News Summary
Lander University recently honored its top students during the annual Honors and Awards Program, showcasing exceptional achievements from various departments. Key awards were presented by Dr. Lucas McMillan, with notable recipients including Alyssa Campbell and Silas Schiera. The event also recognized long-serving faculty members and highlighted numerous scholarships awarded to deserving students, culminating in a celebration of academic excellence and commitment within the Lander community.
Celebrating Excellence in Greenwood: Lander University Honors Top Students
In a vibrant ceremony filled with applause and smiles, Lander University recently celebrated academic achievement during its annual Honors and Awards Program. This uplifting event took place within the cozy atmosphere of the College of Arts and Humanities, showcasing the remarkable talents of students and their hard-earned accomplishments.
Acknowledging Outstanding Achievers
The spotlight shone brightly on the award recipients as Dr. Lucas McMillan, interim dean of the college, had the honor of presenting the Dean’s Awards. For the class of 2025, the prestigious award was given to two exceptional students: Alyssa Campbell from North Augusta and Silas Schiera from Greenwood. Alyssa is making waves as an English major, focusing on professional writing while also balancing minors in chemistry and media and communication. Silas, on the other hand, is carving his path as a music major and is the founder of the popular barbershop quartet, known as the Barbercats.
During his presentation, McMillan emphasized the vital qualities of persistence and flexibility, which greatly contribute to the learning journey. Clearly, these values resonate deeply within the Lander community, as seen with this year’s array of talented individuals.
Department Awards Galore
A multitude of awards were presented across various departments, celebrating the specialized talents within Lander University. The Department of Art + Design took the opportunity to recognize several exceptional students. Among those honored were:
- Master of Arts in Teaching Award: Colby Burdette from Ware Shoals
- Master of Fine Arts Award: Georgia Ricard from Saluda
- Art Education Award: Logan Cooper from Florence
- A range of awards in sculpture, painting, photography, ceramics, and graphic design also lit up the stage.
A series of scholarships were also awarded to promising students in the arts, including the:
- Roxanna Albany Scholarship: Grace Childers from Simpsonville
- Carol Brown Scholarship: Maren Penn from Easley
- Judith Shaw Johnson Art Scholarship: Alyssa Bowen from Belton
Honors for Literature Lovers
Moving onto the Department of English and Foreign Languages, the celebrated awards included the Alliance Francaise Medal, which went to Conner McKibbon from Parkton. Carly Rogers from Simpsonville took home the Creative Writing Award, while numerous discipline awards were handed out in English, French, and Spanish, recognizing the diverse talents of linguists within the program.
Scholarships were abundant as well, awarded to various students from this vibrant department, underlining the commitment to fostering future linguists and writers.
Media, Music, and More
In the Department of Media and Communication, Holly Tuggle from Simpsonville received the Forum Award for Experiential Learning, while Tamara Stewart from Rock Hill was recognized with the Media and Communication Discipline Award. Meanwhile, in the Department of Music, Ethan Richardson from Greenwood proudly accepted the Turner Music Award.
Recognizing Longstanding Dedication
A heartfelt moment during the ceremony came when Dr. Robert Gardiner, a cherished music professor, was acknowledged for an impressive 23 years of service before his retirement. As a fitting tribute, he was nominated for the esteemed title of Professor Emeritus.
Celebration of Sigma Tau Delta
The event didn’t just stop at awards but also recognized the hardworking members of Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honor Society, highlighting the diverse talents present across various disciplines.
Overall, the ceremony was a joyful celebration of academic excellence at Lander University. With over $1.7 million awarded through the Abney Scholars Program since its inception, Lander is more than just a school – it’s a nurturing ground for talented minds, ready to make their mark on the world.
As students left the venue, filled with pride and motivation, they took with them not only awards but a renewed sense of purpose, ready to tackle their futures with open hearts and minds.
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Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Lander’s College of Arts and Humanities Honors Academic Achievement
- GoLaurens: Lander University Announces Dean’s and President’s Lists
- Newberry Observer: Lander University Recognizes Dean’s List Students
- Wikipedia: Lander University
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Higher Education
