ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, March 13, 1997 TAG: 9703140073
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: N-7 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: have you heard?
SOURCE: JON CAWLEY
Many college students have difficulty just keeping up with studies and social activities, but Bryon "Opie" LePere finds time to work two jobs, take a full courseload - with close to a 3.0 average - and serve on several community service organizations.
LePere, 21, of Roanoke, was recently awarded the senior class's Most Significant Contributor Award at the University of Richmond for volunteer work he has performed on campus and in the community.
One student from each class at the university was recognized for contributions they have made beyond the classroom, said N. Jean Terrell, public relations coordinator for the University of Richmond.
Richard Mateer, a university dean, sat on the selection committee with other currently enrolled winners of the award. LePere was picked from a pool of 15 seniors, Mateer said.
"The students involved [on the committee] were particularly impressed with how well-rounded he [LePere] is," Mateer said. "He is very energetic and charismatic. People get enthused around him."
"Much of his focus has been service-oriented. I think students today like that. The person is in it for the greater good and to improve the lives of other individuals."
LePere is Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity's vice president for service, pledge educator and corresponding secretary. He also has been a dormitory resident assistant for two years, and was a one-time coordinator of a campus blood drive.
LePere's parents said he has also counseled juveniles at a detention home in Richmond, and worked with a federal housing program and with those suffering from juvenile diabetes.
In addition to his service projects, LePere also works in the campus post office and music library.
David and Theresa LePere said they are proud of their son's accomplishments but were not completely surprised by the award. "We were a little surprised," they said. "But, in all honesty, not 100 percent because that is how he is."
"Anytime that he can help somebody, that's where he wants to be," Theresa LePere said.
What would motivate a person to dedicate so much of his time to helping others? "I think when I first started doing this I met some people and it seemed fun. Now I feel community service is not a privilege, it's a responsibility," Bryon LePere said.
The Most Significant Contributor Award is LePere's first collegewide accolade, but he was previously recognized by Alpha Phi Omega, the school's resident assistants and the dean's office. However, he said the contributor award means the most to him.
"I'm honored I got the award but what makes me feel the best is these are my peers," LePere said. "When you have your peers honor you I think it means a lot more."
LePere will graduate in May with a degree in sociology. He said he wants to pursue a career in social services or a church-related field.
LePere's work with Alpha Phi Omega has had one other unexpected reward. He will be married in July to Annie Cahoon, of Chesapeake, who is also a member of the organization. |CAMPUS| ELIZABETH MARIE SICORA, daughter of Charles and Martha Sicora of Roanoke was recently elected treasurer of the junior class at Meredith College, Raleigh, N.C.
BRITT MARTIN of Roanoke was recently elected to the board of directors of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity. She will serve as vice president of alumni development. Martin will graduate from Virginia Tech in May.
ADONICA J. CHURCH AND SUSAN A. SIMMONS, both of Roanoke, graduated from Averett College in December. Church graduated magna cum laude and Simmons graduated cum laude. |MILITARY| PETTY OFFICER 1ST CLASS RICHARD S. ESCUE, son of Carol S. Beck of Roanoke, was recently promoted to his current rank. He serves at Communications Security Material System, Washington, D.C. He joined the Navy in 1989.
SEAMAN RECRUIT KATHERINE L. SCHILLING, daughter of Harold P. Driscoll Jr. and Priscilla L. Abernathy, of Roanoke, recently completed basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Schilling is a 1990 graduate of William Byrd High School. |COMMUNITY| THE BRADLEY FREE CLINIC recently elected its 1997 officers. The president is Dr. John M. Garvin. Other officers are: Dr. Randall R. Rhea, vice president; J. Michael Williams, treasurer; Curtis E. Mills Jr., secretary; Dr. Kevin C. Kelleher, medical director; Thomas T. Palmer, counsel; and James W. Harkness and Sue Ellen Rocovich, members-at-large.
THE BLUE RIDGE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY recently elected its 1997 board of directors and officers: Steven L. Higgs, president; Dr. David B. Trinkle, vice president; Clark Cole, treasurer; and Annie Eagan, secretary. Re-elected board members are: C. Whitney Brown, John Coates and Carl Guffey. Board members are Gerald Carter, Rev. Nelson Harris, Mary Elizabeth Kepley, Fuzzy Minnix and Charles Simmons. |--| Submit items to Jon Cawley in care of the Neighbors section by mail at P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke 24010, by fax at 981-3346, or by e-mail at jonc@roanoke.com
LENGTH: Medium: 95 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (headshot) LePereby CNB