Q&A WITH EMMERT DANNENBERG, 2012 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD WINNER

Q: What does being chosen to receive the Distinguished Service Award mean to you?
A: It is the highlight of my career and one of the most memorable moments in my life. To be recognized by my peers and included with the outstanding people who have received this award is an honor beyond description.

Q: What was your reaction when you first heard about the award?
A: Shock and disbelief! The first email that I received on February 20th was from Dr. Jacoby informing me of the award. I read and reread the email at least ten times and then had my wife read it to verify what I had read. I was overwhelmed to say the least.

Q: What are your thoughts on the value of recognizing outstanding school business officials?
A: I think that it is extremely important to recognize excellence in the school business management profession. So many Illinois ASBO members have made outstanding contributions. However, many individual successes and achievements are a result of the collective efforts of all. I don’t know another association whose members unselfishly give so much and work so diligently to make every member the best that they can be.

Q: What advice would you give to those that aspire to follow in your footsteps?
A: Take advantage of the opportunities that are available through Illinois ASBO and share your talents, whatever they might be. Love what you do, do it with conviction, commitment and compassion, try to give back as much as you take and be sure that you keep balance in your life and have your priorities in order. Laugh with others and at yourself, cherish family, good friends and colleagues that help and support you along the way. You will find that memories of the good things that you have experienced in life will far outweigh the bad.

Q: Can you please share your thoughts on the mission and importance of the Illinois ASBO Foundation?
A: The Illinois ASBO Foundation is about sustainability and an opportunity to give something back. It is critical that we ensure that our profession continues to flourish and that we provide an ongoing opportunity for others to grow, learn and share. It is also important that we strive to provide for those less fortunate, and to make our world better tomorrow than it is today.

Q: What is the next step in your career?
A: At least for the foreseeable future, I plan to continue in my current position and work to assist those in the profession during the challenging times that we are facing in public education.

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