Greenville University Hosts Departmental Awards for Students

Published: May 10, 2024

Author: T. Sunderland

Each year at Greenville University, departmental awards are presented to graduating students who best exemplify the standards of each academic area.

In the Briner School of Business, the following awards were presented:

Greenville University Hosts Departmental Awards for Students
Stephanie Bond is pictured holding the check, with Jacob Hammer holding the Morris Bond Award plaque, which remains on display on the 2nd floor of the Dietzman building. Jacob’s parents, Sondra and Kirk Hammer of Altamont, IL, are pictured to Jacob’s left.

The Morris L. Bond Award, honoring academic achievement, professional leadership ability, exemplary character, and career potential among all business department students, was given to Jacob Hammer by Stephanie Bond at a special President’s Dining Room dinner. Also in attendance were Jacob’s parents.

The Watson Tidball Management Awards for Accounting, Agribusiness Marketing and Management go to recipients who demonstrate academic excellence, exemplary character, and leadership in each designated major. This year’s recipients were Joshua Medlin for Accounting, Joseph Yaris for Agribusiness, Emma Brown and Sarah Brannon (co-recipients) for Marketing, and Lucas Motsinger for Business Management.

Greenville University Hosts Departmental Awards for Students
Pictured left to right: Yamato Asakura, Nate Wirsing, Thom Hoagland, Ella Hudspath, and Kennedy Gerton

In the Music Department, Ella Hudspath was awarded the First Year Theory Award, Thom Hoagland received the Piano Student Award, Kennedy Gerton received the Band Award, Nate Wirsing earned the Robert Woods Choir Student Award, and Yamato Asakura received the Mary Watson-LaDue Award.

In the Psychology Department, the Outstanding Senior Psychology Award went to Taylor Herrmann for the traditional undergraduate program and to Bryan Copeland for the online program.

Greenville University Hosts Departmental Awards for Students
Pictured left to right: Bryan Copeland, Taylor Herrmann, and Laura Frailey.

The Psychology department recognizes outstanding seniors in traditional and online academic programs. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work exhibited by the recipient throughout their academic journey. The award celebrates their academic achievements and acknowledges their commitment to personal growth and development. The recipient serves as a role model for their peers, demonstrating that with perseverance and a genuine interest in the field, one can truly excel in their studies and make a positive impact in the world of psychology.

The STEM awards include Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering and Physics awards.

The First Year Biology Award went to Gloria Bremer. The Outstanding Senior Biology Award recipient was Sophia Cisneros and Gracie Phillips received the Outstanding Senior Environmental Biology Award.

In Mathematics, the Freshman Mathematics Award went to Jack Hereford.

In the Chemistry Department, Thy Duong received the Outstanding General Chemistry Award. Faye Jones received the Outstanding Organic Chemistry Award, and Manh Nguyen received the Outstanding Junior Chemistry Award. Adam Wellen and Addison Brannon were the Outstanding Senior Chemistry Award co-winners.

Ziyi Zhou received the Outstanding Beginning Physics Award in the Engineering and Physics Department. Jeffry Colten Oelze received the Outstanding Freshman Engineering Award. Judson Page received the Team Spirit Award, and Jordan Peebles received the Outstanding Senior Engineering Award.

The STEM programs also recognized several scholarship recipients this spring. Jose Redondo received the Ralph Miller Scholarship, and Hector Cevallos received the Harry Tomaschke Scholarship. Gabriel Sule received the Hugh Siefken Scholarship, and Thomas Fike received the Paul Twitchell Scholarship and the Clarence E. Carey Scholarship.

The Department of Education and Social Science also presented several awards this year.

Greenville University Hosts Departmental Awards for Students Greenville University Hosts Departmental Awards for Students Greenville University Hosts Departmental Awards for Students Greenville University Hosts Departmental Awards for Students

Pictured left to right: Professor Foles with Taylor Weiss, Professor Jones with Katie Chavez, Professor Johnson with Mady Kapp, and Professor Gilmore with Lakeleigh Brown.

In The School of Education, Taylor Weiss received the Excellence in Education Award for Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Special Education. Katie Chavez received the Excellence in Education Award for Secondary Education, and Lakeleigh Brown and Mady Kapp received the award for the online program.

The Excellence in Education Award is given to students who embody outstanding leadership in cultivating a harmonious classroom environment. Crafted with meticulous care, their lessons are imaginative and inspire deep engagement, adhering to the highest educational standards. They embrace a spirit of innovation and lifelong learning, infusing their teaching with their unique talents, such as art or sports. Adaptable and empathetic, they cater to diverse emotional and physical needs, showcasing unwavering reliability and adept problem-solving skills. Their unwavering belief in their own proficiency as individuals and educators sets them apart as a beacon of excellence in the field of teaching.

The Katie Langham Award for Academic Excellence in Social Work went to Laura Frailey.

Greenville University Hosts Departmental Awards for Students
Pictured left to right: Professor Helo with awardee Laura Frailey.

Katie Langham graduated from Greenville College with a Social Work major. Katie pursued a profession in social work due to her strong desire to help others persevere through adversity. Katie’s unforgettable smile and ability to make others laugh were used to connect with people and encourage them to face challenges with strength and hope. Though a rare cancer took her life at far too young of an age, her impact is immeasurable. Awardees must demonstrate dedication to the field of social work and its practices, demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and lifelong learning, and exemplify the Greenville social work motto, “will work for good.”

The Estevez Award for Commitment to Social Justice went to Stevee Eskridge.

Greenville University Hosts Departmental Awards for Students
Pictured left to right: Professor Shawn Foles with awardee Stevee Eskridge

The Estevez family has served Greenville University for over 40 years and displayed a passion for pursuing Social Justice. This awardee must demonstrate a commitment to advocating for reform or expansion of practices that dismantle unjust or oppressive systems, an attitude of realism and hope, and an appetite for change. Awardees should be willing to change life patterns or assumptions to pursue the work of justice and display character and service in their lives.

Greenville University Hosts Departmental Awards for Students
Pictured left to right: Professor Moon with awardee Dylan Hill

The James M. Bava Award for Outstanding Graduate in Criminal Justice went to Dylan Hill. James M. Bava is a 2013 Greenville College graduate who had a deep devotion and relationship with Christ and was called to serve God’s people through a career in law enforcement. Trooper Vaba died in the line of duty. This award is supported by James M. Bava’s surviving family. Awardees must exemplify James’ hope for humanity and positive attitude, demonstrate a strong Christian faith, exemplify integrity, courage, and kindness in challenging situations, and demonstrate a willingness and eagerness to serve and put others before themselves.

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