2017 Student Leadership Awards Dinner
Dr. Todd Voss presented the President's Award to Ben Hochhalter. The President's Award exemplifies SWU's core values of "Christ Centered: Purpose, Scholarship, Community and Transformation." Hochhalter, a graduating senior from Colorado Springs, Colo., has held several leadership positions at SWU, including SGA President.
Students were honored for their outstanding achievements April 25 at SWU's Central campus during the 2017 Student Leadership Awards Dinner.
The following awards were presented:
The President’s Award was given to Ben Hochhalter of Colorado Springs, Colo., by Dr. Todd Voss, Southern Wesleyan University president. The award is given to a senior male or female that over the course of their SWU career exemplifies our core values of “Christ Centered: Purpose, Scholarship, Community, and Transformation.
The Provost’s Community Leadership Award was presented by Dr. Tonya Strickland, Southern Wesleyan University’s provost, to Melanie McGuffin, an online student from Mt. Holly, N.C., for her active role in community involvement projects, mentoring and forming a nonprofit called Love in the Journey.
The Founders Award was presented by Tony Payne, Southern Wesleyan’s associate vice president for development, to Lyndy Barnes of Easley. Presented by the university’s Office of Advancement, the Founder’s award is given to an undergraduate student enrolled at SWU for outstanding servant leadership demonstrated by a student that seeks to strengthen the future of Southern Wesleyan University through their selfless investment of time, talent and faith.
The Mentor of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Steve Hayduk, professor of psychology at Southern Wesleyan. Sponsored by the university’s Student Government Association (SGA), the Mentor of the Year Award is presented to a Southern Wesleyan University faculty or staff member who has dedicated his or her life to mentoring students spiritually, academically, and emotionally throughout his or her tenure at SWU.
The Servant Leadership Award was presented to Kira Williams of Fountain Inn. Sponsored by Dr. Justin Carter, Southern Wesleyan’s associate vice president for student life, the award is given to acknowledge a student who is leading significant positive change within the SWU campus and greater community, criteria includes (1) service hours completed, (2) positive reputation among faculty, staff, and students, and (3) demonstration of campus leadership.
The Future Leaders Award, sponsored by Dr. Joe Brockinton, Southern Wesleyan’s vice president for student lie, was presented to Armani Truesdale of Rock Hill and Alyssa Harding of Central. The award is given to a freshman or sophomore SWU student who has displayed leadership qualities on campus. The recipient does not have to be in a leadership role, but exemplifies leadership through the display of our University core values.
The Learning Center Tutor of the Year Award, sponsored by Martha Mishoe, student success coordinator, was presented to Austin Sanchez of Sandy Springs.
The SWU Production Servant Leadership Award was presented by Rev. Bob Kerstetter, director of worship and discipleship, to Ashley Rogers of Easley. The award is given to a production team member who has a heart for ministry and service, serves willingly at assigned tasks and is a diligent and dependable worker.
The Pioneer Award was presented by Doug Barry, Pioneer College Catering food services director, to Aline De Abreu, an international student from Brazil. The Pioneer Award is given to a student who exemplifies what great food preparation and service is all about. The recipient will have exceeded expectations in all areas of Pioneer’s operation.
The Lab Assistant of the Year award was presented by Staci Johnson, Southern Wesleyan assistant professor of biology and lab coordinator/safety officer to Erin Cross of Hickory, N.C. This award is given to a Science Division lab assistant in recognition of excellence in their work and service to the department beyond their required duties over the course of their academic career.
The Sword and Shield Award was presented by Brad Bowen, director of campus safety, to Akilah Jefferson of St. Helena Island. The award is given to a Campus Safety student team member in recognition of their contributions to and passion for Campus Safety. Recipients will have gone above and beyond their normal work duties by actively seeking opportunities to make regular contributions to safety and their SWU community.
The Intramurals Captain Award was presented by Matthew Thorpe, coordinator of intramural activities, to Jordan Service of Marion, Ohio. The Intramurals Referee of the Year Award was given to Raymond Simmons Jr. of Easley.
The SWUSA (SWU Student Activities) Team Member of the Year award was presented by Dr. Justin Carter and Kayla Britton, ARD intern with Student Activities, to Morgan Flinchum of High Point, N.C.
The SWU Music Department Leadership Award (Acrylic) sponsored by Jane Dill, chair of Southern Wesleyan’s Division of Fine Arts, to Tad Day of Pendleton. The award is given to a senior or junior-level music major who has demonstrated significant achievement as a musician and as a servant-leader.
On the lighter side, these superlative award winners were awarded:
Most Likely to Make You Laugh – Krissy Dyches, North Augusta; Runner-Up: Tyler Carson, Greenville
Most Likely to Stay a Child – Nathan Stegenga, Pickens; Runner-Up: Alex Luna, Lake City
Most Likely to Become a SWU President – Tyler Carson, Greenville; Runner-Up: Ben Hochhalter, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Most Dependable – Morgan Flinchum, High Point, N.C.; and Amber Collins, Millsboro, Del.
Best Haircut – Alex Luna, Lake City
Best Dressed – Britney Fernandez; Runner-Up: Wesley Couch, Liberty
Class Clown – Tyler Carson, Greenville; Runners-up: Shaq Brown, Gaffney; and Daniel Shiflet, Mountville
Friends After College – Britney Fernandez, Easley; and Ashley Lamos, Brunswick, Ga.; Britney Fernandez and Morgan Flinchum
Most Likely to be at Blue Hill Coffee – Winner: Daniel Shiflet; Runner-Up: Olivia Bush, Indian Rocks Beach, Fla.
Biggest Overachiever – Winner: Mikkaela Bailey, Greenwood; Runner-up: Ben Hochhalter
Most Likely to Get Nominated for Almost Every Category – Tyler Carson, Ben Hochhalter and Shaq Brown