Glenna DeeDee Galliher Named as Recipient of 2011 Samuel Robinson Award

BRISTOL, TN (05/20/2011)(readMedia)-- Glenna DeeDee Galliher, senior at King College from Bristol, VA, is one of eight students representing six colleges and universities related to the Presbyterian Church (USA) to receive the 2011 Samuel Robinson Award.

The Samuel Robinson Award is open to PC(USA) students who are completing their junior or senior year of college at a Presbyterian-related college or university. The award was created from a gift made in 1956 naming the General Assembly, Princeton Theological Seminary, McCormick Theological Seminary and San Francisco Theological Seminary to promote the memorization of the Westminster Shorter Catechism contained in "The Book of Confessions."

The fund is administered by each institution in a variety of ways. The General Assembly's portion of the fund is used to provide aid for Presbyterian students attending Presbyterian-related colleges and universities. In addition to memorizing and reciting the catechism – after which each student is presented with a study bible provided by the Betty W. Chrisman Fund – each applicant is required to write a 2,000 word original essay on an assigned topic. For the 2011 award, students were asked to focus on prayer by reflecting on the specific aspects of the Shorter Catechism and were invited to discuss the effect of 21st century technologies and worldviews on prayer.

Galliher's essay, titled Glorifying God, discusses prayer, "not just as a means of asking God for things or to plead with him when things are not going well; prayer is a means of communicating with Him." Galliher also discusses the interference today's technologies has on ones potential relationship with God.

"We need to break down the barrier of thinking of God as just someone to obey," said Galliher. "We can enjoy God through obeying Him. We can use our prayer as a way of having enjoyment. The Shorter Catechism says that our 'chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever,' and one of the ways of doing that is through the use of prayer."

Galliher speaks in her essay of the overuse of social media in today's society, and the potential is has to hinder a person's spirituality.

"I am afraid people rely on these as a means to reach God rather than getting down on their knees and using their own words to pray," said Galliher. "Unfortunately, with technology, a person cannot hear another's tears through words on a screen, or hear the desperation in their voice through texting. These technologies are helpful in making life more organized but can be hurtful to relationships; relationships between people and a relationship with God. My hope is for everyone is that we take a break every day for a set amount of time to put down the technologies, turn to God, and just talk with and to Him. This will hopefully turn over a new leaf and have a more meaningful relationship with God."

Selection for the award – which ranges from $2,500-$5,000 – is competitive. Students have used Samuel Robinson Award proceeds for mission trips, transition to seminary or other graduate programs, and reduction in educational debt. The program will support up to sixteen students per year.

In addition to the student awards, the colleges the recipients attend will receive a $500 grant in the name of their awarded students to be used to promote the Samuel Robinson Award and to support campus ministry. Chaplains at each Presbyterian-related college and university provide invaluable assistance both to the PC(USA) and the student by consulting on essay topics, serving as readers of the essays, and by providing students with opportunities to perform the recitation.

King College is a Presbyterian-affiliated, master's-level comprehensive college structured on a university model. Founded in 1867, the College offers more than 80 majors, minors, pre-professional degrees and concentrations in fields such as business, nursing, law, medical and health sciences, pharmacy, digital media, education, and humanities. Graduate programs are offered in business administration, education, and nursing. A number of off-campus learning opportunities and travel destinations are also available. King College is a NCAA Division II and a Conference Carolinas member with 24 varsity athletic teams. For more information about King College, visit www.king.edu. King College does not discriminate against academically qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, or disability. King College is certified by SCHEV to operate locations in Virginia. For more information, contact the King College office at Southwest Virginia Community College, 309 College Road, Richlands, VA 24641.