Scott Billhartz Receives McKendree University's Highest Staff Honor

(LEBANON, Ill., May 3, 2016) — A week after he celebrated 15 years of employment at his alma mater, McKendree University employee Scott Billhartz received the 2016 President’s Award for Professional Excellence. It was presented at the Honors Convocation, held on April 28 during the university’s annual Academic Excellence Celebration.

Billhartz, a New Baden resident, is director of donor and prospect management in the Development, Alumni and Parent Relations Department.

“His commitment to McKendree is unsurpassed, and his institutional memory is remarkable,” said Dr. James Dennis, university president, of the 1985 McKendree graduate. “He provides leadership to young professionals and shares his wealth of knowledge about the university, its alumni and friends.”

Colleagues who nominated Billhartz remarked on his dedication, helpfulness and passion for his work. He is “the brain to our office” and “a true leader” who is “always willing to help, and is always the first one at the office and the last to leave,” they wrote.

“To say I was shocked would be an understatement!” Billhartz said. “There are so many people who are worthy of the President’s Award for Excellence. I was deeply touched and quite humbled to receive this award. I was very honored to be part of such a wonderful day of ‘excellence’ at McKendree.”

 

Scott Billhartz, left, accepts the 2016 President’s Award for Professional Excellence

from McKendree University President James Dennis at the April 28 Honors Convocation.