Despite not being able to gather collectively for the annual Honors Banquet due to COVID-19, several students at Dakota Wesleyan University are still being honored with university awards for the 2019-20 academic year.
Distinguished Scholars
The Distinguished Scholar pins, formerly Alumni Medals, are presented to outstanding graduating seniors in various academic departments at DWU. Selection is made by the departments and is based upon academic performance and achievement.
The following is a list of distinguished scholars and their respective academic departments:
Accounting – Taner DenHoed, Madison
Biology – Rebecca Frick, Yankton
Business Administration – Cooper Williams, Albuquerque, N.M.
Chemistry – Lucas Merill, Sioux Falls, S.D.
Criminal Justice – Rex Schlicht, Woonsocket
Digital Media and Design – Chloe Solberg, Sioux Falls
Education – Zachariah Gors, Tea (Elementary) and Zachary Harter, Mitchell (Secondary)
Entrepreneurial Leadership – Brandon Slama, Shakopee, Minn.
Friends of the Middle Border – Reed Harter, Colome
History – Ryan Chase, Huron
Music – Daniele Geis, Sioux Falls
Nursing – Breanna Couch, Woonsocket (Mitchell campus) and Erika Henrich, Sioux Falls (Sioux Falls campus)
Nonprofit Administration – Jacinda Biberdorf, Watertown
Psychology – Kelsey Buchmann, Tripp
Sport, Exercise and Wellness – Alyssa Weidler, Sioux Falls
University Awards
Bishop Armstrong Peace and Justice Award
Ralph Helmuth, Alexandria
Vicki Clarke Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Leadership and Service
The Vicki Clarke Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Leadership and Service scholarship was established in 2006 in honor of Mitchell community leader and longtime DWU supporter, the late Vicki Clarke. Clarke’s legacy will live on in the Mitchell community through her family and all of the organizations and people she impacted. Clarke believed strongly in leaving the world better than she found it. To that end, she was never content to be only a member or a participant in an organization. Throughout her life, she felt a higher calling to creative and dynamic leadership and service to her community. This scholarship is awarded annually to a sophomore, junior or senior in good academic standing who has demonstrated the conviction and ability to model Clarke’s example of leadership and service.
Emma Meyers, Olivia, Minn., and Elena Svingen, Pierre
Jerry M. Trimble Leadership Award
The Jerry M. Trimble Endowed Leadership Award was established by students, faculty, friends and family of Dr. Jerry M. Trimble, academic dean from 1978 to 1979. At the height of his career as an academic leader, he tragically drowned. The award is presented annually to a student leader who exhibits Dr. Trimble’s qualities of academic integrity, ability to grow and change, and capacity to positively influence students and colleagues.
Wyatt Voelker, Newcastle, Wyo.,
Departmental Awards
Harriet N. Houk Scholarship
Harriet N. Houk Scholarships are awarded to biology majors with at least sophomore standing. Recipients must maintain a 3.0 grade point average each semester and must reapply for the scholarship each year.
The following is a list of recipients:
Devin Bedke, Kearney, Neb.,
Connor Bich, Duluth, Minn.,
Wyatt Voelker, Newcastle, Wyo.,
Lacey Wipf, Freeman
George and Eleanor McGovern Student Leadership and Public Service Award
While students at DWU, Drs. George and Eleanor McGovern began their life’s journey of giving to others through leadership and public service. The award is presented to a public service and leadership major or minor who has proven his/her commitment as an activist for the common good through extraordinary acts of leadership and service.
Ryan Chase, Huron
Virginia A. Harms Endowed Scholarship in Elementary Education
The Virginia A. Harms Endowed Scholarship in Elementary Education was established in 2005 by Duane Harms in honor of his mother, Virginia (Meyer) Harms, of Armour. Harms has devoted her life to teaching inside and outside the classroom, serving schools in Charles Mix County and the fourth-grade classroom at Armour Public School until her retirement. Scholarship recipients are selected annually by the education faculty based on scholarship, service, ability and a passion for helping all students learn.
Chaydon Metzger, Larchwood, Iowa
Natalie Neal, Jackson, Minn.,
Evelyn Evans Annual Scholarship
The Evelyn Evans Annual Special Education Scholarship is given in memory of Evelyn Evans by her husband, Steve Evans, of Mitchell, to a student intending to teach in special education. Evans received her Master of Special Education from DWU in 1994. She retired from Mitchell Public Schools, finishing a successful teaching career in special education. In 2005, she was awarded the Longfellow Elementary Teacher of the Year.
