HILLSBORO, Kan. – Tabor College held its annual Honors Convocation on Thursday, May 11. Students and faculty received recognition for the work done throughout the year. Several special awards as well as the Dean’s List are named at the event that takes place in the chapel on campus.
Frank Johnson, vice president for academics, praised the students for their classroom achievements through the spring semester.
“Our students have shown an outstanding commitment to academic excellence. Tabor’s faculty is especially proud of those who earned honors this semester through their hard work and dedication to their education. I look forward to their continued success.” Johnson said.
One of the highest student awards given out at the ceremony was the Hiebert Outstanding Student Merit Award. Honorees for this award are nominated by students and faculty, and chosen by a committee with representatives from the student body, the faculty, and student development.
Recipients must hold a cumulative grade point average of 3.3 and demonstrate leadership on campus. Recognition and monetary scholarship endowed by the descendants of Kornelius Hiebert, who was the first chair of the Tabor College Board of Directors, are awarded each year to one male and one female, “to perpetuate the scholarship, faith, leadership and desire to serve that characterized the founders of Tabor College.”
Maryn Robson, a senior from Sterling, Kan., and Braden Vix, a junior from Sawyer, N.D, are this year’s award recipients.
Similarly one faculty member is chosen to receive the Clarence R. Hiebert Excellence in Teaching Award. This award is given annually to the faculty member who best exemplifies the qualities of excellent teaching at Tabor College. These qualities include a strong Christian commitment, record of excellence in teaching, as shown by peer and student reviews, evidence of integrating faith and learning and commitment to Tabor College as an institution, as shown in support of departments outside one’s own area.
This year’s recipient was Rick Bartlett, director of theological education, at Tabor College Wichita.
“Rick’s teaching and spirit of humility have been recognized by students and faculty alike,” said Johnson. “He has a way of taking students out of their comfort zone so they are stretched and grown while showing guidance and support.”
Bartlett was completely surprised by the award.
“I didn’t expect the honor and was frankly, a bit stunned,” said Bartlett. “It’s such a joy to learn alongside our adult students and to see them achieve their educational goals. Tabor College is a special place where learning, work and service are all honored and appreciated.”
Other recognitions included Who’s Who of College Students, NAIA All-American Scholar Athletes, Dean’s Scholars and academic awards given by department chairs. A full list of awards is at the link below: