This year’s CWC Award winners are pictured here with Dr. William Lamb, director of Lee’s Leonard Center; Lee President, Dr. Paul Conn; and Dr. Jimmy Harper, campus pastor. Pictured (l to r) are Dr. Lamb, Elisabeth Sanders, Cody Price, Dr. Conn, Dr. William Kamm, and Dr. Harper.
At a Lee University chapel service, Cody Price and Elisabeth Sanders were presented with the 2017 Dr. Charles W. Conn Servant Leadership Award, and Dr. William Kamm, director of graduate studies in education, received the Dr. Charles W. Conn Service Learning Faculty Award. University leadership honored the three 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, officials said.
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. Price has been a student worker for the Admissions Office and a member of the A-Force team, which provides campus tours. He has also served in three offices in Tau Kappa Omega, been president of Backyard Ministries, and was a research assistant for the sociology program.
“Cody is warm and welcoming to all who encounter him,” said Tyler Shores, special projects assistant at the Leonard Center. “As he goes about his day, he expresses genuine love for God and for his neighbor.”
Ms. Sanders came to Lee as a Poiema Scholar, beginning her time of service in the Leonard Center. She stayed there as an intern and has been involved in a number of service initiatives like Backyard Ministries, Lee’s Campus Kitchen, and the Noble Cause grant program for service leadership development. Ms. Sanders was also instrumental in helping local school teachers develop service-learning opportunities for K-12 students.
“Throughout her time at Lee, Elisabeth has exhibited a work ethic that is rivaled by none,” said Ms. Sanders’ nominator. “She works tirelessly for causes and organizations with a mission to develop people and to make the world a better place.”
Dr. Kamm mentors numerous students and staff members, serves as the team mentor for the men’s soccer team, has fought in Dorm Wars alongside the men of Medlin Hall, sponsors Big Pal Little Pal, and serves on the board of directors for the Tennessee Rural Education Association.
“He is someone I look up to as a mentor, accountability partner, role model, and above all, a friend,” said Christina Sarmiento, former student of Dr. Kamm’s and a VISTA worker at Lee.
Mr. Price and Ms. Sanders are the 13th group of students to receive this award, while Dr. Kamm is the ninth faculty member to be honored.