This year, Illinois State’s University Housing Services (UHS) is honoring Stephanie Thompson with the Floyd Hoelting Team Player Award. Hoelting embodied what it means to support and uplift his team as the Director of University Housing and Food Services from 1977-1995. He also emphasized the importance of recognizing individuals at every level who improve the whole team.
Hoelting spent four years in the Air Force before completing his doctorate degree in Student Personnel at Oklahoma State. Since then, he has dedicated his time to working for students in various capacities. He started with the Hall Coordinator position at Oklahoma State University, then worked his way up to the Assistant Director of Housing position at Oklahoma. Hoelting gained experience in Housing and Food Services at Western Illinois University before becoming Illinois State University’s Director of Housing and Food Services.
While at Illinois State, Hoelting faced many challenges and implemented important initiatives for the university. He is credited with launching a recycling program, emphasizing diversity and inclusion, and improving standards in student food and living spaces around campus.
Perhaps Hoelting’s largest contribution is the continued support and recognition for team and community building at Illinois State. He once stated, “I loved the atmosphere at Illinois State. The sense of community I felt there has never been equaled anywhere I have been.”
Thompson received the Floyd Hoelting Award this year for her dedicated support to students, parents, peers, staff, and leadership. Not only does Thompson consider how she can best support her team members, but she also goes above and beyond to support the students that live in our halls. One nominee underlined how she embodies the seventh quality of the Hoelting team player award. The seventh quality recognizes those who “act with initiative and courage as it all depends on you.” Thompson made great efforts during the Coronavirus pandemic “to ensure students’ mental health was cared for, even at home.”
Many initiatives and programs can be attributed to Thompson’s team efforts. One nominee who used to be a student, then an RA, and is now on UHS’ professional staff, highlighted Stephanie’s impact throughout the department and in our students’ lives. This staff member said, “Stephanie has accompanied me on several duty calls that I have received involving checking up on residents, having difficult conversations with neurodivergent students, and calls with ISUPD, even when she has not been on call herself.” Additionally, this nominee recognized her initiatives to create “Bird Feeders” within each residence hall for students facing food insecurity.
Thompson’s teamwork and supportive attitude were also highlighted by another nominee. She has been described as “the person you want on your team when things are difficult. Her passion and willingness to contribute to students and staff in need is why she is an ideal candidate for the honor of this award.” Her continued dedication to every person within University Housing, whether a student or a professional staff member, clearly demonstrates her acquisition of the Floyd Hoelting Team Player award. Thank you, Stephanie, for all you have done and continue to do for University Housing Services!
