Academic Excellence Recognized, Supporters Thanks at Founders' Day Events

COLUMBIA, Ky. -- The Lindsey Wilson College community honored academic excellence, thanked its supporters and heard from an American hero Thursday.

Honors convocation and the Founders' Day Dinner were held on the college's A.P. White Campus, two annual events that recognize the college's best, brightest and most generous.

At honors convocation, held in Biggers Sports Center, more than two dozen LWC students and faculty members received academic awards for their work in 2011-12 or throughout their undergraduate careers.

The President's Award, given to the graduating senior who exemplifies the LWC mission, was presented to Khyati Patel of Fulton, Ky., who has been a two-term president of the LWC Student Government Association.

Assistant Professor of English Kara Mollis was named 2011-12 Teacher of the Year Award, which is presented by the LWC Student Government Association. Assistant Professor of Accounting Lisa Crowe was named Advisor of the Year, and Associate Professor of Human Services and Counseling Daniel Williamson received the Exemplary Teacher Award from the United Methodist Church Division of Higher Education.

At the annual Founders' Day Dinner in Roberta D. Cranmer Dining & Conference Center, a near-record crowd of more than 390 supporters heard Sgt. Dakota Meyer of Columbia deliver the keynote address.

Meyer urged the audience to take advantage of opportunities in life.

"Every day that we don't take advantage of our freedom and live our lives to the fullest we are doing nothing less than disgracing the guys who sacrificed their lives so that we could do that," said Meyer, who received the Medal of Honor in September from President Obama.

Accountability is key to taking advantage of life's opportunities, Meyer said.

"You won't realize your full human potential" if not held accountable, Meyer said. "True accountability demands that we work above our ability to not  be the weakest link. … It is my driving passion to see all of us rise to a level of accountability that ignites a fire in all of us as Americans, a fire that will burn so bright that there is no mistaking that we are great country."

Lindsey Wilson's 2012 spring semester classes conclude Friday, May 4. Final examinations are May 7-11; spring commencement will be 10 a.m. CT on Saturday, May 12, in Biggers Sports Center.

More ...
Click here to see more pictures from honors convocation.
Click here to see more pictures from Founders' Day.