Anne Spence receives surprise honor at Silver Shield award ceremony

Maria Bundrick presents Anne Spence with roses.

Faculty, staff and students gathered April 5, 2013, for the Council of Commendation Banquet, an event honoring students with Evangel University’s highest award for character and Christian service, the Silver Shield.

Each of the students honored had been nominated by a faculty or staff member who joined them for the dinner and awards ceremony.

While most in attendance thought the purpose of the night was only to pay tribute to the students, there was an additional — surprise — agenda item for the evening designed to honor a woman whose contributions to Evangel University have spanned decades and impacted thousands.

Following the introduction of the Silver Shield Award winners, Dr. David Bundrick, vice president for student development, made the unexpected announcement that Evangel’s board of directors had resolved to name a distinctive Meritorious Christian Character and Service award in honor of Mrs. Anne Spence, wife of Evangel University President Robert H. Spence.

President Robert H. Spence looks on as his wife, Anne Spence, addresses the crowd after being honored during the Council of Commendation Banquet.

A surprised Mrs. Spence received the news while grasping her husband’s hand.

Missouri Senator Bob Dixon was on hand to present a framed resolution from the state senate recognizing the evening’s events.

Two of the Spence’s children, Dr. Jon Spence and David Spence, attended to applaud their mother for her achievements in 39 years as the first lady of Evangel.

Dr. Jon Spence spoke to the crowd about the character and faithfulness displayed by his mother over the years and called her “one of the last of the southern belles.”

Mrs. Spence has been a driving force behind the Evangel Ladies Auxiliary for many years. She was instrumental in the group’s fundraising efforts for the purchase of the Chapel auditorium’s Schantz organ and founded an intercessory prayer ministry.

“Anne is the epitome of conscientiousness,” Dr. Robert H. Spence says. “Her life principle has been to serve God, her family and Evangel in ways that will glorify the Lord and bring honor and happiness to those around her.”

After receiving roses and a glass dish bearing the Evangel seal, Mrs. Spence stepped to the front and presented the first-ever Anne Spence Award for Meritorious Christian Character and Service to students.

Senior Jessica Rumfelt, a Recreation major, was the first recipient. She had been nominated by assistant basketball coach and assistant professor Dawn Neal.

The Bolivar, Missouri, native traveled to Guatemala with Neal for a women’s basketball team service trip in May 2012. Rumfelt worked in extreme heat to paint lines on an outdoor basketball court for local children and led them in basketball drills during a camp.

“Anne Spence is the most kind, genuine, loving person I’ve ever met” Rumfelt says. “It’s such an honor to receive an award in her name.” 

Seth Bailey, a senior from Harrisonville, Missouri, was the first male recipient after nomination by baseball head coach Lance Quessenberry. Bailey is an Exercise Science major who has been voted the player who “I would want my son to grow up to be like” among teammates for two consecutive years.

The other nominees, who received a Council of Commendation certificate  and a cord for graduation, included Shelby Davis, Mehleena Edmonds, Jocelyn Green, Barbara-Ruth Hickey, Lauren Owsley, Javier Rodriguez, Junior Ruckdeschell and Kyle Smith. 

“I was honored to be nominated for the Silver Shield Award,” Davis says. “I hope that one day I can serve just as much as she [Mrs. Spence] has and leave a legacy wherever God places me.”

For more, visit the 2013 Silver Shield Awards photo album on Facebook. 

2013 Silver Shield Award recipients (left to right): Shelby Davis, Javier Rodriguez, Lauren Owsley, Barbara Ruth-Hickey, Kyle Smith, Jocelyn Green, Seth Bailey, Junior Ruckdeschell, Jessica Rumfelt and Mehleena Edmonds.

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Evangel University senior Christine Temple wins national journalism award

Evangel University senior Christine Temple has been named the 2013 Arthur H. Barlow Student Journalist of the Year by the Society for Collegiate Journalists (SCJ).

The award committee cited “major competition” from finalists across the nation.

“She distinguished herself exceptionally on so many levels that she was the clear choice,” says Bill Ruehlmann, SCJ past president and member of the selection committee.

Temple, a Journalism major from Ozark, Missouri, is editor-in-chief of the The Lance, Evangel’s student newspaper. She will receive a plaque and a $500 stipend in recognition of her achievements.

Ruehlmann said the rigor of professionalism and intensity of spirit displayed throughout the wide field of nationwide competitors reflected their talent, training and discipline. The nominees “displayed superior devotion to the craft of journalism and its ethical practice,” Ruehlmann says.

Chapter adviser Melinda Booze, assistant professor of communication, nominated Temple.

“A notable characteristic that Christine demonstrates is that she does not hoard her knowledge, experience or expertise but invests it in younger students. She serves them, the student body and the legacy and future of The Lance with her consistent and generous mentoring,” Booze says.

