Gardner-Webb University recently honored undergraduate students for academic excellence and outstanding service and leadership. Winners of these awards exemplify the University’s core values of faith, service and leadership in their classrooms and communities.

Emma Foster, a senior American Sign Language (ASL) major from Ronceverte, WV, was recognized as a finalist for the Alfred & Shirley Wampler Caudill Service Learning Award, endowed by GWU Professor Dr. Don Caudill in memory of his father and in honor of his mother. The award recognizes students who have provided outstanding service to their community based on their coursework.

Foster volunteered at the South Carolina Registry Interpreters of the Deaf Conference for a weekend, working the registration desk. For her ASL internship, she worked two months as a staff camp counselor at Camp Summer Sign, a deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing camp in Brentwood, Tenn. She has also recently been selected as a camp counselor with Holt International Adoptee Camp. This will not be a paid position. The camp centers around adopted children, and focuses on identity issues, building relationships, and much more. On the GWU campus, Foster has volunteered in various ministries, such as serving as a Bible study leader and visiting area churches to speak to youth groups.

In recognition of her award, Foster may choose one book for purchase by Gardner-Webb’s Dover Memorial Library. The book will be inscribed with her name and the date of the award presentation.