we can’t do right by them, they can’t function,” Lundelius, who has spent 15 years with the university, said. “I want to do my part to make it better for our students. I want to do good because I love NIU.”

How and where that’s accomplished is as big as the university itself. From parking and buses for campus tours to keeping residence halls stocked with food, Lundelius and her teams work to keep things moving smoothly in areas both visible to the university community, as well as in behind-the-scenes functions.

Among her accomplishments, she’s credited with developing NIU’s Zipcar program and establishing electronic vehicle charging stations. Lundelius is particularly proud of building up the campus Borrow-a-Bike program from its start with a dozen bikes a decade ago to today’s version which features 150 bikes and an online safety training course.

Lundelius’ work recently earned her a Presidential Supportive Staff Award for Excellence. While she’s honored by the recognition, Lundelius shares the spotlight with the “phenomenal” staff she works alongside and considers family. Her co-workers offer similar high praise.

“In my 17 years working in materials management under three different directors, I have not seen a leader come close to Laura’s ability to balance personal and professional skills,” Keenon Darlinger, materials management manager, wrote in nominating Lundelius. “She goes above and beyond to bring her staff together as a team.”

Lundelius, who earned her MBA at NIU, said by doing her best for her colleagues, they are encouraged to do their best for the university.

“I know that Laura values her staff and that, in turn, they look up to her and respect her,” executive assistant Dori Day said. “I know she works tirelessly by coming in early, staying late and working weekends to keep the workflow going and managed effectively. She has been a mentor to me and I highly value her expertise. Laura is a great asset to NIU.”

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