The Arthur H. Barlow Student Journalist of the Year Award is named for a longtime SCJ executive director and journalism educator. Barlow, now retired, served on the selection committee along with Ruehlmann, also a former executive director who is now retired, and Mary Beth Earnheardt, current executive director and educator at Youngstown (Ohio) State University.

The Barlow Award allows SCJ chapter advisers an opportunity to bring national recognition to a student journalist who meets the highest standards of ethics, service, leadership and technical skills.

Temple credits her education and professors at Evangel for providing her with the training necessary to be qualified for such a prestigious award.

“Winning this award speaks to the training I received from my journalism professors and the dedication of The Lance staff members I have worked with,” Temple says. “It means so much to be recognized by veteran journalists. This is a great send-off to my time at Evangel.”

Temple has served as The Lance editor for five semesters and is currently president of Evangel’s SCJ chapter. She also interns as a reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. She will graduate in May and continue her internship through the summer and plans to stay in Springfield to pursue reporting opportunities for at least a year.

“Within a few years I hope to move out of Missouri and work at a daily paper in a large city,” she says. “I am prepared for various jobs within a newspaper: reporter, photographer, online team or videographer. I would be excited and grateful with any opportunity to practice my craft.”

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Evangel University senior Christine Temple wins national journalism award

Evangel University senior Christine Temple has been named the 2013 Arthur H. Barlow Student Journalist of the Year by the Society for Collegiate Journalists (SCJ).

The award committee cited “major competition” from finalists across the nation.

“She distinguished herself exceptionally on so many levels that she was the clear choice,” says Bill Ruehlmann, SCJ past president and member of the selection committee.

Temple, a Journalism major from Ozark, Missouri, is editor-in-chief of the The Lance, Evangel’s student newspaper. She will receive a plaque and a $500 stipend in recognition of her achievements.

Ruehlmann said the rigor of professionalism and intensity of spirit displayed throughout the wide field of nationwide competitors reflected their talent, training and discipline. The nominees “displayed superior devotion to the craft of journalism and its ethical practice,” Ruehlmann says.

Chapter adviser Melinda Booze, assistant professor of communication, nominated Temple.

“A notable characteristic that Christine demonstrates is that she does not hoard her knowledge, experience or expertise but invests it in younger students. She serves them, the student body and the legacy and future of The Lance with her consistent and generous mentoring,” Booze says.

The Arthur H. Barlow Student Journalist of the Year Award is named for a longtime SCJ executive director and journalism educator. Barlow, now retired, served on the selection committee along with Ruehlmann, also a former executive director who is now retired, and Mary Beth Earnheardt, current executive director and educator at Youngstown (Ohio) State University.

The Barlow Award allows SCJ chapter advisers an opportunity to bring national recognition to a student journalist who meets the highest standards of ethics, service, leadership and technical skills.

Temple credits her education and professors at Evangel for providing her with the training necessary to be qualified for such a prestigious award.

“Winning this award speaks to the training I received from my journalism professors and the dedication of The Lance staff members I have worked with,” Temple says. “It means so much to be recognized by veteran journalists. This is a great send-off to my time at Evangel.”

Temple has served as The Lance editor for five semesters and is currently president of Evangel’s SCJ chapter. She also interns as a reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. She will graduate in May and continue her internship through the summer and plans to stay in Springfield to pursue reporting opportunities for at least a year.

“Within a few years I hope to move out of Missouri and work at a daily paper in a large city,” she says. “I am prepared for various jobs within a newspaper: reporter, photographer, online team or videographer. I would be excited and grateful with any opportunity to practice my craft.”

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2013 Top 10 Under 10 award recipients announced

The 10 outstanding young alumni from the past decade will be recognized during an April ceremony on campus.

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Elon's Young Alumni Council is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2013 Top 10 Under 10 awards. These are alumni who have graduated in the past 10 years, enjoyed major professional success, made a big difference in their community and been a loyal supporter of Elon.

The recipients are:

Brett “Coop” Cooper ’05Hilary Corna ‘07Ashley White Creech ’03Mark Hendrix ’04David Morrow ’07 L’10Amy Reitnouer ’09Katie Sherman ’04Cecelia Thompson ‘05Peter Ustach ’09Christian Wiggins ’03

The Young Alumni Council and the Office of Alumni Engagement will honor this year’s distinguished young alumni at the 3rd Annual Top 10 Under 10 Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 20 at 7 p.m. in the Lakeside Meeting Rooms. Click here to register today.

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by Colleen Cooper, Staff Last Updated - 3/4/2013

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Fielding faculty Dr. Lenneal Henderson: "Unsung Heroes" Award Winner

Posted by Hilary Edwards on Thu, Dec 20, 2012

"I am so grateful and humbled by this designation," Hendersen remarked about being nominated for the award which was presented to him on National Philanthropy Day in Baltimore.