Natalie Neal, Jackson, Minn.,
Pearl Olson Scholarship
The Pearl Olson Scholarship is funded through a gift from the estate of Pearl Olson, a 1958 education graduate of DWU. She taught more than 38 years in Aurora and Davison counties. This award is given to education majors with a 3.5 GPA, of good character and committed to teaching in South Dakota.
Sydnee Bridgeman, Mitchell
Haley Lund, Parker
Taylor Smidt, Lennox
Adkins Mathematics Award
This award was established by Dave and Mary Jane Oakland in memory of Mary Jane’s mother, Lorraine Adkins Kaisersatt, and her aunt, Della Adkins, to encourage mathematics students. Recipients must have a grade point average of 3.4 or higher in mathematics and must have completed at least one year at DWU.
Mckenna Rogers, Saint Michael, Minn.,
Janet Glenny Farney Memorial Award
This award is presented to a mathematics major or minor who has overcome extraordinary difficulties in order to maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average within the department.
Abby Urbigkit, Mitchell
Edith Heritage Garrison Memorial Prize in Writing
The Edith Heritage Garrison cash award is presented to a student in any field of study whose intellectual curiosity and interest in communicating with others leads to outstanding formal and informal essay writing. Dr. Edwin Garrison and friends of Mrs. Garrison established the award to encourage written composition.
Morgan Taft, Norris
The Sinfonia Service Award
This award is presented annually to the member of the Dakota Wesleyan Choir who best represents the DWU characteristics of “sacrifice and service” to the music department, the choir and the university. The recipient receives a plaque and certificate. The name of the recipient is also engraved on a permanent plaque, which is displayed in the music department.
Devin Bedke, Kearney, Neb.,
Mary E. Anderson Freshman Nursing Merit Award
This award is made possible by gifts from Mary E. Anderson who, at the time of her death, was a librarian at the Methodist School of Nursing in Mitchell. A cash prize is presented to a freshman nursing student whose scholarship and promise for excellence in nursing are deemed worthy of recognition.
Kaylee Hart, Mitchell
Ivan and Doris Bartels Endowed Scholarship in Nursing
The lives of Ivan and Doris Bartels were a tapestry of learning, leadership, faith and service. The Bartels attended DWU and Wessington Springs Junior College, and both taught in one-room, rural schools in Jerauld and Sanborn counties. The Bartels demonstrated service to others through leadership roles in public service, their church and community, and through love and commitment to family and friends. The Bartels’ legacy of caring, compassion and service lives on through their generous gift, which provides an endowed scholarship for DWU nursing students.
Christopher Wahlen, Mitchell
Irene Grace Wendt Endowed Scholarships
Irene Grace Wendt graduated from the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Mitchell in 1938 and worked as a nurse in the Minneapolis area for more than 44 years. This scholarship fund was established by her brother, Laurence Wendt ’34, in memory of his sister and her love for nursing. Two scholarships are presented annually, one to the top freshman nursing student and the second to a nontraditional student selected by the nursing faculty.
Laura Hare, Wentworth
Julia Kelley, Omaha, Neb.,
The United Methodist Healthcare Association of Greater Mitchell Scholarships
The United Methodist Healthcare Association of Greater Mitchell Inc. made a gift of $1 million to DWU in June 1996. The gift was made as a result of the merger of Methodist Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital. From the gift, DWU set aside $150,000 specifically for endowed scholarships in healthcare fields. The Methodist Hospital Endowed Scholarship is awarded to two students in the field of nursing. The Mitchell First United Methodist Church/Methodist Hospital Endowed Scholarship is awarded to as many as three students in the field of sports medicine. The St. Joseph Hospital Endowed Scholarship is awarded to two students in preprofessional healthcare programs.
Methodist Hospital Endowed Scholarship
The Methodist Hospital Endowed Scholarship is presented to two individuals this year.
Isis Insua, Huron
Brendan Langbehn, Worthing
Mitchell First United Methodist Church/Methodist Hospital Endowed Scholarship
Abby Stratton, Rutland
Jackson Diede, Menno
St. Joseph Hospital Endowed Scholarship
The St. Joseph Hospital Endowed Scholarship is awarded to two students.
