September 30, 2026
East Texas Baptist University recognized the Christ-centered service of two students during a special chapel service on Wednesday, September 30. Seniors Diana Canenquez and Nick Giagnoni received the Dr. Bob and Gayle Riley Servant Leadership Award in honor of their exemplary commitment to servant leadership within the ETBU community and beyond.
The awards were presented by ETBU President Emeritus Bob Riley and his wife, Gayle. Each recipient received a replica of the renowned "Divine Servant" statue by Max Greiner, which portrays Christ washing His disciples' feet. A full-sized version of the statue, gifted to the university by Dr. and Mrs. Riley in 2009, is displayed at ETBU's Rogers Spiritual Life Center.
“We are grateful for Dr. and Mrs. Riley and the example of servant leadership they have given to generations of ETBU students,” ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn said. “Their gift of the ‘Divine Servant Statue’ stands as a daily reminder of our call to servanthood as Christ modeled. This award reflects the kind of leadership we hope to cultivate in our students, leadership that begins with a willingness to serve others. Diana and Nick have demonstrated that spirit through the many ways they have invested in the lives of others, and we are proud to recognize their example.”
The Bob and Gayle Riley Servant Leadership Award is an annual recognition bestowed upon two upperclassmen who exemplify the principles of servant leadership modeled by Jesus Christ. Award recipients are nominated by their peers, faculty, and staff for their commitment to living out their faith in service to others.
“As I tried to decide on a chapel topic back in Fall of 1996, and discussed ideas with the administrative team, it became clear that developing Christian servant leadership was an important addition to our campus culture,” Dr. Riley said. “Under Dr. Blackburn’s leadership, ETBU continues to raise up men and women as servant leaders who will make a difference as they serve God and serve others. It’s our pleasure to give these awards today to two outstanding students.”
Diana Canenquez is a senior elementary education major. Diana has modeled servant leadership throughout her time at ETBU including serving as a Thrive Mentor, Miss ETBU participant, Sisterhood Women’s Ministry Leader, Residence Life Resident Assistant, and Dean of Education Ambassador.
“God has placed opportunities in front of me that looking back now I see fully as blessings because I am growing in Him,” Canenquez said. “It is so beautiful to recognize that not only am I an heir for the Kingdom, but a servant who is called to serve those around me so they too can have a beautiful everlasting future with our King.”
Nick Giagnoni is a senior Christian ministry major. While on the Hill, Nick has served in numerous ways, including Concert Choir, Hilltop Singers, Baptist Student Ministry, Beach Reach, and Residence Life. In addition, Nick has welcomed students to campus as a Summer Camp Leader and mentored incoming freshmen through his time as a Tiger Camp Leader each fall.
“In all of these opportunities to serve, I’ve grown personally in character and faith,” Giagnoni said. “I’ve learned that true leadership is less about position and more about pointing others to Christ while letting Christ shape me along the way.”
For more information about the Bob and Gayle Riley Servant Leadership Award, visit www.ETBU.edu/riley.