National Philanthropy Day® (NPD) is a special day set aside on the fifteenth of November. The purpose of this day is to recognize the great contributions of philanthropy and those people active in the philanthropic community.

NPD provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of giving and all that it has made possible. First held in 1986, NPD celebrates the endless daily contributions individuals and organizations across the world make to countless causes and missions. Last year, more than 100 AFP chapters held NPD events and activities across North America.

Through NPD, participants are able to show appreciation for all that has been accomplished in the name of giving, as well as show that there is still more to do. It's our chance to step into the spotlight for a brief moment and remind our communities, our society and the world that the spirit of giving is alive and well.

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Fielding alumna June Klein recipient of 2012 Asian American Hero Award

Posted by Hilary Edwards on Fri, Nov 16, 2012

This award program was conceived by Santa Clara County Supervisor Liz Kniss in 2001 to recognize outstanding Asian Americans for their remarkable commitment to leadership, health and human services, the arts, education, and community spirit in Santa Clara County.

Each year a call for nominations from the community provides responses from which Kniss and her office select honorees. Categories of recognition are arts, education, team/family, health and human services, leadership, and organization/agency. The criteria for consideration of an award include demonstrating a commitment in the selected category, inspiring others to believe they can make a difference, engaging community members, and bridging differences among communities. Past honorees have included CEO’s, civic leaders who are now in elected office, educators from our local colleges and universities, and everyday heroes who volunteer or go the extra mile in their service.

This year, 16 community leaders and organizations will be honored in the 12th and final year of this event, including a special accommodation for work related to Domestic Violence.  The Annual Asian American Heroes Awards ceremony, conceived in 2001, has honored over 120 community leaders and organizations for their remarkable commitment within Santa Clara County, creating a stream of positive role modeling.

As Supervisor Kniss’s third and final term comes to an end due to term limits, the legacy of the Asian American Heroes Awards ceremony “has created a tremendous connection to the community for me, and has also served to facilitate collaboration amongst the Asian-American community, which then spills over into the entire County.”

Rick Stern, an extremely well-known community member in Palo Alto, will be introducing June at the award luncheon today. Rick is a Tall Tree award winner, Past Lieutenant Governor for Kiwanis, YMCA Association Board member and lead the campaign at the Palo Alto YMCA for many years when June served as major gifts chair.  

June's dissertation at Fielding Graduate University was titled "Cultural Intelligence of Students in an Undergraduate Multicultural Studies Course." June is currently employed as vice-president for Business Affairs and chief financial officer at Palo Alto University and is a member of the on the Fielding Alumni Council.

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Fielding alumna June Klein recipient of 2012 Asian American Hero Award

Posted by Hilary Edwards on Fri, Nov 16, 2012

This award program was conceived by Santa Clara County Supervisor Liz Kniss in 2001 to recognize outstanding Asian Americans for their remarkable commitment to leadership, health and human services, the arts, education, and community spirit in Santa Clara County.

Each year a call for nominations from the community provides responses from which Kniss and her office select honorees. Categories of recognition are arts, education, team/family, health and human services, leadership, and organization/agency. The criteria for consideration of an award include demonstrating a commitment in the selected category, inspiring others to believe they can make a difference, engaging community members, and bridging differences among communities. Past honorees have included CEO’s, civic leaders who are now in elected office, educators from our local colleges and universities, and everyday heroes who volunteer or go the extra mile in their service.

This year, 16 community leaders and organizations will be honored in the 12th and final year of this event, including a special accommodation for work related to Domestic Violence.  The Annual Asian American Heroes Awards ceremony, conceived in 2001, has honored over 120 community leaders and organizations for their remarkable commitment within Santa Clara County, creating a stream of positive role modeling.

As Supervisor Kniss’s third and final term comes to an end due to term limits, the legacy of the Asian American Heroes Awards ceremony “has created a tremendous connection to the community for me, and has also served to facilitate collaboration amongst the Asian-American community, which then spills over into the entire County.”

Rick Stern, an extremely well-known community member in Palo Alto, will be introducing June at the award luncheon today. Rick is a Tall Tree award winner, Past Lieutenant Governor for Kiwanis, YMCA Association Board member and lead the campaign at the Palo Alto YMCA for many years when June served as major gifts chair.  

June's dissertation at Fielding Graduate University was titled "Cultural Intelligence of Students in an Undergraduate Multicultural Studies Course." June is currently employed as vice-president for Business Affairs and chief financial officer at Palo Alto University and is a member of the on the Fielding Alumni Council.

News Archive

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Fielding faculty Dr. Lenneal Henderson: "Unsung Heroes" Award Winner

Posted by Hilary Edwards on Thu, Dec 20, 2012

"I am so grateful and humbled by this designation," Hendersen remarked about being nominated for the award which was presented to him on National Philanthropy Day in Baltimore.

