Since 2001, the Michael and Emily Robertson Kindness Award has been a longstanding tradition at Piedmont, recognizing and encouraging kindness among students, faculty and staff. The award was established through a relationship between then-Piedmont President Ray Cleere and Michael and Emily Robertson, who were affiliated with the congregational churches.
The award is set to acknowledge the words of the prophet Micah, “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God.” The donors hope that the award encourages kind behavior and recognizes kindness as one of the most important personal characteristics.
“We live in a very hospitable and kind community, and I think that’s always been in the nature of Piedmont,” explained Ann Sutton, Assistant Vice President and Advancement and Development. “I see a lot of genuine kindness around campus, and we want to make sure it’s a good experience with students when they come here, and this is one of the best ways to do it.”
Any student, professor or faculty member can nominate someone from either the Demorest or Athens Campus for the award. The award is given annually to the student who demonstrates kindness to others through their actions and makes an impact on campus. The recipient is determined by a committee of students and employees.
An important factor is how the student puts their kindness into action. For example, what they do to make a difference in people’s lives. The more concrete qualities that are mentioned, the more likely they are to be selected by the committee.
This year’s recipient is Dana Davis, a junior exercise science and athletic training major. Davis was nominated by her professor, Lindsay Dilbeck, Assistant Professor of Health Sciences.
“Dana perfectly embodies a pattern of behavior that prioritizes the collective well-being of the Piedmont and Habersham communities over her own interests,” said Professor Dilbeck. Dilbeck has described Davis as being selfless, nurturing and impactful. “Her actions are never about seeking the spotlight; instead, they are about fostering growth in others and creating spaces where people can thrive together.”
Dilbeck also explains how Davis’s unique blend of tenderness, patience and community focus makes her an exceptional example of the transformative power of kindness that the Robertson Award seeks to honor.
Davis is the president of the Piedmont Environmental and Conservation Effort Club and an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Health Science Association, Alpha Lambda Delta and Aspiring in Medicine and Science. Davis also serves as a SAIL navigator.
Along with her involvement on campus, Davis has donated garden produce to the student pantry, mentors young athletes as a middle school coach, helps build the community garden to support sustainability and has made an impactful commitment to the Master of Science in Athletic Training program.
“I hope that I make people feel loved and appreciated on campus,” said Davis. “The greatest commandment is to love God and love people, so while I’m far from perfect, I try to do that every day,” Davis explains how she makes an effort to know people’s names and simply says hello to them in the hallway, which can go a long way.
Davis has used her kindness to make an impact on Piedmont and the community through her involvement, compassion and dedication. Her actions have demonstrated the qualities of the Michael and Emily Robertson Kindness Award.
Piedmont encourages students, faculty and staff to spread kindness on campus and in the community. Along with the encouragement to nominate students, faculty or staff for next year’s Kindness Award. Piedmont thanks Michael and Emily Robertson for the award and their contribution to spreading kindness.
