Published on April 21, 2021 by Leighton Doores  
Education Students Reid Chapel

Orlean Beeson School of Education’s Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) held its annual awards ceremony in Reid Chapel on April 20. The ceremony recognized graduating seniors, class honor awards, special accomplishments and scholarships.

The HDFS Departmental Scholarship was awarded to Collin Defee and Olivia Whited for showing evidence of service and potential contribution to the department, campus and community. It is funded by the Ralph W. and Orlean Bullard Beeson Scholarship Fund.

Mary Katherine Mount received the Alumni Relations Scholarship, funded by the Ralph W. and Orlean Bullard Beeson Scholarship Fund. It is awarded to one student who will help maintain communication with alumni.

Libby Faucett, Christa Chery, Faith Jones and Caroline Brown received the Undergraduate Assistant Scholarship that is given to students that will assist HDFS faculty with academic research and course management. It is also funded by the Ralph W. and Orlean Bullard Beeson Scholarship Fund.

Olivia Whited received the Ms. Jewell Scholarship, which is for the child of a father or mother who serves as a minister of the gospel of Jesus. The purpose of this scholarship is to demonstrate what the Lord will do for the recipient whose heart and mind is dedicated to loving and serving the Lord. 

The James H. Williams scholarship was given to Collin Defee. This scholarship assists worthy students in their effort to acquire a Samford education. It was created by Jean Williams in memory of her late husband.

The Dr. Joan Gardiner Chambers, Home Economics, and Home Economics Retailing Scholarships were awarded to Faith Jones, Caroline Brown and Olivia Whited respectively. They were created by Chambers in honor of her late husband, Carl, to provide financial assistance to support worthy students during their Samford experience.

Lucy Phipps received the Outstanding Practicum Award for her continuous professional growth in the field.

Mary Katherine Donaldson received the Outstanding Senior Award for exemplifying the best qualities of all students who pass through the doors of the HDFS program.

“We are grateful to the donors who gifted us this opportunity to award scholarships to our outstanding HDFS students,” said Kristie Chandler, chair of the HDFS department. “We are thankful for the opportunity to celebrate all of their accomplishments and wish the graduating seniors the best in their next quest: to make the world a better place for what they will do and who they will be. We are honored that they have already made a difference in our world here at Samford.”

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.