SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Evangel University (EU) graduates Meghan Galindo and Thandi Hildebrandt were named the 2026 Anne Spence Awardees for Meritorious Christian Character and Service. The honors were presented during the university’s annual traditional undergraduate baccalaureate ceremony on May 7.
Each year, faculty and staff members nominate deserving seniors for the award. Two students are selected by a committee of faculty, staff, and student leaders.
Meghan Galindo, an English – Literature major and Valor Scholar, served as the Impact Ministries Executive for Student Ministries, a team of student leaders focused on developing the spiritual life aspect of EU’s on-campus experience. In this role, she helped establish new worship leadership, preaching ministry, and children’s ministry teams. She also led EU’s student Community Engagement team to support the university’s outreach efforts through events like Valor Volunteer Day and Make a Difference Day.
Thandi Hildebrandt, a Special Education major, was well-known as a student with a genuine passion for learning and commitment to academic excellence. She served as the director for EU’s student-led Inclusion and Diversity Ministries and was a student representative on the Board of Directors for Achieve, an organization hosted on EU’s campus that empowers and equips youth with disabilities. Hildebrandt also represented the Education Department in the Springfield Rotary Club’s Student Guest Program.
The Anne Spence Award
The late Anne Spence served as vice president of the EU Advocates (then EU Auxiliary) throughout the 40 years her husband, the late Dr. Robert H. Spence, was president. She helped raise funding for campus projects and scholarships and was often referred to as EU’s greatest student recruiter.
Previously known as the Silver Shield Award, the honor was renamed the Anne Spence Award by EU’s Board of Directors in 2013 to recognize her 40 years of service to the Evangel community.
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About Evangel University
Evangel University, with the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive, Spirit-led Christian university in Springfield, Missouri. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. Under the leadership of Dr. Mike Rakes, Evangel educates and equips students to serve the Church and society globally.
Recent recognition includes:
- Top 15% of Christian Colleges in America — Niche (2026)
- Top Performer in Social Mobility — U.S. News & World Report (2026)
- Best Christian University — Colleges of Distinction (2026)
Evangel also holds program accreditations in business, counseling, music, social work, and theology, and is certified as an Excellence in Giving university. Learn more at evangel.edu.