2025 Honors Day Award recipients with Dean Jonathan Strom. Photo: Becky Stein
On April 24, the Candler community gathered in Cannon Chapel to celebrate vocational and academic excellence at the school’s annual Honors Day Convocation.
Learn more about the award recipients and the influence Candler has had in shaping their callings.
Student Honors in Scholastic and Ministerial Leadership
The Charles O. Smith Jr. Scholarship Award honors a rising senior who demonstrates exceptional commitment to ministry within the Baptist tradition. This year’s honoree, Raymond Lewis, Jr., recognizes that ministry begins in community, and his time at Candler has deepened his passion for walking alongside others in their discernment. Through embracing the formation that comes from being with people, he has been profoundly transformed.
The Berta Radford and James T. Laney Award in Contextual Education is given annually to a third-year MDiv student who has successfully completed both the first and second years of Contextual Education and whose engagement with ministry practices exemplifies H. Richard Niebuhr’s concern to do theology as simultaneous reflection and action carried out within the personal and social context of love of God and neighbor. This year’s recipient is Connor Felty. Through his Con Ed experience, he has engaged seriously the questions of how the academy can inform congregational care. Connor appreciates the members of St. Vedast Formation Community, his peers, professors, and Con Ed supervisors who have challenged him to read his life experience as deeply as he reads texts.
The Erskine-Smith-Moseley Award was established to honor Candler’s earliest Black academic appointments and is given annually to a Black Church Studies Program student who portrays prophetic and compassionate leadership. This year’s recipient is Marcus Gaut. As an experienced part-time pastor, Marcus has found deep meaning and vocational growth through the shared stories and diverse lived experiences of the Candler community. His journey has been marked by healing and by a profound affirmation of his ethical, spiritual, and intellectual identity.
Student Honors in Vocational, Liturgical and Creative Arts Excellence
The Fellowship Seminarian Award is presented to the United Methodist senior(s) who displays outstanding leadership in worship and arts. This year’s award has two recipients: Shinmyung Kim and Bethany Santos.
During her time at Candler, Shinmyung Kim has found it deeply meaningful to engage with diverse religious traditions and to participate in worship shaped by a wide range of denominational backgrounds. These experiences have enriched her theological imagination and helped her envision how worship and the arts can nurture intergenerational faith communities and create spaces where all can encounter God in transformative ways.
Bethany Santos works to create a worship space that is for all people by decorating Cannon Chapel. She loves feeling God’s presence each time she walks into the chapel and hopes that is seen through each design.
The Hoyt L. Hickman Award of the Order of St. Luke honors a senior who has significantly contributed to the worship and prayer life of the school of theology through acts of liturgical leadership and pastoral care. This year’s recipient is Katie Griffis, who has experienced some of her most meaningful times at Candler during worship. Whether sitting with friends or leading and creating worship opportunities, her experiences in Cannon Chapel are ones she will not soon forget.
The Gildemeister Endowed Award for Creative Writing is presented to a student who excels in the written word. Recipient Chase Wolfsohn has found the study of theology to be indispensable in the exploration of his creative and academic writing. His work in the classroom and relationships made outside of it have grown his theological worldview and demonstrated the intimate connection between God and his own creativity.
The Frederick Buechner Award is presented to the student who embodies the qualities of imagination, creativity, and literary prowess in preaching, traits that echo the essence of Buechner’s own preaching and writing. This year’s recipient, Hanna Cain, says that being in Cannon Chapel has been one of the most meaningful parts of her seminary journey. In this sacred space, surrounded by faculty, staff, and students committed to growing in love with God, she has found a deep and sustaining hope.
The John W. Rustin Award is given to the student who, in the opinion of the faculty, best exhibits the capacity for prophetic preaching. This year’s recipient is Jazer Willis. During his time at Candler, Jazer has cherished the space for introspection and personal transformation. Through this journey, he has expanded his prophetic voice while discovering meaning in both his spiritual path and his evolving sense of purpose.
