ACE Launches Awards Program to Recognize Student Leadership and Success
Photo: Bluefield University student Andrew Lapan, winner of the first Ram Student of the Week award.
Bluefield University students are being recognized for leadership, character, academic excellence, and other quality characteristics, thanks to a new Ram Student of the Week awards program sponsored by the Academic and Career Excellence (ACE) Center.
According to Emily Cook, director of counseling, wellness and student success, and Harleigh Robinson, a graduate assistant for the BU Wellness program, the Ram Student of the Week initiative was designed to recognize students who demonstrate academic success, servant leadership, character, motivation, kindness, adversity, and growth. Robinson said the ACE team wanted a program that would acknowledge and honor students for all the good work they’re doing on and off campus.
“(We) wanted to focus on lifting up and supporting our students,” Robinson said. “We have seen and heard so many amazing things that our students are doing and wanted to have a way to shine a light on their accomplishments both in and out of the classroom.”
In addition to the desire to celebrate and honor the “amazing students at Bluefield University,” Robinson said the ACE team was inspired to create the Ram Student of the Week program by Professor Kevin Downer, who created a similar Student of the Week initiative for students in the Sports Management program, and Athletic Trainer Stephen Baldwin, who designed a Workout Warrior of the Week honor for student-athletes.
As part of the Ram Student of the Week initiative, each week during the school year, a BU student will be recognized based on his or her contributions to the campus community. Recipients will be students who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, leadership, citizenship, community involvement, and character, among other excellent characteristics.
“Students that are deserving of this recognition (are) those that demonstrate kindness, compassion, determination, servant leadership, motivation, progress towards growth, overcoming adversity, and those who go above and beyond to be a helping hand,” Robinson said.
Students will be nominated for the weekly award by members of the BU faculty and staff. Nominations are submitted online and reviewed by the Academic and Career Excellence (ACE) staff. Winners will receive a certificate and public acknowledgment of the good work they are doing.
“I would suggest faculty, staff, and coaches save this link as a pin in their emails for easy access to nominate their students that they feel are deserving of this recognition for their exceptional work,” Robinson added.
Student of the Week for January 24
Andrew LaPan
“Andrew is always there for anyone to help. Whether a last-second tour to a prospective student, hosting a recruit for the weekend when no one else will do it, or moving furniture on campus for a professor or staff, he is always there to help. He has never said no when we need help. Andrew exemplifies true servant leadership; he lives it every day.”
Student of the Week for January 31
Isaiah Rife
“Isaiah is seemingly everywhere, taking care of everything as SGA president, student worker, volunteer with BU Student Ministries, member of the Missions Club, and more. Above all, he has a servant’s heart. He is so good at appreciating life, pushing forward to bigger and better things, and encouraging others to do the same.”
Student of the Week for February 7
Joslyn Evans
“If there were a Bluefield University ‘Student Worker Hall of Fame,’ without a doubt, Joslyn Evans would be a recipient. Conscientious, dependable, hard-working, pleasant – these are only four qualities that describe her work ethic.”