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Recipient of the 2013 Service Above Self Award:  Kent Schultz

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

Overview of service area(s):

     Kent Schultz has been nominated for the Service Above Self award primarily because of the outstanding and dedicated leadership he has given to the Waseca Arts Council (WAC) for the last 6 years. He joined the WAC Board of Directors in 2008 and was elected to a two-year term as President in 2010 and 2011. Because he provided steady leadership and because the WAC was in the midst of relocating, he was re-elected for a one-year term as President in 2012.

     Kent was a major force in the relocation of the Arts Center from being attached to the Public Library to the new downtown facility at 200 State St. North. He became the project manager and oversaw all phases of the project from beginning to end, including assessment of and negotiations for the Driessen property and the original Waseca Mutual building before identifying the old Penney’s building as a potential new home for the WAC. Kent and others evaluated the property and determined it could work, but funds were needed. Under Kent’s leadership, the WAC Board became more active, and Kent led fund-raising efforts. The interior of the building needed to be razed, and Kent with hammer and crow bar led those efforts.

  During the re-construction effort, he oversaw all aspects ranging from working with bankers to doing some of the painting and final tasks. He worked day after day with the carpenter, plumbing, and electrical contractors plus building inspectors. He ordered supplies and located furnishings. His finger prints were on all of this while still maintaining good communication with the Board and Executive Director Pat Beckmann. Pat ecstatically says “Kent was an angel to the WAC; the project would not have happened without him”. Ideas that some said were too grandiose were taken by the Board and with Kent’s involvement, commitment, and follow through, emerged as a beautiful new Art Center that many communities would envy.

Impact to individuals and the community:

     If it were not for Kent Schultz, Wasecan’s would not be enjoying a new Art Center!!  One of the benefits to the Waseca community is the much larger, well-designed, and well lit main floor, allowing for hosting more prestigious and larger art shows. In addition, the new Art Center has a working basement called the “Art Space” where art and music classes for all ages are taught. Presently, a Music and Motion class for children less than four years old is being taught. A kitchenette also exists in the basement for use when hosting special events. The beautiful and spacious Kent and Diane Schultz Auditorium on the second floor has been actively accommodating outside choral and instrumental groups, providing greater musical diversity in our community. And, last but not least, the new Art Center has bathrooms --- something that did not exist in the former Art Center!!!!!

Other information:

     Before retirement, Kent served as Director of Operations, Emerson Network Power, Johnson Components. In addition to WAC, his other volunteer efforts in Waseca include:

·        Grace Lutheran Church – President in 1984, 1985, and 2001. Member of Investment Comm., 2009 - present.

·        Exchange Club – Member since 1982, President and received the National President’s Award for his presidency.

·        Waseca Area United Way – Six years on Board, serving as Allocations Chair and President.

·        Waseca Medical Center – Member of Development Committee, 2003 – present.

·        Waseca Chamber of Commerce – Member of the Board of Directors.

    In addition to these attributes Kent is known to be a wine connoisseur!

 As one can see, Kent’s character has been marked with exceptional volunteerism, participation, and leadership in a wide variety of aspects in the Waseca community. His citizenship is unparalleled.   He truly is a model of “Service Above Self” and is most deserving of the Award. Waseca has been most fortunate to have him in our midst.