Emporia State announces 2008 recipients of University Service Citation award

The concept of service has become a lifelong habit for the three 2008 recipients of the University Service Citation award, and Emporia State University’s Alumni Association and the ESU community are honored to announce the winners.

Roger Heineken, Gilbert Rodriguez, and Dr. Harry Stephens, all of Emporia, were selected as the 2008 recipients from among a strong field of nominations. The three will be recognized at the 2008 Alumni Awards Banquet on Friday, Oct. 24, during Homecoming festivities.

Roger Heineken, Emporia

BFA 1978, Art

Roger Heineken currently serves as an administrative officer in the Memorial Union. He has sponsored the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, along with the Hispanic American Leadership Organization, Union Activities Council, and more. He has served on the Memorial Union board of directors, and his artistic talents have been widely displayed on campus in murals, displays, and décor. Mr. Heineken started the Phi Delta Theta Pole Sit in 1984, which has raised about $45,000 for SOS. He has served on the Emporia City Commission and the Emporia Recreation Commission, and as president of the Lyon County Historical Society and the Learning Connection of the Flint Hills.

Gilbert Rodriguez, Emporia

Gilbert Rodriguez has given 34 years to ESU as a maintenance worker, groundskeeper, and painter. He is a founding member of the Emporia Brown Express Athletic Club, a nationally ranked fast-pitch softball team that has sponsored the annual Super Custom Car Show, now in its 11th year. The car show’s proceeds support local charities, and with Mr. Rodriguez’s help it has raised $4,500 since 2004. A third-degree black belt, he has taught karate classes for 30 years on campus. He always wears ESU clothing and hats, and loves speaking to potential students about ESU. He has a knack for raising money for ESU scholarships and is a strong representative of the university.

Dr. Harry Stephens, Emporia

BA 1965, Biology, and MS 1972, Counselor Education

Dr. Harry Stephens has served ESU for almost four decades, most notably as the vice-president for student affairs for 11 years. He is a strong advocate for ESU, remaining active in campus Greek affairs and the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity, demonstrating enthusiasm and reaching out to young people while financially supporting student scholarships. After serving as a Kansas state senator, Dr. Stephens taught graduate classes, coordinated an accreditation self-study for the university, and served as the Greek alumni liaison. As an active member of the community, he serves on the Humane Society and Emporia Granada Theatre boards, is an officer of Emporia Sunrise Rotary, and more.

About the University Service Citation award

Started in 1980 by the ESU Alumni Association, the intent of the University Service Citation award is to recognize unique – that is rare and unusual – and significant service to Emporia State University. Individuals chosen for this award are moved to service by a deep concern for and loyalty to ESU, and their efforts extend beyond the call of duty.

Award nominations are made annually. A selection committee, made up of four representatives from the ESU Alumni Association Board of Directors, three faculty members, and one ESU Foundation Trustee, meets each year to select that year’s recipients. The ESU Alumni Association Board of Directors approves the selected recipients.

Last Updated August 7, 2008>