2017 Anne Spence Award: Two Evangel grads honored for character and service

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Evangel University graduates Anisa Carpenter and Kellen Gillaspy were honored during the May 4 baccalaureate ceremony as 2017 recipients of the Anne Spence Award for Meritorious Christian Character and Service.

“Each year, faculty and staff members at Evangel nominate students for the Anne Spence Award,” said Gina Rentschler, director of community life. “One male and one female graduating senior receive an engraved crystal and a monetary gift for attaining the highest scores in the selection process.”

Previously called the Silver Shield Award, it was renamed the Anne Spence Award by the Board of Directors in 2013 to honor the wife of Evangel’s former president, Robert H. Spence.

The award gives special recognition to graduating seniors that display a commitment to character and service.

2017 Recipients

 • Anisa Carpenter is a psychology major with triple minors in management, biblical studies and integrated studies. She is from Kansas City, Mo., and is the daughter of David and Gina Carpenter.

“I love Evangel and the opportunities, people and leadership that this campus has,” said Carpenter. “Being able to invest and serve in an incredible place like this and in return grow from the ways this campus invests in its students is truly an amazing and unique experience.”

Carpenter has served three years as an residence hall assistant (RA), worked in the Office of Student Success for three years and has been involved in CrossWalk ministries during her time at Evangel.

After graduation, she will be pursuing a master’s degree in clinical psychology while managing the testing center at Evangel.

• Kellen Gillaspy is an elementary education major with a minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). He is from Edina, Mo., and is the son of Jason and Lori Choate of Edina, Mo., and Gregg and Nancy Gillaspy of Quincy, Ill.

“Even just the nomination for the Anne Spence Award is humbling,” said Gillaspy. “God has shown His goodness, and I am thankful for the people surrounding me that lift me up and offer constant support throughout life.”

Gillaspy has served as an RA for two years and has participated in marching band, intramural sports, TESOL club and Alpha Chi during his time at Evangel. He also participated in a summer teaching trip in South Korea through the TESOL program.

After graduation, Gillaspy plans to put his degree to work as a teacher. He also plans to return to school for a graduate degree, focusing on the areas of bilingualism or language acquisition.

Check out the broad spectrum of academic programs at Evangel University.

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