For the first time in a year, Reinhardt University celebrated an in-person academic celebration on campus. The Brown Athletic Center hosted two Evening of Honors ceremonies Tuesday night to spotlight student achievement among juniors and seniors, including Class of 2020 graduates.
Held each spring near the end of the academic year, the evening features scholarship and service awards for juniors and seniors. The event was divided into two separate ceremonies this year to accommodate COVID-19 protocols.
The juniors and seniors in attendance received the Hugh Peterson Jr. Academic Award, requiring a minimum 3.6-3.89 GPA, or recognition as an Academic Scholar with a 3.9 or higher GPA. Academic Program Awards were given to two seniors from each degree program, selected by faculty.
The No Greater Love Award is given to a student who shows care for others and is ready to help. Kaylee Jones was presented the award for her service to Reinhardt University. Jones served Campus Ministries Leadership Team during her tenure at Reinhardt.
“[Jones] has a unique desire to see people grow in their faith, to love God with all of their being and to love others as they love themselves. She has put in countless hours behind the scenes to make sure the students and staff of this University can fully experience the wonders of God’s great love,” said Josh Garner, coordinator of spiritual life and service.
The No Greater Love Award has been given since 1998 at Reinhardt University to a student who has expressed a spirit of caring through extraordinary and exemplary community service and love of fellow humans. This award was created in memory of Ernest “Chip” Koella IV, grandson of longtime Reinhardt University supporters, the late Steve and the late Virginia Tumlin, whose final act reflected John 15:13 as he laid down his life while attempting to save the life of a stranger.
The Center for Innovative Teaching and Engaged Learning recognize a student each year with at least a 3.5 GPA, exhibits campus leadership inside and outside the classroom, participates in CITEL scholarly programs and is engaged in at least three High Impact Practices. Nataleigh Dawn Long received five individual faculty nominations and was honored with the CITEL Engaged Learner Award.
“She is a gifted digital artist, a watercolorist, focuses on botanical studies – with sometimes interesting symbolic meanings – an enthusiastic international traveler, and is my own intern for the Center of Innovative Teaching and Engaged Learning,” said Dr. Mason Conklin, director of CITEL.
Congratulations to Reinhardt’s academic scholars!