National Philanthropy Day® (NPD) is a special day set aside on the fifteenth of November. The purpose of this day is to recognize the great contributions of philanthropy and those people active in the philanthropic community.

NPD provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of giving and all that it has made possible. First held in 1986, NPD celebrates the endless daily contributions individuals and organizations across the world make to countless causes and missions. Last year, more than 100 AFP chapters held NPD events and activities across North America.

Through NPD, participants are able to show appreciation for all that has been accomplished in the name of giving, as well as show that there is still more to do. It's our chance to step into the spotlight for a brief moment and remind our communities, our society and the world that the spirit of giving is alive and well.

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Brett Evans '13 receives undergraduate paper award

Winners receive a cash prize and financial support to attend ASIANetwork’s Annual Meeting to receive the award in person.

Brett Evans '13 and Assistant Professor Amy Allocco

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Brett Evans ‘13 was recently awarded ASIANetwork’s Marianna McJimsey Award, which recognizes the best undergraduate paper focused on Asia.

Evans will receive a cash prize and financial support to attend ASIANetwork’s Annual Meeting to receive the award in person. His paper will also be published in the spring 2013 edition of the peer-reviewed journal ASIANetwork Exchange: A Journal for Asian Studies in the Liberal Arts.

ASIANetwork, a consortium of more than 150 North American colleges, “strives to strengthen the role of Asian Studies within the framework of liberal arts education to help prepare succeeding generations of undergraduates for a world in which Asian societies play prominent roles in an ever more interdependent world.” The annual prize honors the service of Marianna McJimsey, the first executive director of ASIANetwork and the first editor of ASIANetwork Exchange.

The paper, “Ideologies of the Shri Meenakshi Goushala: Hindu and Jain Motivations for a Madurai Cow Home,” focuses on a cow home, or goshala, which is jointly run by Hindus and Jains in the South Indian city of Madurai. It analyzes the commitments underlying the establishment of this sanctuary and highlights the divergent visions of the goshala’s purpose and future that were articulated by the institution’s Hindu and Jain members.

Evans has studied abroad for a semester in Madurai, where he lived with a Jain family and carried out research on contemporary Jain practices related to nonviolence. A Lumen Scholar and an Elon College Fellow who is majoring in religious studies, Evans has been researching the Jain religion for the past two years under the direction of his mentor, Assistant Professor Amy L. Allocco in the Department of Religious Studies.

He began his project by interviewing first- and second-generation members of the Jain community in Raleigh, N.C., about animal ethics and followed this fieldwork with more than six months of ethnographic research in India focused on this tradition’s commitment to nonviolence.

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by Amy Allocco, Faculty Last Updated - 1/2/2013

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Brett Evans '13 receives undergraduate paper award

Winners receive a cash prize and financial support to attend ASIANetwork’s Annual Meeting to receive the award in person.

Brett Evans '13 and Assistant Professor Amy Allocco

*****

Brett Evans ‘13 was recently awarded ASIANetwork’s Marianna McJimsey Award, which recognizes the best undergraduate paper focused on Asia.

Evans will receive a cash prize and financial support to attend ASIANetwork’s Annual Meeting to receive the award in person. His paper will also be published in the spring 2013 edition of the peer-reviewed journal ASIANetwork Exchange: A Journal for Asian Studies in the Liberal Arts.

ASIANetwork, a consortium of more than 150 North American colleges, “strives to strengthen the role of Asian Studies within the framework of liberal arts education to help prepare succeeding generations of undergraduates for a world in which Asian societies play prominent roles in an ever more interdependent world.” The annual prize honors the service of Marianna McJimsey, the first executive director of ASIANetwork and the first editor of ASIANetwork Exchange.

The paper, “Ideologies of the Shri Meenakshi Goushala: Hindu and Jain Motivations for a Madurai Cow Home,” focuses on a cow home, or goshala, which is jointly run by Hindus and Jains in the South Indian city of Madurai. It analyzes the commitments underlying the establishment of this sanctuary and highlights the divergent visions of the goshala’s purpose and future that were articulated by the institution’s Hindu and Jain members.

Evans has studied abroad for a semester in Madurai, where he lived with a Jain family and carried out research on contemporary Jain practices related to nonviolence. A Lumen Scholar and an Elon College Fellow who is majoring in religious studies, Evans has been researching the Jain religion for the past two years under the direction of his mentor, Assistant Professor Amy L. Allocco in the Department of Religious Studies.

He began his project by interviewing first- and second-generation members of the Jain community in Raleigh, N.C., about animal ethics and followed this fieldwork with more than six months of ethnographic research in India focused on this tradition’s commitment to nonviolence.

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by Amy Allocco, Faculty Last Updated - 1/2/2013

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