From left, Lee President Dr. Paul Conn, Christina Sarmiento, Brad LaChapell, Dr. DeWayne Knight, Dr. William Lamb and Dr. Mike Hayes.
photo by Hannah Morgan
Brad LaChapell and Chris Sarmiento were presented with the 2015 Dr. Charles W. Conn Servant Leadership Award, and Dr. DeWayne Knight, Lee associate professor of athletic training, received the Dr. Charles W. Conn Service Learning Faculty Award, for their exemplary work in service learning.
The Dr. Charles W. Conn Servant Leadership Scholarship was established in 2003 to honor President Emeritus Charles W. Conn. He served as Lee’s president from 1970 to 1982, and his tenure was marked by a spirit of servant leadership.
As part of the university’s efforts to emphasize the importance of serving others, the award is given annually to rising seniors who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to service during their time at Lee. Students who receive this scholarship give a portion of the proceeds to a charity of their choice.
Mr. LaChapell has served extensively with Crossover Ministries, a Lee program which provides groceries and fellowship to East Cleveland residents in need, and is currently a co-director along with Sarmiento. In addition, he has been a resident chaplain for two years, served as a lab assistant for Foundations of Benevolence, been a member of the leadership team for Alternative Chapel, and was a student representative on the Quality Enhancement Plan Committee.
“He has proven his commitment to seek justice on behalf of those who may be suffering, disenfranchised, or oppressed in a variety of settings,” said Rochelle Mayberry, assistant director of First-Year Programs at Lee. “He understands that his life is not his own, so he gladly accepts any opportunity that allows him to join others in building the Kingdom.”
Ms. Sarmiento has served with Crossover for almost three years. She has been a resident chaplain for two years and has served as an intern in the Leonard Center as well. During her time as a leader with Crossover, the number of people served and the number of people serving have increased significantly.
“She has emphasized the empowerment and commissioning of other Lee students to lead and serve on behalf of the Kingdom,” said Tyler Shores, special projects assistant in Lee’s Leonard Center.
In addition to being an associate professor of athletic training, Dr. Knight is a doctor in Lee’s Health Clinic and a Global Perspectives trip leader. Over the years, Dr. Knight has provided medical care to thousands of Lee students and employees. He has made four medical missions trips to Honduras, four to Guatemala, and 10 to Cuba, and he involves students in the treatment of patients on these trips.
“Dr. Knight and I have worked together in a professional relationship for quite a number of years,” said Mickey Moore, director of Lee’s Health Clinic. “He has always had a heart to help the sick and goes out of his way to provide that help. He continues to be a significant asset as a medical provider on the Lee campus as well as in the Cleveland community.”
Mr. LaChapell and Ms. Sarmiento are the eleventh group of students to receive this award, while Dr. Knight is the seventh faculty member to be honored.