Student Discipleship & Engagement

Sarah Skinner is a Nursing major with a minor in Spanish from Brentwood, TN. She is an active member of Fellowship Bible Church, where she is thankful for opportunities to serve as a Table Group Leader in the College Ministry and lead worship for the College and Women's Ministries. On campus, Sarah has enjoyed serving as a Life Group Leader, leading on the Life Group Leadership Team, and helping welcome new students as a New Student Orientation Leader. She also enjoys participating in the Student Nursing Association and playing on the Jillz Club Ultimate Frisbee Team. Sarah is blessed to be part of such a wonderful, Christ-centered community and is grateful for the relationships she has formed with professors, staff, classmates, and friends who have challenged and encouraged her in her academics and faith.

Gavin Kopko is a Commercial Music major from West Milford, NJ. Throughout his three years at Union, Gavin has been blessed with opportunities to serve and lead in various areas across campus. He has served as a Life Group leader and on the Life Group leadership team, fostering spiritual community among his peers. Gavin is heavily involved in the music community on campus as well, including being the audio engineer for Union's worship group, Exaltation, and serving as the Music Lead at Barefoots, putting on concerts and events there. Off campus, Gavin attends and works at Fellowship Bible Church, where he continues to grow in his faith and use his gifts in ministry. He is grateful for how the Union community has encouraged his leadership and spiritual development in such meaningful ways and is excited for senior year!

Cami Haas is a Conservation Biology major from Massachusetts. Cami has been involved in the Office of University Ministries for the past two years, where she served on the Global Leadership Team and as a Mobilization Intern. She is also on the cross-country team, the secretary/treasurer of BIOME, and an active member of her local church, Calvary Baptist Church, where she serves on the College Leadership Team and media team. This semester, she stepped into her role as the RA of Ayers 1 and will continue serving in Residence Life next semester as the RA of Grace 3! Cami is grateful for the mentors and friends in her life who noticed leadership qualities in her and called her out of her comfort zone into opportunities she would never have pursued without their encouragement.

Connor Rigby is a Special Education Major from Huntsville, AL. Connor has been able to serve in many ways in his local church and while at Union. Connor has served as a Life group leader, on the leadership team for life groups, and as the intern in leadership over Life Groups, served as Vice President and President of the Jaxx ultimate frisbee team, and on the IFC team of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He is a member of Calvary Baptist Church and has served in the children's church. Connor has been blessed in many ways through Union, being part of the Union community, growing spiritually, and stepping into leadership positions around campus.

Hayden Phillips a Chemistry major and Biology minor from Lexington, TN. Hayden has been blessed to serve in numerous ways at Union and in his local church. At Union, Hayden has enjoys serving as a Welcome Week leader, a Student Ambassador for Undergraduate Admissions, a community outreach coordinator for SMACS, and the president of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He is also an active member of Englewood Baptist Church, serving as a small group leader in the student ministry and being a member of the college ministry's lead team. Hayden's biggest blessings from his time at Union have been the countless opportunities for spiritual, relational, and professional growth. Hayden is also thankful for the multitude of ways that he's been challenged to step outside of his comfort zone and get involved in something new. A nominee said "Hayden exemplifies servant leadership in everything he does. He searches for opportunities to help others and takes time to get others involved while intentionally pouring into them. He drops everything to help people in need and always looks to give his time to have deep conversations."

Lydia McGinnis is an Intercultural Studies major and a History and Spanish double minor from Nashville, TN. Lydia has been a leading member on the executive council for MOSAIC and has represented MOSAIC at Senate for the past two years. She has also been an active member in the Honors Community as well as a writing consultant at the university's Writing Center. Lydia has previously served as a member of the worship team at the Jackson Korean Baptist Church, and she regularly attends services at All Saints Anglican Church. Lydia has been enormously blessed by the faculty, staff, students, and greater community of Union as they have challenged her to wonder more deeply, to ask questions more carefully, to love more fully, and to worship more joyously. Throughout her time at Union, she has been able to see the faithfulness and goodness of God and how He is working on this campus. A nominee said, "Lydia has the heart of a servant and the willingness to lead for the good of others. She flies under the radar a lot of the time because of her humility, because of her focus on culture, and because she isn't as loud as others might be, but she deserves this award."

