GWU Student Lauren Bilyeu recognized as volunteer of the year
Boiling Springs, N.C. - The Community Impact Student Award is a yearly award presented by the North Carolina Campus Compact. It honors students who have proved to be outstanding contributing members of their school and local communities. Out of the 33 North Carolina universities represented only 27 students were recognized in Fall 2008.
Among those awarded was GWU senior Lauren Bilyeu. Bilyeu has volunteered as a ‘lunch study buddy’ for three years at Boiling Springs Elementary School in Boiling Springs, N.C. She has been a student admissions associate, a peer leader, and a small group leader in her years at Gardner-Webb. She is very active in a Student YMCA volunteer program called Emerging Leaders. Bilyeu also founded the Sister Ministry at Gardner-Webb, which is a ministry designed to unite the women on campus.
“It was very much an honor to receive the award,” Bilyeu states. “It is also hard to accept because the core belief I have in doing these deeds to impact the community go against any kind of recognition.”
Sandy Hammet, coordinator of volunteerism and wellness programming states, “Lauren Bilyeu is a compassionate young lady who has made a very positive impact on our campus, by stating the obvious through her actions, that change must occur in our society for the better, and it starts with oneself. She has immersed herself in the campus and community by utilizing her talents to make things better for others.”
Bilyeu plans on doing service work with the Americorps in Chattanooga, Tenn. after she graduates in the spring. After which, she wants to pursue a master’s degree in Art Therapy.
“I have gained a lot of experience in service work here at Gardner-Webb, “Bilyeu states. “It has been great having so many opportunities available to me. I have developed a passion to help others in need. Through life lessons and wise friends I have been able to narrow my focus in life as to what is truly important. I know what I need to do.”
Located in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb University is home to nearly 4,000 students from 39 states and 21 foreign countries. Founded in 1905, Gardner-Webb provides exceptional educational opportunities within a Christian environment.
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