Humanitarian Award Winners Reflect Spirit of MLK
Lebanon, Ill. — McKendree University celebrated the spirit and legacy of the Reverend
Dr. Martin Luther King and gave its annual Humanitarian Awards to two students and
a local resident on Jan. 23 in Bothwell Chapel.
The annual awards are given to members or friends of the university community who
demonstrate increased understanding and tolerance for all people; embrace humanitarian
principles and ideals; and lead or participate in programs or service that reflect
these ideals.
This year the winners are Ariel Collins, a senior sociology-social work major and speech communication minor from East St.
Louis; Jennifer Stroot, a senior elementary education major from O’Fallon; and Patty Taylor, a Lebanon area resident and volunteer.
Collins, who has been a resident assistant, homecoming court candidate and chair for
an honor society, was recognized for her work with many behind the scenes. One who
nominated her noted, “Her enthusiasm and care for others has made a difference. When
a student is having a bad day, she knows what to say to encourage them. She has made
it her mission to learn about diversity and to treat others fairly no matter what
makes them ‘different.’ She is always there to lend a hand and assist.”
Stroot has been a Community Service Scholar for the last three years. One professor
noted that she is “an excellent role model in terms of embracing differences and striving
to always put others first.” She has held numerous leadership roles in the service
community, including coordinator of the Bridge the Divide and Hunger and Homelessness
programs. She has been active in the Girl Scouts, McKendree Interfaith Club, Spanish
Club and Students with Disabilities Club.
Taylor gives much of her time, energy and expertise to improve the Lebanon community
and the university. She works tirelessly on Garden Club projects, running several
gardens, plant sales and garden tours. Over the last four years, she has volunteered
hundreds of hours to support a “garden to table” program for Lebanon Kids and for
McKendree University. She helped to develop the university’s gardens, teaching students
how to tend them and how to harvest and cook the vegetables they grow. She also shares
her enthusiasm for gardening and healthy eating with Cedar Ridge Nursing Home. She
has been active in the Lions Club, collecting eyeglasses and hearing aids, and getting
medical assistance for those in need; and worked with the diabetes awareness program
to offer free screenings for local residents.
Keynote preacher for the MLK program was Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton, episcopal leader
of the Illinois Area of the United Methodist Church since 2012.
McKendree University’s 2014 Martin Luther King, Jr., Humanitarian Awards Winners
Jennifer Stroot, Patty Taylor and Ariel Collins
