CONTACT Aubrey Streit, (785) 227-3311, ext. 8274

LINDSBORG, Kan.— Bethany College has recognized Brenda Meagher, director of financial aid, for outstanding service to students.
            Meagher is this year’s recipient of the Greg and Beth Pierce Award, formerly known as the Service to Students award. The honor was created to recognize a    Bethany College employee who has made a positive impact on students’ lives.
            Meagher received the award Nov. 28 at the president’s reception at the college.
            In addition to her responsibilities as director of financial aid, this fall Meagher also served as interim director of admissions.
            Meagher has served as director of financial aid at Bethany for 11 years, following five years as assistant director of financial aid.
            The award selection committee noted Meagher’s dedicated work behind the scenes to help students attend Bethany. People who nominated Meagher for the award recognized her as being fair and ethical, treating all students equally and going out of her way to be of service to them.  
            In presenting the award, Bethany College President Edward F. Leonard III stated, “The committee couldn’t have picked a better person. Brenda is as student-centered a Bethany employee as they come.”
            The Greg and Beth Pierce Award recognizes a Bethany employee who has made exceptional contributions to the health or environmental, emotional, spiritual or academic well-being of students. Students, staff and faculty nominate Bethany employees for the award.
            Past recipients of the award include Director of Health Services Judy Murphy, Assistant Professor of Music Doug Talbott, College Electrician Glenn Spoon, Library Director Denise Carson and Registrar Bette Zehnder.
            The award was created by donors Greg and Beth Pierce, former Lindsborg residents and employees of the college. Greg Piece was associate professor of criminal justice. Beth Pierce was advancement administrative assistant.
            Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to nurture and challenge individuals in their search for truth and meaning as they lead lives of faith, learning and service. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu.