Evangel issuing alumni awards to GM, Morgan Stanley execs

Evangel University plans to issue alumni awards next month to an executive each from General Motors Co. and Morgan Stanley, as well as two pastors.

The Evangel University Alumni Board of Directors chose two Evangel graduates and two from Central Bible College, which merged into Evangel in 2013. Award winners are scheduled to be honored Oct. 3 at the University Plaza Convention Center, according to a news release.

The top award goes to 1985 Evangel graduate Robert Ferguson, who works as senior vice president of global public policy for GM. At the carmaker, Ferguson reports directly to CEO Mary Barra and is tasked with government relations and public policy activities.

A former KY3 weekend news anchor and press secretary for former Missouri Gov. John Ashcroft, Ferguson was chosen to receive Evangel’s Distinguished Alumnus award, according to the release.

Evangel’s Outstanding Young Alumnus award will go to Amanda Wachsmuth Heavens, who works as a vice president for Morgan Stanley in London, where she’s the European chief operations officer for operational risk.

A 2000 graduate, she has past experience working as an equity derivatives trader and in business operations for hedge funds, according to the release.

The CBC Distinguished Alumnus award goes to Rev. David Crabtree, the founder of African endurance bicycle challenge Hope Ride, which raises funds for missionary efforts in Zambia.

Crabtree graduated from CBC in 1981 and has worked the past 30 years as a pastor for Calvary Church in Greensboro, N.C., according to the release.

Rev. Nick Pool, a graphic designer, will receive the CBC Outstanding Young Alumnus award. A 2005 graduate, Poole has worked since 2011 as lead pastor at Calvary Church in Irwin, Pa.