For four decades, Ceci Brinker served Eastern Illinois University as not only a coworker to her colleagues, but as a friend and role model to the campus community.
Brinker’s final role at Eastern was as director of the office of leadership and engagement. On Jan. 31, she retired.
She started at Eastern as a student-athlete, playing women’s basketball and majoring in physical education.
After graduating in 1976, Brinker worked as a substitute teacher in the Charleston area before returning to campus in the spring of 1985 to become the director of student life.
“What I will remember is the countless EIU student leaders and graduate assistants whose lives I touched and who impacted my life and career,” Brinker said.
While Brinker mentored a plethora of students in her time at Eastern, those in the Black Student Union, Student Government and University Board saw her involvement the most.
Within Black Student Union, noticeable differences have been felt since Brinker’s retirement, according to BSU secretary Angie Jenkins.
“Ceci brought a unique presence and energy that’s hard to replace,” Jenkins said. “I truly miss being able to stop by her office during my free time to talk, laugh or even bother her for a little.”
In Student Government, Brinker’s involvement made her memorable to those working alongside her, even those who didn’t work with her for very long, like SGA vice president of student affairs Kat Maxson.
“She’s an extremely smart woman, and she’s always taken pride in the offices and organizations she leads,” Maxson said. “You could always count on her to put her all into what she’s doing.”
Maxson said Brinker was an instrumental voice in meetings when SGA worked on the new RSO funding program in January.
“Whenever I worked with her, her expertise was unmatched, her prior experience was apparent and she always knew how to deal with situations as they arose,” Maxson said.
Maxson also said she will always credit Brinker for the care she had for students, something Jenkins said similarly.
“Ceci was always a great person to have genuine conversations and/or needed help with programs,” Jenkins said. “She was truly the queen for all answers.”
Before retiring, Brinker worked to make the transition for Catie Danner, who is now the interim director of the office of leadership and engagement, feel smooth.
Danner said Brinker was truly one of a kind to work with and deserved the recognition for her hard work on campus.
“She gave 40 years to EIU and truly bleeds blue through and through”, said Danner.
Danner, who’s been in this position for four weeks, said no big changes have been implemented, but the transition comes with some personal adjustment.
“I am hoping to take this semester to learn as much as I can and really get a grasp for this position,” Danner said. “I’m really focused on learning the role and supporting the student leaders in our office this semester.”
Now a retiree, Brinker plans to relax and spend time with her family and friends, and she put together a bucket list of things to do to keep herself busy in her newfound free time.
Proud and satisfied with her time at EIU, she said this retirement is absolutely worth it.
“As of now, every day is a Saturday for me,” said Brinker. “So far, I’ve attended a Broadway play. I also have more plans to start home upgrade projects, volunteer locally, write a book and travel abroad in the future.”
Koria Downs can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected].
