Alumni Awards presented
Messiah College hosted the Alumni Awards Banquet April 2 to recognize and honor the 2016 recipients for their outstanding achievements and contributions.
Merlin Benedict ’76
Recognizing a lifetime of vocational achievement in a manner that embodies the mission of the College, Benedict has a long history of board service and community involvement.
A business administration graduate, he works as a senior executive partner at Simon Lever LLP. He coached soccer for many years for the Lititz Youth Soccer Club.
Messiah means very much to me from the beautiful first day I walked on and fell in love with the campus,” said Benedict. “Then I had the greater experience of meeting my wife there and tremendous lifelong experiences with men’s and women’s soccer. My five children also attended and graduated from Messiah.
Jodie Smiley ’77
Honoring outstanding lifelong service or long-term effort in fulfilling the mandates of the Christian gospel to both serve and sacrifice for the needs of humanity, this award was given to Smiley, who works at the executive director of Paxton Ministries.
She has served with the nonprofit for more than 30 years. The Christ-centered organization provides affordable housing and support services to adults in need.
“My journey in Christian service wouldn’t be possible without the encouragement of friends and family,” said Smiley. “I thank the many friends who continue to guide and encourage me, as well as our great staff and board of directors of Paxton Ministries who make working there such a blessing and privilege.”
David Vader
To recognize an individual who has contributed to the College in an extraordinary manner through long-term professional service, significant volunteer service or financial contribution to the school, the alumni appreciation award went to Vader, professor of engineering.
He serves as the founder and director of the Collaboratory for Strategic Partnerships and Applied Research.
The students and co-workers I have met and served with from so many different fields of study have shaped everything about how I think and act in the world,” said Vader, “and, because of this, my life has been more impactful. It is a great honor for me to have been recognized by the Alumni Association of Messiah College.
Angela Lykins Yeh ’03
Honoring an alumnus who has attended Messiah College within the past 15 years for significant contribution to church, vocation, community or the College, Yeh embodies this award.
She works as a music teacher for special needs children at Prince William County Public Schools in Virginia.
“Her accomplishments happen every day in a very quiet, but very meaningful way,” said William Stowman, co-chair of the Department of Music, who nominated Yeh. “This kind of diligence, responsibility and commitment is exactly how we hope a Messiah College education manifests in the lives of our alums.”
— My Nguyen ’17