Given annually to the student who has demonstrated responsible citizenship and leadership.

The 2001 recipients of the Alumni Student Service Award are Karen Caldwell (right) and Misty Shepherd (left). Presenting the award is Billy Hensley '98, a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Karen Marie Caldwell will receive her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education in December 2001. An academic degree is but one piece of Karen’s accomplishments in her four years at Union College. The words in the Union College mission statement "transformation, knowledge, service, and community" go far in defining Karen Caldwell.

Her service commitments are vast, as her volunteer work has taken her from local nursing homes, school and churches, to summer and spring break missions trips to Jamaica and Central America. She is strong in her faith and serves as a guiding light for the youth she has mentored, ministered to, and tutored.

Karen has an incredible level of personal commitment. As one of only two students to complete a yearlong challenge with UC L.E.A.D., her involvement and commitment to service, cultural and environmental issues run deep. For the past three years she has been a student coordinator for Repair Affair, served at a local food pantry, tutored local children and has, this year as a member of the Bonner Scholars program, served as a Kids on The Block puppeteer in the local school system.

Karen’s spirit in serving others serves as an example of true civic involvement and responsibility. It is fitting that the Alumni Association Board of Directors presents this year’s Alumni Student Service Award to Karen Marie Caldwell for her contributions to our community.

Misty Dawn Shepherd will receive her Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education on May 6, 2001. Misty is a charter member of the Union College Bonner Scholars Program that began in 1998. She has served in many leadership capacities including a two-year position as Bonner Congress representative.

Misty has a special passion for children, learning and literacy. In 1999, following a service trip to New York City, she immediately began working with the college’s administration, local school boards, teachers and community leaders to establish a community-tutoring center on campus. Today, the Timeless Tales Reading Center, a student-run program, serves as literacy center five days a week.

Misty was also instrumental in establishing a summer camp for low-income children in Knox County. Founded in the summer of 2000, Bonner Camp L.E.A.D. will serve our community’s children for the second year this summer.

Misty’s love of learning and teaching and her commitment to student-run programs and leadership is a testament to the power of commitment and the potential of student innovation. It is fitting that the Alumni Association Board of Directors presents this year’s Alumni Student Service Award to Misty Dawn Shepherd for her contributions to our community.