Pearigen Award Winners 2008-2010

2010-2011 Pearigen Award Winners

Shameka Jennings ’12 of Hyattsville, Maryland, has served as a campus leader in several key organizations: in AAA, her sorority Phi Sigma Theta, and the Student Program Board. In each organization she has promoted healthy and diverse activities for students; through her constant presence and attention, she has been able to challenge stereotypical social norms. Additionally, she has inspired others through her involvement in outreach trips to Miami over spring break. Perhaps her greatest leadership role came through her membership in Sewanee’s first group of Posse scholars; through events such as the Posse Plus Retreat she prompted her peers to confront matters of racial diversity on our campus.

 

Natalee Erb ’12 of Fort Thomas, Kentucky, served as Head Proctor for First-Year Programming during 2010-11. In that role, which actually began late in her junior year, she was responsible for organizing and coordinating all Orientation activities for the 400+ students in the incoming class of 2014. Her attention to detail led to a flawless Orientation program—an intense event lasting nearly a week. In crafting Orientation, Natalee could have opted to repeat the program of previous years. However, she took the challenge of adding some sessions and modifying others; she clearly put her stamp on Orientation. Moreover, she had the year-long responsibility of coordinating the new “Choices 101” program, a monthly series of interactive presentations for the class of 2014 that focused on critical issues: sexual health, coping with midterm grades, alcohol use and abuse, and diversity and social justice.

 

Daniel Church ’12 of Little Rock, Arkansas, was president of the Mountaintop Musicians, a vibrant group of students and faculty that put on a diverse series of musical events. The events included regular performances at the Pub and other campus venues; these allowed members to showcase their talents and love of music. Moreover, the group sponsored another successful end-of-year “Sewaneeroo,” an outdoor concert that brought in headlining acts. But it was a smaller event that stood out: with Daniel’s inspiration, the group sponsored an evening of music on the upper plaza between Carnegie and Walsh-Ellett. This “Music under the stars” program brought out community members to enjoy dinner and music while raising funds for the Falling Whistles organization. The event was named the most innovative social event of the year by the Student Senate. In addition to leading Mountaintop Musicians, Daniel has been a tremendous advocate for environmental stewardship on the mountain; the Mountaintop Musicians also sponsored an event to protest “mountain top removal.”

 

Caroline Tanner ’12 of Nashville, Tennessee, held a number of leadership roles on campus. Most visibly, she was a Student Trustee, and in that role she helped organize a forum for students to share their concerns regarding Greek Life. With Caroline’s guidance, the conversation was not “students vs. administrators” but rather a more truly open conversation among students about what they perceived as the strengths and weaknesses of the Greek system. Caroline also served the University community as a firefighter and was one of two women for the Sewanee Fire Department. In the summer, Caroline was a leader for the Moondance Adventures and led a three week outdoor adventure trip. Since the Fall of 2009, she has been an active volunteer for the Community Action Comittee (CAC) and has helped provide hospitality with a variety of Sewanee community members including clients of the CAC. Caroline also helps bring funds to The University of the South by educating alumni, parents and friends about the current needs of the university through the Sewanee Annual Fund. Her title of Assistant Rush Chairperson for the largest student organization on campus, Theta Kappa Phi Sorority, made her responsible for organizing and facilitating recruitment, which she greatly fulfilled. In the Student Alumni Leadership Council, Caroline educated on the responisiblities of Sewanee alumni and charged for soliciting pledges from her peers for the Senior Class Gift.
 

Joyce Kuik '12 of Atlanta, Georgia, served as the Sewanee Outing Program Student Director of PRE-Orientation 2010 for the incoming class of 2014. PRE-2010 was the largest ever, with more than 200 participants (more than half of the class of 2014). Joyce and her 80+ PRE staff were responsible for introducing these students to all the amazing outdoor activities on our beautiful campus of 13,000 acres—and for keeping them safe while they climbed, rappelled, hiked, paddled, caved, and camped. The sheer size of PRE required strict attention to detail; Joyce never wavered in her enthusiasm, determination and focus to ensure the PRE would be a positive experience for each freshman. Along the way Joyce earned the respect of her peers who truly benefited from her leadership. In addition to leading PRE, Joyce (who is also an EMT) has been a valuable SOP leader, leading weekend rafting trips, mountaineering in Colorado, cycling 150 miles over a weekend and enjoying the friendships that are formed by doing great trips with other Sewanee students. The Sewanee Outing Program promotes healthy, fun trips that result in lifetime friendships, and Joyce has been its faithful ambassador.

