A 1962 Catawba College alumna, the Reverend June Grubb, was honored by her alma mater as the recipient of the institution's 2013 College Church/Ministry Award. Grubb, who makes her home in Lexington and is active in the First Reformed United Church of Christ there, was recognized in February at a Church/College Dinner held on Catawba's campus.;
Ashley Acken, a senior double-majoring in Psychology and Sociology, made the award presentation to Grubb. Grubb continued her education after graduating from Catawba at Lancaster Theological Seminary where she earned both her Master's of Religious Education degree and her Master's of Divinity degree. Her seminary degree, Acken said, launched her into a ministry with youth and children that became the hallmark of her career that spanned "four decades and reached the members of seven congregations."
"These ministries would prepare her for service on the association and conference levels of the United Church of Christ, where she once again specialized in ministry with children and youth in the Rocky Mountain Conference and the Southern Conference," Acken continued. "Her service to the Rocky Mountain Conference as Associate Conference Minister included extensive work in outdoor ministry, overseeing and program and staff at the flagship LaForet Camp at Colorado Springs."
Acken noted that Grubb was instrumental in organizing international work camps for youth of the UCC, and chaired two Western Regional YouthEvents. "When one works with youth," Acken said of Grubb, "there are opportunities to influence the future of the Church in a most powerful way, as one encourages talented and capable youth to enter Christian ministry." To Grubb's credit, eight individuals with whom she worked as youth are now ordained ministers. These individuals serve local congregations as pastor or youth ministers and one serves as a lobbyist for nonprofit organizations in the Missouri legislature.
In addition to encouraging numerous students to consider attending Catawba, Grubb is now coordinating a spring concert by the Catawba Choirs at her home church in Lexington, Acken said.
Although Grubb is officially retired, her volunteer work keeps her busy. She is a leader in the Stephen ministry program, is an Associate Chaplain at Thomasville Medical Center, serves on the hospital's Ethics Advisory Committee and volunteers with Meals on Wheels.
The Church College Award was established in 2008 as a way for the College to recognize and express appreciation to persons who have served both the church and the college in exemplary ways. Its inaugural recipients were the late Claude Abernethy, Jr. and Wade Hampton Shuford, Jr. '50. Other recipients included the Rev. Dr. Richard Cheek '47 in 2009; the Rev. Dr. Thomas Hamilton '55 in 2010; the Rev. Kristin Gerner Vaughn '99 in 2011; and the Rev. Barbara Kershner Daniel '80 in 2012.
Paul Fisher Service Awards
Two individuals were honored as recipients of the 2013 Paul Fisher Service Awards at the Church College dinner. The awards, presented annually to a deserving student and a member of the Catawba faculty or staff, recognize members of the college community who embody the meaning of the word "service," as displayed on the college seal. These individuals voluntarily and consistently devote time and energy to helping others, thereby making our campus, our community, and the world a more humane place. The award is named in honor of Paul Fisher, Chairman of the Board/Chief Executive Officer of F&M Bank and past Chairman of the Catawba College
Board of Trustees.
The student recipient was John Lincourt, a senior majoring in Music Performance. He also serves as undergraduate instructor in trombone, baritone, and tuba through the Catawba Community Music Program. He regularly helps prepare and serve breakfast at Rowan Helping Ministries, has been active in the building of Habitat for Humanity homes, serves as a leader for campus worship services, and for the past two summers has served as a counselor and a member of the praise band at the college's Church Youth Empowerment Weekend.
The faculty/staff recipient was Accounting Professor Amy Hrinsin. She helps serve breakfast at Rowan Helping Ministries, has helped with construction of the Volunteer Catawba Habitat House and is active in the PTA activities of her children's school.
Other Individuals Recognized at Church/College Dinner
Jay Laurens, Coordinator of Outreach Programs for the
Lilly Center, presented two awards. Dr. Charlie McAllister, a Professor of
History at Catawba, received the "fictitious, yet prestigious" Golden Hammer Award, given in honor of his dedicated service during the construction of the Volunteer Catawba Habitat House.
The "Walking in the Water" Award was presented to Mrs. Darlene Ball '62, Chair of the Catawba College Board of Trustees. Ball was described as a leader who does not attempt to walk on water, but walks in the water, down in the trenches as true servant leader. She was recognized for regularly joining Catawba students as they served breakfast at Rowan Helping Ministries and for assisting with construction of the Habitat House.
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PHOTOS: 2013 Church/College Award Recipients
