Celebrate the Servant begins Nov. 27
November 20, 2006

LaGrange College students, faculty and staff are making preparations to host Celebrate the Servant, a series of events aimed at fostering a willingness to lead by serving others.

Initiated in 2001 as part of the school’s holiday observance, Celebrate the Servant annually introduces a weeklong schedule of College and community activities designed to place an emphasis on servant-leadership.

A student project to make Christmas ornaments begins the event-filled week on Monday, Nov. 27. During lunch that day in Pitts Dining Hall, students will have the opportunity to create ornaments for the Boys & Girls Club.

That evening, President Gulley will present the Servant-Leadership Awards, which are given to members of the community who embody the characteristics servant-leadership. The presentations will take place in the Chapel at 7 p.m., and a reception will follow in Edmondson Parlor. This year’s honorees are Claire Acree, David McMillian and William R. Parsons.

On Tuesday, Nov. 28, another gathering will take place in the Chapel when faculty, staff and administrators who received service awards this year are honored at 11:15 a.m. Afterwards, a luncheon for the honorees and their families will follow in the Assembly Room.

Also on Tuesday, students are invited to decorate Christmas Cards for nursing home residents during lunch in the dining hall.

The SGA is sponsoring a Blanket Drive in Pitts Dining Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 29, for the Red Cross. New and gently used blankets will be accepted.

Gilbert Tuhabonye, sole survivor of one of the most horrible massacres in Burundi’s Tutsi-Hutu war, will deliver the College’s Waights G. Henry Jr. Lecture at Callaway Auditorium on Thursday, Nov. 30, at 11:15 a.m.

The lecture will also represent a sort of homecoming for Tuhabonye, an athlete who lived and trained at the College during the months prior to the 1996 Atlanta Olympics as part of the “I Train in LaGrange” program.

“No one who has heard Gilbert’s story can ever forget it,” said LaGrange President Stuart Gulley. “He survived an unimaginable trial and has since lived an inspirational life of faith and service.”

On Saturday, Dec. 2, the Panther Toy Store will open its doors for the sixth consecutive year, offering underprivileged families the opportunity to purchase Christmas presents for their children at greatly reduced prices.

As in prior years, the events will culminate with “A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols.” Those attending the performance will hear carols and hymns interspersed with scripture readings. It is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3, at Callaway Auditorium.