Monday, May 02, 2005
Alumni to honor math instructor, businessmen, and Class of 2005
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A mathematics instructor and local businessmen received awards from the University of Southern Indiana Alumni Association during the Class of 2005 Graduation Celebration Reception and Dinner, on Saturday, May 7. Marjorie Olsen Labhart, instructor in mathematics, will receive the Faculty Recognition Award. Labhart was one of two full-time faculty members appointed in 1965 when the University opened its doors and has been connected with USI throughout its 40-year history. In addition to teaching undergraduate classes in algebra and trigonometry, she is 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 Student Government Association, was a member of the first Faculty Senate on campus, and served on and chaired many other University committees over the years. She holds a Master of Mathematics from University of Tennessee and a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from University of Evansville. Richard S. Kersting will receive the Special Recognition Award. Kersting, store manager of Schnucks West, became involved with USI when he moved to Evansville in 1990. He is a volunteer for the Department of Athletics, a past chair of the Varsity Club board of directors (1998-99), and a board member since 1994. He has given countless hours to Varsity Club committees and events including the golf outing, Outback luncheon, and Steak Fry ‘n Auction. Numerous student, employee, alumni, and University events and programs have received in-kind gifts that Kersting has coordinated through Schnucks. He also has shared his management and marketing knowledge with USI students in the classroom, serving as an adjunct professor and speaker on campus. Robert W. Swan ’72 will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award. He has distinguished himself as an accounting and administrative professional and as a dedicated community volunteer. He began his public accounting career with Price Waterhouse and Company in Chicago. In 1976, he joined Santa Fe Energy Company in Amarillo, Texas, as assistant controller. In 1981, he began working for Kemper CPA Group’s Vincennes, Indiana, office. With Kemper, Swan served as a member in charge of the Evansville office and as regional administrative member prior to being elected to the firm’s executive committee. He is currently 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. He received the 1996 USI Alumni Service Award for his outstanding service to USI. His community involvements include the United Way of Southwestern Indiana, Evansville Better Business Bureau, Center City Corporation, and Evansville Rotary Club. He also is a director of Integra Bank and a past member of the Indiana Gaming Commission. David W. Herrenbruck ’76 will receive the Alumni Service Award. He served as president of the USI Alumni Association (2002-03); secretary (2000-02); and Alumni Council member (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. He has provided leadership to the Varsity Club since 1993, serving as chair (1995-96), treasurer (1994), and co-chair of the Steak Fry ‘n Auction, transforming the event into a successful fund raiser. He is vice president of the Private Client Group at Fifth Third Bank. A posthumous Alumni Service Award will be conferred on Mark A. Messmer ’93, who died in December 2004. He graduated from USI with a degree in business administration and assisted the University as president of the Dubois County USI Alumni Chapter, serving from 1996 to 2004. In this role he initiated the chapter’s scholarship endowment fund, which has grown to over $8,000. To date, seven students have benefited from the scholarship. Messmer developed several opportunities for Dubois County to continue its involvement with USI. Among them are alumni networking receptions, student recruitment receptions, an alumni speaker’s bureau, and alumni social events. Messmer was the information systems manager for JOFCO International in Jasper and a former employee of USI. |
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