2005 Award Recipients

Special Recognition Award Richard S. Kersting

The University is living testimony to the magnificent progress that can be achieved with teamwork and the generous support of its friends. One special friend who has assisted in assuring USI's development is Rick Kersting.

Mr. Kersting immediately became involved with USI when he moved to Evansville in 1990 as the store manager of Schnucks West. For 15 years, he has given outstanding service to the USI community. He brings a high level of passion to his role as a volunteer for the Department of Athletics. A past chair of the Varsity Club Board of Directors in 1998-99 and a board member since 1994, Rick has given countless hours to Varsity Club committees and events including the golf outing, Outback luncheon, and the Steak Fry 'n Auction.

Numerous student, employee, alumni, and University events and programs have received in-kind gifts that Rick has coordinated through Schnucks. Additionally, he has shared his management and marketing knowledge with USI students in the classroom, serving as an adjunct professor and speaker on campus.

Rick and his wife Nancy reside in Newburgh with their son Matthew and daughter Stephanie.

 

Faculty Recognition Award Marjorie Olsen Labhart

Marjorie Labhart, instructor of Mathematics, was one of two full-time faculty members appointed in 1965 when Indiana State University Evansville opened its doors.  She has been connected with USI for 40 years with the exception of semesters missed for childbirth. Mrs. Labhart is a dedicated educator whose caring personality, combined with her expertise as a teacher and advisor, have gained her the enduring respect of her students and colleagues.

In addition to currently teaching undergraduate classes in algebra and trigonometry, she is the survey of mathematics proficiency examination coordinator, a member of the Bachelor of General Studies Committee, and the emcee for the annual Indiana State Math-O-Rama held at USI. She was instrumental in forming the first Student Government Association and was
a member of the first Faculty Council (now Faculty Senate) on campus.
Other USI past involvements include chair of the committee to change the format of the University Honors program, a member of the University Center Coordinating Committee responsible for planning a $4 million expansion, coordinator of intermediate algebra and college algebra classes, University Division advisor, chair and secretary of the Student Academic Affairs Committee, a member of the state review committee for distance education, and vice-chair for the School of Science & Engineering Faculty Division for Campaign USI.

Mrs. Labhart holds a Master of Mathematics from University of Tennessee and a bachelor's in secondary education from University of Evansville. She and her husband Sigmund live in Evansville. They have three adult children and two grandchildren.

 

Alumni Service Award David W. Herrenbruck '76

David Herrenbruck's service to USI is extraordinary. He personifies the Association's mission to serve and develop a committed body of alumni dedicated to promoting and enhancing the excellence and the reputation of the University.

Mr. Herrenbruck, a 1976 marketing graduate, served as president of the USI Alumni Association 2002-03, secretary 2000-01, and Alumni Council member from 1999-2004. A member of the USI Foundation Board since 2001, he is chair of the 2005-06 New Donor Alumni Campaign, past chair of the Alumni Annual Fund Campaign Board, and a Campaign USI volunteer. Additionally, he has provided leadership to the Varsity Club since 1993, serving as chair 1995-96, treasurer 1994, and past co-chair of the Steak Fry 'n Auction, transforming the event into a successful fund raiser.

One of USI's most ardent cheerleaders and volunteers, Mr. Herrenbruck
continuously spreads the word of USI and its programs to the community and area students.

Mr. Herrenbruck is vice president of the Private Client Group at Fifth Third Bank. He and his wife Jill live in Evansville. They have two adult children and two grandchildren.

 

 Posthumous Alumni Service Award Mark A. Messmer '93

USI graduate Mark Messmer gave unselfishly of his time and talents to assist others until his life was ended by a brain tumor in December. The Alumni Association presents this Alumni Service Award posthumously, recognizing that Mark Messmer epitomized the ideal of leadership all graduates should emulate.

Mr. Messmer graduated from USI in 1993 with a degree in business administration. He assisted his alma mater as president of the Dubois County USI Alumni Chapter, serving from 1996-2004. In this role he initiated the chapter's annual scholarship for a Dubois County graduating senior attending USI. He was instrumental in securing donations for the chapter's scholarship endowment fund that has grown to over $8,000. To date seven students have benefited from his thoughtful efforts.

Additionally, Mark and Connie Lueken Messmer '91, chapter secretary,
developed several opportunities for graduates in Dubois County to continue their involvement with USI. Among them are alumni networking receptions, student recruitment receptions, alumni speaker's bureau, and alumni social events.

Mark was the information systems manager for JOFCO International in
Jasper and was a former employee of USI. He is survived by his wife Connie and daughter Emma.

 

Distinguished Alumni Award Robert W. Swan '72

Conferral of the Distinguished Alumni Award provides recognition to a graduate who has made outstanding achievements in career or in public service. This year's recipient, Robert Swan, has distinguished himself as an accounting and administrative professional and as a dedicated community volunteer.

A 1972 USI accounting graduate, Robert Swan began his public accounting career with Price Waterhouse & Co. in Chicago. He was the first accounting graduate to be hired by a "Big 8" accounting firm immediately following graduation. In 1976, he joined Santa Fe Energy Company in Amarillo, Texas as assistant controller and in 1981 he began working for Kemper CPA Group in the Vincennes, Indiana office. During his career with Kemper, he has served as member in charge of the Evansville Office and concurrently served as Regional Administrative member prior to being elected to the firm's Executive Committee. Today, he is a senior partner with Kemper CPA Group LLP where he has been involved with numerous mergers and acquisitions contributing to the growth of the firm with offices in California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky.

Mr. Swan received the 1996 USI Alumni Service Award for his outstanding service to his alma mater. Community involvements include the United Way of Southwestern Indiana, Evansville Better Business Bureau, Center City Corporation, and Evansville Rotary Club. He is a director of Integra Bank
and a past member of the Indiana Gaming Commission.

Mr. Swan and his wife Roxanne reside in Evansville. They have two adult sons

 

 

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