Brownwood News – Howard Payne University students Cecily McIlwain, junior from Dayton, and Jordan Pitman, senior from Bangs, were among 16 Texas Baptist students recently honored as 2018 Young Maston Scholars by Hardin-Simmons University’s Logsdon Seminary. The awards were announced during the 18th annual T.B. Maston Lectures in Christian Ethics held at Logsdon Seminary on the HSU campus in Abilene.

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Each year, officials from partnering Texas Baptist universities nominate two students from their universities to become Young Maston Scholars, an award recognizing outstanding undergraduate students for their interest in, engagement with and integration of Christian ethics. Nominations for the award are based upon a student’s demonstrated faithfulness to the ethical example of Christ; a commitment to Christian ethics lived out in theological inquiry and academic excellence; an established reputation among peers for ethical Christian leadership; and an articulated clarity in an occupational expression of ministry, though it is not required to be in a congregational setting.

“It was a privilege to be named a Young Maston Scholar,” said McIlwain. “I treasure this act of affirmation from my professors. The lectures and conversations with members of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and the Christian Life Commission were an encouragement to my heart.”

Pitman also offered thoughts on being selected as a Young Maston Scholar for 2018.

“I was surprised when I first found out I was chosen for this award,” said Pitman. “But I was also appreciative of the Christian studies faculty for pointing out a strength that I didn’t realize I had. At the lectures, I learned a lot about how to better love people and how Christ would love those same people.”

McIlwain majors in cross-cultural studies. Pitman majors in cross-cultural studies as well and minors in psychology. Dr. Derek Hatch, associate professor of Christian studies, nominated the pair for the award.

“While nominating only two students each year is a tough task, Cecily and Jordan are excellent students who are worthy of this honor,” said Dr. Hatch. “Not only do they exemplify the criteria for selection, but they embody the essence of what it means to be a Young Maston Scholar. All of the Christian Studies faculty members consider it an honor to nominate them, and we look forward to what God will do in their lives going forward.”

For more information about Howard Payne University’s School of Christian Studies, visit www.hputx.edu/christianstudies or call 325-649-8403. More information about Logsdon Seminary at Hardin-Simmons University can be found at www.logsdonseminary.org.

Pictured at top:  HPU students Cecily McIlwain, junior from Dayton, and Jordan Pitman, senior from Bangs, were named Young Maston Scholars during the 18th annual T.B. Maston Lectures in Christian Ethics held at Logsdon Seminary on the Hardin-Simmons campus in Abilene.