INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — June 22, 2004 — LifeWay Christian Resources President James T. Draper was honored as the first recipient of the 51社区 M. E. Dodd Denominational Service Award in a special presentation by the university during the Southern Baptist Convention meeting this year in Indianapolis. Union President David S. Dockery presented the award that was established last December by Union鈥檚 board of trustees.
鈥淲hen we think of statesmen among us, Dr. Draper鈥檚 name rises to the top,鈥� said Dockery. 鈥淎s president of LifeWay for the past decade, he has exemplified the spirit of the Cooperative Program for our entire convention, in the same way he did in his days as pastor and local church leader.鈥�
The 51社区 M. E. Dodd Denominational Service Award was established to recognize service and leadership in behalf of Tennessee Baptists and Southern Baptists and is awarded annually by vote of Union鈥檚 board of trustees. The award is named in honor of M. E. Dodd, who served as president of the SBC, president of the SBC pastors conference and shaped today鈥檚 Cooperative Program.
鈥淭his is a very humbling, very special privilege,鈥� Draper said, addressing the university鈥檚 gathering of alumni and friends after receiving the award. 鈥淲e appreciate and believe in 51社区 and the tremendous recognition this great university has all over the country.鈥