Kunes, Hodkinson presented with 2024-25 Service Above Self Awards

Marissa Kunes, center, is presented the 2024-25 Service Above Self Award by Vice President of Spiritual Life and Church Relations Rev. David Mills, left, and MVNU President Dr. Carson Castleman.

Marissa Kunes, a Chemistry major with a pre-med concentration, and Evan Hodkinson, a Biology major with a pre-med concentration, were presented the Service Above Self awards during the 65th MVNU Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 3. The award recognizes graduating seniors who have distinguished themselves in their college journey through service to others both on and off campus and represent MVNU’s motto: To seek to learn is to seek to serve.

Marissa Kunes

During her time at MVNU, Kunes consistently gave her time and talents in serving others. She has been a belong group leader, has traveled to Guyana with FaithWorks to assess and serve the needs of the local community, and has served as a volunteer at Starting Point Pregnancy and Family Resource Center. In addition, she served as the captain of the Women’s Reserve soccer team, was the Chemistry Department assistant, and served as the co-president of the Chemistry Club.

“In the global community, Marissa is actively involved in service opportunities. At MVNU, she is a student worker in the Counseling center. She’s intentional in helping her peers feel welcome, respected, and seen,” said Dr. Carrie Beal, Professor of Biology. “I have observed firsthand with our department as she was the departmental assistant in chemistry — an honor reserve for someone who excels academically. It also shows a continued commitment to serving the department during their time at MVNU. … Additionally, she is an academic peer mentor. She deeply cared about the success of her peers and was willing to devote numerous hours each week.”

Evan Hodkinson

Hodkinson has served as a belong group leader, life group leader, and served on the lunch buddies Cosmo team. He’s also served as the team captain for the men’s cross-country team and the men’s track and field team, was the freshman class president, the sophomore class president and the student Vice President for Spiritual Life during his time at MVNU. A Naia All-American, Hodkinson also serves his local church as a youth group leader and a fifth- and sixth-grade Sunday School teacher.

“Just as Jesus is a servant, so too, Evan is learning to be a servant at the deepest level of his heart. This has been lived out in as many ways as attested to by the activities with which he has been involved during his time at MVNU,” said Dr Paul Madtes Jr., Professor of Biology. “The range of involvement reflects this deep desire to serve others at every opportunity. It began with his major department, where he worked as a laboratory assistant for multiple courses. It is especially important to note that he routinely went far beyond normal expectations. His service enabled both faculty and students to experience a learning environment that was exceptional.

“He has become a Christ-like young man who is seeking to become like Jesus as the master came not to serve, but to serve so, too. He is modeling the same heart for all of us. Just as our university motto says: To seek to learn is to seek to serve.”