Spirit of a Forester Award Nominations – Deadline for February Award: TODAY

Foresters don’t do what they do to be recognized, but Huntington University is going to recognize them anyway. Why? Because sometimes it feels good to be noticed. Sometimes it feels good to know those around you have seen your hard work and dedication. That is why HU’s leadership has created the Spirit of a Forester Award.

This peer-nominated award will be presented monthly to the honoree selected by HU’s cabinet. The honoree will receive a gift and recognition on and off campus for their character and spirit.

This isn’t an award to be tossed around, nor is it a popularity contest. Whether you’re an alum of HU or have adopted your Forester identity as an employee, if you are part of the Forester Family, you should be proud to be a Forester and should aspire to uphold the characteristics of a Forester and protect the reputation of a Forester.

So, what are the characteristics of a Forester? Simply put, a Forester…

• Chases truth. Because all truth is God’s truth, Foresters relentlessly pursue it. They seek to glorify their Creator by caring for every tree, stone, and being in His creation and to be “ministers of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18) who see creation’s redemptive potential. (John 8:32)
• Defies complacency. Foresters never stop trying to improve themselves or the world around them. Failures will happen, but Foresters will use mistakes as growth opportunities. (Romans 8:28)
• Remains curious. College is a fundamental time in education, but a Forester will seek new opportunities to learn long after graduation. (Proverbs 4:6-7)
• Cares completely. Foresters are dedicated to service, caring for others both willingly and joyfully. They also care about forming relationships within the Forester Nation and nurturing new generations of Foresters. As foresters care for plants in every stage of the life cycle, from seedling to mature tree to acorn, so Foresters get involved in others’ growth through prayer, interpersonal relationships, and giving back to the University. (Romans 12:10)
• Embraces interconnectedness. In a forest, tree roots intertwine and make the ground stronger. Foresters realize that any pursuit — art, literature, math, science, history, etc. — is stronger in community. For Foresters, that community is an authentic space where hard conversations are welcome, opinions are respected, and brotherly love is genuine. A Forester seeks experiences across disciplines and with others, and that interconnectedness becomes a Forester’s strength. (John 15:5)
• Has grit. Like a forester in the wood contending with dirt and branches and leaves, a Forester doesn’t back down from making a difference just because it’s going to get messy. Foresters answer the call to serve. (Isaiah 41:10)
• Explores creativity. Foresters push the boundaries of their art. Not every Forester wields a paint brush or camera, but all Foresters seek innovations, new perspectives, and inventive solutions that propel their disciplines forward. (Colossians 3:23-24)

Whom do you know who is a Huntington University employee and demonstrates what it means to be a Forester? Nominate that individual online and honor their character!