UMSL recognized three alumni and one student with 2015 Distinguished Service Awards at the 39th Chancellor’s Report to the Community on Friday. UMSL alumni Terry and Stan Freerks (center) received the campuswide service award. They are pictured with UM System President Tim Wolfe and UMSL Chancellor Tom George, at right. (Photos by August Jennewein)

The variety of ways in which University of Missouri–St. Louis students and alumni impact campus and the broader St. Louis community for the better was a theme of the 39th Chancellor’s Report to the Community.

At the conclusion of last week’s event, which drew nearly 800 attendees, four members of the UMSL community received a 2015 Distinguished Service Award. The annual honor recognizes individuals who demonstrate a remarkable commitment to the university.

This year’s award for campuswide service went to UMSL alumni Stan Freerks, MBA 1992, and Terry Freerks, BA 1977 and MEd 1999. Giving of their time, talents and treasure in multiple ways, the Freerks have long been an active presence on campus. Helping to revitalize alumni work and providing valuable perspective to deans and directors, they have served on leadership councils across the university. The couple also supported the rebirth of the UMSL swim team, which returned to the pool this past fall for the first time in 18 years.

Margaret Shoptaw, BSBA 1986, received the unit-based award. (Click the photo to enlarge it.)

Alumna Margaret Shoptaw, BSBA 1986, received the unit-based service award for her work with the Information Systems Department. Shoptaw, who is currently in technical sales for Dell Enterprise Solutions Group, has given back to UMSL as a member of the Information Systems Advisory Board. Drawing on more than 25 years

Junior communication major Kristin Wyninegar, center, received the student service award. (Click the photo to enlarge it.)

in the IT world, she has worked to build bridges with St. Louis businesses and improved the department’s curriculum. Her countless volunteer hours include mentorship, the development of the Advanced IS Laboratory on campus and community outreach.

The student-service award went to junior communication major Kristin Wyninegar, chair of Students of Service. Wyninegar has also served as a peer mentor, Weeks of Welcome coordinator, Homecoming Steering Committee student representative and in other roles. She is vice president-elect of the Student Government Association and a 2015 Sue Shear Fellow. Earlier this spring, she traveled to Washington, D.C., as one of 25 college women selected from across the country for a weeklong service and advocacy effort.