Contact: Heather Benning, Executive Director, 920-430-0934
Grinnell, Iowa - At the most recent meeting of the Midwest Conference Presidents’ Council, Council Chair, President Teresa Amott (Knox College), recognized President Thomas Kunkel’s upcoming retirement from St. Norbert College and the March 22 meeting as his final one.
Amott noted that during Kunkel’s presidency, he attended 16 of 18 MWC meetings, guided the membership in the transition to presidential oversight, served as the first Chair of the Council then as a member of the Executive Committee from 2011-2015. She further recognized him for leading the league through its first expansion in core membership since 1992 with the return of Cornell College in 2012 and through the acceptance of the league’s first affiliate member, Macalester College, in 2014. Kunkel was lauded for the mentoring role he played for both the current and past MWC Executive Directors, as well as his collegiality and friendships among the league’s presidents.
Amott then introduced the
Thomas Kunkel Presidential Engagement Award of which Kunkel was named the league’s first recipient. The award is to be given upon recommendation of the Presidents’ Council to an institutional representative (non-athletic department representative) nominated for their engagement and investment in the Midwest Conference and overall commitment to the betterment of the league. The award shall not necessarily be given on an annual/regular basis but instead upon endorsement by the Presidents’ Executive Committee of the nomination of an individual who is extraordinary in the aforementioned aspects.
Of Kunkel’s presidential engagement, Heather Benning, Midwest Conference Executive Director, says: “It is extremely meaningful when someone you respect takes an interest in your professional success. From the moment I accepted the position of Midwest Conference Executive Director, President Kunkel extended his support and confidence in me - the value of which cannot be overstated. I think this award is an excellent way to honor the role President Kunkel has played in the MWC over the past nine years and to provide opportunity to recognize others who similarly engage and invest in our league.”
Tim Bald, Director of Athletics at St. Norbert College, adds: “President Kunkel's leadership has been evident at St. Norbert College and the Midwest Conference by the growth both have seen during his tenure. His steadying influence among the presidential leadership in the Midwest Conference not only made a difference during his time on the Executive Council, but will have a lasting impact for years to come.”
“President Kunkel served a vital role in the transitional return of Presidential leadership in the MWC. His inquisitive yet candid approach was instrumental in elevating the administration of the conference while maintaining the core principle of academics first,” reflects Chris Graham, former Executive Director of the Midwest Conference and current Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Commissioner. “Personally, he was an invaluable mentor. He is a very fitting namesake and honoree for this prestigious award.”