The Ram of the Week award recognizes Bluefield University students for their exemplary service, kindness, and achievement. Recipients are nominated by faculty and staff for their character, excellence in the classroom, leadership abilities, and community involvement. Fifteen students received the award during the fall 2024 semester.
August 28, 2024: Abigail Gasperson
“She has always been ready to work and happy to help. She’s dependable and trustworthy. She is one of the hardest workers (on and off campus) I know and above all is happy to spread the gospel any chance she gets. She is a light in the world.”
September 4, 2024: Kyle Pietrzak
“He is academically minded, has high moral standards, and is the model of servant leadership. His hard work is obvious. After helping out the women’s volleyball team he gained everyone’s trust and is currently the first assistant. He is serving this year as an RA in Bluestone and takes the lead with men’s volleyball community service and on-campus work. He is always ready to help anyone and everyone. He is well-loved across campus and a huge asset to our university.”
September 11, 2024: Ashton Bucklen
“Ashton truly exemplifies what it means to be a Ram. He goes above and beyond in all of his classes, is an integral member of the band and other instrumental ensembles, and is extremely caring and kind to everyone. If a faculty member or student has been ill or having a difficult time, Ashton always checks on them. He truly shows the love of God to all those around him.”
September 18, 2024: Jacob Mitchell
“Jacob has stepped up as a leader of the golf team during this time that they don’t have a solid coach. He is always respectful on-campus and is well deserving. He was one of the Golf team’s top performers last year as well.”
September 25, 2024: Denzel Dzokamushure
“Denzi is a phenomenal person that is pushing through a tough situation. He just had knee surgery. Despite this, he is actively producing content for the Men’s Soccer team and is a joy to have on campus. I have heard good things of his academic prowess as well.”
October 9, 2024: Jenny Mitchell
“Jenny is an outstanding student. She’s mature, responsible, and eager to learn. She takes pride in her work, always submitting quality content that demonstrates her love of learning and her desire to succeed. She also has a kind, gentle personality and is a young woman of strong faith – all of which make her an even greater joy to have in the classroom and an outstanding example of what a BU student should be.”
October 16, 2024: Xavier Chillous
“He is kind and pays close attention in class. He also has taken the time to stop to talk after class to be sure he is prepared for the upcoming assignments. He is very respectful and a hard worker.”
October 23, 2024: Macy McBride
“Macy excels in the classroom and on the soccer field. She’s always ready to help students in need and has a drive like no other. She’s got a very bright future ahead of her and her hard work does not go unnoticed.”
October 30, 2024: Charles Howard, Jharez Williams & Peter Finn
“During the aftermath of Hurricane Helene when the campus was without power. These three students helped set up, cook, serve and clean up a meal for 36 of their fellow students so they could have a hot meal.”
November 6, 2024: Courtney Frame
“Courtney is a powerhouse on campus. She’s active in student life and ministry on campus. She’s a strong leader but also so eager to help her peers however she can. She has a heart for Christ and she’s going to do big things for the Lord.”
November 13, 2024: Tristen Gillenwater
“Tristen was nominated because she is always full of life and joy. She works hard in her classes and on the golf green. Above that she also is engaged in our ministry events on campus and brings a happiness to campus that we wouldn’t have without her. As SALT President, Tristen brings her creativity and enthusiasm to this leadership role and the people around her. If something good is happening on campus, Tristen is usually part of it. She brings some joy with her everywhere she goes and is a blessing to our campus.”
November 20, 2024: Abigail Bradley
“Abigail was nominated because she is active in her faith and participates with her church’s praise team; leads small group devotions/bible studies with students and is always a shining example of God’s love.”
December 4, 2024: Caleb Honaker
“Within the campus ministries, worship arts, and marketing departments, Caleb has exhibited tremendous initiative, interpersonal skills, and leadership skills, as well as a strong dedication to Christian values.”
January 15, 2025: Payton Smith
“Payton is hardworking, kind, friendly, and intelligent. She works hard on campus in her classes, at work, and as a student leader. She is actively involved with BUSM, and her relationship with Christ has blossomed throughout her time at BU. She now helps cultivate that same love for Christ in others. It has been a joy to see her learn, grow, and help others do the same. Her leadership and heart are why she deserves Ram of the Week.”
January 22, 2025: Jaala Maurer
“Jaala is an exceptionally hard-working student. She always goes above and beyond on her work, is always prepared to participate in class, and is always friendly and helpful to everyone. She does all of this while also working and participating actively in her church. Jaala exemplifies true servant leadership and what it means to be a Ram.”