 

2009- 2010 Pearigen Award Winners

Allison Kendrick, C '10, of Montgomery, Ala., is an art major with a minor in political science. She holds leadership positions in a variety of areas of campus life, including serving as outreach intern in the University Outreach Office, president of Sewanee's Invisible Children Chapter, and resident of the Community Engagement House. Allison's passion these days is trying to end the war in Uganda. Allison has awakened the Sewanee community to the atrocities of the war in Uganda, where children are abducted from their families and forced into service as soldiers. She has been working for Invisible Children, a nonprofit focused on this effort, for several years, even taking a year off from Sewanee to intern for the organization. Recently, she has been lobbying politicians, visiting nine congressional offices this semester to teach them about the war and to encourage them to support the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act. This winter, she and a number of youth from around the country camped out for two weeks in front of Oklahoma Senator Coburn's office asking him to release his hold on the Bill; he did, and it has now passed in both the Senate and in the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Allison has led the local chapter's fundraising efforts, which raised the highest total among college chapters and the second largest among all Invisible Children chapters. Allison spearheaded an Invisible Children event called "Let Your Life Speak," which brought hundreds of visitors to campus and featured speakers from Uganda, Washington, D.C., and locales across the U.S. Though recognized for her view of community as crossing all borders and her passionate commitment to reach out to others in need wherever they are, Allison is known by her friends for her dedication to community in the one-to-one relationship building that happens right here in Sewanee. Allison demonstrates both dedication and values put into action. Congratulations!

Carrie Ryan, C'12, of Pasadena, Calif., is an anthropology major with a minor in education. Carrie's passions are diverse and numerous. Carrie is first a student, having been on the Dean's List each semester while at Sewanee. Her commitment to community is expressed through countless kindnesses to others and through seven leadership positions on campus. She is director of the Senior Citizens Outreach, leader of the GrundyCountyHigh School "Study Skills" program, co-founder and co-chair of the Diversity Coalition, co-chair of the Sophomore Council, assistant proctor in her residence hall, a sacristan for All Saints' Chapel, and member of the Student Activities Fee Committee, and was recently elected student trustee. Carrie is also a regular participant in the activities of the University's Center for Liberal Education and Community Engagement. Carrie's gifts include the ability to manage each of these roles successfully. She sees opportunities for strategizing where others might see obstacles. She sees ways more people can be included when others might see boundaries. Carrie tends to the needs of the students she serves at GrundyHigh School with attention to their specific life circumstances and academic challenges. She expresses joy in being with them and with the senior citizens she visits through Senior Citizens Outreach. While some might see a contrast between Carrie's commitment to improving education at the high-school level and her commitment to improve the lives of senior citizens, Carrie has found the connection. She explains that the young have much to gain from interacting with and building relationships with our elders. While in high school she founded a program called "Bridging the Generations," which brings together Pasadena area youth and elderly citizens for mutual learning. Carrie has continued this bridge building work in Sewanee, where she began a computer education program at the local Senior Citizens Center for Sewanee students to connect with seniors around a common interest in computers. Beyond building relationships among generations, Carrie also breaks down barriers of any sort that separate people. She and three other students co-founded the Diversity Coalition to encourage collaboration among student groups who focus on any aspect of human diversity. Congratulations!

