Lander University graduate Cody Barr of Greenwood was presented with several awards - including the Thayer Award - during an impromptu ceremony on Thursday, May 28.
The Thayer Award is given on behalf of the family of Dr. Henry K. Thayer to the Lander student who graduates with the highest grade point average (GPA). Barr, a native of Pauline, maintained a 4.0 while majoring in computer information systems.
Barr was also recognized for receiving the Colonel James A. Lander Award for his service as the Bearcat Company Commander in the Highlander Battalion and Captain of the Lander Cyber Defense Team, which finished in the top eight against 33 other universities in the Southeast Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition in March. He also earned the Computer Information Systems Discipline Award.
Boyd Yarbrough, Vice President for Student Affairs at Lander, presented the awards to Barr on the front lawn of the Lander campus. The awards are usually presented during commencement exercises, but were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Barr, who completed an internship with the financial services organization Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA) as a Lander student, has accepted a full-time cyber security job with the firm.