Former world church president Pastor Neal C. Wilson and retired Griggs University president Dr. Joseph Gurubatham were given special awards for their contributions to church education. The presentation was made Oct. 11 before delegates attending the church’s Annual Council—a yearly business meeting of leaders from each of the church’s 13 administrative regions.

Dr. Gurubatham received a “Medallion of Distinction,” the highest award conferred by the world church’s Education Department, for service, while Wilson was presented with the Global Award in Adventist Education, which relates to philanthropic service.

“Joseph has opened the way for many institutions in developing countries, that do not have country accreditation for their own institutions, to receive international recognition by affiliation with Griggs University and its accreditation in the United States,” said Dr. C. Garland Dulan, education director for the world church.

“[Pastor] Wilson’s award related to the fact that not only as a [world church] president, but in other capacities in which he has served the church over many years, he has been a campaigner for raising funds for education. These awards are an appreciation for the work they have done.”