Christian Luyanda
BRCC
student Christian Luyanda is a good student. He’s a leader. He’s also a
servant. Recently, he was recognized for all of these things. At the 2008
National Black Student Leadership Development Conference on Capitol Hill
earlier this year, Christian received “The Wind Beneath My Wings Award.”
The award recognizes a student who is a leader at their college and in their community while also achieving academic success. Christian’s letters of recommendation cited a laundry list of activities and efforts he’s involved with at BRCC and in the local community, such as the SGA and Student Ambassadors, and the Salvation Army, Food Bank, and the Boys and Girls Club in Staunton.
“Christian’s personality exhibits a true desire to learn and pursue his educational goals,” commented BRCC Director of Student Activities, Mary Kier Smith. She added, “He is dependable in everything he commits to and expresses a determination to succeed.”
Christian was nominated for a different award at the Conference, and was quite surprised to receive this more prestigious honor, “I was amazed when I was announced the winner. This award is a huge honor and will help me to stay motivated,” he said.
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| photo credit: Photograhy by Rudolph Powell |
“I choose to be involved in activities to network on campus and make new friends, and to be active while I'm in school,” added Christian. He also hopes these skills will lend themselves to a career in motivational speaking, after completing a degree in communications.
Dr. John Downey, Vice President of Instruction and Student Services at Blue Ridge is familiar with Christain’s talents. “Since his enrollment, Christian has demonstrated many characteristics of effective leadership that have directly influenced other students to become involved and take action for the good of the community.”