Lander Professor, Student Honored for Community Service and Leadership

  • Karen Petit
  • 03 August 2026
Isabella Young and Franklin Rausch
Lander University professor Dr. Franklin Rausch, right, and Isabella Young, a Lander business major, were honored with awards recognizing their commitment to community service and leadership during an America 250 program. Contributed Photo

Lander University faculty member Dr. Franklin Rausch and senior Isabella Young have been recognized by the Issaqueena Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) for their outstanding commitment to serving their communities and preserving the ideals of citizenship, service and leadership.

The awards were presented during an America 250 commemorative event on Aug. 1 in Greenwood.

Rausch, a professor of history, received the DAR America 250! Commendation, which recognizes meritorious service supporting the 250th-anniversary commemoration of the American Revolutionary War. Rausch was honored for his dedication to educating students and the public about the nation's founding and Revolutionary War history.

He delivered a talk at the program on Francis Salvador, a Revolutionary War patriot who lived in the Coronaca area of Greenwood County. Aug. 1 marked the 250th anniversary of the death of Salvador, the first person of Jewish faith elected to a legislative position in America and the first person of his faith to die for America’s liberty.

“The award to Dr. Rausch honors his outstanding commitment to preserving and sharing the history of our nation,” said Karen Petit, Issaqueena regent. “His dedication to American history extends far beyond the university classroom. A knowledgeable colonial re-enactor, Dr. Rausch brings the Revolutionary era to life for audiences of all ages, helping students and community organizations gain a deeper appreciation for the people and events that shaped our nation.”

Young, a senior majoring in business, was presented the DAR Community Service Award, which honors individuals for voluntary community work. Young was recognized for her extraordinary leadership in organizing a free community “Thanks Giving Dinner” in November 2025 that served approximately 400 meals to Greenwood residents.

“What began as one student's desire to make a difference became a remarkable demonstration of servant leadership, proving that compassion and determination have the power to unite an entire community,” Petit said.