Lee Announces 2016 Rymer Scholarship Winners, Charles Paul Conn And F.J. Lee Awards

  • Friday, April 29, 2016

Lee University announced the 2016 Rymer Scholarship winners. Three Gold Scholars, three Silver Scholars, and three Bronze Scholars were presented awards at the annual Rymer Scholars banquet at Lee on Friday. 

The scholarships are awarded annually by the Rymer Foundation, established by Hoyle Rymer and his father, the late Robert Rymer. The awards honor exceptional achievement and encourage high school students in the area to continue their education in Cleveland. Since the scholarship’s inception in 1989, nearly 200 Clevelanders have earned the title “Rymer Scholar.” 

Nine finalists were chosen for the 2016 awards. Principals from Bradley Central High School, Cleveland High School and Walker Valley High School nominated guidance counselors to serve on the selection committee alongside Lee University representatives. 

This year’s Rymer Gold winners are Malakai Cabrera (BCHS), son of Mitch and Cristi Cabrera; Hannah Holley (BCHS), daughter of Jeff and Karen Holley; and Breanna Long (WVHS), daughter of David and Brenda Long. They will each receive a scholarship of $10,000. 

The Rymer Silver winners are Stephanie Bowman (WVHS), daughter of Steve and Debra Bowman; Chastin Kim (CHS), son of Kile and Ramona Kim; and Caitlin Lay (WVHS), daughter of Charlie and Lisa Lay. They will each receive a $5,000 scholarship. 

The Rymer Bronze Scholars will receive a scholarship of $2,000. The winners are Lily Freeman (BCHS), daughter of David and Corinne Freeman; Chase Henderson (CHS), son of Tim and Renee Henderson; and Gustavo Wilhelm (CHS), son of Ricardo and Lissette Wilhelm. 

The selection committee reviewed the applications and conducted interviews with each finalist. Winners were chosen based on outstanding high school achievement and demonstrated potential for a successful college career. Scholars were assessed based on their leadership in extracurricular, athletic, and church-based activities, high-school rank and grade point average, college entrance exam scores, and the interview. 

All monetary awards will be dispersed to the winners over a period of four years. 

For more information about the Rymer Scholarship, contact Lee’s Office of Admissions at admissions@leeuniversity.edu or 614-8500. 

The 2016 Rymer Scholarship Winners, from left, Chase Henderson, Lily Freeman, Gustavo Wilhelm, Caitlin Lay, Chastin Kim, Stephanie Bowman, Malakai Cabrera, Breanna Long and Hannah Holley. 

Brett Buckner has been named Lee University’s 2016 recipient of the Charles Paul Conn Award. Mr. Buckner was recognized by Lee President Dr. Paul Conn for this achievement during Honors Chapel. 

This award is given to a Lee senior who demonstrates the greatest promise of achievement in graduate or professional studies after graduating from Lee. Established in 1996, it is named after Lee’s 16th president. Each department may nominate one student for the award. From these nominees, a winner is selected by a faculty vote. 

“It is quite an honor to receive this award,” said Mr. Buckner. “I am simultaneously humbled and excited by this recognition and am immensely thankful to all who have helped me grow into the mathematician and academic I am becoming, especially the faculty in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics Department.” 

During his time at Lee, Mr. Buckner has excelled academically, achieving a 4.0 in mathematics while being a Kairos Scholar and mentor for the iMass scholars in the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. 

Mr. Buckner received a Center for Undergraduate Research in Mathematics scholarship and spent a year researching with Dr. Debra Mimbs, an assistant professor of mathematics at Lee. This culminated in research presentations at multiple conferences. He also spent a summer in California researching at a National Science Foundation-funded research experience for undergraduates. He also won a national award from the Mathematical Association of America for his History of Mathematics paper. 

