Pictured are Holly Frye, left, director of student community service and service learning; Suzanne Shipley, president of Shepherd University; and Barbara Henry, community manager for the American Cancer Society. (submitted)

Suzanne Shipley, president of Shepherd University, was recently named the 2011 South Atlantic Division Relay for Life College President of the Year by the American Cancer Society. The annual award is given to a college or university president who visibly demonstrates support for Relay for Life and is involved with Relay for Life efforts at his or her school.

The South Atlantic Division of the American Cancer Society covers West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. The annual award is presented at the South Atlantic Division Summit in Greensboro, N.C., on Sept. 30.

Presidents are nominated by the staff of the American Cancer Society in their state each spring and are selected over the summer.

Since 2003, Shepherd’s Relay for Life has raised $429,631 and has brought students and community members together each spring to raise money for cancer research.

“Relay for Life gives our students an opportunity to sacrifice for others, and it brings our campus and the Shepherdstown community together in a unique celebration. Together we rally for one cause: to find a cure for cancer,” Shipley said in a press release. “Our Relay for Life wouldn’t be the remarkable event it is every year without the terrific oversight and dedication of Holly Frye, who works tirelessly with our students and community members to raise money for cancer research. This award recognizes all of her efforts and those who join her, and I am proud to accept it on their behalf.”

“Shepherd is unbelievably and consistently very dedicated to Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society,” said Barbara Henry, community manager for the American Cancer Society. “Holly Frye goes all out to help guide students through Relay. She is the reason behind the students who make it continually successful.”

Henry said Shipley is a hands-on president when it comes to Relay for Life.

“She truly does care, and that makes the difference,” Henry said.