OLIVET, Mich. — Olivet College will honor six students with the John W. Porter Community Responsibility Scholarship at the 23rd annual Leadership for Individual and Social Responsibility Awards Dinner on May 15. Students were selected for demonstrating individual and social responsibility through their involvement and service to the College and their community.
Recipients include rising junior Kyrie Bostic, a sociology/anthropology major from Detroit; rising senior Diangelo Carlton, a business administration major from Detroit; rising senior Bryan Collins, an exercise science major from Inkster; rising senior Jillian Johnson, a psychology major from Lansing; rising junior Yul Snell, a criminal justice major from Westland; and rising junior Samantha Torres, a criminal justice major from Lansing.
Several award recipients shared their thoughts on the importance of leadership and service.
“I’ve been on college service trips to Tennessee and Florida. In Tennessee, I was part of a group who rebuilt a veteran’s home, and in Florida, we focused on hurricane relief efforts,” Torres said. “These opportunities have really opened my eyes to see just how much someone can do for others and the impact we do have on others’ lives. Working as a team to accomplish something good was my favorite part, and it showed me that you need a team to reach your goals. I love helping people, and I have a goal to help people and make an impact now and in my career.”
Snell also emphasized the importance of contributing to society.
“Since seventh or eighth grade, I’ve worked with my family to pass out warm clothes, food and personal care items to the homeless,” Snell said. “I also enjoy reading to local students here in Olivet and talking with football recruits. I have goals to continue community service at OC and to keep making a difference. I feel like a great leader gives back to the community. Great leaders are selfless; they want to help others through their position.”
Johnson added her thoughts on leadership as well.
“Being a leader means being accountable for your actions and others’ actions,” Johnson said. “I used to think my parents were very strict, but I’m thankful for that now because I have strong values and know how to stay on track to do the right thing. Everybody needs someone. If I can be that someone, that makes my day.”
John W. Porter Community Responsibility Scholarship
In 1969, Dr. Porter was unanimously selected State Superintendent of Public Education by the Michigan Board of Education. At 38, he was the youngest chief state officer and the first black state school superintendent in the nation. From 1979 to 1989, Dr. Porter served as president of Eastern Michigan University. From 1989 to 1991, he served as the general superintendent for Detroit Public Schools. During his tenure, the district went from having a $160 million deficit and unbalanced budget to a $35 million surplus.
In 2001, Dr. Porter was awarded the Olivet College Leadership in Individual and Social Responsibility Award for his commitment to Olivet’s educational philosophy of individual and social responsibility. In gratitude of this honor, he established an endowed scholarship for current students at Olivet College who demonstrate leadership and community involvement.
In addition to the Porter Scholars, three Michigan business leaders will be honored at the Leadership for Individual and Social Responsibility Awards Dinner. Honorees include Erik Larson ’97, executive director of Impression 5 Science Center; Joan Nelson, executive director of the Allen Neighborhood Center; and Linda Lee Tarver, Th.D., president of the Republican Women’s Federation of Michigan.
Learn more about Olivet College by contacting the Office of Admissions at 800-456-7189 or admissions@olivetcollege.edu.
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