Olivet Nazarene University has announced the establishment of the Mike and Karen Pence Award for Law, an annual honor recognizing an outstanding graduating student pursuing legal studies. The award, which includes a cash gift, was presented by President Gregg Chenoweth during a special campus chapel featuring Vice President Mike Pence.
The award is made possible by a generous endowment donated in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Pence by Rick Dykhouse, a longtime friend of Olivet and a past executive-in-residence who taught law courses at the university. The inaugural recipient of the award is Anna Shoup, an honors student and double major in environmental science and philosophy, with a minor in law.
President Chenoweth shared the inspiration behind the award, highlighting Pence’s clear Christian testimony and his years of service in law, government and public life.
“In recognition of Mr. Pence’s clear Christian testimony in law and government, we will begin an annual student award with a cash gift to a notable graduate headed to law school,” said Chenoweth.
Chenoweth recalled their meetings during Pence’s tenure as Governor of Indiana, noting the respect and attentiveness he showed toward Christian university leaders.
“There’s an old proverb that says you don’t always remember what a person said to you, but you remember how they made you feel. It’s been a decade ago, and I still remember how Mr. Pence made me feel—listened to, valued,” Chenoweth said.
As the first recipient of the Mike and Karen Pence Award for Law, Anna Shoup stood out for her strong academic record and deep sense of purpose. She expressed her desire to integrate faith and environmental law, seeing her future legal career as an extension of Christian stewardship.
“In Genesis, humanity is first charged to care for and have dominion over the good world God created, a command that often seems to be disregarded in environmental issues,” Shoup said. “I’m convicted that the world is in dire need of committed Christians who are working toward environmental restoration as an act of hope.”
Her academic advisor, Charlie Emmerich, praised her as one of the top 1% of students among the 700 law advisees he has worked with, highlighting her intellectual acumen, work ethic and winsome humor. Shoup has already received two full-ride law school offers—one from New England School of Law in Boston and another from Kansas University Law School—with additional offers pending.
Pence Expresses Gratitude
Taking the podium, Vice President Pence expressed his deep gratitude for the establishment of the Pence Endowment for Law.
“I’m deeply humbled by this honor,” Pence said. “To God I give all the glory, for whatever I have been able to accomplish in my life has been only through the grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Pence also reaffirmed his commitment to faith, conservative values and legal integrity, reminding students that strong moral foundations are essential for public service.
The Mike and Karen Pence Award for Law will serve as an ongoing encouragement for Olivet students pursuing careers in the legal field. By recognizing academic excellence, Christian faith and a commitment to justice, the award honors both the legacy of Mike Pence and the potential of future Christian leaders in law.
As Shoup and future recipients step into their legal careers, this award stands as a testament to the value placed on the integration of faith at career at Olivet Nazarene University.
To read the full story on Vice President Mike Pence addressing chapel, click here.
