Pineville student artist win Borders Scholarship, Meraki Award

NATCHITOCHES - Skye Marie Dager of Pineville is the winner of the 2024 Meraki Scholarship presented to a student in Northwestern State University's Department of Fine and Graphic Art. Artist James Borders established the scholarship to honor the memory of his wife, Lisa Chesser Borders, who lost her battel with cancer in 2018 at age 49.

"Dager's exceptional talent stood out amidst a large pool of nominees, leading the selection committee to narrow it down to three students," Borders said. "The committee was particularly impressed by Dager's high level of production across different mediums, including prints and paintings. Her ability to present such a large, high-quality body of work exemplified the essence of Meraki. Meraki is derived from Greek and means 'labor of love, creative task done with absolute devotion and undivided attention to detail. To infuse passion, soul and one's essence into the work.'"

Borders created the scholarship to award to students who embody those qualities. The scholarship presentation ceremony took place on April 24 in the Lisa Chesser Borders Permanent Student Art Collection, housed within Eugene P. Watson Memorial Library's Academic Success Center.

Dager is a senior majoring in Fine and Graphic Art. She was among seven nominees who submitted a large body of work that was reviewed by a panel of judges followed by an interview. Dager, whose favorite medium is printmaking, said she hopes to inspire others with her art and keep finding beauty in everything.

Borders, curator of the collection, acknowledged the selection committee "whose meticulous evaluation ensured a deserving recipient was chosen. Their dedication has been instrumental in maintaining the scholarship's integrity and success."

The committee included Joe and Janice Columbia, Judge Desiree Dyess, Rhett Fitzgerald, Sydney Frederick, Barry Galloway, Preston Gilchrist, Cliff Hayes, Anna Tapia MacDonald, Al Poston, Gabe Richmond, Romulus Roquemore, Michael Scott, Rebekah Borders, Shelby Borders and Matthias Schubnell.

Borders also thanked his family for their support, as well as Dr. Leslie Gruesbeck and the Department of Fine and Graphic Art for organizing the nominees and ensuring students understood the standards and qualities that the committee were looking for in a candidate.

In addition to a cash prize, Dager received a signed framed print depicting a sculpture titled "Faith," a 32-foot cross at Trinity Baptist Church that Borders created in memory of Lisa. Dager also received her personal Meraki award plaque and her name will be permanently displayed, joining all past winners, in the memorial collection plaque that was unveiled for the first time this year. Borders hopes the winners will continue Lisa's legacy by pursuing excellence in their academic and professional endeavors.

Borders extended special thanks to Romulus Roquemore, owner of Fisher's, who produced and donated all plaques and nameplate, for his time and attention to detail; Mike Scott for consistently supporting the scholarship with his artistic expertise and professionalism; staff from NSU's Office of Development Cristy Bernard, Janet Vienne, Tiffany Chasteen and Jill Bankston for their assistance in coordinating the scholarship award; Johnatan Wilson for his help with the installation of Lisa's collection and Watson Library personnel Bobby Jordan, Anna Tapia MacDonald, Deborah Huntington and Jackie Hawkins.

Nominees for this year's scholarship received a framed print from Borders' Oculus Series in appreciation for their hard work and dedication and to encourage them to apply in the coming years. He expressed his desire for future recipients to uphold the scholarship's high standards and use it as a catalyst for achieving greatness in their artistic pursuits.

"Looking ahead, the committee aims to enhance the Lisa Chesser Borders Permanent Student Art Collection through various initiatives including the addition of a large name plate, a donor plaque, display cabinet for three-dimensional work and improved lighting," Borders said. "As the recipients of the Meraki Scholarship continue to excel and inspire others, they carry forward the legacy of Lisa Chesser Borders, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art and creativity."

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