Bevin Williams of Shelbyville, Tennessee is the 2009-10 first recipient of the Pearigen Award for Commitment to Community. Bevin is a junior Classical Language major, who gives generously and energetically to the community, as a student leader. She serves not only as a proctor in Quintard hall, but as an assistant proctor for two groups of first year students! Double duty is typical for Bevin, as she has coached two youth soccer teams in Sewanee simultaneously and assisted coaching last year. She worked night and day (truly) in the Residential Life Office this summer, as the Summer Intern, preparing for the arrival of a new class of first year students and eleven hundred other returning students who live in the university’s residence halls. Bevin’s work meant hours building and analyzing spreadsheets of housing data, reading through hundreds of housing applications, helping to match roommates, comforting anxious parents of new students, guiding prospective students in their questions about the housing process, and serving as the right and left hands of both Nicky Hamilton, Director of Residential Life and Mary Beth Bankson, Dean of Residential Life. Ms. Hamilton says of Bevin, “I am so grateful to Bevin for her tireless effort this summer. She has an amazing positive spirit and her incredible work ethic is both admirable and inspirational.” Dean Bankson has added, “Not only is Bevin hardworking and passionate, she is meticuluous in all that she does!” Beyond the summer, during Orientation, Dean Julie King Murphy observed her motivating dozens of first year students to open up and get to know one another at the orientation events. “Bevin is an empathic listener and guide one-on-one and a loud-voiced cheerleader in even the largest of groups. She seems always eager to meet a new friend, widen the circle, and encourage others to go where she leads.” With a core of other students, Bevin organized a new club, “Sewanee SELF”, which is devoted to raising awareness and funds for various health related causes and to encourage fitness in all students. She is a student caller and tour guide with the university’s admissions team, the Arcadians, and serves as the President of Sewanee’s local chapter of Kappa Delta National Sorority. Bevin has previously served on Student Assembly and the family weekend committee, always eager to bring bright ideas, an incredibly positive outlook, and a drive for perfection to projects that will improve the community. Bevin, for all you do for Sewanee, we give you thanks. Congratulations!

Kara Antoinette Maselli, “Annie,” of Lake Charles, Louisiana is the 2009-10 second recipient of the Pearigen Award for Commitment to Community.Annie is a senior majoring in International and Global Studies, with a focus on the Latin American world. Annie is the co-recipient for August, and is recognized for her achievements during the summer and into the fall semester, but her commitment to community seems to deepen in its expression each day. This summer, she envisioned and coordinated the many events of first-year student orientation, and leapt onto every task with that enormous, contagious smile. The joy she exudes leads all who meet her to experience that “working with Annie is going to be fun! And the resulting event will be perfect!” Dean Mary Beth Bankson said, “Annie has an energy about her that is absolutely contagious. It is that energy that made this year’s Orientation an amazing experience for both our student leaders and our new students.” Annie’s knack for accomplishing whatever she sets out to do could not be more effectively employed in her constant service to others. In addition to serving this year as the Head Proctor for First-Year Students at the University, Annie is in her of second year providing guidance counseling to students at GrundyCountyHigh School. In her current role, she is the primary guidance counselor, assisting local students in identifying higher education as a goal, applying for college, taking the ACT, and visiting college campuses to get information. Her devotion to students at GrundyCountyHigh School propels her to be involved with a Comprehensive Development Classroom there, helping to provide individual instruction, goals setting and accomplishment of objectives revolving around basic skills of severely disabled students. Last year, Annie’s volunteer work regularly also took her to Winchester, Tennessee where she helped a number of Hispanic adults and children improve their English skills and take the test to apply for citizenship. Currently, Annie actively serves as student chair of the university Dining Council, advancing the needs and interests of students and helping to promote positive interactions among students and the dining services staff. Annie attends all meetings, taking minutes, and actively contributing to the lively student and administrator discussions, while at the same time helping to ensure a balance in the dialog and clarity about outcomes and direction for the committee. Her recent involvement in Sewanee has extended to sorority endeavors, Big People for Little People, and accomplishment on the Sewanee Crew Team, for which she served as President from Spring 2008 to Spring 2009. When asked to describe her own motivations, she says she wants to help people who cannot help themselves and truly loves learning about others and encouraging them to reach their goals. Annie, you live out this devotion every day. Thank you! Congratulations!

