Michelle Burgess, an English major with teaching certification from Andrews, S.C., is this year's recipient of the Savory Award. Michelle is the current Senior Class President. Two common themes throughout the nominations that Michelle received were her willingness to help others succeed, especially first-year students and her unfailing love of her alma mater, Columbia College.

Burgess says, "It is an immense honor to be the recipient of such a prestigious award. I'm still speechless that my peers thought me deserving of such an honor. However, I will say that I know in my heart that Columbia College has given me the very best education and preparation to become a socially conscious and productive member of society that I could have ever asked for."

The Savory Award is given each fall in memory of Dr. Jerold “Jerry” Savory, a long-time faculty member and academic leader at Columbia College, greatly admired by students, faculty and staff. Dr. Savory was recognized during his 26 years at the College for his commitment to personal and academic excellence, ethical leadership, spiritual values, and the well-being of the Columbia College community. This award seeks to honor the Columbia College senior woman who most exemplifies the ideals that guided Dr. Savory’s life. It is a particular honor as it has been the tradition since 1993 for the class doll to be dressed to represent the recipient of the Savory Award.