Frank Mervin Earns Blazer Creed Award for Civility

Frank Mervin, First-Year Programs coordinator at Valdosta State University, earned The Blazer Creed Award for Civility. He is pictured with Dr. Vince Miller, vice president for Student Affairs; Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, university president; and Heidi Cox, director of the Office of Internal Audit.

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University recently recognized an elite group of students, faculty, and staff for their steadfast commitment to uphold The Blazer Creed in everything they do — and Frank Mervin, First-Year Programs coordinator, was one of them.

As The Blazer Creed states, VSU is a learning environment based on trust and mutual respect, in which open dialogue, vigorous debate, and the free exchange of ideas are welcome. The university is dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice the following:

Civility — A Blazer shows courtesy and compassion as well as respect for the dignity of every human being.

Integrity — Each Blazer is responsible for his or her own actions, and our community is stronger when we contemplate the context of our decisions and uphold the principles of trust and honesty.

Citizenship — Every Blazer has an interest in the wellbeing of the community and, therefore, a duty to stay informed, to make positive contributions, and to offer support to those who need help.

Mervin, who joined the VSU staff in February 2022, exemplifies what it means to be a Blazer, to treat others with good manners, to act with honesty and have strong moral principles, and to work hard and help others.  

VSU News: You were honored with The Blazer Creed Award for Civility. Why is it important to have this character trait, and what role does it play in modern society? 

Mervin: Civility is necessary as it demonstrates genuine care and respect people have for each other. The golden rule is to treat people how you would like to be treated. Practicing civility reflects genuine humility, humanity, and care for members of one's intimate and global community. 

In modern society, civility overcomes hostility that many people may feel and experience. Civility overshadows mistreatment and encourages everyone to be treated fairly and to uphold their core values.  

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The Blazer Creed Awards Program is part of VSU’s annual recognition of Ethics Awareness Week.

VSU is committed to the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct. This contributes to the university’s success in promoting a culture of excellence, one that fosters student success in and out of the classroom, cultivates an inclusive environment, impacts regional progress across South Georgia, and sustains the institution for generations to come.