Dave Edgren is a Business Administration major from Tacoma, Washington. Dave has spent the last two years working with Residence Life as an RA, playing on the Jaxx ultimate frisbee team, and being an active member in the McAfee School of Business. Dave is a member of Fellowship Bible Church and consistently attends fellowship's college program on Wednesday nights. He loves Union for the way it provides an environment for discipleship and growth while at the same time being academically challenging and Christ-centered. A nominee said "He makes everyone feel welcome when they are around him. Dave is always the first person to help when someone is in need. Out of the people on campus, I see Jesus the most through Dave Edgren."

Anna Thompson is a Social Work Major from Morristown, TN. While at Union she has served with Residence Life as an RA for two years, participated in a summer GO Trip, and is currently a member at Calvary Baptist Church serving as an intern. This past year, Anna led her building, Rogers, to victory for the Union Cup, a prestigious competition held between the buildings on campus. A nominee said "Anna is a good leader because she maintains such a high level of integrity, she is genuine. She is constantly growing and challenging herself and will never ask you to do something that she herself is not willing to do."

Jonathan Lafferty is a Social Work Major from Chesterfield, Virginia. Jonathan has served with Residence Life as an RA, Go-Trips as a Team Leader for a Summer and Spring Break Go-Trip, and is currently a member at Calvary Baptist Church serving as an intern. He loves Union because of the loving community, top of the line staff, and the beautiful campus. A nominee said "Jonathan is always willing to go out of his way to help others. Even with his busy schedule he will sit down and talk with people. He is willing for other to lean on him and follow in his example of how to live a Christ-like life."

Mackenzie Pilgrim is a social work major from Byram, MS. While at Union she has participated in Mentor U, Helping Professions Reach Out (HPRO), Go Trips, and Mob Squad. She is an EDGE mentor and serve as the coordinator for Room in the Inn, which is a ministry through Area Relief Ministries. She is a collegiate member of Fellowship Bible Church where she serves as the children's ministry intern and a small group leader for the college ministry. A nominee said of Mackenzie "she prays and asks for the Lord's guidance in everything that she does. She is always able to maintain a calm and positive attitude in every situation. She strives to be and do what is asked of her. Mackenzie brings peace wherever she goes."

Grace Ingram is a Zoology major from Litchfield, IL. During her time at Union, she has been involved in BIOME, MOSAIC, and Mobilization Teams' Mob Squad which led her to serve on the 2019 Mexico GO Trip team. She has also served as President of the International Justice Mission (IJM). As President of IJM, Grace planned the Campus and Community Day Fall Clean Up project at Scarlet Rope with the help of IJM's faculty advisor and set up "Life in Ghana" with Dr. Addo, an event meant to celebrate Ghanaian culture, while giving cultural context to the Ghanaian child labor industry. Grace is passionate about racial reconciliation. Within the Jackson community, she has been involved in Mentor U, a collaborative-effort after school mentoring program at North Parkway Middle School between Union University, Lane College, Jackson State, and UofM Lambuth students and faculty. Grace is also an active member of her church, City Fellowship and serves in City Kids and on the hospitality team. A nominee states that "Grace has always been quick to help others. Her confidence and spirit always brings a light to every room."

Landon Todd is a Digital Media Communications major from Eads, TN. During his time at Union he has participated in Lambda Chi Alpha, Life Groups, Journey Groups, and chapel worship. He helped develop curriculum for Journey Groups and led his own group as well. A nominee said that "Landon wants to take care of others, and ensure that everyone he is around feels welcome. That is what makes him so unique; he is a quiet leader. He genuinely cares more about making an impact for the Kingdom than anything else."