The John Owen Smith Award is presented to the senior who, in the opinion of the faculty, is best able to communicate the gospel faithfully and imaginatively through preaching. Recipient Tess Welch practices faithful exegesis, and through excellent presentation skills, she offers the best of herself to her proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Student Honors in Transformational Leadership and Community Service
The Nolan B. Harmon Award is given to the second-year student who has shown marked growth during the two years in the school of theology. This year’s recipient is Diana Guzman Lugo, whose leadership and presence have left a lasting mark on the Candler community. Diana is grateful for the care she has received from faculty, staff, and classmates who have walked alongside her. She credits her growth and clarity of call to their encouragement, which introduced to her a new vision of Christian community.
The James D. and Alice Slay Award recognizes a second-year student who demonstrates potential for pastoral ministry by excelling academically. During his time at Candler, recipient Charles Irving, Jr. has loved the opportunity to integrate rigorous academic study with his passion for fostering caring and inclusive communities. Ultimately, he has found it meaningful to create environments where all students feel seen, heard, and valued, aligning with his vocational aim of ensuring students feel supported and included in higher education.
Ola Oduola received the Ruth Sewell Flowers Award, which recognizes a senior who has shown marked growth in ministerial qualifications during their three years at Candler. Originally from West Africa, Ola recognized an urgent need for mental health expertise shaped by a global perspective. His seminary formation has equipped him to meet those challenges with greater skill, compassion, and the hope of making life-saving differences.
Christopher Ng was awarded the Claude H. Thompson Award, recognizing a dedication to ensuring that the teachings of Christ manifest tangibly in the lives of individuals through acts of justice and reconciliation. During his time at Candler, Christopher has tried to foster meaningful, deep encounters across established boundaries, particularly during times of division and lament, seeking to hold space with others in reimagining how torn relationships and hurting communities can be rewoven in a just and kind manner.
The G. Ray Jordan Award is bestowed upon the senior who demonstrates exceptional promise for impactful ministry and exhibits excellence in integrating academic study with constructive leadership and service. This year’s recipient, Tabitha Jamal, has loved wrestling with theological questions alongside a community dedicated to justice, learning the vital importance of courageous leadership rooted in compassion, and finding meaning in serving alongside those striving to build a more equitable and loving world.
The Community Service Award is bestowed upon the graduating student who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to serving the Candler community. Two students earned the award this year: Fred Ohene-Kankam and Madi Dunn.
Affectionately known as Candler’s “pastor-in-residence,” Fred Ohene-Kankam has dedicated himself to being a spiritual and communal anchor, especially for the international student community. Walking alongside international students and deepening his call to chaplaincy has been transformative, shaping his understanding of how theology informs not just belief, but also compassionate care.
Madi Dunn has found the Candler community to be profoundly life-giving. Sharing life, learning, and faith alongside her classmates over the past three years has been an extraordinary source of meaning and joy for her. She speaks with deep love for her Candler family, from whom she has learned some of her most important lessons both inside and outside the classroom.
Student Honors in Academic Excellence
Russell E. Richey Award is presented to a Candler student who has demonstrated excellence in Wesleyan studies. During his time at Candler, recipient Wesley Spargo has felt supported and nurtured by the Methodist Studies department and other United Methodist students. He has made foundational relationships through classes, conversations, and personal study with students and faculty which have equipped him well for his future in ministry in The United Methodist Church.
The Boone M. Bowen Award is given to the senior who has demonstrated outstanding proficiency in biblical Hebrew. This year’s recipient, Jaeun Koo, has cultivated a deep passion for exploring how the Hebrew Bible both shapes and is shaped by social memory. She has brought imaginative approaches to her studies, while also demonstrating a remarkable ability to balance rigorous scholarship with meaningful ministry with grace and excellence.
The Chad Davis Memorial Award is presented to the student who has demonstrated exceptional performance in Old or New Testament courses. Recognized for her work in Old Testament courses, recipient Meg Hansen has found the space to deepen her passion for biblical studies and to cultivate her research interests while at Candler. She credits the support of the community for helping her grow not only as a scholar and researcher, but also as a person.
The Mary Katherine (Myki) Mobley Memorial Award is given to an MTS student who demonstrates both academic excellence and significant social concern. Recipient Kiah Miller has found meaning in learning alongside thoughtful, curious, and kind cohort members and friends during her time at Candler. The friendships and conversations she’s shared have brought joy and real-world grounding to her theological studies shaped by a commitment to justice, creativity, and community.