Emily McDonald, Crooks
Jennifer Schmidt, Tyndall
Robert E. McWhirter Service Medal
The Robert E. McWhirter Service Medal is given in honor of the 28 years of dedicated service Dr. Robert McWhirter provided to DWU athletics and to the students and faculty of the DWU Athletic Training education program. The medal is given annually by the athletic training faculty to an athletic training student who excels academically and has demonstrated service above and beyond the minimal expectations of the academic program and university.
Samantha Schuh, Menomonee Falls, Wis.,
Homer Carhart Prizes in Science
Dr. Homer W. Carhart ’34 established these prizes to encourage students to choose careers in science. Upon recommendation of the science faculty, equal prizes are awarded each year to two students, one male and one female, who are completing their junior years majoring in science and who expect to spend their careers in science. The awards are based solely on academic excellence and promise.
Sierra Mesman, Springfield
Connor Morgan, Mitchell
Dave and Ann Mitchell Faculty/Staff Award for Exemplary Service
This award is presented to a faculty or staff member who has demonstrated exemplary commitment to service and community engagement during the academic year.
Eric and Denise Van Meter, Mitchell
Marv Miller Christian Leadership Award
This award was made possible by generous memorial gifts given in memory of Dr. Marv Miller, beloved DWU professor of religion and philosophy from 1971 until his untimely death in 2010. DWU and the department of religious studies and philosophy shall award a student who meets criteria of excellence and distinguished academic achievements in this field of study.
Zachariah Gors, Tea
Kelley Center Student Leadership Awards
The Kelley Center Student Leadership Awards are designed to recognize emerging student leaders. Recipients of these awards demonstrate their individual commitment to the mission of the Kelley Center, as well as their ability to promote its mission through a leadership role within the DWU Chapter of C.E.O. (Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization). Kelley Center student leaders are challenged to discover their full potential and become the best leaders through creating economic opportunity for others. Students apply their classroom experiences to develop educational outreach programs that teach individuals in their communities the principles of market economics, personal success skills, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, environmental sustainability and business ethics. This award is presented to student leaders who have displayed exceptional scholarship and strong leadership.
Justena Amiotte, Interior
Jamie McGowan, White River
Joshua Nix, Ethan
Scholar-athletes
Scholar-athlete honors are awarded to sophomore, junior and senior student-athletes with a 3.5 cumulative GPA.
Seniors
Brittany Bergquist, Wolsey
Andrew Browning, Gun Bay, Cayman Islands
Emily Brunsing, Wagner
Hannah Capko, Corvallis, Mont.,
Sarah Carr, Huron
Lukas Chase, Fort Pierre
Ryan Chase, Huron
Kynedi Cheeseman, Alexandria
Emmanuel Christopher, Sioux Falls
Mallory Cooper, Orchard, Neb.,
Rebecca Frick, Yankton
Zachariah Gors, Tea
Reed Harter, Colome
Ty Hoglund, Dell Rapids
Mitch Johnson, Mitchell
Makaela Karst, Plankinton
Alexis Konda, Sioux Falls
Caden Milmine, Buffalo, Wyo.,
Jared Rabenberg, Britton
Jill Ricke, Sioux Falls
Mckenna Rogers, Saint Michael, Minn.,
Rex Schlicht, Woonsocket
Mikael Smith, Brandon
Tristan Teichmeier, Sioux Falls
Tyler Wagner, Webster
Juniors
Logan Amundson, Watertown
Cole Barthel, Tea
Macey Bohl, Garretson
Kindra Clark, Garretson
Andrew DeMers, Winner
Brooke Ehlers, Canton
Macy Erickson, Howard
Kellen Erpenbach, Norwood Young America, Minn.,
Joshua Garry, Sioux Falls
Lydia Gerber, Canton
Lia Guigui, Rapid City
Joseph Hanisch, Hartford
Callie Heath, Winner
Sara Herman, Reliance
Nate Hohn, Parkston
Samuel Kretschmar, Huron
Brendan Langbehn, Worthing
Courtney Mascarenas, Pueblo, Colo.,
Chaydon Metzger, Larchwood, Iowa
Devin Rihanek, Plankinton
Savannah Schmidt, Plankinton
Patrick Starr, Overland Park, Kan.,
Claire Stoller, Madison
Elena Svingen, Pierre
Marcus Urban, Plankinton
Wyatt Voelker, Newcastle, Wyo.,