William Watson of Sherman Texas is the third 2009-10 recipient of the Pearigen Award for Commitment to Community. Early in his sophomore year, Will set an example of the best leadership that students can exercise. He became knowledgeable and experienced through a summer internship about an important issue that few were aware of and developed a variety of venues, events, and strategies to teach the Sewanee community what he learned and how we can help. Before returning to campus this summer, Will contacted a number of staff and faculty about the organization known as Falling Whistles, which strives to help children forced into war as soldiers in Congo. He sought advice and support and set about the planning of a series of events at which he invited the organization’s founder to speak. His efforts included recruiting a team to sponsor a talk at Growing in Grace, Sewanee’s informal worship service in All Saints Chapel; a public talk in Convocation Hall, a Pinnacle Luncheon at the Women’s Center and class visits. Through Will’s efforts, Sewanee’s eyes were open to the needs of children who suffer daily in the midst of war, not feeling the impact indirectly, but directly and involuntarily participating—fighting, wearing whistles, and dying for an army that kidnapped them into military service. Even when they do rarely escape, and seek refuge from the competing army, they are often punished as traitors, rather than supported as the victims of crime. Will’s efforts raised the consciousness and contributions of Sewanee students, staff, faculty and community members. A student organization is forming around this cause. This community’s efforts to combat this outrage and help these children will now continue in Sewanee, a place far removed from Congo, but now much more aware of the situation there. Will used his organizational skills and vision to use to help us understand our world better and know that we must broaden an understanding of community to include, not just our idyllic mountain, but the geographically distant, yet crying children of Congo.
 
Will’s experience of this small world community has developed through a number of international experiences in service in Congo, Kenya, and Haiti. On campus, Will is also involved with Invisible Children. He’s a van driver for our campus safe-ride program, BACCHUS, and a worship leader at Growing in Grace. In addition, Will is often caving with the Outing Program as a trip co-leader. He explores the world with a curiosity eager to learn, not just for learning’s sake, but for learning the answer to the question: How can I help? For your commitment to the Sewanee community and for showing us how we can help others far away and yet within our reach, we thank you, Will. Congratulations!

Previous Pearigen Award Winners

2008-2009
 
Allison Scherberger ‘09 of Roswell, Georgia is the August co-recipient of the Pearigen Award for Commitment to Community. Allison served this summer as the Sewanee Outing Program Student Director of PRE-Orientation (PRE 2008). John Benson, Director of the Sewanee Outing Program (SOP) explains, “Allison contacted me while she was abroad last semester to let me know she was interested in running PRE 2008. And she did. Allison was extremely organized and enthusiastic all summer, whether she was speaking on the phone to a PRE 2008 applicant or to a prospective student who was stopping by the SOP office. PRE 2008 was a huge success due to her terrific planning and tireless energy and attention to detail.”  Allison’s efforts stretched beyond PRE 2008 and SOP staff leadership as she helped Benson to arrange a canoe outing for student affairs staff and student interns this summer—just to build community.

 

Allison is a superior student, who was inducted into the Order of Gownsmen, as a sophomore.  She is an Environmental Studies, Ecology and Biodiversity Major, with a minor in French. Along with academics, Allison has found many organizations at Sewanee that she enjoys immensely. Two of these involvements include Cross Country and Phi Kappa Epsilon Sorority. Allison loves leading hiking, cycling, and canoeing trips with the SOP. Though new to cycling, she raised funds for and cycled in the Multiple Sclerosis 150 mile bike race on the same weekend that she ran in a cross country meet. Allison, has energy and commitment to inspire anyone. With her humble, yet fun-loving personality, she uplifts peers, staff and faculty, making even casual conversation an opportunity for laughter and learning. As a resident of Quintard Hall, she not only is serving her fourth year as an Environmental Resident, but also supports community life as an Assistant Proctor.  Congratulations, Allison, for this well deserved recognition!

