BROWNWOOD – May 16, 2014 – Six Howard Payne University students were honored recently for their acts of servant leadership on campus and throughout the community. The awards were presented during the university’s annual Servant Leadership Program.
“HPU recognizes students each year who embody the servant leadership qualities most notably demonstrated to us by Jesus Christ,” said Dr. Donnie Auvenshine, professor of Christian studies and dean of the School of Christian Studies.
Jeremy Bartley, a senior elementary education major from Brownwood, and Rebekah Steadman, a senior social work major from Fort Worth, were presented the Nat Tracy Servant Leader Award. The award was established in 1998 to honor the life of the late Dr. Nat Tracy, a member of HPU’s Bible faculty from 1950-1975.
HPU Servant Leadership Awards were presented to juniors Marlie Austin, a psychology major in the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy from Garland; Lacy Culpepper, a business management major from Zephyr; Dillon McDugle, an exercise and sport science major from Tomball; and Kaitlin Vernon, a secondary education/history major from Bangs.
Established in 2007 by the Moore Foundation and Barney II Foundation, this award recognizes student excellence in the areas of leadership and service. A $1,000 scholarship is provided to each recipient of the award, and each student designates $250 of the scholarship award to be given to his or her chosen charity.
Nominations for both awards are solicited each spring from HPU staff, faculty and students.
“It’s not unusual for institutions to recognize those who show great leadership qualities, but it is rare in today’s society to honor those who lead by service to others,” said Dr. Auvenshine. “It is our privilege to bring attention to these students who serve others with no desire for recognition at all.”
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Photo cutlines: Dr. Bill Ellis, HPU president, presents the Nat Tracy Servant Leader Award to Jeremy Bartley (Photo 1) and Rebekah Steadman (Photo 2).
Dr. Bill Ellis, HPU president, presents the HPU Servant Leadership Award to Lacy Culpepper (Photo 3) and Marlie Austin (Photo 4).
Not pictured are Dillon McDugle and Kaitlin Vernon.