Graceland Honors Student-Athlete Achievement with the Freeman Awards

Tom Freeman ‘55 was more than a fixture at Graceland; he was an institution. Freeman returned to his alma mater after earning his graduate degree and spent 37 years teaching in the psychology department, passing wisdom to generations of students in Lamoni.

Tom’s wife, Terry, who graduated from Graceland in 1956, matched her husband’s staying power as a part of the Lamoni landscape. Terry taught first grade in Lamoni for 19 years and was a mentor for Graceland’s annual flock of student teachers. In retirement, she served as an adjunct professor at Graceland, making her a more official den mother for emerging educators. In addition to their contributions on the job, the Freemans provided room and board for many students over their years on “the Hill.”

Tom understands the connection between school and sport better than most. During his tenure at Graceland, he spent a decade as golf coach and ran the clock for football, basketball and track for 30 years. “Institution” only just gives Freeman his due credit.

This year’s medals were presented before kickoff at the homecoming football game. A special plaque with the student’s name will be placed in their coach’s office to commemorate the students’ achievements, and as a reminder of the important role a coach plays in a student’s collegiate life.

Graceland thanks Tom and Terry for providing a lasting legacy to the importance of sportsmanship and scholarship.

2019 Freeman Award Recipients

Football: Dyllon Mack	Cheer: Cheyanne Chesley	Women’s Basketball: Emma Burns	Women’s Golf: Julia Austin
Women’s Soccer: Maria Mafi da Silveira	Women’s Track & Field: Kristol Vanterpool	Women’s Volleyball: Abigail Karlis	Softball: Daryn Nowlin
Baseball: Anthony Moore	Dance Team: Tabitha Watson	Men’s Basketball: Brady McMains	Men’s Golf: Carter Wiley
Men’s Soccer: Dylan Fox	Men’s Track & Field: Donavan Switalski	Men’s Volleyball: Kaelan Padilla	Wrestling: Shea Swafford

View photos from the presentation of awards on Graceland’s Flickr.