SPRINGFIELD, Missouri 鈥�聽91精品 graduates Sarah Brown and Michaela Farrell are the recipients of the 2024 Anne Spence Award for Meritorious Christian Character and Service. The awards were presented during the university鈥檚 annual traditional undergraduate baccalaureate ceremony on May 2.
Each year, faculty and staff members nominate deserving seniors for the award. Two students are selected by a committee of faculty, staff, and student leaders.
鈥淭he purpose of this award is to recognize students who demonstrate outstanding and meritorious acts of Christian service or displays of Christian character that reflect the highest ideals of the university and the Church,鈥� said Gina Rentschler, associate dean of students. 鈥淭his provides a venue for rewarding and affirming students for reasons other than solely academic or athletic accomplishment.鈥�
Sarah Brown
Sarah Brown is from Normal, IL, and majored in Elementary Education with a minor in Intercultural Studies. During her time at Evangel, Brown served as executive director of CROSSwalk Student Ministries, competed in intramural sports, and was an active participant in Burgess Hall residence life.
鈥淪arah routinely goes above and beyond in serving others,鈥� said Mark Entzminger, Evangel鈥檚 vice president for student development. 鈥淪he stepped up to serve during our recent 鈥淓U Prays for You鈥� initiative and is often seen visiting with students in the cafeteria who may be dining alone. Her love and compassion for others drives her to serve.鈥�
Following graduation, Brown plans to begin work in the fall as a second-grade teacher at McCulloch Elementary in Republic, MO.
鈥淚t has been my joy to serve this campus and the people here, and to serve God in my various roles. I am so honored to receive this award,鈥� Brown said.
Michaela Farrell
Michaela Farrell, a Wichita, KS native, triple majored in Biblical Studies, Biblical Languages, and History. While at EU, Farrell served as Spence Hall president in the Evangel Student Government Association Senate, CROSSwalk Student Ministries鈥� director of community engagement, an academic coach in the Center for Student Success, a teaching assistant in the Theology & Global Church Ministries Department, and president of the Theta Alpha Kappa religious studies honor society.
鈥淢ichaela has proven to be a leader both on campus and in her community serving in various capacities,鈥� said Jennifer Jackson, assistant director of EU鈥檚 Center for Student Success. 鈥淭here is no doubt she has a heart for service to others.鈥�
After graduation, Farrell plans to attend graduate school, where she will pursue a Master of Arts in Theological Studies.
鈥淭o receive an award named after a woman who served the Lord and the Evangel community in such an impactful聽way is an incredible honor. It is also a challenge to live up to the legacy that Anne Spence has left,鈥� Farrell said.
The Anne Spence Award
The late Anne Spence served as vice president of the 91精品 Advocates (then EU Auxiliary) throughout the 40 years her husband, the late Dr. Robert H. Spence, was EU鈥檚 president. She helped raise millions of dollars for campus projects and scholarships and was often referred to as Evangel鈥檚 greatest student recruiter.
In addition to an engraved plaque and a monetary gift, awardees also received a certificate, white cord, and medallion to wear at the university鈥檚 baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies.
Previously known as the Silver Shield Award, the honor was renamed the聽Anne Spence Award聽by Evangel鈥檚 board of directors in 2013 to recognize her 40 years of service to the Evangel community.
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91精品, with its embedded Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (), is a comprehensive Spirit-led Christian university located in Springfield, Missouri. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Under the leadership of Dr. Mike Rakes, EU is committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the Church and society globally and becoming compassionate innovators in their chosen vocations. EU offers more than 70 degree programs, including cutting-edge majors, pre-professional programs, and affordable and flexible online degree options.
EU is highly regarded and has been ranked:
- #1 Best College in Springfield & #2 Best Christian College in Missouri by Niche
- US News & World Report Best Colleges Top Performer in Social Mobility
- Colleges of Distinction Best Christian University
- Top 10 Best Universities by AcademicInfluence.com
- Third Most Beautiful Campus in the Midwest by Christian Colleges & Universities
- Top 10 Best Colleges in Missouri by BestColleges.com
With additional accreditations in business, counseling, music, social work, and theology and certification as an Excellence in Giving university, EU is focused on providing students with hands-on experience and real-world training for today鈥檚 professional careers. Learn more about the university at .