Abigail Greves in 2011 in the Romanian village of Tinca.
Lee University has named Abigail Greves as the 2014 recipient of the Zeno C. Tharp Award. Ms. Greves was presented the award during Lee’s Honors Chapel.
Established in 1955, this annual award is given to a Lee senior who shows the greatest potential for making a significant contribution to Christian ministry. It is named in honor of the sixth president of Lee who served from 1935-44. Each department may nominate one student for the award, and of these nominees a winner is selected by a faculty vote.
A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Ms. Greves is graduating summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts in biblical/theological studies and a minor in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).
Ms. Greves is a presidential scholar and Poiema scholar; a member of Phi Eta Sigma and Alpha Chi honor societies; and listed in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities/Colleges. She is also involved in Lee Prayer/Convergence Leadership.
“I am incredibly honored to be the recipient of the Zeno C. Tharp Award, for this award signifies the end of a wonderful four years of learning the significance of Christian service to our world and to the Body of Christ,” said Ms. Greves. “From studying theology, being involved in campus ministries, and going on cross cultural trips, I have discovered the multifaceted dimensions of Christian ministry.”
Ms. Greves has taken seven summer trips to Romania to minister to the Roma (gypsy) people.
“While I believe my future will involve discipleship in an academic environment, I equally feel called to continue participation in God’s liberating work overseas, specifically in Romania,” said Ms. Greves. “My ultimate goal is to live a life that empowers the Church to live in such a way that God’s Kingdom infiltrates the ruins of this world—both locally and globally.”
Ms. Greves has received acceptances and scholarship offers from Emory University, Duke University and Vanderbilt Master of Divinity Programs.
Following graduation, she will spend nine weeks in Charleston, S.C., for a summer mission trip and training in discipleship. In the fall, she will attend Candler School of Theology (Emory University) for a three year Masters of Divinity program. Her goal is to be involved in student discipleship through academics and through Christian community.