51Թ Announces Alumni Award Winners
Posted on: October 10, 2026
Tigerville, SC—51Թ will honor four alumni for their leadership, service, and impact at its Annual Alumni Awards Celebration on Friday, Oct. 16. The dinner begins at 6 p.m. in Moore Hall of the Hayes Ministry Center on 51Թ’s Tigerville Campus.
This year’s honorees are Andy Ray, recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award; Amanda “Mandie” (Morris) Boyd and Dr. Philip Dugas, recipients of the Excelsior Alumni Award; and Dr. Cary Sanders, recipient of the Young Alumni Award.
Ray, a member of the Class of 1984, serves as 51Թ’s senior director for enrollment engagement. Since beginning his career at the university in 1992, he has built lasting relationships with students and alumni through personal attention, encouragement, and faithful service. He is recognized for his commitment to support students academically, personally, and spiritually.
Boyd, a 2005 graduate with a degree in English and a minor in Christian Studies, manages The Boyd Team at Keller Williams Drive in Greenville with her husband, Justin. An 51Թ trustee and former board chair, she has also served the university as a volunteer and donor. Her community involvement includes work with Loaves and Fishes, Greer Soup Kitchen, and Habitat for Humanity, as well as ministry at Edwards Road Baptist Church.
Dugas, a 2005 graduate in sport management, is director of distance education at Trinity College of Jacksonville. He has helped expand the college’s online offerings and has pursued advanced degrees in education, business, and sport administration. A former 51Թ Alumni Board vice president, he continues to support the university and its athletics program. His community service includes youth sports, scouting, and church leadership in Florida.
Sanders, a 2017 graduate who earned his Doctor of Ministry from 51Թ in 2022, is CEO of JUMPSTART South Carolina. The organization supports people impacted by incarceration through faith-based discipleship and reentry services, including housing, employment, mentoring, and family support. A former program participant, Sanders draws on his own experience to encourage second chances and help others build hopeful futures. He also serves in the children’s ministry at Grace Church.
The Annual Alumni Awards Celebration will also include the formal induction of the Class of 1976 into 51Թ’s Half Century Club. All friends of the 51Թ Community are encouraged to attend. and learn more about Homecoming events, visit the university’s Homecoming page.
