Phyllis Lepke, chief operating officer for the ISU Foundation, was awarded the 1996 Foundation Governors’ Award at a banquet earlier this semester.

The award for outstanding service and personal commitment to the Foundation is presented yearly to an individual who meets the criteria of a staff member who has contributed “…long and outstanding service to the Foundation,” Lepke said.

“It usually goes to that year’s outstanding employee,” said Murray Blackwelder, vice president of external affairs for ISU. “It was an easy selection this year.”

Lepke has worked for the ISU Foundation since 1982. The Foundation’s mission is to raise funds for ISU. As chief operating officer, Lepke handles all donations that are made to the university.

Although the award was presented to Lepke specifically, Lepke said the award was a recognition of the efforts of the entire office.

In addition to the Foundation Governors’ Award, Lepke was also inducted into ISU’s 25-year club. This club honors those who have been employees of ISU for 25 years.

Lepke has spent her 25 years working for the ISU Foundation, the ISU Alumni Association and as a member of the faculty in Health and Human Performance as a dance instructor.

“In an age when most people expect to work no longer than five years for one organization, Phyllis’ longevity is rare. I believe it comes from her love for Iowa State,” said Blackwelder in a recent press release. “Phyllis knows ISU’s institutional history in a personal way and has worked with enthusiasm to help the university grow to meet the changing needs of its constituent groups.”

The Iowa State Foundation Governors is formed by 165 alumni, volunteers and donors who meet biannually to direct fund-raising activities for ISU.