Meg Hansen and Sora Um received the Master of Theological Studies Award for Academic Excellence, recognizing the MTS seniors who have demonstrated the highest level of academic achievement.
A thought leader in and out of the classroom, Meg Hansen has contributed to the academic life of Candler in transformative ways. She will continue to treasure the ways in which faculty have engaged, motivated and supported her on her journey, but most of all, she’ll hold in her heart the joy of the MTS coffee hours.
Sora Um credits her MTS journey with sparking her curiosity and pushing her to ask bolder questions. The assignments taught her how to stay resilient through frustration. The faculty at Candler guided her on how to keep reading and writing critically, even while embracing the uncertainty that comes with learning. Most importantly, being surrounded by incredible mentors and friends helped her grow into a better student and phenomenal scholar.
Connor Felty, Jaeun Koo, Alexa Lawhorn, Murphy Sullivan, and Tess Welch received the Master of Divinity Award for Academic Excellence, recognizing the seniors who have achieved the highest academic excellence.
Connor Felty is grateful for the institution’s dedication to providing meaningful classroom spaces for academic inquiry with an eye always toward the relevance of such inquiry for the church and the world. He has valued the opportunities Candler has provided to carry out original research in the classroom while producing projects that serve the academy and the local community.
Jaeun Koo is an example of balancing the rigorous nature of academic inquiry alongside the embrace of building authentic community in and around Candler. As she continues her academic journey at Emory’s Laney Graduate School, she hopes to further explore how scripture can uphold or challenge both ancient and contemporary forms of authority, helping communities engage the Bible in ways that lead to justice, hope, and liberation.
Alexa Lawhorn is grateful for the courses that have challenged her and helped her grow during her time at Candler. She is very thankful for all the support she has received from friends and family that has allowed her to invest so much time and energy into her coursework.
Murphy Sullivan has learned the immense value of being part of a community that nurtures intellectual rigor and spiritual formation. She’s loved the warmth and support this incredible community provides, especially during challenging times. The encouragement she received has been profoundly meaningful, shaping her academic successes and guiding her toward her new vocation.
Tess Welch holds a deep love for the Candler community in and out of the classroom. She is grateful for the students, staff, and faculty who have shown her great love and support.
Faculty and Staff Honors
Elizabeth Corrie, Professor in the Practice of Youth Education and Peacebuilding, received the award for Outstanding Service to the Candler Community by a Faculty Member. Student nominators remarked on Corrie’s advocacy work and ability to make them feel seen, as well as empowering them to be peacemakers and justice bringers.
One student wrote, “Dr. Corrie is so consistently present. She is a true advocate for her students, not only in their academic pursuits but also in their spiritual and wellness pursuits. She goes above and beyond to be accessible, and it is so appreciated.”
Another student shared, “She works to support and help educate students in and outside of the classroom. She is trustworthy and helps me feel safe at Candler, and she leads me towards where I hope to go as a minister of Christ.”
Jess Cusick, academic programs associate for Methodist Studies, received the Outstanding Service to the Candler Community by a Staff Member award. Students shared about her willingness to listen as they share their joys and worries about ministry.
Wrote one student nominator, “Jess is always available to be a friend, chaplain, and shoulder to lean on. She has been an amazing resource at Candler and can always be seen running from one event to another, relentlessly pursuing flourishing for the entire community.”
Another student wrote, “In the time that she has been here, she has embraced community, built relationships, and brightened the halls with her hospitality and generous spirit.”
The “On Eagle’s Wings” Excellence in Teaching Award is conferred by Candler’s graduating class in recognition of faithful and dedicated service. This year’s recipient is Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible Joel Kemp.
In their nominations, students praised Kemp’s deep care and dedication to his students and subject matter. Kemp, one student wrote, “has framed my time here at Candler. He has helped me grow and discern, and has been a large part of my learning, teaching both of the most impactful classes that I have taken at Candler. He has changed the way that I think about the Bible, my country, my religion, and the world. I am honored to have been able to learn from him.”
Another writes, “Dr. Kemp creates space for us to ask hard questions and feel safe to speak our minds. As he always says, ‘I don’t believe in strangers, just family I haven’t met yet.’ He may mess with your theology at times, but he also helps rebuild it.”
Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees!