At its annual Founders’ Day event, Averett University today bestowed a first-ever prestigious award to a prominent local alumnus. The new President’s Service Award was presented to Reverend Lawrence G. Campbell, Sr. ’73 by Averett President Dr. Tiffany M. Franks.

The President’s Service Award is a new recognition for those who have shown exemplary service to Averett University or the surrounding region. Recipients of this award may include individuals or entities internal or external to the University, and are chosen at the discretion of the President.

“Bishop Campbell’s decades-long service to our region exemplifies Averett’s mission, and I am grateful for all he has done for Danville and beyond,” said Franks. “From his military service to his passion for civil rights and integration, his life’s work and many legacies are an inspiration to me, to his Alma Mater and to this entire region.”

Campbell has served as the pastor of Bible Way Cathedral in Danville since he and his wife founded the church in 1953. He also served as the served as the Chief Apostle and Presiding Bishop of the Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, leading over 300 churches in the United States, England, Africa and the Caribbean from 1998-2006. The U.S. Navy veteran was a civil rights organizer and leader in Danville during the 60s, and has been a local voice and civil rights champion ever since.

“I am so very grateful to Averett University and Dr. Tiffany Franks for bestowing upon me the President’s Award for service to the community,” said Campbell. “I love our community and I shall continue to do whatever I can to bring about social justice and equality for all people.”

Founders’ Day is a tradition at Averett – dating back to the University’s creation in 1859 – recognizing the significance of the founding contributors of the University. Hundreds gathered in the University’s Pritchett Auditorium in the Violet T. Frith Fine Arts Center to hear from accomplished alumni speakers.