Sterling College recognizes two students who exemplify outstanding academic achievement, leadership skills and involvement, along with an enthusiastically Christian faith, each year with the Professor Fran Jabara Leadership Award in conjunction with the Outstanding Male and Female Graduate award. This year, the College recognized Hannah Gardner of Topeka, Kansas, and Tate Strasner of Mount Hope, Kansas. The recipients had a GPA of 3.4 or higher and were voted upon by faculty and staff.

“Quite simply, [Hannah] is an exemplary student, both academically and artistically. She is motivated and self-disciplined and sets high standards for herself. As a student with a tremendous work ethic, she invests a substantial amount of time into her projects to ensure that her standards are continually met. In addition to being a creative artist, she is an articulate and enthusiastic communicator. Exhibiting a degree of maturity that exceeds her years, she sets the bar for others in the classroom. Her interactions with her peers are characterized by integrity and compassion; during critiques and class discussions, she offers insight that is genuine, thoughtful, and constructive,” said Hanna Kozlowski-Slone, assistant professor of art and design.

Gardner was described by both art professors as willing to accept critique, being confident in her work, and a leader in the classroom.

As a student, Gardner became the director of campus activities for Student Government Association, a position both of her sisters held as students at Sterling College. She has also been involved in leadership for Sterling Art League, Campus Activities Board, as a resident assistant and involved in Sterling College Chorale and Highland Singers. She has traveled to East Asia on a mission trip with Sterling College, and has also worked in other countries through her home church. Gardner graduated with a B.A. in Art and Design: Graphic Design and Photography with the honors of Kelsey Scholar and cum laude.

“[Tate] typifies the kind of student we strive to develop at Sterling and in the Christian ministries program. He has a sharp mind, a discerning heart, a courageous yet humble spirit, and he utilizes his tremendous skills and leadership abilities for service to Christ’s Kingdom. He has impacted countless members of this community with his passion for Jesus, his insights in class, his wisdom with peers, his humor and wit in front of a crowd and his listening ear,” said Jeff Darnauer, coordinator of the youth ministry program.

“[Tate’s] passion and love for people is well known on campus. Throughout his four years here, he has embodied the spirit of servant leadership through serving as a youth pastor in Mount Hope, being the president of Campus Activities Board, and being one of the spiritual leaders on campus. With him leaving, the atmosphere of Campbell Hall and the College in general will have a great hole to fill, but it is time for him to go out into the world,” said Scott McKinney, resident director of Campbell Hall.

Strasner was also described as a prayer warrior and a leader on campus and at his church. He served as president of Campus Activities Board, has traveled to East Asia on two mission trips and has been involved in several theatre productions. He graduated with a B.A. in Christian Ministries: Youth with the honors of Kelsey Scholar and cum laude.

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