By Jordan Beach
While walking around campus, certain people are always able to bring a smile to one’s face. One of those people is No Greater Love award recipient, Carson Ivester.
The rising senior is known around campus for his willingness to help others, always the first to lend a helping hand. He was described as the definition of a servant leader: he leads with positivity and compassion and has a true understanding of empathy.
“I was extremely honored that I was chosen, even if it did catch me by surprise. It came a such a great time in my life because I had been going through some personal issues that were beginning to weigh me down,” he said. “I feel that receiving this award was God telling me that I am doing a good job at spreading His love, and there’s nothing I strive more to do in this life.”
In his journey toward becoming an educator with the Price School of Education, dean Dr. Nancy Marsh observed his empathetic quality with fellow classmates.
“Carson takes the time to listen to others when they feel challenged or just need to be heard. He will exhaust all his resources to find an answer or make someone smile,” she said.
Outside of the classroom, the Mount Airy resident stays busy as a leader around campus, serving in the roles of an orientation leader, a resident assistant, a Reinhardt captain and as a member of both the football and track teams.
Director of Admissions Lacey Satterfield finds his genuine personality to be one that makes him an ideal Reinhardt captain.
“Carson’s enthusiasm for Reinhardt and his kind and welcoming personality make him an excellent captain. He’s confident and friendly, he listens with compassion and understanding,” said Satterfield. “I’m so proud to have prospective students and parents meet him and know that his is the kind of student we have at Reinhardt.”
The No Greater Love Award has been given since 1998 at Reinhardt University to a student who has expressed a spirit of caring through extraordinary and exemplary community service and love of fellow humans. This award was created in memory of Ernest “Chip” Koella IV, grandson of longtime Reinhardt University supporters, the late Steve and the late Virginia Tumlin, whose final act reflected John 15:13 as he laid down his life while attempting to save the life of a stranger.
