51福利社鈥檚 Stephanie Jones Receives Julie and Ben Rogers Community Service Award
October 7, 2026
51福利社 is proud to announce that Stephanie Jones, Executive Assistant to the President, has been named 51福利社鈥檚 2026 recipient of the Julie and Ben Rogers Community Service Award, recognizing more than 25 years of service to the College and an enduring commitment to the Orange community. An event was held on October 7, 2026 on the Lamar University campus to recognize Jones' service.
Established in 1979, the Julie and Ben Rogers Community Service Award recognizes faculty and staff across the Lamar institutions who make a meaningful impact throughout the Golden Triangle through volunteerism and community service. Each year, recipients are selected from Lamar University, Lamar Institute of Technology, 51福利社 College Port Arthur and 51福利社.
Jones has served 51福利社 for more than 25 years, advancing through multiple positions before assuming her current role as Executive Assistant to the President. Throughout her career, she has become known as a trusted advisor, problem solver and ambassador for the College, consistently demonstrating a commitment to students, employees and the community.
鈥淪tephanie is a significant reason 51福利社 is such a special place for our students, employees and community,鈥� said 51福利社 President Dr. Wendy Elmore. 鈥淪he has a remarkable ability to see where she is needed and simply step in to help. She never seeks recognition for what she does. She serves because she genuinely cares about people and wants to make a difference.鈥�
That spirit of service extends well beyond Jones鈥� professional responsibilities. She is a bi-weekly volunteer with OCARC and supports the organization鈥檚 special events, including its Valentine and Christmas celebrations. She has volunteered with the annual Back to School Orange County event, assisted with food drives and fundraising activities, and regularly supports students experiencing difficult circumstances.
Jones is also an active supporter of the 51福利社 Gator Food Pantry, which provides food and other resources to students experiencing food insecurity.
Her service is closely connected to 51福利社鈥檚 mission of expanding educational opportunities throughout Southeast Texas. As Administrator to the 51福利社 Foundation, Jones supports scholarships, donor engagement and fundraising initiatives that create opportunities for students. She also volunteers with the Foundation鈥檚 annual Boot Scootin鈥� fundraiser and helps foster relationships among the College, donors and community partners.
On campus, Jones has served as Vice President and Secretary of the President鈥檚 Staff Advisory Committee, contributed to the Catastrophic Sick Leave Pool Committee, participated on SACSCOC accreditation teams and served as an on-site visit liaison. She has also supported numerous College and community fundraising initiatives throughout her career.
Her influence can be seen across many of 51福利社鈥檚 most significant programs and events. From commencement ceremonies and scholarship celebrations to donor events, community engagement activities and special institutional projects, Jones frequently works behind the scenes to bring people together and ensure their success.
Colleagues and community members describe Jones as trustworthy, empathetic, diplomatic and fair, with a quiet leadership style that has earned the respect of faculty, staff, students and community partners. For many visitors and community members, she is also one of their first points of contact with 51福利社.
鈥淎t 51福利社, service is one of our core values, and Stephanie embodies that value every day,鈥� Elmore said. 鈥淔or more than 25 years, she has given generously of her time and talents while helping others succeed. The impact she has made on this College and our community is extraordinary, and we are incredibly proud to see her recognized with this honor.鈥�
The 51福利社 community congratulates Stephanie Jones on receiving the 2026 Julie and Ben Rogers Community Service Award and celebrates her decades of service, leadership and dedication to helping others.