January 29, 2025: Julia Stacy
“She was in my class in Fall Semester. She is a great student, came to every class, kind, submitted all her assignments on time and she took time and thought about her answers.”
February 5, 2025: Bruce Chaney
“He has been a great addition to the campus community as well as athletics. He jumps in and helps whenever he can. If you have watched a broadcast this year and you can tell it is significantly better than last year that is due to Bruce! We are lucky to have him. He has jumped in to help the athletics broadcast production just because he loves it! He works hard and is definitely a great individual!”
February 12, 2025: Will Austin
“Will exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader on this campus. Not only is he an active (one of the most active/reliable) RA, he also is heavily involved in BUSM. He also makes time for connections with any and all other students he interacts with. Will has never been asked to do something that he does not complete with flying colors in any aspect of his life here at BU. He has a heart for the Lord and a heart for helping those around him. He is always there when I need him and completes any task without complaint or hesitation. Will Austin is what BU is all about.”
February 19, 2025: Shawn Johnson
“Shawn is an exemplary student. He always goes above and beyond in his academics and helps manage the men’s baseball team. He demonstrates strong Christian character, professionalism, and leadership. Shawn is a student who asks terrific questions because he wants to learn in a deep and meaningful way. He is completing his student teaching this semester and will be a wonderful History teacher and coach.”
February 26, 2025: Chesed Russell
“Chesed is an outstanding student who is engaged in the classroom and who takes pride in her work. She’s pursuing three majors in Communication: Modern Media, Digital Marketing, and Graphic Communication. She’s also a Rampage Scholar and a member of The Rampage newspaper staff, where she serves as editor, graphic designer, and social media manager. In addition, she’s a valuable member of the women’s volleyball team.”
March 5, 2025: Cavon Dixon
“Cavon is completely unashamed of his faith in Christ and it is so encouraging to see him sing in chapel. Not only does he sing well but you can tell that he is truly singing to the Lord. He is a respectable young man and a great addition to our campus.”
March 12, 2025: Mollie Bolton
“Mollie is punctual, communicative, and an excellent student. She goes above and beyond to help others and is a great role model.”
March 26, 2025: Josephine Root
“I have seen Josie grow so much since she came to Bluefield. She has grown into such a strong woman of God and it’s so encouraging to see her unashamed love for Christ. She’s always sure to say ‘hi’ when our paths cross. She’s an excellent Ram and person!”
April 2, 2025: Lasamson Fernander
“Sam is an excellent student and person. He’s very genuine in all that he does. He works diligently at his academics and is also sure to ask how your day is going, and you know he truly means it. It’s a pleasure to know him.”
April 9, 2025: Brayden Surface
“Brayden is a positive student who is working hard at learning to prepare for medical school. He is very encouraging to his peers, tutoring across math and science, and I look forward to his next cheerful greeting and conversation.”
April 16, 2025: Jessica Aristy
“Jessica has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for Bluefield University. She maintains two campus jobs, is a student athlete, and handles her academic needs skillfully. In her role as a library assistant, she ensures that fellow students can access needed information for their classes. In her role in campus safety, she makes sure the community stays protected from harm. She is the epitome of a Ram as a Servant Leader. She’s always willing to help anyone out. She goes the extra mile to ensure safety hazards are reported and promptly fixed. She has a strong faith in God, always saying that God has a plan for her life. Her marriage to Moises is a great example for our students that are in serious relationships. Jessica is completing her second year at BU and has been on the President’s List every semester.”
April 23, 2025: John Thompson
“In just his first year on campus, John is already impressing his professors and peers. He’s a member of the Ram Band and Concert Band, and he’s also a writer and graphic designer for the student newspaper, The Rampage. In the classroom, he does excellent work, often working ahead and turning in assignments early.”
April 30, 2025: Nikolas Buterakos
“Nikolas has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment in his role as a student worker. He goes above and beyond expectations, always striving to contribute more and make a positive impact on everyone around him. His unwavering work ethic, combined with his positive attitude, makes him an exemplary servant leader. What sets Nikolas apart is not just his willingness to complete tasks, but how he does so with a smile on his face, uplifting the atmosphere and encouraging others to follow his example. His dedication, reliability, and cheerful demeanor make him the perfect candidate for RAM of the Week!”
