SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Evangel University graduates Madelyn Crain and Victoria Risner are the recipients of the 2025 Anne Spence Award for Meritorious Christian Character and Service. The awards were presented during the university’s annual traditional undergraduate baccalaureate ceremony on May 1.
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.
Madelyn Crain is from Sand Springs, Oklahoma and majored in Middle School Education with concentrations in math and language arts and received a minor in Pre-Seminary. She was a part of Women’s Ensemble and Chorale. She also was an officer for World Changes and served as the Director of the organization her senior year. She served as a devotion leader her sophomore year and was the Walther Hall Campus Chaplain her senior year. She was heavily involved in youth and worship at Central Assembly throughout her 4-year college career.
Crain states “Coming to Evangel was one of the best decisions I could have made! My time at Evangel has prepared me for this next season by teaching me what it means to be a servant leader. I am incredibly grateful for all that Evangel taught me and for the chance to call EU home the last four years.”
Following graduation, Crain will begin teaching at Jarrett Middle School, with the goal of someday using her educational background overseas as a missionary associate.
Victoria Risner, a native of Garland, Texas, majored in Mathematics and Computer Science, and minored in accounting. While at EU, Risner served as the secretary and treasurer of Evangel’s activities board, played in the EU band Symphonia, served as the President of the Kappa Mu Epsilon National Mathematics Honors Society, and tutored others in the math lab.
“I am extremely grateful to be a recipient of this award” states Risner. “These past four years I have been able to grow in confidence in myself, my relationship with the Lord, and have had a complete change in the career direction of my life. I have had many confirmations that I am to study the beautiful world of mathematics.”
After graduation, Risner will attend Missouri State to continue her education by working on her Master’s in Mathematics.
The Anne Spence Award
The late Anne Spence served as vice president of the Evangel University Advocates (then EU Auxiliary) throughout the 40 years her husband, the late Dr. Robert H. Spence, was EU’s president. She helped raise millions of dollars for campus projects and scholarships and was often referred to as Evangel’s greatest student recruiter.
In addition to an engraved plaque and a monetary gift, awardees also received a certificate, white cord, and medallion to wear at the university’s baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies.
Previously known as the Silver Shield Award, the honor was renamed the Anne Spence Award by Evangel’s board of directors in 2013 to recognize her 40 years of service to the Evangel community.
###
Evangel University, with its embedded Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive Spirit-led Christian university located in Springfield, Missouri. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Under the leadership of Dr. Mike Rakes, EU is committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the Church and society globally and becoming compassionate innovators in their chosen vocations. EU offers more than 70 degree programs, including cutting-edge majors, pre-professional programs, and affordable and flexible online degree options.
EU is highly regarded and has been ranked:
- #1 Best College in Springfield & #2 Best Christian College in Missouri by Niche
- US News & World Report Best Colleges Top Performer in Social Mobility
- Colleges of Distinction Best Christian University
- Top 10 Best Universities by AcademicInfluence.com
- Third Most Beautiful Campus in the Midwest by Christian Colleges & Universities
- Top 10 Best Colleges in Missouri by BestColleges.com
With additional accreditations in business, counseling, music, social work, and theology and certification as an Excellence in Giving university, EU is focused on providing students with hands-on experience and real-world training for today’s professional careers. Learn more about the university at evangel.edu