Mikayla Simpson is a History major from Arlington, TN. During her time at Union, she has participated in Debate Team, Sounds of Exaltation, Cardinal & Cream, and Life 139, where she serves as president. In addition, she serves as the vice chairman of Young Americans for Freedom. For the past three winters, she has traveled with a team from Union to Washington D.C. for the pro-life National March For Life. Outside of Union, she volunteers at Birth Choice as a Christian Counselor. This summer she will lead her second team of Christian college students to Israel with Passages. Through her church, Mikayla serves by leading a small group. A nominee states that "Mikayla is exceptionally gifted in working with people and counseling them, leading them both to life and to Christ.

Christopher Hearn is a History major from Nashville, TN. During his time at Union, he has participated in University Singers, Theatre, Life Groups, and the Honors Community, where he serves as president. As president of the HSA he helped foster community by planning and presiding over events like a Thanksgiving feast and liturgy and a Christmas caroling gathering. A nominee states that "Christopher is a humble servant leader. He is a great listener and a true 'son of encouragement,' taking the time to ask people how they are and truly wanting an honest answer."

Joanna Cumbie

Justice Walker

Meah Hill

Jonathan Greer

Kate Pryor is a Special Education major from Eureka, MO. During her time at Union, she has participated in student life as a Life Group and Women's Cooperate Leader, as well as serving on the leadership team for both groups. In addition, Kate has served as a Student Ambassador and as the EDGE Mentor Organization president. Outside of Union, she has volunteered at the Hub Club with Area Relief Ministries where she assisted with the elementary afterschool program. Through her church, Cornerstone Community church, Kate serves with the youth ministry. Kate states that "being a servant leader means being faithful to the work that God has called you, event when it's hard, exhausting, not fun, or you feel like people don't understand why you do what you do". A servant leader first serves Christ, and in doing so, sets an example for those in their community."

David Taylor is from Dover, TN and is a Cell and Molecular Biology major. During his time in Jackson, David has served in numerous volunteer positions both in and outside of Union. Since his freshman year, David has volunteered as an intern with the high school ministry of Fellowship Bible Church. He has also participated in four mission trips to Haiti in the past three years, where he served at two orphanages in Williamston, Quest, Haiti. In addition to his service through his church, David has fulfilled the office of Vice President for Lambda Chi Alpha, held positions within the Student Government Association and served as a Welcome Week Leader and Student Ambassador. David has also served as a Research Intern at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and as an intern at the Children's Clinic, P.A. David says that "being a servant leader involves displaying the kind of self-sacrificial love that Jesus practiced in his ministry, where you value the needs of others above your own.."

Anna Katelyn Walls is a Christian Thought and Tradition and English Literature double major from Jackson, TN. During her time at Union, she has been actively involved with The Dream Center, where she has served as a volunteer with several children's groups. Katelyn also serves as a small group bible study leader at West Jackson Baptist Church and as a member of the GO Leadership Team, where she helps mobilize fellow students for missions. Katelyn has also participated in various service projects associated with her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, and the Student Government Association. During Katelyn's time at Union, she has played on the women's soccer team, served as Sophomore Class Vice President and as a Welcome Week leader and participated in Women's Cooperative. Katelyn states that "the servant leader is one who is not only willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of others, but one who chooses to do so daily."

Daniel Mathis is from Mt. Juliet, TN and is Biochemistry major. Daniel has served in various service opportunities throughout the city of Jackson, include the Northbrooke Health Care Center, the HUB Club (where he currently serves as an afterschool mentor/tutor) and the Hope Center (where he has regularly lead devotions and served hot meals to those who are in need). In addition, he serves as youth group leader at First Baptist Church, Humboldt and as a Zero Gravity Leader at Tigrett Middle School. He also serves as a FCA Character Coach for the South Gibson High School Baseball Team. Outside of his various areas of service, Daniel plays for the Union University Baseball Team, where he has received the D2ADA Academic Achievement Award. Daniel served as chaplain of his fraternity, president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Daniel says "a servant leader is one who puts the well-being of others before his own and recognizes one's effectiveness as a leader is enhanced by one's ability to build strong relationships based on mutual trust, respect, love and service.

