2013 Annual Alumni Association Award Recipients
Clarence L. Pugh '62 Distinguished Alumnus Award Recipient
Mr. Bill Stevenson - Class of 1962
Since graduating from Lenoir-Rhyne in 1962, Bill has served our nation in commanding positions of leadership within the country's intelligence community. While employed with the Department of Defense's National Security Agency, he was tapped in gradual succession to preside over not only secretive but also demanding administrative responsibilities within the intelligence organization. His success and skill were recognized in his receiving the National Security Agency's Special Achievement Award. At the center of Bill's career has been one word: distinction. His employment eventually took him to multiple locations in thirteen countries on three continents. In time, Bill led an organization of several hundred technical specialists who provided information technology support to several thousand direct providers of critical intelligence to the nation's policy makers and military leaders at the highest levels of government. By any definition, Bill is indeed deserving of the Clarence L. Pugh Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Opal L. Moretz '65 Service Awards - Service to the University
Mr. & Mrs. J. Edward Byrd - Ed Byrd - Class of 1969
Ed and Polly are well-known in the Athletic Department. Ed is a past President of Piedmont Educational Foundation. Both Ed and Polly have spearheaded many fundraising campaigns. Whatever the challenge, with Polly’s and Ed’s inseparable team approach, the task will be accomplished. Two examples of their endeavors are the Annual Hanley H. Painter Bear Memorial Golf Tournament and the Bears Club Gala. Polly is a past member of the LR Board of Visitors and the Friends of the Library Committee. In addition, both Polly and Ed are extensively involved in and committed to service greater Hickory through memberships on a number of boards. They founded Kontane Logistics in 1974 and attribute their success to their Lenoir-Rhyne education, stating “We were intellectually stimulated, encouraged to have original ideas, and set long-term goals and objectives. Because of these, we have enjoyed a lifetime enriched by ambition, goals and purpose.” The Byrds have honorably served Lenoir-Rhyne University through the PEF.
Opal L. Moretz '65 Service Awards - Service to the Alumni Association
Mr. Robert McIver - Class of 1977
Robert’s volunteering at Lenoir-Rhyne University began in 1977. As an alumnus, he has brought commitment and energy to the Alumni Association. Regardless of whether the Alumni Association challenge was pure grunt work or requiring strong leadership, Robert always rose to the occasion. He has worked faithfully for the good of the Alumni Association. Whether passing out lapel pins to graduates, attending the LTSS/LRU service, or assisting in the development of the Alumni Association stationery logo, Robert’s zeal for the University alumni has never waned. Truly, his incomparable record keeping has become a dependable depository of alumni events. Robert has served the Alumni Association with distinction.
Opal L. Moretz '65 Service Awards - Service to the Community
Mrs. Cheryl Sigmon Abee - Class of 1989
Cheryl has dedicated her life to those living in Catawba County. She has worked for the Catawba County United Way for over 18 years. Currently she is the Director of both the Volunteer Center and the Information and Referral Center. Cheryl’s accomplishments are nothing short of amazing. Organizing the distribution of 1,000 gifts to needy children in one year is challenge enough, but her assistance to the needy and deserving goes on year in and year out in so many varied ways. She manages hundreds of volunteers with the skill of a submarine captain. Imagine placing over 300 volunteers both during the holiday season, a feat within itself, and for endless United Way sponsorships. Cheryl reflects well on the University in her sterling service to the greater Unifour community.
Rising Star Young Alumnus Award
The Rev. Andrew Taylor-Troutman - Class of 2003
The Rev. Andrew Taylor is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the solo pastor of New Dublin Presbyterian Church in the mountains of southwestern Virginia. He received his bachelor of arts from Lenoir-Rhyne University and holds graduate degrees from Union Presbyterian Seminary and the University of Virginia. He began his career in youth ministry and now serves as pastor to a congregation made up of farmers and policemen, college professors and public school teachers, Republicans and Democrats, wealthy retirees and young couples who are just starting out. He states that treasure, then takes on many different meanings and it is a joy to explore these matters of the heart with people. These treasures are explored in his book, Take My Hand. He currently lives in Dublin, Virginia with his wife Ginny and son, Sam.
To nominate a deserving alumnus/a, download a nomination form. Then, submit the form either to the Office of Alumni Relations (L-R Box 7228, Hickory, NC 28603), or to lru.director@alumni.lr.edu. All nominations should be received no later than June 1, 2014.