 

 

Kara Holcomb ’09 of Avondale Estates, Georgia is the August co-recipient of the Pearigen Award for Commitment to Community. Kara makes Sewanee a more welcoming place for new and returning students through her thoughtful, focused actions as a friend, student, and community member and her leadership in the areas of residential life and orientation. She is the Head Proctor for First Year Programs. This summer, she served in that capacity while also working as the 2008 Orientation Intern in the Residential Life Office. Assistant Dean Mary Beth Walker explains, “Kara was responsible for planning and coordinating many pieces of Orientation including Experience Sewanee which she single-handedly re-scripted for the class of 2012 in order to broach many issues pertinent to their class.” Kara showed her mastery of logistics by designing orientation events, orchestrating details, and coordinating the schedules and duties of the student members of the Orientation Committee. At the same time, Kara took on shared responsibility with the other Head Proctors in planning training for proctors and assistant proctors and supporting Nicky Hamilton, Director of Residential Life, in the selection and placement of residence hall staff and new student residents. Kara put in numerous very full days and long nights serving the student body in these often quiet, but essential roles. Nicky Hamilton states, “Kara worked tirelessly in our office as an intern all summer, and without much of a break, transitioned right into her orientation and head staff duties at the start of the semester.”  Mary Beth Walker adds that “When orientation was complete, Kara then coordinated a full-day training session for the Women’s Center Board on ‘Responding to Sexual Assault,’ in which she used the knowledge she gained from her 2007 summer internship at DeKalb Rape Crisis Center.” Both agree, “That’s pretty amazing for one student! She deserves this award for all of this incredible work and her leadership in these different areas!”

 

Kara is a Psychology Major, Women’s Studies Minor, a repeater on the Dean’s List, and a member of the Order of Gownsmen and Phi Kappa Epsilon Sorority.  An animal lover and athlete, she has been very active as an Equestrian Team member and community service participant. She received the spring 2006 “MVP Award” and the 2007-08 “Sportsman of the Year” award for Zone 5, Region 1.She also led the Outreach Office’s animal rescue volunteers in Cause for Paws her junior year. Kara has served the University as a student caller for the Sewanee Phonathon and as a current member of the Student Alumni Leadership Council. Kara joined other students in reaching out internationally through the Haiti Outreach Trip last year. A woman with many talents and a passion for building community at Sewanee and elsewhere, Kara has heroic qualities that draw out the best efforts of others. Congratulations, Kara, you make Sewanee a better environment for us all!

 

Katherine “Katie” Gojkovich ‘09, from Westport, CT is the September Recipient of the Pearigen Award for Commitment to the Community. Upon learning of the shooting death of Monteagle Police Officer Shane Tate, while in the line of duty, Katie sympathized with his family. “I was on the Mountain all summer, and the day Deputy Tate died, I truly understood the sacrifice of local police, fire and emergency services,” Katie explained, “He was only 29 and had five children, and that really hit me. I knew this was an opportunity for Greek organizations to make a difference.” Putting her concern into action, Katie spearheaded a fundraiser for the family by contacting area restaurants, seeking donated food to be sold at a dinner benefit. Katie also organized her sorority, Theta Pi, and recruited leadership from Chi Psi Fraternity. Over 250 students, faculty, staff and community members participated in the event, raising a total of nearly $3500 for the Tate family.

 

Katie is involved in many activities on campus. She is the Head of Community Service for her sorority, Theta Pi, Student Assistant Coach for the Women's Varsity Lacrosse team, and Senior Gift Committee Chair for the Class of 2009. She is also a member of the Order of the Gownsmen.  Katie interned in the Sewanee Alumni and Development Office in the Summer of 2008 under former Dean of Students and current Vice President for University Relations, 
Robert W. Pearigen, for whom this award is named.

 

Katie has passion for community service and helping others living on the mountain. A current Religion major, she hopes to continue her love of service, fundraising, and event planning by entering the world of philanthropy after she graduates. Thank you, Katie, for finding concrete ways for others to show compassion. With congratulations and great appreciation, we honor you.


