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The Center for Academic Service Learning and Research hosted a reception at Spaghetti Eddie's honoring the 2004-05 Student Leadership Award Recipients. Amy Thurber ’04, Faith Lee ’04, Rosa Gaeta ’04, and Andrew Borgmann ’04 each received a $500 scholarship, and an additional $500 to donate to an organization of their choice.
APU established the Servant Leadership Award Program in collaboration with the Barney II Foundation and Moore Foundation. The program exists to recognize servant leaders on campus, and award them for their dedication and willingness to serve. The awards recognize four areas of service: service at APU, in the community, through an academic class, and internationally. Selection for this award is based on faculty and staff nominations, and student-submitted biographical information.
Amy Thurber ’04 received the award for service in the community as a result of her contribution to the Azusa Reads Program. Thurber donated her $500 to this program, begun by Kristin Gurrola, associate director of the Center for Academic Service Learning and Research, while she was a student at APU. “The money will go toward buying a new alphabet rug,” Thurber said. “The one we have is so worn out because we use it so much for spelling practice and teaching.”
Andrew Borgmann ’04 combined his talent for working with computers and multi-media equipment with his desire to serve, and earned the award for service within APU for his years of work with the Office of Chapel Programs. His donation went to Our Neighborhood Homework House, a local after-school program for children, where he volunteered during his freshman year.
Faith Lee ’04 garnered the award for service internationally, as a result of her passion for ministering and leading teams to spread the Gospel overseas. A music major from Singapore, Lee wrote in her biography: “I believe that loving God through loving His people is worship unto God.” Lee donated her funds to New Community Foursquare Church, to be used in part to purchase a new keyboard for worship.
Rosa Gaeta ’04 was awarded for service through an academic class, specifically for her volunteer work with Lee Elementary School, which received her $500 donation. When asked why this service meant so much to her, she responded, “I remember the fear of not knowing how to speak English when I was young, and it’s so important for me to be able to help the children who are going through something I understand and can help them with.”
"It's so important for APU students to get out in the community to serve," said Gurrola. "These four students have modeled consistence with their service jouneys, committing to work with one place through good times and bad."
