Twin Pillars Banquet celebrates service, academic excellence

^{Carson-Newman’s Bonner Center celebrated selfless service and academic rigor held during its annual Twin Pillars banquet last week. Religion Department faculty members Dr. Andrew Smith and Dr. Christine Jones (left) and Bonner Center Director Chad Williams (far right) congratulated Professor Lisa Flanary, Professor Julie Rabun, Appalachian Outreach Director Jean Ann Washam, and students Rachel Harmon, Merci Kelly, Hannah Pierce and Shelby Cupp. Student Vincyl Fitzgerald was unavailable for the photo.}

(April 12, 2017) – Carson-Newman University’s Bonner Center for Service Learning and Civic Engagement held its 2017 Twin Pillars Banquet last week to celebrate accomplishments during the academic year. Honorees included faculty members, community partners and outstanding students from several groups. Organizations represented included the Honors Program, Faith and Justice Scholars, Bonner Center, cnvolved program, along with Alpha Chi and Mortar Board honor societies.

“The Twin Pillars dinner celebrates those on our campus who make significant contributions towards Carson-Newman’s mission of academic excellence and Christian service,” said Bonner Center Director Chad Williams. “Further, it accentuates Carson-Newman’s commitment to apply classroom instruction in the community, and from the community back to the classroom. These servant-leaders embody Carson-Newman’s dictum of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness.”

Those receiving awards during the event include:

• Twin Pillars Award of Excellence in Community Engagement: Professor Lisa Flanary and Appalachian Outreach

Students in Flanary’s Color Photography class worked with Appalachian Outreach staffers and volunteers to provide free portraits for families during the ministry’s annual Coats for the Cold event. Flanary said her students see firsthand how portraiture can help add dignity for many parents who may not be accustomed to receiving charity. The service offers students the opportunity to set up shots and run a studio while giving back to their community.

Twin Pillars Award of Excellence in Scholarship and Service:

• Shelby Cupp, Maryville, nursing major

• Vincyl Fitzgerald, Nashville, political science major

• Rachel Harmon, Camdenton, Missouri, nursing major

• Merci Kelly, Cookeville, religion and business administration major

• Hannah Pierce, Seymour, psychology major

• Twin Pillars Award of Excellence in Service-Learning Instruction: Professor Julie Rabun, chair and associate professor, Art Department