Jeremie Amoroso ’10 of Port-of-Spain,Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies, is the October 2008 recipient of the Pearigen Award for Commitment to Community. Jeremie is an Economics major with minors in Math and International Studies. He holds leadership positions in a variety of areas of campus life, including serving as Proctor in his residence hall, president of BACCHUS, station manager for WUTS 91.3 FM University radio, and marketing officer of the Organization for Cross-Cultural Understanding (OCCU). In each of these arenas, the staff and faculty who work with him have noted his excellence, reliability, and commitment to the organization and the Sewanee community. Jeremie’s service goes beyond attending meetings or taking on limited responsibilities. Rather, he is proactive in improving the experience for the students who are involved in each of the groups he leads, as well as strengthening the service the group provides to the larger community. For example, in working with BACCHUS, Jeremie is conscientious about coordinating the schedules and meeting the equipment and other needs of the BACCHUS drivers. He also helped to coordinate a cross-training session with the Chief of Police and several BACCHUS drivers to promote driver and passenger safety, as well as to strengthen the relationships among drivers and police, who share a support role in encouraging safe campus transportation for students during weekend parties. Kay MacKenzie, the University’s International and Academic Support Specialist, who works closely with Jeremie has said that beyond a full range of leadership involvement and academic excellence as a student, “Jeremie is just one of the most genuinely considerate and gracious young men you will ever meet. He shows great interest in international and domestic students alike, and his love of learning experiences urges him on toward new courses and travel.” She has commented on his essential contributions to the OCCU, reporting that he takes on much of the planning and execution of OCCU events, a pattern that is repeated in all of his areas of involvement. Jeremie’s kindness, commitment to service, and results driven actions are evident in all that he does for Sewanee. Thank you, Jeremie, and congratulations!

Caroline Covington ‘09 of Memphis, Tennessee is the November 2009 co-recipient of the Pearigen Award for Commitment to Community. Caroline is being recognized particularly for her substantial contributions to community through leadership on the Women’s Center Board. Mary Beth Walker, Assistant Dean of Students for Residential Life says, “Caroline is a graceful and artful leader among her peers. Her passion for women’s issues is truly inspirational.” She and the other board members have held fascinating, well-attended Pinnacle Luncheons at the Women’s Center. Her efforts have made “Pinnacle Luncheon” and “Women’s Center programming” synonymous phrases for excellence in community events (and also code for “get their early; standing room only!”).  Especially notable this year, however, was Caroline’s leadership in presenting a week dedicated to the topic of Understanding Sexual Assault. This series of events challenged and informed the community, while also showcasing individual creative response to this important, deeply emotional topic. Caroline’s work demonstrates courage and professionalism.  In addition to directing and residing in the Women’s Center, Caroline offers leadership as Parliamentarian of Alpha Delta Theta Sorority. She does not mind behind the scenes work, as she has served as intern and student assistant in the Sewanee Archives, but finds herself in the spotlight often. One example is her nomination to homecoming court by the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Also a scholar, Caroline is a member of the Order of Gownsmen and a Philosophy Major. Congratulations Caroline on this distinction and thank you for your commitment to raising awareness of important issues in Sewanee and beyond!

 

Fiona Maldonado ‘09 of San Angelo, Texas is the November co-recipient of the Pearigen Award for Commitment to Community. As an American Studies major, Fiona has participated in a variety of Sewanee organizations. Fiona is being recognized particularly for substantial contribution as co-director of the Women’s Center Board. Fiona’s involvement in the campus community has centered around service on behalf of children and advocacy in the areas of gender and sexuality. She has mentored a local child through Big People for Little People and helped raise awareness of the plight of the children hurt by Uganda’s civil war. Her local involvement in gender issues includes leadership within the Gay-Straight Alliance and the Women’s Center Board. She and the other Board members have sponsored crowd drawing forums all year and presented a special event each day of their sponsored Understanding Sexual Assault Week, including panelists, speakers, crisis information, a “Take Back the Night” walking demonstration, and even an art gallery.  Fiona and her board have heightened our community’s awareness of this topic and our expectations for quality in student led programming. Dean Mary Beth Walker explains, “Fiona is completely dedicated to the issues of equality and justice for women throughout the United States and abroad. This dedication is what makes her an amazing student leader.” For her genuine and ongoing commitment to community, we honor Fiona and thank her for inspiring others with her leadership! Congratulations!

