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 Betsy Polk, Director of Jewish Life

Transcript of Commendations

Betsy Polk, Director of Jewish Life

It is an honor to present the Ella Brunk Smith Award to Samantha Chessen. Sam has made significant contributions to Jewish and multifaith life on Elon’s campus in her uniquely “Sam” warm and welcoming way.

When Sam first arrived at Elon, as a proud member of an interfaith family, Sam was not sure she wanted to participate in Jewish life. She gradually became more involved and is now the first to tell anyone that Hillel is her home on campus. This home is one she enthusiastically shares with others. She exemplifies Elon’s mission to graciously welcome others and is the first to greet other students and make them feel at home, whether she is at Hillel, at the Moseley front desk, where she is a dedicated employee, or as an intern with Hillel International, where she brought skill and dedication to her work maintaining and accessing engagement data.

At Elon Hillel, Sam has played a pivotal role as an Engagement Intern. She was the first student to request to continue the experience, returning in year two as a Senior Intern. Sam’s passion for engagement is evident. Not only does she delight in helping new Elon students find their way, she takes great joy in celebrating the successes of the students she mentors. Sam recently shared that her proudest moments have been seeing students she mentored as an intern become Hillel student board members and leaders.

Sam is an exceptional student and leader who brings gracious warmth and care to the people around her. She is an exceptional ambassador for Hillel and Jewish Life, and a thoughtful leader, who this fall presented a meaningful and moving d’var torah (sermon) during High Holidays.

Congratulations Sam! It is a joy to celebrate your leadership today, and to do so with gratitude for all the ways you generously and genuinely celebrate others.