Many people shy away from the number 13. It’s unlucky. Some people are even afraid of it.
But there are times when the number 13 just shines. Take a baker’s dozen, for instance. Getting an extra donut in your box isn’t such a bad thing, is it?
And on this day, the number 13 sparkled for another reason. Today we celebrated the 13th recipient of the “David L. Edwards Servant-Leader Award for Faculty Excellence in Spirit and Service.” This year’s honoree was Dr. Kenneth Hanna, president of the Houston Extension campus.
Most of the time, we know the honoree. But with Dr. Hanna being in Houston, we had never had the opportunity to meet him or his wife, so it was a special privilege to be able to spend time with them after chapel and at the celebratory lunch at Maggiano’s. Because of Matt’s unemployment he was also able to join us, which made this day extra-special for me.
The chapel speaker was Dr. Don Campbell, former DTS president and professor. Though he is quite elderly and struggles with the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s disease, his mind and wit are as sharp as ever. He brought a powerful message from 1 Corinthians about keeping the correct perspective as we endure this challenge called “life.” It is such an honor to sit in these chapel services, hearing God speak through these faithful men who have devoted their lives to training future pastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders.
Following chapel, we took our requisite pictures with the plaque.
Dr. Hanna with his lovely wife, Mary
Dr. Grassmick, who presents the award each year, tries very hard to keep the recipient a surprise until the moment the name is announced in chapel. It’s always a challenge to get the recipient’s wife and/or family members into the chapel and keep them somewhat “hidden” until that moment. We saw Dr. Hanna enter with his wife and proceed to sit onstage. Come to find out, all it took was Dr. Grassmick saying, “We’d like to have you and your wife at chapel next Wednesday.” and Dr. Hanna said, “Okay.” And that was that.
Dr. & Mrs. Hanna in front of the plaque that hangs in the Academic Dean’s office,
just across from where Dad’s office used to be.
Last year, we used the last available space on the plaque. So this year, we were treated to a surprise ourselves…a new plaque, with 12 new spaces! We look forward to honoring more good and faithful servants in the years to come.
