Christine Evans juggles many responsibilities and plays a few instruments on the side. A senior majoring in mechanical engineering, Evans acts as current president of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, has played mellophone in the Million Dollar Band for three years, plays oboe in the University’s Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Concert Band, leads Bible studies in the Navigators campus ministry and interned abroad for nine weeks in Kenya.
This year, Evans is the female recipient of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Premier Award, one of the highest honors given by The University of Alabama.
“This award is a nationally recognized award which identifies high standards in scholarship, leadership and service,” Evans said. “I have been overwhelmed with blessings and such incredible experiences. I have followed my passions throughout my college career, and this award has unexpectedly fallen into my lap.”
The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award is awarded to two graduating seniors and one non-student winner who demonstrate excellence of character and service to humanity, according to premierawards.ua.edu.
“To earn this award, I wrote my application essay on my definition of character, and my experiences in college,” Evans said. “I was also recommended for the award by one of my professors.”
A native of Madison, Ala., Evans has worked for the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center in Huntsville, Ala., for three semesters through the UA Co-op Program.
“In this co-op position, I developed professionally, improved academically and saw how I can contribute to society through my work,” Evans said.
During her time in Kenya, Evans interned for Africa Exchange, a nonprofit organization. As one of three female interns, Evans said she had the opportunity to travel all over western and central Kenya to different ICDCs to work with children and to do development projects.
For the future, Evans said she has accepted a job in mechanical engineering that will send her to live and work internationally.
“Wherever I am sent, I plan to remain active in serving the people around me,” she said. “Through development projects using appropriate technology such as those we did in Kenya, my mechanical engineering background will allow me to contribute in unique ways to my community.”
Evans said she would not be where she is today without her college experiences.
“My experiences and friendships have shaped me into the person I am today.” she said “I hope to be able to pass those blessings on to others I meet, to continue serving, and to represent this award and the University well.”