Sophomores
Jayden Bormann, Parkston
Rebecca Buchholz, Highmore
Adam DeJong, Watertown
Madeline Else, Holstein, Iowa
Jordan Glanzer, Howard
Natalie Gottlob, Salem
Jenna Helget, New Ulm, Minn.,
Michaela Herman, Reliance
Austin Hughes, Box Elder
Grace Imbery, Aberdeen
Kassidy Johnson, Hartford
Heather Kayser, Alexandria
Kaylee Kirk, Balaton, Minn.,
Ronae Klein, Winner
Emily McDonald, Crooks
Allison McElveny, Chula Vista, Calif.,
Mackenzie Miller, Mitchell
Haylee Mork, Aberdeen
Koln Oppold, Sioux Falls
Sage Pulse, Kimball
Cameron Quigley, Newcastle, Wyo.,
Jeffrey Schuch, Dell Rapids
Teah Serr, Burke
Adriana Thomason, Las Vegas, Nev.,
Kaylie Zens, Mitchell
Ace Zorr, Harrisburg
Honor Societies
Sigma Tau Delta
Membership in Sigma Tau Delta, a national honor society founded at DWU in 1924, is awarded for high achievement in the study of English language and literature. To be eligible, a student must have at least 12 hours toward a major or minor in English, have a 3.0 grade point average in the field and be in the top 35 percent of his/her class.
Kindra Clark, Garretson
Ronae Klein, Winner
Courtney Mascarenas, Pueblo, Colo.,
Morgan Taft, Norris
Sigma Zeta
Sigma Zeta encourages and fosters the attainment of greater knowledge in the fields of science and mathematics. It recognizes outstanding scholastic achievement in a natural science or mathematics, and faculty who teach any of the natural sciences or mathematics.
Cole Barthel, Tea
Devin Bedke, Kearney, Neb.,
Brooke Ehlers, Canton
Kailey Feiner, Mitchell
Ralph Helmuth, Alexandria
Sara Herman, Reliance
Anthony Johansen-Sallee, Rapid City
Kayla Miller, Mitchell
Connor Morgan, Mitchell
Kristina Reindl, Algona, Iowa
Jennifer Schmidt, Tyndall
Noah Vettrus, Hartford
Scholarships and Other Awards
Dave and Ann Mitchell Student Award for Exemplary Service
This award is presented to a student who has shown exemplary commitment to service and community engagement during his or her time at DWU.
Rex Schlicht, Woonsocket
Hughes Grant-in-Aid for Summer Experiences Award
The Hughes Grant-in-Aid for Summer Experiences provides an award of up to $2,000 to a biology or mathematics major to pursue summer field and/or research experiences that are not available at DWU. Sophomore and junior students competing for the grant must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 with a 3.0 grade point average in math and science courses. Applicants are judged on their ability to conduct independent research in mathematics or science and on how their proposed summer experience will contribute to their career goals.
Sierra Mesman, Springfield
Marjorie Linton O’Byrne and Laura Linton Scholarships
Laura Linton and Marjorie Linton O’Byrne were two DWU elementary education program alumni who left an endowment to assist students and staff of the DWU Education Department in instructional pursuits. Their legacy as influential and compassionate educators lives on in the Linton-O’Byrne Resource Room, the Linton-O’Byrne endowed professor position and these education scholars, selected by unanimous consent from the education department faculty. These scholars are selected based on service to DWU and area education communities, as well as academic prowess and growth as future teachers. The scholars meet obligations to serve the department as models of the education profession.
Brittany Bergquist, Wolsey
Mason Decker, Canistota
Macy Erickson, Howard
Jessica Juhnke, Stickney
Courtney Roth, Alexandria
Savannah Schmidt, Plankinton
Taylor Smidt, Lennox
Claire Stoller, Madison
Ashley Zimmer, Mitchell
Education Learning Through Service Scholars
The elementary, secondary and special education majors in the Learning Through Service independent honors practicum within the education department have demonstrated superior ability in the university classroom and exceptional teaching skill during field experiences. The students are approved by education department faculty and placed in a classroom with a master teacher/mentor; they write their own course objectives designed to connect coursework with academic inquiry and apply theory to classroom practice while providing service to the community. Eligible students may apply to participate in this experience for up to three semesters.
