Lake Land College dedicated and renamed its Net Zero Energy Building as Lensink Hall in posthumous honor of its sixth president, Scott Lensink, Friday, Sept. 28. Pictured left to right are State Rep. Brad Halbrook, Board of Trustee Member Mike Sullivan, Board of Trustee Chair Dave Storm, Lake Land College President Josh Bullock and Lensink’s family, Alex Lensink, Michele Lensink and Zach Lensink. Photo submitted by Lake Land College.
Lake Land College Dedicates and Renames Hall in Honor of Sixth President
Lake Land College dedicated and renamed its Net Zero Energy Building to Lensink Hall in posthumous honor of its sixth president, Scott Lensink, Friday, Sept. 28.
Lensink was instrumental in the building of the Net Zero Energy Building (ZEB Hall) on campus, and for making Lake Land a national leader in sustainable energy. ZEB Hall is a highly energy efficient building offering a sustainable-learning center where students can gain practical experience and training for green-energy jobs. During Lensink’s tenure, the college successfully secured several grants to advance its sustainable energy efforts, expanding solar and geothermal power opportunities on campus, and attracting national attention from public officials and higher education leaders.
At the September board meeting, the Lake Land College Board of Trustees approved the renaming of the Net Zero Energy Building. The dedication ceremony was held at what is now Lensink Hall. Lake Land College President Josh Bullock was joined on the platform by Lensink’s family, Lake Land College Board of Trustee Member Mike Sullivan, Mike Hall on behalf of U.S. Congressman John Shimkus, State Rep. Brad Halbrook, and Lake Land College Board of Trustee Chairman Dave Storm.
In the 20 years of service to Lake Land, Lensink is fondly thought of by many for his compassionate personality and constant dedication to Lake Land students and staff. He began his career at the college as a business instructor and head coach for the Laker women’s basketball team. He went on to hold several leadership positions including business division chair and vice president for academic services before successfully rising through the ranks to become the college’s sixth president from 2007 until his retirement in 2013.
In his remarks, board chair Storm personally attested to Lensink’s passion for Lake Land College and his knowledge in sustainability saying Lensink was the one who inspired him to join the Lake Land community.
“I would not be here at this podium today if not for Scott Lensink,” Storm said. Storm went on to say that it was Lensink’s ability to bring people together that allowed Lensink Hall to be created at a relatively low cost with help from area businesses and students.
When Lensink was posthumously honored with the College’s Distinguished Service Award in 2017, nominator Dave Cox, director of alumni relations and annual giving said, “Scott will forever be remembered at Lake Land College for the impact of his professional career; but just as importantly, he will be remembered by employees and students as a jovial, caring, larger-than-life personality, who inspired us to make an impact at Lake Land College.”
Most of all, Lensink cherished time spent with wife Michele and sons Zachary and Alex.
“I know Scott would be so proud and so happy to see this,” Lensink’s wife Michelle said at the renaming and dedication ceremony. “Lake Land College meant the world to Scott and was such a big part of who he is.”
Visitors can now see the newly added sign and lettering on the outside of the building as well as a plaque inside describing Lensink’s significance to the college.
