Stockdale center rededication
Izzy Gimm - Website and Social Media Manager
Monmouth College Family Weekend began with the rededication of the Stockdale Student Center after almost two years of construction following a fire in October of 2022. Monmouth College partnered with multiple outside companies to improve the space for students, faculty, staff, and community members.
The rededication ceremony began with remarks from Karen Ogorzalek, Monmouth College's Dean of Students. Ogorzalek remarked that with the improvements made to the space, the Stockdale Center is now “truly a student center and space.”
Izzy Gimm ‘25, current lead mentor for the James and Sybil Stockdale Fellows Leadership Program, stepped to the podium with remarks on the history of James Bond Stockdale and Sybil Stockdale. The Stockdale Student Center was first dedicated in the name of Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale and his wife in 1989. Students involved in the Stockdale Leadership Program have opportunities for leadership and growth within the campus and community.
The program is supervised by Marnie Steach, Director of the Wackerle Center for Career Leadership and Fellowships and Associate Director of Students Success. “The re-opening of the Stockdale Student Center represents many things, such as, our ability as a campus to move through a difficult situation and to adapt and serve our students,” said Steach. “But most importantly, it means that the space is reclaimed by our students for social gathering and community building. The student center is the heart of campus, and I am excited to see the students enjoy the space.”
Cullen Marshall ‘22, Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life and Student Engagement, offered his remarks in honor of the Stockdale's and the new space dedicated to their legacy. “It is a brighter, livelier, and more welcoming space,” said Marshall.
Carina Engst ‘26, president of Scot's Student Senate, stressed the importance of including student input in renovating the new space. With the help of the Scots Student Senate, the college was able to take into consideration what students wanted to see in the new space. The renovation includes spots for students to hang out, new comfortable furniture, and upgraded technology in the building’s basement.
The rededication concluded with remarks from the Vice President for Business and Finance, Holly Tharp. Tharp recognized the many partnering companies Monmouth College worked with during the past two years for their help. She gave an exceptional thank you to the college’s food service provider, Aramark. Throughout the two years of renovation, Aramark workers dealt with multiple production hinders and changes, remaining adaptable to all circumstances.
Lastly, President Patricia Draves recognized every speaker for their importance in relating to the project directly, or to the Stockdale Legacy. Draves compared the newly renovated lower level of Stockdale to the “living room” of campus where students can relax and be together. Family Weekend was a fitting time for the rededication, as students and their families can enjoy the space just as people hoped they would for the past two years.
Draves and Engst cut the ribbon in front of the Stockdale Student Center, symbolizing a new beginning for the space where students can come together for socialization and community.
Who are the Stockdale Fellows?
The James and Sybil Stockdale Fellows Leadership Program is a prestigious leadership, enrichment, and service program for students at Monmouth College. The program’s members receive substantial leadership development opportunities and resume experience to aid them for life after college.
The program’s participants include students from every class at Monmouth. Students with the same majors can utilize each other for a mentorship-like experience. Stockdale Fellows members meet monthly to develop their leadership skills through personality testing, educational programs, and volunteer experience. The program hosts educational seminars from outside speakers, students plan and host campus events and participate in community volunteering. Older members have the opportunity to guide younger members through their first few years of college, offering support and experience.
Marnie Steach, Associate Director of Student Success at the Wackerle Center for Career, Leadership, and Fellowships is the faculty advisor for the Stockdale Fellows Leadership Program. Alongside Steach, current senior and communication studies and public relations double major, Izzy Gimm is the current Lead Mentor for the program.
The James and Sybil Stockdale Fellows Program was named after Admiral James Bond Stockdale who served in the United States Military after a brief period at Monmouth College. Stockdale, originally from Abingdon, IL, is a highly decorated Navy Veteran most famous for the seven years he spent as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. The Stockdale Student Center was named after and dedicated to Vice Admiral Stockdale in 1989.