Outstanding staff award - gold winner

The Parkland College Outstanding Staff Gold Award recognizes a staff member of 6 years or more.

2025 Outstanding Staff Award - Gold Winner

Brian Walker

Picture of Brian Walker

Brian works in the physical plant at Parkland College, but his career shows you can’t judge a book by its cover. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a minor in math from Hampton University and worked in chemistry and lab positions. He also studied medicine and phd programs before deciding to focus on network administration.

From 2010 to 2012, Brian earned his associate’s degree in network administration at Parkland College while working part-time in the physical plant. After graduating, he was offered a full-time position and has been with the college ever since.

Outside of work, Brian helps students and the Champaign community by fixing and donating laptops, desktops, iPads, and telescopes. He says mentors guided him at every step of his journey. His nominators wrote, “Brian does excellent work and takes pride in it. He goes above and beyond in his job and with everyone around him. he is a hard worker, a wonderful person, and a great friend. he brings positivity and is always ready to help.”

Past Award Winners (2009-2024) 

2024 – Sean Dannenfeldt 

2023 – Sara Stone

2022 – Karen Rocha

2021 – Kena Jo Chapman

2020 – Mark-Saint McDowell

2019 – Jessie McClusky-Gilbert

2018 – Kris Murray

2017 – Jason Rotzoll

2016 – Sue Schreiber

2015 – Aimee Densmore

2014 – Beth Chepan

2013 – Ellen Saveley

2012 – Patrick Holy

2011 – Anita Taylor

2010 – Kristina Taylor

2009 – Rick Thompson