CSER of the Year Award winners recognized at Convocation for their passion to serve others

On Friday morning during Convocation in the Vines Center, Liberty University recognized four students (one from each class year) with an annual Christian Community Service (CSER) Award.

Freshman Colin Stapleton, sophomore Chloe Hobbs, junior Manus Weber, and senior Seth Hatfield each received a scholarship, which began at $500 for the freshman award and increased by $500 for every class.

The awards are voted on and distributed through Liberty’s LU Serve and Alumni Relations Offices, a partnership that seeks to thank and recognize Champions for Christ who go above and beyond while completing their CSER hours. The awards are made possible through the Alumni Relations’ Green Cord campaign, which allows graduates to donate to their alma mater to fund scholarships for future Champions for Christ.

CSER is a graduation requirement for all residential undergraduate students (20 hours each semester), but students often surpass the hours. Their volunteer time enhances their educational experience, fosters personal transformation, promotes community engagement, and helps them learn valuable skills and life lessons that they will take with them into their careers.

“These students made a huge impact on the organizations through which they served,” LU Serve Executive Director Lew Weider said. “They were invaluable to the staff and to those they served in those organizations. I think these students are representative of many other students at Liberty who go above and beyond, serving the Lord, serving their community, and serving individuals. They make an eternal difference.”

Stapleton, who is pursuing his undergraduate degree in computer science, worked with National Church Residences: Oak Creek Village, a senior living community in East Brunswick, N.J.

“Colin has been a breath of fresh air to our senior citizen community,” his CSER supervisor said. “The residents have lived under strict COVID restrictions for the past two years, and they look forward to the companionship and socialization that he has provided. After he returns to school, the residents still ask for him and look forward to his return.  He’s compassionate and tries to communicate with residents of all languages. He’s inclusive and makes everyone feel happy when he’s around. He has been a delight.”

Hobbs, a strategic communication student, served at Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church in Monroe, N.C.

“She was always an encouragement to the leaders that were working at the church in her place,” her CSER supervisor said. “When she went off to Liberty, we knew that was where she was needed to be, but also knew that there would be a huge gap to fill.”

Weber, a government student, earned CSER Junior of the Year honors for his countless overtime hours contributed to the Helms School of Government’s Fulbright Program.

“Manus is a diligent, committed, dedicated, responsible student and a true CSER champion,” his CSER supervisor said. “He was always willing and wanting to help.”

Even when he had already reached his required hours, Weber continued to put in as much time as was needed to serve those around him.

“He willingly offers to help and stays longer not counting the hours he needs to complete his CSER,” his CSER supervisor said. “He simply served and he continues to learn.  He is bright and makes hard work seem easy.”

Hatfield, who is earning his B.S. in Conservation and Environmental Biology, worked with Human-Trafficking International, a sex trafficking prevention organization. After a young woman on the council wrote, recorded, and submitted a voiceover piece briefly explaining what sex trafficking is and how to prevent victimization, Hatfield created the animation portion for a video exposing the horrors of human trafficking.

“Seth’s work did not just fulfill a community service requirement; his work may well save the lives of young girls who might otherwise have fallen prey to human traffickers,” his CSER supervisor said. “There is no doubt in my mind that Seth deserves recognition for his willing public service, diligent and excellent work.”