Southern Students Receive Rita Vital Endowed Scholarship For Faith And Service-Learning

  • Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Pictured, left to right, are Melissa Moore, director of Humanitarian Engagement and Christian Service at Southern Adventist University; Greg Vital, president and CEO of Morning Pointe Senior Living and Independent Healthcare Properties; Angelyn Edwards, junior music major; Nicole Pustea, junior biology major; Rita Vital; Kevin Singh, senior biology major; and David Smith, president of Southern Adventist University
Pictured, left to right, are Melissa Moore, director of Humanitarian Engagement and Christian Service at Southern Adventist University; Greg Vital, president and CEO of Morning Pointe Senior Living and Independent Healthcare Properties; Angelyn Edwards, junior music major; Nicole Pustea, junior biology major; Rita Vital; Kevin Singh, senior biology major; and David Smith, president of Southern Adventist University
Three students at Southern Adventist University were awarded the 2020-2021 Rita Vital Endowed Scholarship for Faith and Service-Learning last week. Chosen for demonstrating a deep desire to serve others during their time in college, this year’s honorees are biology majors Kevin Singh and Nicole Pustea and music major Angelyn Edwards.

In 2017, Southern alum Greg Vital, president and CEO of Morning Pointe Senior Living and Independent Healthcare Properties, established the fund to honor his mother, Rita Vital, and her lifelong pursuit of service and support for Christian education.

“I am humbled that my son made this endowment in my name,” Ms.
Vital said. “True joy comes from a life of service. I am proud of these young people, and I would like for them to experience the same happiness that I have felt while spreading love and truth to others.”

“Service fills that void in your life,” Mr. Vital said. “Education is not only about furthering your own achievements but also should focus on bettering the lives of others. Recipients are chosen based on their history of service along with their potential to impact the lives of others in the future. I expect that these recipients will continue to give back in many ways; I am inspired by all three.”

Officials said, "Service is an integral part of Southern’s mission, with opportunities provided throughout the year for students to get involved in the local community, as well as internationally. The university’s goal is for students to make serving others a life-long habit."

“I would encourage others not to be afraid to serve,” Ms. Edwards said. “Service connects me to God and to others. I have seen how God can use any talent, even if not in the most typical fashion.”
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