Erin Allen is a Social Work major from Brentwood, TN. During her time at Union, she has been actively involved with RIFA (Regional Interfaith Association), where she has served as a mentor and the End Slavery TN movement, where she serves as an educator. In addition, Erin is a Residence Advisor at Union and serves over 40 women living in the residence complexes. Erin states that "a servant leader is someone who not only leads by example, but someone who serves others in a way that shows the love of Christ."

Andrew Stricklin is from Paducah, KY and is Chemistry major. Andrew has served as a Young Life leader since August 2011, where he leads weekly team meetings for high school students. He also leads a weekly bible study for these students during early mornings before school begins. His involvement with Young Life involves developing relationships beyond these activities, attending camps, participating in staff meetings, and discipling individual students. In addition, Andrew is actively involved with his church, City Fellowship and serves as a Focus (New Student Orientation) leader on campus.

Savannah Hari is a Sports Medicine major from Brentwood, TN. During her time at Union, she has been involved in several mission trips to Belize, Romania and Haiti. Through involvement with her sorority, Chi Omega, where she currently serves as President, Savannah has spent significant time each year organizing fundraisers to raise money for the Make-A-Wish program. She has also helped coordinate several wish-grantings for children in the community. In addition, Savannah has served at RIFA, at her local church as a Sunday School teacher, volunteered with Room in the Inn, and at various nursing homes and BirthChoice. Savannah has chosen to designate a portion of her award to myLifespeaks.

Caleb Creel is a Theology major from Greer, SC. Since 2010, Caleb has volunteered with the Trinity Christian Academic YoungLife. Each week, Caleb spends time building relationships with students and leads music at weekly meetings. In addition, Caleb volunteers with the youth group at his church, First Baptist Jackson. He has also served as a leader for Disciple Now, and is a member of the Union University Cross Country team. Caleb states that a servant leader "is a person who cares for the people around them with the love of Christ and desires to impact the lives of these people with the same willingness that Jesus had in His life on earth." Caleb has chosen for a portion of his award to be given to Jackson Younglife.

• 2023 Presidential Homecoming Cup: The men of Lambda Chi Alpha
• 2022 Presidential Homecoming Cup: The men of Lambda Chi Alpha
• 2021 Presidential Homecoming Cup: The men of Lambda Chi Alpha
• 2020 Presidential Homecoming Cup: The men of Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• 2019 Presidential Homecoming Cup: The men of Lambda Chi Alpha
• 2018 Presidential Homecoming Cup: The men of Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• 2017 Presidential Homecoming Cup: The men of Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• 2016 Presidential Homecoming Cup: The men of Lambda Chi Alpha
• 2015 Presidential Homecoming Cup: The men of Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• 2014 Presidential Homecoming Cup: The men of Sigma Alpha Epsilon

From 2010-2014, this award honored the student organization with outstanding service.

2014 Homecoming Award Winners:

• Presidential Homecoming Cup Award: Zeta Tau Alpha in recognition of their overall excellence in service
• Community Involvement Award: Lambda Chi Alpha for their service events raising money for the American Cancer Society
• Decade of Service: Kappa Delta for their ongoing work with the Carl Perkins Center and Prevent Child Abuse America

2013 Homecoming Award Winners:

• Presidential Homecoming Cup Award: Enactus in recognition of their innovative educational projects and overall excellence in service
• Community Involvement Award: Chi Omega for their service events raising money for the Make-A-Wish foundation
• Decade of Service: Lambda Chi Alpha for their ongoing work with the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life

2011-2012 Homecoming Award Winners:

• Presidential Homecoming Cup Award: Zeta Tau Alpha for their fundraising and programming efforts for the breast cancer awareness
• Champion for Change Award: International Justice Mission for their fundraising efforts to provide voices for causes outside the mainstream spotlight
• Decade of Service Award: Chi Omega for their ongoing service and commitment to the Make-A-Wish foundation

2010 Homecoming Award Winner:

• Presidential Homecoming Cup Award: Lambda Chi Alpha for their work with the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life