Five Central Methodist University students were recently recognized for their good work and promise in religious studies, according to Travis W. Smith, CMU professor of religion and philosophy.
Echo Essick, a religion and church leadership and child development double major from Hale, was awarded the Hern Award for Excellence in Religious Studies. This award is given annually, and the recipient must be a student who demonstrates a broad interest in religion and religious studies. He/she also must have classroom success, extra-curricular involvement, and frequent interaction with the Religion faculty, who selects the award.
Also selected by religion faculty, Brooke Striegel, a religion and church leadership major from Holts Summit, received the T. Cecil Swackhamer Award. The award is designated for a student who demonstrates interest and promise in a career in ministry.
Striegel also was one of three students who received a Theta Alpha Kappa Membership. The other two students honored were Macy Block, a religion and church leadership major from Montgomery City, and Molly McConnell, a religion and church leadership major from Independence.
Students who receive memberships are selected by the chapter moderator, and must have completed three semesters in good standing, a minimum of 12 semester credits in courses representing religious studies or theological studies, attain at least a 3.5 GPA in such courses, and at least a 3.0 GPA in his/her total academic program.
Because she was always a member and is a soon-to-be graduate, Tara Bush, a senior religion and church leadership major from Fayette, received a medal.