Chase Spurlock ‘09 of Murfreesboro, Tennessee is the December 2008 recipient of the Pearigen Award for Commitment to Community. As a Biology major and Religion minor, Chase has excelled in his pre-med and his humanities studies. He is the recipient of the Robert P. Davis Scholarship for excellence in pre-medical studies and the Robert S. Lancaster Merit Scholarship for academic and extracurricular leadership. A repeater on the Dean’s List, Chase still finds time to chair the University’s Honor Council and serve as Chief of the Sewanee Volunteer Fire Department. Eric Hartman, Dean of Students says of Chase, “He has demonstrated such a strong sense of accountability and foresight in his leadership of the firefighters and his remarkable attention to the investigative process as Chair of the Honor Council, he is clearly deserving of the Pearigen Award.” Chase also serves as an EMT and as Chair of Sewanee’s chapter of Ducks Unlimited, which is focused on wetland conservation and promoting a strong wildlife population.  His other recent university involvement has included leading the Student Activities Fee Committee, charged with allocating funding among all of Sewanee’s student organizations. This position requires impartiality and a willingness to learn about everything from dance performances to crew regattas. Chase is a leader in so many ways, in academics, in service, in community building, and in character and integrity. We are thankful for the many ways he is committed to serving this community and to protecting the safety and wellbeing of all of us. It is an honor to honor you, Chase. Congratulations!


Bakari Faulkner C’2010, of  Winterville, Georgia, is the February 2009 winner of the Pearigen Award for Commitment to Community. Bakari is an American Studies major who takes his interdisciplinary approach to life outside the classroom as well. In his capacity as the president of African American Alliance (AAA), Bakari has done an excellent job in leading the organization to have an influential presence on campus. Particularly, during February, AAA sponsored a number of social and educational events for the community as part of Black History Month. One of these programs, the panel on the state of diversity at Sewanee prompted a significant positive response from the community, with a standing room only crowd and an active discussion among panelists and audience members. Jeremie Amoroso, a fellow student and recent Pearigen Award winner, said, “Bakari saw an opportunity to increase campus awareness of AAA during the month of February: Black history month. I hope that future presidents of other campus organizations take note of the standard set by Bakari.”  Bakari is also a three-year member of the varsity football team. Further, he is well known on campus for his musical ability, as a member of Sewanee’s gospel choir, Sewanee Praise, and as a co-founder of an a cappella singing group, The Rescue.  This newly formed quartet sang in April at the Student Leadership awards, setting the tone for the evening as a reflection on the year and a celebration of student accomplishments. Bakari also leads in his residence hall as a proctor and in student entertainment organizing as a member of the University Program Board.  In previous years, he has served as a University fundraising caller and as community service chair of the AAA. Bakari, congratulations on all of your accomplishments and thank you for the many ways you show your commitment to community! 

MacKenzie Jortner C’2009 is the March 2009 recipient of the Pearigen Award for commitment to community. An English major from Dallas, Texas, MacKenzie has served the University as President of the Inter-Sorority Council and as an active member of Theta Kappa Phi sorority. MacKenzie is often called upon to be the spokesperson for members of Greek organizations and for students generally in conversations with the university administration and others outside of the university. Associate Dean for Campus Life Alexander M. Bruce, who works closely with the fraternity and sorority officers, said, “Leaders could learn much from Mackenzie Jortner. She has listened well and respected the concerns and positions of others; she has proven herself able to balance multiple points-of-view and negotiate among them; she has demonstrated great poise and presence even in the most difficult of circumstances. She has earned the respect of her peers and colleagues, and, working with them, has helped achieve a greater understanding within the University community.” MacKenzie was also selected to be a co-director of the Arcadians, the select group of Admissions Office volunteers who lead tours and help with the Admissions process. This year, MacKenzie has held the position of Senior interviewer throughout the admissions process and has coordinated overnight visits and special events for prospective students and their families. In so many arenas, MacKenzie represents Sewanee, listening, advocating, planning and speaking on behalf of the students in her college community.  Thank you MacKenzie for your dedication to Sewanee students and to prospective students! Congratulations on this recognition of your commitment to community.

