Awards honor the ‘epitome of service’ in friends of ESU

Emporia State University students are offered five “stepping stones” to a career – an opportunity to engage in leadership, international experiences, an internship or practicum, research or scholarly activity, or service, President Kay Schallenkamp told the audience at Tuesday’s University Service Citation awards dinner.

The president could have been reading from the resumes of the award winners: Russ and Jeannie Jenkins of Emporia, Lana Oleen of Manhattan, and Kim Pember of Emporia. The individuals, honored for their remarkable service to ESU at the annual event, represent the “epitome of service” and ESU wouldn’t be where it is today without them, Schallenkamp said.

“Tonight we’re here to honor these individuals, who have given so much,” Schallenkamp told the crowd. “We would not be here without your time, talent and treasures you’ve given us. We are truly blessed to have you as part of our family.”

Russ and Jeannie Jenkins have hosted the annual Football Traditions BBQ, which will be in its third year this fall. Hundreds of players and parents and fans gather to mingle and raise support for the football program. “Russ and Jeannie have given so much of their time, talent and treasure, and their home for the traditions barbeque,” Schallenkamp said, “and they’ve done so much more.”

“I want to say ‘Thank you,’” said Jeannie, a 1975 ESU graduate. “It’s very easy to do something for an institution you love very much.”

Russ, a 1973 ESU graduate, added two phrases to live by. “‘It’s better to give than to receive,’” and as Earl Sauder would say, “‘Don’t give until it hurts. Give until it feels good.’”

Lana Oleen (BSE 1972, MS 1977) was a tireless advocate for ESU as a member of the Kansas Senate, and her efforts continue now as she serves on national committees and works as a consultant around the state. “Lana has been a tremendous supporter of the university,” Schallenkamp said. “Her service to the university as a state senator was incredible. It was one of those things when you went to the Legislature, you knew you could go to Lana and she’d tell you the way it is.”

Oleen said a hectic day in Topeka was made easier knowing she’d be among friends Tuesday evening, among people “I appreciate and I value, and I’ll work hard for you in the future. These are exciting times to be a part of the Kansas landscape, and I’m proud to be a Hornet.”

Kim Pember (BSB 1988, MBA 1989), as general manager at Glendo Corp. in Emporia, has led the charge to create at ESU the only four-year engraving arts degree in the world. “Kim had this idea, and she is so passionate about Emporia State University,” Schallenkamp said. “We owe so much to her for her work on the engraving arts degree.”

As Pember has circled the globe, meeting with influential business leaders in countries too numerous to mention, she says her education at ESU has served her well. “Not once have I felt I was any less qualified than any of these people,” Pember said. “The more I travel, the more I realize how much Emporia has to offer all of us. I am very proud, and I will continue to tell the world about Emporia State University.”

Since its inception in 1980, the University Service Citation award has recognized unique and significant service to the university. Individuals chosen for the award have demonstrated a deep loyalty to ESU.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>