The Robert E. Lucas Award embodies the apex of leadership at Wilmington College and two students stand out as exhibiting those qualities of being respected by the entire College community, possessing a dynamic and optimistic personality and making significant contributions to the campus and greater community.
Seniors Taylor Taylor Powell-Abbinante and Elijah Brock received the College’s top leadership award at Sunday’s (April 21) 44th annual Student Honors Convocation and Senior Recognition Awards.
About Powell-Abbinante, Dr. Audrey Wagstaff, professor of social sciences and communication arts, said, “Taylor has a kind heart and an infectious sense of humor — the care he has for others is palpable. He has so much passion for community and environment, his work and leisure are dedicated to making both beautiful, harmonious and sustainable.”
He is a member of the College’s Honors Program and serves as head community assistant and a member of the Residence Life staff. He also has been Ecology Club president, a member of the Student Leader Executive Board and WC Pride/Diversity & Inclusion, and a representative of the WC Tree Commission. Powell-Abbinante also was an Advocacy Corps organizer for the Friends Committee on National Legislation as a student leader in advocating for the Environmental Justice for All Act in the U.S. Congress.
He orchestrated the city of Wilmington’s large-scale Earth Day event in 2022 and this year is serving as student research coordinator for the College’s WAVE (Water Assessment and Vitality Enhancement) program
“Taylor embodies hands-on learning!” said Dr. Michael Snarr, professor of political science. “From speaking at U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown’s statewide conference for student leaders to leading Spring Lobby Trips to Washington, D.C., to organizing a research team testing the water quality of local streams, he has been a model leader.”
Commenting on Brock, Snarr said, “Where do you start with this guy? In the classroom, his breadth of knowledge is incredibly impressive for a 21-year-old. He will lecture you about strength training theory, stoicism, biology, religion and many more topics.
“I don’t think I’ve ever met a student who garners more respect from peers in the classroom,: he added. “He’s an athlete, a football player and is currently training for a marathon, yet on the third Friday of the month you can find him leading a group to the soup kitchen to prepare and serve a meal for the homeless.”
Brock has served as a Supplemental Instructor for biology, a lab assistant, a member of the Wellness Committee, vice president and worship leader for Faith in Action, a Quaker Fit boxing instructor and a member of both the Honors Program and football team.
Some of his volunteer and service activities include assisting at Sugartree Ministries, the Ecology Club’s invasive species eradication project and Wilmington’s citywide cleanup effort. Away from the College, Brock also assisted the Cardinal Land Conservancy, volunteered in the town of Eleanor providing nutrition to elderly residents, facilitated the Putnam County Gifted Games and provided goodie bags for children as a volunteer for the Charleston Area Medical Center Women and Children’s Hospital.
WC Housing Director Nick Hoover said, “Eli’s presence is unmatched. He unintentionally commands a room and lifts the occupants to do and bet better. He is one of the kindest, most respectful students I have met in my many years of higher education.”
The Lucas Leadership Award is named in memory of the College’s 15th president, Robert E. Lucas, in recognition of his leadership at the College and in the community.
PHOTO: Pictured from the left are Nancy McCormick, campus minister; Corey Cockerill, president; Lucas Award Winners Elijah Brock and Taylor Powell-Abbinante; Wynn Alexander, vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty; and Sigrid Solomon, vice president for student affairs and dean of students.