RS
Ryan Smith
  • mathematics education
  • Class of 2015
  • Belleville, IL

Olivet honors Ryan Smith as outstanding male graduate

2015 May 26

Ryan Smith (mathematics education major, Belleville, Illinois 62221) received the Robert M. Milner Award as the outstanding male graduate in the Olivet Nazarene University Class of 2015.

The honor came during the University's 102nd undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 9. The award -- named for a Nazarene minister who is father and grandfather to several Olivet alumni -- goes to a male student who exemplifies the highest standard of excellence in character, scholarship achievement and contribution to extracurricular activities.

Smith, the son of Ron and Janice Smith, was named to the dean's list each year while attending Olivet. Earlier this year, he was recognized by Who's Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges as one of Olivet's outstanding graduating seniors.

Smith was involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) beginning in 2007 and began serving on the leadership team at Olivet in 2011. He has volunteered at FCA camps and with the Eastridge Church of the Nazarene youth group. He served as a team leader on a mission trip to Flint, Michigan, and participated in a mission trip to Thailand in 2015.

A four-year Tiger football athlete, Smith has received numerous awards and distinctions, including the 2012 Purity in Diversity Award, the 2013 Football Intentional Living Award, and the 2014 and 2015 Daktronics-National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Football Scholar-Athlete.

An Eagle Scout, he is also a member of the Pi Mu Epsilon Math Honor Society, Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society, Student Education Association, and the 2014 and 2015 Mid-States Football Association All-Academic Team.

"Ryan is an outstanding young man and a wonderful role model for younger students," said Dr. Dale Hathaway, chair of the Department of Mathematics. "He switched his major during his freshman year but still excelled academically. Yet what is most striking about his many accomplishments is the consistent theme of Christian service."