Bridgette Wells receives Christian/Community Service Award

Liberty University junior Bridgette Wells is the recipient of this year’s Christian/Community Service Volunteer of the Year Award for her outstanding contribution and commitment to service in the Lynchburg community.

Lew Weider, associate professor and Director of Christian/Community Service (CSER), presented the award at Wednesday’s convocation.

“She has been a model leader, citizen and servant, which is just the kind of Champion for Christ we hope will leave this university and commit themselves to a lifetime of service no matter what profession they pursue,” Weider said.

Wells, a psychology major with a minor in women’s ministry, volunteered at Timberlake United Methodist Church in Lynchburg and was nominated for the award by CSER supervisor and professor Alison Pettit. She committed herself to service projects through Rebuilding Together, which included roofing and painting projects for a local elderly woman. She also worked with children at the church, coordinated games and activities for residents with Alzheimer’s at Heritage Green Assisted Living, and participated in the Salvation Army’s bell-ringing campaign.

“Once I got involved I just wanted to continue to do more,” Wells said. “It’s actually helped me in my Christian faith, in my walk. It’s helped me to be more like Christ because Christ served and He calls us to serve — and so by serving I’m blessing others through Him.”

Wells said she plans to continue volunteering with the church during the next school year. After graduation, she hopes to become a gerontological counselor and work with the elderly, either as a bereavement counselor for a hospice or as a counselor in assisted living communities or nursing homes.

The Volunteer of the Year Christian Service Award is presented annually to a student who demonstrates excellence in Christian service and ministry. Students are nominated by their supervisors at the organizations where they volunteer. Liberty requires students to complete a minimum of 20 hours of Christian service each semester to fulfill graduation requirements and support the mission of the university to serve others.

• According to an economic impact study released in 2010, Liberty students are serving their community in big ways.