Buckhannon, WV—Clay Todd, a religion and five-year master of business administration major from Oakland, MD, recently was named the 2020 Wesleyan Inspiration Award winner at the College’s annual Awards Ceremony. The award is presented when a Wesleyan student truly defines the word “inspiration.”
In making the award, Todd was described “as a person who has the ability and willingness to be selfless, creative, innovative, or just dares to be different and a person who has gone above and beyond for Wesleyan and the local community, always demonstrating the highest standard of character.”
Todd, who plans to pursue a career in ministry, has contributed countless hours of service and volunteerism through various channels, including his leadership roles within the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Christian Fellowship, and the Bobcat basketball team. He has also served as an active volunteer with the Literacy Volunteers of Upshur County, both Buckhannon-Upshur High School and Middle School, the Upshur Parish House, and the Opportunity House.
Todd is known for his true humanity behind his efforts. He connects with people, sees or hears of a need, and strives to meet it, not to collect service hours or gain recognition, but to be a light to others. He seems to always find a way to do more or give extra of himself.
Perhaps the most significant of all of Todd’s contributions, has been the mentorship of two young boys in the community. He was first introduced to the family a few years ago by his pastor, amid a challenging time for them. Todd began taking time of out of his schedule to play basketball with the boys, talk and eat lunch with them at school, and attend their basketball games. When the boys lost their father unexpectedly, Clay and his brother, Logan Todd stepped up to provide care as the family grieved and grappled with the loss. The boys’ mother stated, “Clay has truly shown us love and compassion, and what kindness is in the world today. I could not ask for a better role model for my sons. We have been beyond blessed to have him become a part of our lives.”
Todd has also faced adversity at Wesleyan. He suffered a severe injury and was forced to sit out an entire season, while members of his own family battled significant health challenges. Former Wesleyan head men’s basketball coach, Jack Meriwether, wrote in support of this award, “Clay was brave enough to be vulnerable over his own struggles, while still strong enough to always help anyone who needed it. The example he set—both on and off the court—made every member of the team better people and players.”
