MACON, Ga. – Grant Michael Jensen is the 2008 recipient of the Griffin B. Bell Award for Community Service, the highest honor Mercer University bestows on a graduating student nominated from all of its 11 schools and colleges. The Houston, Texas, native was presented a crystal Steuben sculpture during the May 10th commencement of the Walter F. George School of Law, where he received a juris doctor degree.
Named in honor of Mercer alumnus and former United States Attorney General Griffin B. Bell, the award recognizes students who have exemplified the true meaning of community service during their studies, improving the lives of others through their dedication and commitment.
Jensen, while completing his studies at the Mercer Law School, has provided an outstanding example of what it means to serve others. His highly respected leadership and generous giving of personal time and energy have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to community service.
From 1999 to 2007, he served the nation as a member of the United States Marine Corps. During his years of active duty and the reserves, he was mobilized to Iraq, Australia and Okinawa/Western Pacific in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. For almost two years, he served as a Non-Commissioned Officer In-Charge of the Marine Corps Institute. He completed his military commitment in January 2007 with the rank of sergeant, serving as a squad leader and platoon sergeant.
His dedication to the men and women in the military continued beyond his active duty. While serving as an officer with the Mercer Law Military Veterans Association, he worked with the Veterans’ Hospital in Dublin, volunteering to help wounded veterans.
Active within the Macon community, he was president of the Second Amendment Society at the Law School. The organization holds a charity skeet shoot to raise funds for a non-profit group that helps disabled children participate in outdoor sports and shooting sports. He has also been a member of the Federalist Society and the Mercer Association of Prosecutors.
Jensen has been involved with Boy Scouts of America since a youth. Both an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow, he is an assistant scout master. As Troop Committee assistant chairman for Troop 4, he held weekly scout meetings and organized monthly camp-outs while maintaining his law studies. He recently completed the prestigious Wood Badge Advanced Adult Leadership Course.
Additionally, Jensen worked for the past two years as a law clerk in the Office of the District Attorney in the Macon Judicial Circuit. He has been accepted to the Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps.
About the Griffin B. Bell Award for Community Service:
Judge Griffin B. Bell served as the United States Attorney General in the administration of President Jimmy Carter. He is a renowned statesman not only in this country, but also around the world. Since graduating from the Mercer Law School 60 years ago, Judge Bell has given generously of his time and effort in many ways to Mercer University. One of his most valuable contributions to the institution has been as a Mercer Trustee. He has served five terms as a Trustee and, in 2007, was named a Life Trustee. In 1999, the Association of Governing Boards and Universities presented him with the Distinguished Service Award in Trusteeship. Judge Bell was one of two national honorees selected from the 50,000 members who volunteer their time to higher education. From the $10,000 the University was awarded in Judge Bell’s honor, the Board of Trustees of Mercer University voted to initiate the Griffin B. Bell Award for Community Service.
About the Mercer Law School: Founded in 1873, the Walter F. George School of Law is one of the oldest law schools in the country. The Woodruff Curriculum, Mercer Law School’s model curriculum, focuses on ethics and practical skills. The Law School ranks among the nation’s best in bar passage rates, job-placement records, student/teacher ratio, and success in student competitions. U.S. News & World Report ranked Mercer’s Legal Writing Program number one nationally in 2008 and as one of the top two in the nation for four consecutive years.
About Mercer University:
Founded in 1833, Mercer University is a dynamic and comprehensive center of undergraduate, graduate and professional education. The University has 7,300 students; 11 schools and colleges – liberal arts, law, pharmacy, medicine, business, engineering, education, theology, music, nursing and continuing and professional studies; major campuses in Macon, Atlanta and Savannah; four regional academic centers across the state; a university press; two teaching hospitals — Memorial University Medical Center and the Medical Center of Central Georgia; educational partnerships with Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in Warner Robins and Piedmont Healthcare in Atlanta; an engineering research center in Warner Robins; a performing arts center in Macon; and a NCAA Division I athletic program. For more information, visit www.mercer.edu.
