On Honors Day, Thursday, April 25, 2019, Wesleyan College bestowed awards, prizes, and recognition upon students, faculty, and staff at a ceremony held in Pierce Chapel.
Grace Stiles Williams ’19 received the highest student-nominated honor, Wesleyan Student of the Year. Given each year to a graduating senior, this award is based on three principal traits, leadership, dedication the Wesleyan Community, and friendship to others. In the fall, Grace will be entering the master’s of divinity program at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology on a full-tuition scholarship. She is also in the process of applying for candidacy for ordination to be a deacon in the United Methodist Church.
Joyce Rene Gable ’20 was honored as Wesleyan Student of Success, an award given annually to a junior or senior who stands out in academics, community service, and extracurricular activities. Christen Davis ’20 earned the SGA Student Leadership Award given annually to a student who exhibits outstanding leadership skills and kindness to others in the Wesleyan Community.
For the third consecutive year, Tonya Parker ’01, assistant dean for equity and inclusion, was honored as SGA Staff Member of the Year. Director of Disability and Advocacy Services Jill Amos ’87 and Maintenance Technician William Pointer were each honored with Presidential Staff Awards. Stephanie Rowe, Front of House Supervisor, Metz Culinary Management, was honored with the SGA Faculty/Staff Workhorse Award.
Faculty award winners included Professor of Biology Dr. Holly Boettger-Tong, SGA Professor of the Year; Professor of Modern Languages Teresa Smotherman, Ann Munck Excellence in Teaching Award; Assistant Professor of Religion and Philosophy Dr. Karen Bray, Quillian Distinguished Teaching Award; and Assistant Professor of English and Director of Online Learning Laura Lease, Vulcan Materials Company Teaching Excellence Award.