OBU’s 2009 Elrod Awards recognize outstanding service to the community
May 07, 2009 - Genevieve Horton
Ouachita Baptist University's Ben M. Elrod Center for Family & Community held its
recent 2009 University Community Service Awards banquet at Ouachita's Walker Conference
Center. The annual banquet, which honors individuals who have made service a way of
life, is an opportunity to recognize and thank those who serve and strengthen the
community.
Dr. Mark Jansen, senior partner of Arkadelphia Medical Clinic, and Dr. Wesley Kluck,
OBU's vice president for institutional advancement, were honored with the Elrod Center's
Community Service Excellence Awards.
OBU Chancellor Ben Elrod presented the two awards. He described Dr. Jansen, who was
recognized for his outstanding public service as a physician, as "one of Arkadelphia's
most respected physicians" and "one of the outstanding leaders in the Arkadelphia
community."
Dr. Kluck was recognized for his outstanding public service and for supporting the
work of the Elrod Center. Citing Dr. Kluck's involvement in Clark County's strategic
development plan, Dr. Elrod added, "Here's a guy who has done tremendous service to
the community, to the Lord and to Ouachita."
Billy "Mr. Bill" Loudermilk received the Foster Grandparent of the Year Award for
his 11 years of service to special needs children, compiling more than 7,750 volunteer
hours.
Also during the banquet, Ouachita students were recognized for their leadership in
America Reads, America Counts, Campus Ministries, ElderServe, International Club,
Tiger Serve Day and TranServe volunteer hours. Several campus organizations also received
Kluck Student Enrichment Grants.
Among major awards presented, seniors Tracey Beckett, Ren Lewis and Allison Vire received
America Reads awards and seniors Casey Bushman and Sarah Monroe received America Counts
awards. Daniel Graham was recognized for service as campus ministries president and
Willy Rasilim received the International Club service award.
Tiger Serve Day leaders recognized included Sam Bushey, logistics chair; Adam Hurst,
team chair; Cami Jones, project chair; and Matt Morrison, publicity chair. ElderServe
awards were presented to Molly Throgmorton, Hayden Tucker, Emilee Wade and Hannah
Wagley. Students who received TranServe awards for volunteer hours during the 2008-09
school year included two students with more than 300 service hours each: Daniel Graham
(366 hours) and Cami Jones (306 hours).
"One of the things that sets Ouachita Baptist University apart is its commitment to
serving others under the Lordship of Christ," said Judy Duvall, assistant director
of the Elrod Center. "Service is a huge part of who we are as Ouachitonians and you
see it promoted by professors in the classrooms, through programs at the Elrod Center
and Campus Ministries and through students, faculty and staff who desire to make a
difference in the community and in the lives of others."
The annual awards "are a powerful way to affirm students in their efforts to build
their character and leadership skills through service," said Elrod Center director
Ian Cosh. "We believe that our graduates are being equipped to serve others above
themselves and will be a transforming influence in their communities."
By Genevieve Horton
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