Stephanie Bargiel, a senior in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville College of Arts and Sciences, is the 2014 Kimmel Scholarship recipient. The annual scholarship recognizes a student who exemplifies leadership through community engagement and service while achieving academic excellence.
The scholarship was awarded by the Kimmel Student Involvement Center at the 2014 Kimmel Leadership Awards. As the recipient, Bargiel was presented a plaque of recognition and will receive an award of full-time undergraduate or graduate tuition for one academic year.
Kara Shustrin, program specialist in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, recommended Bargiel for the award.
“Stephanie is an exemplary student with excellent professional values and the highest level of personal integrity,” Shustrin said. “She has demonstrated these values and abilities through her service to SIUE and the community in various capacities while balancing the demands of a rigorous academic curriculum.”
Bargiel was recognized for her extensive volunteer service record and leadership roles in SIUE student organizations such as:
- Treasurer for the Alliance of Students Against Poverty
- Community Service Coordinator for the National Society of Leadership and Success
- Cougar Guide for the SIUE Experience
Bargiel has also participated in the SIUE Student Leadership Development Program, Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Program, Alternative Spring Break and AmeriCorps.
Bargiel is majoring in chemistry with a specialization in American Chemical Society (ACS) Certified Biochemistry. She is a Granite City native and a graduate of Granite City High School. She was a 2012 recipient of the Emerging Student Leader Award, also presented by the Kimmel Student Involvement Center.
Sarah Laux, assistant director of Kimmel Student Involvement Center, described Bargiel’s strong personal commitment to service.
“Stephanie is truly a selfless individual and never hesitates to put others’ needs before her own,” said Laux. “Despite her busy schedule, she puts others first and does it with a smile. She leads by example and always encourages other students to improve and take on leadership roles.”
Additionally, Bargiel was acknowledged for completing 325 hours of service to SIUE and 155 hours of service in the community with Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital in Maryland Heights, Mo., and the Troy Community Band in Troy, Ill. She has also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, TIP Hospice and Call for Help, Inc.
Rebekah Manwarring, pediatric health-related service manager at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, highlighted the impact of Bargiel’s volunteer work with pediatric patients.
“She provides love and affection for the children here, all with a refreshing twist of her energetic personality,” Manwarring said. “She is truly invested in patients and the success of their development cognitively, physically and emotionally. Patience and tenacity are two more strengths that Stephanie possesses which help her to be an asset to Ranken Jordan and the patients we serve.”
The Kimmel Scholarship award was established to honor Carol Kimmel, a former member of the SIU Board of Trustees, who dedicated her life to service and the cause of education. Kimmel was an ardent supporter of SIUE.
To be considered for this award, students must:
- Maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0
- Demonstrate volunteer contributions through leadership in one or more student organizations and more than 30 hours of non-paid service to a community agency or organization
- Submit letters of support documenting University service and leadership and two current letters documenting community service and leadership
Jay Tebbe presented the award to Bargiel at the annual Kimmel Leadership Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, April 30.
Photo: SIUE’s Stephanie Bargiel accepts scholarship award from Jay Tebbe.