TO OUR EARS

ANHONORWITHOPPORTUNITYSibberson Award helps recent alumnawith internship in South AfricaBy Sarah Towle • stowle@wufoundation.orgEmily Juhnke received the Sibberson Award when she graduated with a bachelor of arts degree during fall 2014commencement. The stipend included with the honor helped Juhnke pay back some student loans and travelto South Africa for an internship. Photo by Peggy ClarkBeing one of the highest academic achievers in a college class is not an easytask, especially if a student is involved in many extracurricular activities.The Sibberson Award, established by two generoussisters, T. Erna and Gretchen Sibberson, shows studentshard work throughout your college career is worth it.Each sister received a bachelor of arts degree in 1937from Washburn.Established in 2002, the Sibberson Award provides astipend to the top Washburn students at commencement.The stipend assists the students in pursuing plans forthe future, such as tuition for graduate studies, travelexpenses or start-up capital for a business.During spring commencement, the highest-rankingmembers of the senior class from the College of Artsand Sciences, School of Applied Studies, School ofBusiness and School of Nursing each receive the award.During fall commencement, the highest-rankingmember of the senior class from all undergraduateprograms receives the honor.“I know the decision on who receives the award is notmade lightly, so it was a huge honor,” said Emily Juhnke,the fall 2014 award recipient. “The award shows hardwork is valued, and it also comes with great opportunityand responsibility to continue representing Washburn.”She is doing just that on an international level.After graduation in December, Juhnke left forCape Town, South Africa, where she serves as apublic relations and communications intern for theHillsong Africa Foundation. The organization worksto serve and restore vulnerable people and situationsin their communities through projects in areas such asfamily strengthening, childhood development, skillsdevelopment, and relief and response.She became familiar with the Hillsong AfricaFoundation during a study abroad experience calledSemester at Sea through which she visited 16 cities in 1221 Sibberson Award