October 10, 2024
East Texas Baptist University celebrated the dedication and service of two exemplary students during a special chapel service held on October 9. Senior Skylar Bussing and junior Levi Endris were awarded the Dr. Bob and Gayle Riley Servant Leadership Award for their outstanding commitment to Christ-centered servant leadership.
The award was presented by ETBU President Emeritus Bob Riley and his wife, Gayle. Each recipient received a replica of the renowned "Divine Servant" statue by Max Greiner, which symbolizes Christ washing His disciples' feet. A full-sized version of the statue, gifted to the university by Dr. and Mrs. Riley in 2009, is displayed at ETBU's Rogers Spiritual Life Center. The Bob and Gayle Riley Servant Leadership Award is an annual recognition bestowed upon two upperclassmen who exemplify the principles of servant leadership modeled by Jesus Christ. Award recipients are nominated by their peers, faculty, and staff for their commitment to living out their faith in service to others.
"Early in our administration, we noticed many students selflessly helping their peers,” Dr. Riley said. “This inspired us to find a way to recognize those students and establish a campus-wide commitment to servant leadership. Our hope was for the concept of Christian servant leadership to become a lasting part of ETBU’s identity. God blessed us with faculty and staff who embodied this principle and served as role models for our students, a legacy that continues today. We are grateful that the university now dedicates a chapel service each year to honor two students who exemplify the qualities of a Christian servant leader."
Skylar Bussing, a senior majoring in Christian Ministry and Mental Health, has actively served her campus and community in numerous roles. She serves as a Resident Assistant, participates in the Honors Program, mentors fellow students through the Thrive program and has been a Tiger Camp leader. Over the summer, she volunteered at Camp Fuego and currently serves as a youth intern at Mobberly Baptist Church, demonstrating her heart for ministry and leadership.
“Throughout my time serving at and around ETBU, I have developed so many beautiful Christ-centered friendships” Bussing said. “How amazing to meet Kingdom coworkers and get to walk with each other through life. I have learned that serving from your power is never sufficient and that the Lord must be our priority despite obligations, roles, or opportunities.”
Junior Levi Endris, a Mass Communication major, has also made significant contributions to ETBU and the broader community. He has been a Thrive Mentor for two years, guiding and encouraging fellow students. He co-leads a Bible study through the Baptist Student Ministry and serves on the worship team and participates in summer camp ministries at Mobberly Baptist Church. Additionally, Levi has been an ETBU Chapel Band vocalist for two years and works as a Tiger Ambassador and Admissions Student Worker.
Both Bussing and Endris reflect the Christ-like spirit of servanthood, inspiring their peers through their dedication to the service of others.
“Through my time at ETBU, the Lord has shown me that serving looks like laying down my
wants and desires for the sake of reaching others,” Endris said. “I want to use my gifts and what I have learned from being a Tiger Ambassador as a gateway into building relationships in ways that are rooted in Christ and His Word. Serving in leadership capacities at ETBU has gifted me the opportunity to understand that I must be humble and loving in order for me to beam the light of Christ. No matter what career I may find myself in, I know without a doubt that serving the Lord will be of utmost importance. ETBU has prepared me to enter any career with the mindset that every vocation is a mission field for the Kingdom of God.”