Emily Fuller of Miltonvale, Kansas, and Austin Mettling of Udall, Kansas, were named the 2017 recipients of the Outstanding Male and Female Graduate Award in conjunction with the Professor Fran Jabara Leadership Award.

The awards are given to two students who exemplify outstanding academic achievement, leadership skills and involvement, and who portray an enthusiastically Christian faith. They must have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher and are voted upon by faculty and staff.

Fuller graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration: Accounting, earning the honor summa cum laude for her GPA of 3.90 or higher. During her time at Sterling College, she was involved in Future Business Leaders of America - Phi Beta Lambda, served as president of the Campus Activities Board and was an assistant in the Office of Admissions.

“Emily is the kind of student every teacher wants and loves to teach. She commits 100 percent, whether it’s in her classes, in her work, in her activities or with her friends. She always wants to learn more and strives for excellence – always with a smile and with a great attitude,” said Marissa Callan, assistant professor of music.

Mettling graduated with a B.S. in Biology with the honor summa cum laude. During his time at Sterling, he was a member of Alpha Chi Honor Society, attended the Global Leadership Summit and served as a resident assistant in Kilbourn Hall.

“Austin is a good student and a great person. He works hard in everything that he does and is always thoughtful and positive. His actions and words lift up those around him, and he is an encouragement and inspiration to everyone he interacts with. Most importantly, his faith clearly shines through in his everyday life. It’s truly been an honor to work with him over the last four years,” said Dr. Jonathan Conard, associate professor of biology.

The Professor Fran Jabara Leadership Award was established in 2002 by Professor Fran Jabara, former Dean of the Wichita State University College of Business Administration, and recognizes graduating seniors from four-year, private Kansas colleges who display exemplary leadership skills.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.