University of Dallas Faculty Advisor Receives High Spirited Citizen Award

Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University News

Mark Zeske is recognized for his community contributions at the High Spirited Citizen Award ceremony.

News Summary

Mark Zeske, a faculty advisor at the University of Dallas, has been awarded the High Spirited Citizen of Irving for his extensive community service and volunteer work. His contributions include serving on the Irving City Council, coaching youth sports, and participating in various civic and educational initiatives. This recognition highlights his profound impact on the local community and exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism that the award seeks to promote.

Irving, Texas – Mark Zeske, a dedicated faculty advisor at the University of Dallas, has been honored as a High Spirited Citizen of Irving for his extensive volunteer work and community service. The award aims to recognize individuals who significantly contribute to local organizations and philanthropy, highlighting the spirit of volunteerism in the city. The program was initiated in 1988 by the Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau and has previously recognized notable members of the University of Dallas community, including Sybil and Lyle Novinski in 2019, and Sandy Morgan in 1992.

To qualify for the award, nominees must demonstrate a commitment to significant volunteer services that benefit local organizations or philanthropic efforts. Zeske’s contributions to the community are notable, marked by a history of involvement in various civic activities.

Zeske served on the Irving Planning and Zoning Commission for five years until 2020, where he helped shape the development of the city. He was later elected to the Irving City Council Board for District 3, serving a term of three years until 2023. His dedication to community governance is matched by his leadership in other city boards, including the Cable Board and the Library Board of Irving.

In addition to his roles in local government, Zeske actively participates in various community organizations. He is on the Granet Review Panel for the Irving Arts Center and is involved with the Friends of the Irving Archives and Museum. Zeske has also contributed to community education initiatives, such as Irving 360, which aims to educate residents about city government operations.

Beyond civic duties, Zeske engages with the community through educational efforts in his church. He teaches children’s liturgy and serves on the Parish Advisory Board at the Holy Family of Nazareth Catholic Church. His commitment to youth development is further reflected in his role as a judge for the Ben Washington Baptist Church High School Senior Essay & Oratorical Scholarship Contest, showcasing his dedication to mentoring young individuals.

For over 40 years, Zeske has dedicated himself to coaching youth sports in Irving, officiating more than 6,000 youth sporting events. This long-standing commitment demonstrates his passion for fostering teamwork and sportsmanship among young athletes.

Zeske’s background is rooted in Irving, where he originally hails from. He attended Dallas Jesuit for high school and earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Dallas in 1980. He furthered his education with a Master’s in Journalism from the University of North Texas in 1985. His professional journey includes working as an English teacher at Irving High School and dedicating 14 years to the Irving Independent School District.

Since 2007, Zeske has contributed to notable publications, including writing for Sports Illustrated on NASCAR and covering local politics for the Dallas Morning News and the Irving Rambler. In 2022, he joined the University of Dallas to direct its Journalism program, bringing his wealth of experience to educate future generations of journalists.

Mark Zeske exemplifies community involvement and dedication through his myriad contributions to Irving, making him a deserving recipient of the High Spirited Citizen award. His impact resonates within the community, strengthened by his role as a devoted husband, father, teacher, and mentor at the University of Dallas, further solidifying his status as a pivotal figure in Irving’s development.