Pictured from left to right are: Benner, VP for Administration Walt Mauldin, Richards, VP for Student Development Mike Hayes, Quagliana
Lee University presented the 2013 Charles W. Conn Awards to two students and one faculty member during Lee’s chapel service on Tuesday, April 23.
Rising seniors Kyle Benner and Katelyn Richards were awarded the Charles W.
Conn Servant Leadership Award for demonstrating leadership in service and ministry in the Lee community. Dr. Heather Quagliana was the recipient of the Charles W. Conn Service-Learning Faculty Award presented to a faculty member recognized for commitment to areas of service-learning on campus and in personal service to the community.
The awards are in honor of Dr. Charles W. Conn, president of Lee from 1970-1982. Conn was known for his spirit of servant leadership during his presidency at Lee and is the only President Emeritus in Lee’s history.
Mr. Benner has been active in Residential Life as a SmallGroup floor leader, resident assistant, and senior resident assistant. For three years, he served as a teaching assistant for Dr. Edley Moodley. Mr. Benner has also been a part of the Student Leadership Council and the Alternative Chapel Planning Committee. He has traveled on nine international missions trips, many of which he led.
“Kyle understands the call that Christians have to serve others and always seeks to promote the Kingdom,” said Rochelle Mayberry, who has served as the faculty liaison for service-learning with Lee’s Leonard Center. “He has not only proven his willingness and strong work ethic to accomplish meaningful goals, but enables and inspires other individuals and peers to cultivate the values and practices of servant leadership in their own lives.”
Ms. Richards was a part of the Lee Service Council and served in Crossover, a food distribution program aimed to benefit local disadvantaged families. She also served as a resident chaplain, a teaching assistant for a leadership course, and as a children’s church worker at a local church.
“Katelyn has exemplified the values of servant leadership,” said Ms. Mayberry. “She has exhibited a mature and compassionate worldview and proven her commitment to seek justice on behalf of others who may be disenfranchised or suffering.”
Dr. Quagliana joined the Lee faculty as an assistant professor of psychology in 2008. She has taught numerous service-embedded courses including Gateway, Lifespan Development, Child Development, Childhood Disorders, and Community Psychology. She also has participated in various community projects such as offering parenting classes and assisting tornado victims with their trauma responses.
“Heather has consistently demonstrated that she has a heart for service, both to students and with students as they impact the community,” said Dr. Jeff Sargent, her department chair. “She is always looking for ways to integrate service with the educational experience for our students, not as an additional requirement, but as a natural part of her belief in an integrated Christ-centered educational experience.”
Mr. Benner and Ms. Richards are the ninth group of students to receive this award, while Dr. Quagliana is the fifth faculty member to be honored.