About Us
Our purpose is to support and encourage activities and interactions that lead to employees feeling values and appreciated. Employees can expect integrity and accessibility from EER. We work to recognize effort as well as achievement, reward excellence, and foster a feeling of belonging.
Engagement Opportunities
Whether you’re seeking to connect with like-minded individuals, engage in institutional governance, or are looking for ways to get involved, you’ve come to the right place. Join us in building a vibrant community where every connection matters. Start exploring and discover the endless possibilities for engagement today.
Onboarding
Our onboarding process is designed to guide you through your transition, ensuring that you feel welcomed, informed, and prepared in your new role. Although everyone’s needs are unique, we hope to share the resources you need to make the experience feel tailored for you.
Recognition Programs
Employee awards and recognition are strategies employed by organizations to appreciate and celebrate the contributions, achievements, and outstanding performance of their employees.
Meet Our EER Team
Denise Dallmier Burger, SPHR, SHRM-SCP - Director of Employee Engagement & Recognition
Denise joined the Illinois Human Resources (IHR) team in February 2025. Her function is dedicated to celebrating University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign employees through a variety of initiatives and collaborating with other areas of IHR and the campus community to enhance the Illinois Value Proposition, ensuring that our employees feel valued and appreciated.
Denise earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s in human resource management at the University of Illinois before embarking on an HR career in the private sector, guiding multi-state and global organizations through periods of intense change and growth. Denise is also SPHR, SHRM-SCP, and Adult Mental Health First Aid certified. She has served on the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors since 2023.
Cheryl Hahn – Human Resource Associate Employee Engagement & Recognition
Cheryl joined the Illinois Human Resources Engagement & Recognition team in 2023. In her current position, Cheryl has primary responsibility for staffing recognition programs including the Civil Service Employees & Dependents Scholarship Program, the Chancellor’s Staff Excellence Award, and the campus-wide Anniversary Awards. She also assists with the Illinois Orientation for New Employees.
Cheryl came to our unit with a wealth of historical knowledge, having held various positions with Human Resources for more than 34 years until her retirement in early 2012. She was rehired part time in Human Resources in the fall of 2012, working on special projects until she took her current position in Employee Engagement & Recognition.
Cheryl is a graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, having earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master’s degree in labor relations. Cheryl’s husband Bob, their son, and daughter are also graduates of the U of I.
Jason Benjamin Knight – Employee Engagement & Recognition Coordinator
Jason joined Illinois Human Resources in May 2019 and in his current role supports employee engagement and recognition initiatives across the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He collaborates with colleagues within IHR and campus partners to promote employee connection, appreciation, and inclusion through various programs and events.
Jason brings experience in recruitment, talent strategy, and workforce support, with a strong focus on communication, relationship‑building, and process coordination. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Grambling State University and a master’s degree in Talent Development.