Three honored for service to university
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Three people have been chosen to receive the 2008 University Service Citation award at Emporia State University. The award, presentred by the ESU Alumni Association recognizes people who perform unique service for the university community.
Roger Heineken, Gilbert Rodriguez, and Harry Stephens, all of Emporia, will be recognized at the 2008 Alumni Awards Banquet on Oct. 24, during Homecoming festivities.
According to a university news release, Heineken currently serves as an administrative officer in the Memorial Union. He has sponsored the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, the Hispanic American Leadership Organization, the Union Activities Council, and more. He has served on the Memorial Union board of directors. His artistic talents have been widely displayed on campus in murals, displays, and décor.
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, the Emporia Recreation Commission and as president of the Lyon County Historical Society and the Learning Connection of the Flint Hills.
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 Rodriguez’s help it has raised $4,500 since 2004.
A third-degree black belt, Rodriguez 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.
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, 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 boards of the Humane Society of the Flint Hills and the Emporia Granada Theatre Alliance. He is also an officer of the Sunrise Rotary Club.