Administrative Assistant to the President Dave Bentlin has been awarded an Illinois State University Living Our Values Award.
The Living Our Values awards recognize individuals and groups that exemplify Illinois State’s core values of Learning and Scholarship, Diversity and Inclusion, Respect, Collaboration, Individualized Attention, Civic Engagement, and Integrity, as spelled out in Educate Connect Elevate: Illinois State – The Strategic Plan for Illinois’ First Public University 2018-2023. The awards celebrate the commitment to live the University’s values every day and strengthen the campus community by sharing those values.
Bentlin was nominated for the core value of Diversity and Inclusion. “For years, Dave has consistently worked to ensure fairness and equity at the University and in the community,” said Jean Ann Dargatz of the Office of the Provost, who nominated Bentlin for the award. “I know that path has not always been easy, but Dave has integrity and lives his values. His work has helped many others.”
Bentlin has served 37 years at Illinois State in roles for the Office of the President, Student Affairs, and University Advancement. He has been recognized numerous times during his Illinois State career for his dedicated service, campus activities, and community involvement. He was awarded the Lighthouse Award in 2001, the Civil Service Distinguished Service Award in 2006, and the David A. Strand Diversity Achievement Award in 2017.
He is one of the founders of the LGBTQ+ Student Support Fund.
Bentlin’s area volunteer work includes serving as a founding member and board member of the Prairie Pride Coalition, a member of the Carle BroMenn LGBTQ Healthcare Advisory Council, a member of the Community Advisory Group for Equality Illinois, and treasurer for the Central Illinois Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.
Nominees for the Living Our Values awards can be any current Illinois State student, faculty, or staff member, or a group of people at Illinois State working toward a program or initiative that reflects the core values.
