Stephani Stark Receives President’s Award for Professional Excellence
(LEBANON, Ill., April 20, 2022) – Stephani Stark, a cooking staff member at Ames Dining
Hall at McKendree University, has recently been awarded the President’s Award for
Professional Excellence. The winner of this award shines as an ideal example of an
ambassador of McKendree University who is respected by the entire campus community.
They take on many roles outside of their primary duties and responsibilities and epitomize
the One McKendree spirit through their leadership and outstanding service to the University.
A resident of Lebanon, Ill., Stark was hired on as a cook in Ames in 2011 and quickly
made a positive impact on the campus community. She provides a welcoming environment
for all students who come to Ames for their meals. She is diligent in identifying
students who are hurting, making new students feel welcomed and opening her family
and home to the ever-growing number of international students. The long lines outside
of the deli area where she works during lunch hours is a testament to how much the
students enjoy her meals and her presence.
“Stephani Stark is a well-deserving recipient of this award,” said President Daniel
Dobbins. “She is a truly excellent example of someone who challenges herself and others
to provide outstanding service and support to our students.”
Stark is involved with the campus community by regularly attending most home athletic
events, as well as many fine art events. A well-loved member of the Bearcat community,
Stark was nominated by students to be admitted into Phi Eta Sigma, the First-Year
Student Honor Society, for her active role in first-year students’ success for transitioning
and finding comfort away from home. Students have regularly commented on her dedication
to and unwavering support of the University and its students.
Stark was also the recent recipient of the March Sodexo Customer Service Experience
award for the Illinois-Indiana district and the Michigan-Ohio-Indiana-Illinois-Wisconsin
district for the consistent care she shows to McKendree students.
-McK-
