HU Foundation board members honored for service

Bob Straight, middle, with HU President Sherilyn Emberton and Foundation President Ed Vessels

Gene Snowden, middle, with HU President Sherilyn Emberton and Foundation President Ed Vessels

Mike Zahn, son of honoree Steve Zahn, middle, with HU President Sherilyn Emberton and Foundation President Ed Vessels

(Archived photo) Steve Zahn

Rocky Strickler, middle, with HU President Sherilyn Emberton and Foundation President Ed Vessels

Ted Bendall, middle, with HU President Sherilyn Emberton and Foundation President Ed Vessels

HUNTINGTON, Ind. The Huntington University Foundation honored five of its long-time board members today, April 9, for their service to the organization.

Ted Bendall was honored by the Foundation for 50 years of service, having joined the board in 1964. He retired in 2013. Serving as Foundation president from 1982-1984 and again from 1994-1996, he is the only person to have served twice in this position. In conjunction with Huntington College's 100th anniversary in 1996, Bendall was among the 100 influential persons awarded the prestigious Huntington College Centennial Medallion. This award is reserved for those who have played a key role in the history of HU, who brought recognition to the college and who often worked behind the scenes with little public recognition. In 2003, he was awarded the Foundation's Distinguished Service Award, and in 2011, he received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from HU. He has provided legal counsel to HU since 1968 and has served the Foundation in many ways by counseling his clients and others regarding opportunities to include the university in their estate plans.

"To say that Ted Bendall has positively impacted the Foundation and Huntington youth is certainly an understatement," President Sherilyn Emberton said. "Ted's years of service to the board by way of his time, talent and treasure will not be forgotten, and his example is an inspiration for all leaders."

Steve Zahn was recognized for 25 years of service to the Foundation. He served on the board from 1988 to 2013. He was the Foundation's Distinguished Service Award Recipient in 2004, which honors those whose life or mission embodies the principles associated with the mission of the university. He served as the Foundation president from 1997 to 1999 and was instrumental in the fundraising efforts of the Foundation.

"His hard work, financial contributions and influence through his lifelong career at First Federal Savings Bank has made a significant impact on the Foundation and the Huntington community," Emberton said.

Bob Straight was recognized for 25 years of service, having served on the board since 1989. He is a longtime principal and coach at Huntington North High School and has been instrumental in the lives of the students he has coached. Straight also helped to start the Foundation's Annual Fund Drive.

"Bob has served this community with a genuine commitment to our area youth," Emberton said. "We are grateful for his many years of excellent service to the Huntington community through the Foundation."

Rocky Strickler was honored for 25 years of service, having joined the board in 1977. Strickler, now a retired businessman who is best known for "Rocky's Pizza World," has paid particular interest to the fine arts and athletic programs at HU. In the 1970s, he started the Hank Aaron baseball scholarship and was the founder and charter president of the Huntington College Dugout Club. His support for the university has continued with an endowed scholarship for the digital media arts program. This scholarship played a significant role in the production of "The Likeness of Sydney Mann," a short film by HU students.

"We thank Rocky for his faithful service to our community through the Foundation," Emberton said.

Gene Snowden was honored for 25 years of service, having joined the board in the 1960s. He retired from the board in 2006. One of his many notable contributions was the creation of Lake Snow-Tip, named in his honor as well as F.L. Tipmore due to their hard work in securing the finances and organizing the work for the project. Snowden was named the Foundation's first Distinguished Service Award Recipient in 2002 and has been responsible for several successful fund drive campaigns and meaningful Foundation breakfasts. He also has been responsible for inviting many notable community leaders to serve on the board.

"His heart of service and positive influence is a model for current board members to follow, and we appreciate his commitment to the Huntington community," Emberton said.