Serving Others is Their Nature
Courtney Motl ’13 was one of 162 inspirational college students from 32 states chosen for recognition as a 2012 Newman Civic Fellow.
The psychology major from Glen Carbon, Ill., co-coordinates the University’s service program at the Family Living Center, a women and children’s shelter in East St. Louis. She is an officer of the Alpha Phi Omega national service fraternity chapter; president of Campus Ministries; and office coordinator for the Center for Public Service.
Courtney spent three spring breaks on mission trips to Virginia, Chicago and this year, Costa Rica. In addition to her mission work, her studies, and a part-time job in the Madison County Circuit Clerk’s office, she also volunteers with the Breakfast Ministry and Urban Fishing service groups, and is a New Student Orientation peer mentor, student ambassador and math tutor.
“Courtney is successfully blending academics and co-curricular activities into a well-rounded educational experience,” said Dr. James Dennis, president. “She has the intellect, motivation, leadership skills and commitment to be successful. She is already a proven leader.”
The award is named for Dr. Frank Newman, a founder of Campus Compact, a national coalition of almost 1,200 college and university presidents committed to educating students for civic and social responsibility.
Jim Burns and Kelsey Rittenhouse ’12 received the University’s 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award.
Kelsey volunteered hundreds of hours through the Lyn Huxford Center for Community Service and coordinated the “Into the Streets” community service program for two years. She helped children with craft projects each week at the Franklin Neighborhood Association in Belleville, Ill., and organized collection drives for the Lebanon Food Bank.
“Kelsey is one of the most effective leaders I’ve ever worked with. She leads by enthusiasm, passion and example,” said Dr. Lyn Huxford, sociology professor. “I have witnessed in her service a sense of humility and a great respect for people. And she makes it fun.”
The O’Fallon, Ill., resident graduated with a degree in management and now hopes to work in non-profit fundraising and continue her ties with the University.
Jim, a HVAC technician, helps others in numerous ways, especially students who are very far from home. Those who nominated him noted that “he tries to make everyone feel like they belong at McKendree. He is always going out of his way to help others, quick to befriend students who need help or advice, buying food for them when they are short on cash, and helping foreign students get a computer or clothes.”
The Ramsey, Ill., resident has been employed on campus by Sodexo for ten years.
