Congratulations, McKendree Leadership and Service Award Winners!
Lebanon, Ill. — McKendree University recognized some of its finest leaders and organizations
for their inspirational contributions to the campus and community at its inaugural
Leadership and Service Awards Banquet. The event was held on April 21 at the Regency
Conference Center in O’Fallon.
Over 150 nominations were submitted for consideration. And the award winners are:
Outstanding Registered Student Organization: Alpha Phi Omega, a service-based co-ed organization, which sponsors blood drives,
service projects and recruitment events throughout the year and hosted a successful
sectional conference on campus.
Outstanding Service Project: The Emerging Leaders Organization’s second annual Chili Cook-off raised over $800
for the Wounded Warrior Project.
Student Hall of Fame: Jackie Bassler, a senior occupational therapy major from Belleville, was involved
with the leadership program, a student ambassador, and president of Kappa Sigma Tau
sorority during a transformative year. Edward “Bobby” Howell, a senior history education
major from Makanda, has spent countless hours tutoring other students, co-coordinated
Into the Streets, served as History Club president and a member of the Community Action
Team and the history honor society.
Bearcat Pride: C.J. Clarizio, a junior athletic training major from Pawnee, is well-known on campus
for his enthusiastic school spirit and support of athletic programs, student events
and admission recruitment.
ACES Award, sponsored by the Lyn Huxford Center for Community Service: Senior psychology majors
Courtney Motl, of Glen Carbon, and Natalie Ernst, of Peoria, volunteered 400-plus
service hours, coordinated special events and demonstrated social activism.
Country and Community Award: Technical Sergeant Rondale Chapman, a sophomore computer science major from Belleville,
has served 11 years in the Air Force. A student at McKendree’s Center for Scott Air
Force Base, he is described as a leader who is active in the community, an asset in
the classroom, and helpful to his classmates.
Advisors of the Year: Sarah Klucker, director of leadership and student development, co-advises the Student
Government Association (SGA), Kappa Sigma Tau, and oversees the Emerging Leaders group.
Craig Robertson, director of campus activities, guides the student-run Campus Activities
Board, directs New Student Orientation, and co-advises SGA, Kappa Sigma Tau and the
Alpha Phi Omega national service fraternity. He has been employed at McKendree since
1996.
Outstanding Collaborative Program: The “McKendree Idol” talent competition hosted by Kappa Lambda Iota and the Campus
Activities Board is one of the most well attended events on campus.
Outstanding Student Intern and Employee: Zachery Turpen, a senior computer information systems major from Highland, interned
for two semesters at Centene Corporation, where his exemplary performance helped open
doors for other McKendree students, aided career recruiting events on campus, and
led to a job offer. Austin Vuichard, a senior accounting, economics and finance major
from Coulterville, was named Outstanding Student Employee for his audio-video production
and editing work for the University Communications and Marketing department.
The Spark: Tim Rose, a junior history major from Highland, was recognized as a caring, hard-working,
dedicated and humble leader.
Outstanding Social Fraternity/Sorority Chapter: In its mere two-year history, McKendree’s Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority chapter has
managed to recruit and retain members, plan programming and raise money for its philanthropy
in ways rivaling those of other campuses.
-McK-
