Iowa Lakes Community College Students Received John P. “Jack” Kibbie Outstanding Service Award

(Estherville, Iowa) Five Iowa Lakes students received the prestigious John P. “Jack” Kibbie Outstanding Service Award. Jolene Rogers, Iowa Lakes Executive Director of Community and Business Relations, presented the awards to Trevor Friesner, Lucas Gardner, Calvin Hart, Faith Lutat, and Hannah Seil at the 2020 Summer Commencement Ceremony held on July 24.

The name of the award John P. “Jack” Kibbie Outstanding Service Award was selected to honor Senator Jack Kibbie, known as “The Father of Iowa Community Colleges.” Senator Kibbie served as an Iowa Lakes Board of Trustee member from 1970 to 1988 and was Board President for nine of those eighteen years.

Iowa Lakes faculty and staff nominate students for the award, and the Iowa Lakes Board of Trustee members select the recipients. The honor conferred in the “spirit of keeping the light of service to others burning brightly” in Iowa Lakes students is an absolute testament to Senator Kibbie’s impact at Iowa Lakes Community College.

Trevor Friesner is a May 2020 graduate with an Associate in Arts from Estherville, Iowa. Friesner dedicated many hours to Iowa Lakes and Estherville Lincoln Central students. His exemplary service included traveling to Chicago on a mission trip where he worked with young students at an afterschool program and served food at a homeless shelter. Laker Life Advisor Brett Fuelberth emphasized how caring and intuitive Friesner is as he often engaged with students who were sitting alone or looked in need of a kind word. Friesner is well-respected and has been committed to leadership in Laker Life and leading youth group the past two years.

Lucas Gardner, a May 2020 graduate with an Associates in Arts and Sciences from Estherville, Iowa, has positively impacted many individuals through his commitment to community service. Gardner has volunteered at local churches and helped coach little league baseball. Gardner made time to help his classmates with tutoring, and he was a leader on the Iowa Lakes baseball team and participated in Student Senate. His nominator shared, “Lucas has an incredibly strong work ethic. It shows in everything he does. He’s always ready to lend a hand and works hard to make his community better.”

Calvin Hart, a May 2020 graduate with an Associate in Arts from Cylinder, Iowa, served as a student ambassador and mentor for the TRIO Student Support Services program and was actively involved in the Palo Alto County Democratic organization. Hart’s sense of humor and dedication to his studies brought him through a challenging time this past year with the passing of his step-dad. Hart is goal-oriented and determined to complete a four-year degree in the agriculture field.

Faith Lutat, a July 2020 graduate of Engineering Technology & Wind Energy & Turbine Technology, Diploma from Estherville, Iowa, passionately assists her peers and colleagues and dedicates many hours to the Estherville community. Lutat served as Estherville Campus Student Senate President and was involved in advocacy efforts, locally and globally, promoting Iowa Lakes and numerous community activities. Her faculty nominator, Chad Tischer, had this to say, “Faith has a brilliant mind and works well both independently and in groups. She has a natural ability to lead and set realistic goals that she can actualize.”

Hannah Seil, a May 2020 Veterinary Technician graduate from Lohrville, Iowa, is described as a servant leader. Seil organized and led the Emmetsburg Campus Laker Life meetings and participated in the Chicago mission trip. Seil faithfully volunteers for every food bank and Relay for Life event and also spends time mentoring first-year students. Seil has a drive and an infectiously positive attitude. She’s a tremendous example of service to others.

The five students awarded the John P. “Jack” Kibbie Outstanding Service Award exemplify the true spirit of service and represent Iowa Lakes Community College exceptionally well.

For More Information:

Iowa Lakes Marketing office at 712-362-7947