HIGH POINT, N.C., April 23, 2015 – High Point University students go above and beyond to make a difference in their community. Every year, HPU takes one night to recognize them and their work during the annual Honors Day Awards ceremony.
This year, the four students receiving the top university awards are leaders in multiple organizations around campus as well as philanthropic organizations in the community.
The awards included:
The University Award for Citizenship: Matthew Burns, native of Shaker Heights, Ohio. Burns is the president of a student organization, an extraordinary leader recipient, and a student justice. Burns will be heading to Howard University Law School after graduation.
The University Award for Service: Stephanie Vorleiter, native of Merritt, N.C. Vorleiter is a leader of the Civitan Club on HPU’s campus. The organization has hosted many service events such as the Homeless Awareness Campout for Open Door Ministries and meal packing events. Following graduation she will be a LASR (Lenovo Accelerated Sales Rotational Program) Associate at Lenovo in Raleigh. During the two-year program, she will work in in-bound customer service, on marketing projects, and then in inside sales.
The University Award for Achievement: Molly Phalen, native of Shrewbury, Mass. Phalen is a university ambassador, peer mentor president, senior class representative for the Student Government Association and extraordinary leader. She is involved in community service, including the Super Hero Dash where her sorority, Kappa Delta, raised over $20,000 for Family Services of the Piedmont. Kappa Delta was also honored as Sorority of the Year.
The University Award for Leadership: Alex Nelson, native of Clayton, N.C. Nelson is a peer mentor, resident assistant, university ambassador, Board of Stewards member and has served as president of the class of 2015 for four years. He will be heading to Edward Jones as a financial advisor following graduation.
During the ceremony, each department also honored students’ academic achievements.
Students inducted into the Order of the Lighted Lamp for 2015 include Jeffrey Berwager, Hannah Grau, Shirley Headon, Mayeesa Mitchell, Olivia Bruner, Matt Burns, Lindsay Christel, Kevin Garrity, Zachary Hynoski, Madison Jordan, Nicole Karlesky, Erin Karpovich, Molly O’Keefe and Joshua Walston.
The Order of the Lighted Lamp recognizes leadership abilities and excellent character as well as academic achievement and service to the university. Established in 1935, the Order of the Lighted Lamp is HPU’s oldest honor society.