Religious Life

40th Annual Steel-Hendrix Banquet

February 25th, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.

In 1984, Hendrix College inaugurated the annual Steel-Hendrix Award Lectureship to celebrate 100 years of its official relationship with the United Methodist Church. The award was named in honor of Marshall T. Steel, a prominent minister and former president of the College.

The Marshall T. Steel Center will honor four extraordinary church and community leaders at the 39th Annual Steel-Hendrix Awards Banquet held at Hendrix College, Student Life and Technology Center, Worsham Hall.

Mary and Ira Brumley Award for Religious Education

Jerry Burns - 2024 Headshot

Jerry Burns

Jerry Burns has dedicated his life to service, education, and community engagement. With a rich history of involvement in both church and civic organizations, Jerry has made significant contributions that reflect his commitment to faith and fellowship. For eight years, Jerry served on the Insurance Committee and the Conference Pension Board, responsibilities that required his active participation in the annual conference. His leadership was further demonstrated at First United Methodist Church of Russellville through his roles as Chair of the Trustees and of the Staff Parish Relations Committee, as well as serving as the Church Lay Leader.

In the field of education, Jerry taught junior high school students and played a pivotal role in establishing the Covenant Sunday School Class in 1989. As a part-time teacher for the Jerry Burns Covenant Class, he inspired many, leading to the class members voting to rename it in his honor and presenting him with a plaque. Alongside his wife, Nancy, he served for nine years as counselors for the Senior High Youth program once known as Methodist Youth Fellowship, guiding young people in their spiritual journeys. Jerry also took on significant roles in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), serving as the Local Chairman for Russellville High School and Arkansas Tech University, and contributing to the State Board for FCA. His dedication to youth and young adults earned him a place in the Hall of Distinction as a non-alumnus of Arkansas Tech University. Jerry also has a deep passion for biblical education. He has taught a four-week course on the History and Principles of the Methodist Church and conducted a weekly Bible study at the Wildflower Senior Living Facility, sharing his love of the Scriptures with residents. He has also supervised the church's volunteer program, coordinating efforts to visit local hospitals, nursing homes, and homebound members of the community.

Jerry's personal faith has taken him on five trips to Israel, along with his close friend, the Rev. Mackey Yokem.   This bond and his travels have deepened his understanding of his faith and community. Through his tireless efforts, Jerry has left a lasting impact on his church, students, and the broader community, embodying the principles of service and leadership throughout his life.

Jerry will be unable to attend the banquet but will be recognized at First UMC Russellville's 8:30 a.m. worship service on February 9.

Ethel K. Millar Award for Religion and Social Awareness

Patty Barker - 2024 Headshot.png

Patty Barker

Patty Barker joined the staff of the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance in September of 2012 to serve as the Campaign Director for the Arkansas No Kid Hungry Campaign. The Campaign is a unique partnership among the Arkansas Governor's Office, state agencies, hunger relief agencies and nutrition advocates all working together to alleviate childhood hunger in Arkansas by improving access to nutrition programs and educating families about healthy, affordable food choices. She previously served as the Policy Director for the Arkansas Public Policy Panel, supporting a state-wide citizens' coalition advocating for improved education, environmental, and economic policy. Patty earned her J.D. from the University of Arkansas School of Law and her B.A. from Southwestern at Memphis (now Rhodes College).

A lifelong Methodist, Patty grew up at First United Methodist Church in Little Rock, where she remains active in mission and outreach ministries. Her oldest children, Will (and daughter-in-law Lauren), Henry, and Mary Katherine Scheriger all graduated from Hendrix College. Her youngest son, John, passed away in 2017 from a traumatic brain injury following a skateboarding accident while he was attending the University of San Francisco. The family established the John Barker Helmet Fund at Arkansas Children's Hospital in his memory and to encourage the use of helmets and protective gear for children of all ages so they can safely enjoy the sports they love. Patty makes sure her granddaughters, Kendall and Hazel, always wear their helmets when biking and skating, and they like to remind their friends that “Helmets Save Lives!”

Hendrix College Youth Minister of the Year

Andrea Boston - 2024 Headshot.jpg

Andrea Boston

Andrea Boston has been a dedicated youth pastor at Vilonia United Methodist Church for four years and currently resides in Benton, Arkansas. She is also pursuing her master's degree in social work online at Ohio State University and completing a therapeutic internship with the Second Chance Youth Ranch, both of which she expects to complete in the spring. A 2021 Hendrix College graduate, Andrea has spent several years working with young people in various roles, fostering their growth and development.

“God certainly called her to this work and she had the gifts to do it,” said the Rev. Lauren Delano, who pastored Vilonia UMC when Andrea joined the staff. “Andrea is patient and kind with the youth. She challenges them to be leaders in the church through service at the community food pantry monthly, they help serve at special church events, and they attend ACCYM [Arkansas Conference Council on Youth Ministries] events, which Vilonia had not done in a long time. Andrea is an amazing mentor to these students, their families and the whole church. She has helped kids who feel left out or different to be accepted as their whole selves.”

Under Boston's leadership, the youth group at Vilonia UMC has grown from an average attendance of three students to almost 15, and she works diligently to ensure that youth have a place where they know that they are loved, says the Rev. Chad Hornsby, the church's current pastor.

“She encourages missions through Ozark Mission Project in the Summer and a monthly service Saturday,” Hornsby says. “Both of these mission activities have become key elements of the youths' own identity. Andrea's ministry in the classroom is thoughtful and she shows her own interest in growing spiritually as well as mentoring the students.”

In her free time, Andrea enjoys volunteering, reading, and exploring creative outlets. Andrea has a passion for organization, often found crafting detailed to-do lists and managing her calendar to maximize productivity.

About the Steel-Hendrix Awards

In 1984, Hendrix College inaugurated the annual Steel-Hendrix Award Lectureship to celebrate 100 years of its official relationship with the United Methodist Church. The award was named in honor of Marshall T. Steel, a prominent minister and former president of the College.

Registration:

Tickets cost: $25 per person.

To purchase with a credit card (fees apply), click here.

To pay by check, please email: mulhearn@hendrix.edu.

Checks can be mailed to:

Hendrix College
Attn: Chaplain's office
1600 Washington Ave.
Conway, AR 72032