Andrew Cotten C’2010 of Huntsville, Alabama, is the April 2009 co-recipient of the Pearigen Award for Commitment to Community. Andrew’s major April feat, Sewaneroo, actually took well over a year to envision and plan. As founder and president of Mountaintop Musicians, Andrew led the club in producing the second annual music festival, celebrating Sewanee community and a love for live music. Sewaneroo consisted of about a dozen bands, performing for fourteen hours at LakeCheston in what was part family festival, part University student concert. Andrew worked with bands and vendors and representatives of practically every aspect of Sewanee community to produce the event in a collaborative way. This approach characterizes Andrew’s work with the Mountaintop Musicians in other ways, too. He led the creation of a lecture series covering topics as diverse as how to make guitars and exploring music as a form of worship. The group was recognized by the Student Assembly’s leadership awards for outstanding Residence Hall program for their cooperative effort in sponsoring the Courts Hall kick-off at the beginning of the school year. This cook-out event also featured live music and input from groups throughout the community, including St. Andrew’s Sewanee. Andrew’s friend and the new president of Mountaintop Musicians, Daniel Church, recently said, “There are a lot of times when I want to spend some time in Andrew’s mind to understand just how he is able to achieve and conceive of all the ideas which he has. Mountaintop Musicians has had an incredible first year because of his incredible creativity and outstanding leadership.” Andrew also served this year as a Proctor on the residential life staff and as president of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. The Betas, under Andrew’s leadership, also earned the distinction of winning the Dean’s Cup for excellence among fraternities. Beyond coordinating special events, Andrew also has musical talent of his own. His student band recently performed at concerts to raise money for student led efforts in Haiti and Bangladesh. In commenting on Andrew’s leadership, Will Haight, mathematics professor and advisor to the Mountaintop Musicians, summarized, “Andrew has vision, drive, energy and the unquestionable respect of all his peers.” Congratulations, Andrew!

Rachel Watson C’2009 is the April 2009 co-recipient of the Pearigen Award for Commitment to Community. After graduating from Sewanee as an International and Global Studies major, Rachel will attend the University of Tennessee College of Law. Rachel has been a stand-out leader since her arrival on campus. She earned membership in the Order of Gownsmen as a sophomore, a sign of the seriousness with which she pursues her studies.  As a freshman at Sewanee, she won the Environmental Leadership Award for her service in the Environmental Resident Program. During her sophomore year, she continued service as an Environmental Resident while also mentoring new students as an Assistant Proctor at Gorgas Hall. Rachel has participated in All Saints’ Chapel Outreach service trips to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, to Quito, Ecuador, and to New Orleans. She even single-handeldy led the New Orleans trip this spring when the staff leader had to cancel unexpectedly. Rachel has also had a multi-year commitment through another church as an English instructor in Lima, Perú. She uses her language skills locally as a Spanish tutor at SewaneeElementary School and as a translator in the surrounding FranklinCounty community. She has been a Fowler Center pool lifeguard and a varsity athlete in swimming and track. This year Rachel has served the Sewanee community and led the residential life staff as the Community Engagement Head Proctor. Nicky Hamilton, Director of Residential Life, expressed that Rachel “has done a phenomenal job with motivating the dorms to do creative programming in this role and has done so much for Sewanee and other communities that she is deserving of this recognition.”  Rachel combines a scholarly interest in global studies and incredible energy with a service-oriented approach to global and local mission. She is an example of humility, good humor, good sportsmanship, academic excellence and commitment to community. Congratulations, Rachel, on receiving this award and thank you for four years of outstanding service and leadership.


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