“The annual awards banquet is a time to recognize academic excellence and achievement by our students,” said Aaron Fetrow, Dean for Campus Life. “It is also a time for the community to gather and recognize alumni and staff who have made outstanding contributions to the college.” Spring blossoms, warm air and merit characterized the ambiance experienced at Guilford’s annual awards convocation. Students, faculty and staff gathered on the lawn in front of Founders hall to commemorate those who flourish among prudent academic rigor and curriculum.
The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award headlined the ceremony, given to a student and community member for distinguished service. Senior Hatice Dogan, who has served three years as a project coordinator with Greensboro’s Urban Ministry and African Services Coalition, was the student recipient of this renowned award.
“Hatice is an amazing student leader and role model,” said Desiree Wilkinson, Volunteer Training Coordinator “She has led her sites with grace, integrity and great vision, and has taken on some great challenges.”
The Bruce B. Stewart Teaching and Community Service Awards, funded by alumni Bill and Jan Soles, as well as their late father W. Roger, were introduced. Recipients Vance Ricks, Heather Hayton and Teresa Sanford accepted cash rewards for excellence in teaching and service.
“This place means everything to me,” said Teresa Sanford, IT&S Associate Director for Applications Development and Support. “I am very honored as well as surprised. I’ve always considered Guilford a diamond in the rough. Helping people and giving back to the community I love is just part of my makeup.”
The annual event encourages some students to excel by competing for awards.
“I have a very competitive nature in almost everything that I do,” said junior Veronica Zych, Eugene S. Hire Award winner and Dana Scholar. “Lots of students, including myself, think about the awards during the year, and I think it helps us work harder.”
The convocation is also an opportunity for students to network with alumni and scholarship-giving families.
“Many award winners develop and have developed relationships with the families whose names are on the various awards,” Fetrow said. “Such relationships have also proven to be a positive connection for employment of Guilford graduates via these same alumni connections. This is another reason why it is so important for our current graduating seniors to stay involved with their alma mater.”
The celebration recognized the Charles A. Dana Scholars, students who were selected based on character, scholarship and leadership. In addition to general scholarships and awards, students received honors from specific departments, for athletic leadership and merit in community service.
“Getting an award for athletic leadership and academic excellence puts my time here in perspective,” said soccer player Lenny Niedosik, Nereus C. English Athletic Leadership Award recipient.
“I am honored to receive it,” Niedosik said. “To be acknowledged in front of my peers and people I respect and look up to is really the height of my Guilford experience.