On campus, Mr. Buckner has participated in Big Pal Little Pal, Alpha Chi National Honor Society, and Mathematics Day for Underprivileged Students. He was also vice president of recruitment for the Kairos Scholars Honors Program and vice president of Kappa Mu Epsilon. 

“It is as though he operates at our [faculty] level,” said Dr. David Pigg, assistant professor of physics. “We have no doubt that Brett is one of the most talented students our department has seen in years.” 

After being accepted into graduate programs at Marquette University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Tufts University, the University of Iowa, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Mr. Buckner has decided to attend the doctorate program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute this coming fall, where he has been offered full tuition and a stipend. 

Lee University recognized Victor Alex Ubiera as the recipient of the 2016 F.J. Lee Award. Lee President Dr. Paul Conn presented Mr. Ubiera with this award during the Honors Chapel. 

This annual award was established in 1968 in honor of the second president of Lee University. It is presented to a senior at Lee who has demonstrated high standards of integrity, leadership, service, broad campus involvement, and academic excellence. Each department may nominate one student for the award, and from these nominees a winner is selected by a faculty vote. 

"Alex’s engagement on campus and in the surrounding communities clearly demonstrates his passion for excellence and his heart of service,” said Dr. Linda Thompson, chairperson of the School of Music’s department of music education. “Alex has lived out his commitment to empower others. He has experienced and contributed to Lee to the fullest extent possible, and in every way, Alex exemplifies the values and character worthy of the F. J. Lee award."                  

During his time at Lee, Mr. Ubiera has been a Kairos scholar and involved in academic clubs Phi Eta Sigma, Pi Kappa Lambda, and the American Choral Director’s Association. He served in Crossover Ministries, Greek Day of Service, and local public school service projects around the community. 

Mr. Ubiera was the secretary then president of Tau Kappa Omega while acting as a Big Brother in Omega Alpha Phi. He worked on campus in residential life as a floor leader, resident assistant, resident chaplain, and then discipleship ministries coordinator. He also worked within Lee’s Spanish department as a teacher’s assistant, writing center tutor, and café host. 

Within the School of Music, Mr. Ubiera sang in Choral Union, Chorale, Lee Singers, and chapel band. He also served on the dean’s advisory council. 

In addition, Mr. Ubiera served as a peer leader within Lee University’s First Year Programs office, a benevolence teacher’s assistant, and a student worker for Campus Ministries. 

“Alex is an outstanding, well-rounded student who consistently demonstrates and truly lives out the qualities of the F. J. Lee Award,” said Luann Holden, associate professor of music. 

Ms. Holden worked with Mr. Ubiera in numerous capacities, including in his role as peer leader. According to Ms. Holden, he is a model for other students, exhibiting exceptional interpersonal skills and building strong relationships in his time at Lee.

“He is the epitome of all that the F. J. Lee award represents,” continued Ms. Holden. 

“I am so incredibly honored to have been chosen as the recipient of the F.J. Lee Award. To have been chosen among such talented and intelligent peers by the entire Lee faculty is a testament of God's grace and favor,” said Mr. Ubiera. “I hope that I am able to represent the Lee University family well as I continue on in graduate studies and in my future career.” 

Mr. Ubiera will graduate summa cum laude in May 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in music education, and minors in Spanish, church music, and Bible.

Student Scene
Lee Day 2024 To Begin April 5
  • 3/28/2024

On Friday, April 5, and Saturday April 6, Lee University will host Lee Day, a time of excitement and information geared toward prospective students and their families. Over the course of the ... more

Chattanooga State Takes A Quantum Leap With Expert Insights Into The Future Of Computing
  • 3/27/2024

Chattanooga State Community College will take a deep dive into the world of quantum computing alongside physics and computer science expert Dr. Shohini Ghose. Dr. Ghose will join ChattState ... more

TDOE Releases 2022-23 Report Card
  • 3/26/2024

The Tennessee Department of Education released the 2022-23 State Report Card, highlighting new interactive features for families and users to learn more on how districts and schools are performing ... more