Ella Brunk Smith Award

In honor of Ella Brunk Smith, wife of former Elon President Dr. L.E. Smith, this award is presented to a female student in the senior class who has made significant contributions to the religious and moral life on campus.

Presented by Janet Fuller, University Chaplain, Lecturer

Transcript of Commendations

Janet Fuller, University Chaplain, Lecturer

The Ella Brunk Smith Award is presented to a senior who has made significant contributions to the religious and moral life on campus.   This year it is shared by two exceptional students.

The second winner of the Ella Brunk Smith award is Katherine Klinger.

Katherine Klinger has been a dynamic and thoughtful participant in the Catholic community in her four years at Elon. Always presenting the larger concern and a deeper perspective, her thoughtfulness and concern for others has challenged and widened the view of many of her fellow leaders and students at large. Not only focused on her own faith, but caring for others and their own faith traditions, Katherine provides a wise, caring, and non-judgmental presence, allowing her faith to shine. She acknowledges her own questions and struggles of faith, allowing them to inform her own growing practice of faith.

Growing up in a home where both Judaism and Christianity were present, Katherine takes both traditions to heart. She lives in the tension and grace of interfaith, sharing it with students and staff, while rooted in Catholic Campus Ministry. The way in which she has supported, challenged, and cared for her fellow students and leaders has left a mark and will not be soon forgotten.   We are proud to offer Katherine Klinger the Ella Brunk Smith Award.