Tyler Anderson, Monticello, Minn.,
Myles Burkink, Norfolk, Neb.,
Sarah Carr, Huron
Cassidy Eidsness, Hartford
Taten Gale, Irene
Tessa Hertel, Parker
Kassidy Johnson, Hartford
Savannah Schmidt, Plankinton
Caitlyn Weins, Mitchell
Raymond and Helen Trent Paulsen Memorial Nursing Award
This award is made possible by a fund established in memory of Raymond and Helen Trent Paulsen. An annual cash award for outstanding work in the clinical area is presented to a nursing student who is interested in pursuing a career in elder care.
Sage Pulse, Kimball
Nursing Faculty Awards
The Nursing Faculty Awards are given to students who demonstrate an enthusiasm for learning, quality nursing care and a positive attitude. These awards are made possible by contributions of the nursing faculty and the Faith Hubbard Memorial Fund. Hubbard served as the chair of the nursing program from 1973 to 1989.
B.S.-Sophomore (Mitchell): Kaylee Kirk, Balaton, Minn.,
B.S.-Junior (Mitchell): Ember Wagaman, Mitchell
LPN-B.S.-Senior (Sioux Falls): Hannah Sikkink, Aberdeen
LPN-B.S.-Junior (Sioux Falls): Amber Hatwan, Mitchell
Mildred Montag Nursing Scholar Award
This award is made possible by Dr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Messer and Mrs. Marion Messer Vosskuhler. Dr. Mildred Montag developed the first two-year associate degree program in 1952 after her research revealed that such a program was appropriate. As a result of her efforts, two-year associate degree programs have been established all over the United States. Each year the Mildred Montag scholar is selected by the DWU nursing faculty based on the student’s participation in extracurricular activities and demonstration of outstanding ability in the clinical setting.
Mallory Cooper, Orchard, Neb.,
Glenn & Mildred Soladay Endowment Scholarship in Applied Communication
Preference is given to deserving junior or senior students with a major or minor in communication with secondary preference to a student in the humanities and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.25. Recipients are expected not only to be capable in the classroom, but also to be good role models in the use of communication skills, with an emphasis on correct verbal English grammar. They may be required to complete an internship in applied communication, during which they put into practice good communication skills.
Bailey Attema, Tea
Thompson Nursing Leadership Award
The Thompson Nursing Leadership Award is presented to a graduating nursing student who demonstrates excellent leadership skills within student nursing organizations and community health activities related to healthcare. In addition, the award is based on the nursing student’s positive attitude in promoting professional development and collaboration within the nursing student body at DWU.
Johanna Jensen, Badger
GBHEM United Methodist Scholarship
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry United Methodist Scholarship is an investment made possible by the Student Day offering in United Methodist churches nationwide. Scholarships are designated for full-time students with financial need who have been active members of the United Methodist Church for at least one year and have maintained at least a 2.5 grade point average in the past year.
Julianna Certa-Werner, Superior, Wis.,
Taner DenHoed, Madison
Amber Feigert, Jamestown, N.D.,
Jasmine Ferguson, Philip
Jocelyn Krouse, Montrose
Erin Moncur, Miller
Hannah Wehlander, Iroquois
United Methodist Foundation Merit Scholars Program
This program was created to foster values-centered education in a Christian context in United Methodist-related educational institutions. Recipients must be full-time students, active members of the United Methodist Church for at least one year before application, have maintained at least a 3.0 grade point average in the past year, and citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
Julianna Certa-Werner, Superior, Wis.,
Luke Wodahl, Buffalo, Wyo.,
Hatterscheidt Foundation Scholarships
Trusts established by Ruth K. Hatterscheidt and F.W. Hatterscheidt provide one-year scholarships for South Dakota students entering their freshman year of college. Applicants must possess a high school grade point average of at least 3.0.
Darby Deffenbaugh, Kimball
Carter Max, Mitchell
Sadie Woods, Winner
- Dwain Randall Scholarships
Randall Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to incoming freshmen who exhibit outstanding academic achievement and leadership qualities. The award is renewable for up to four years.
Hope Bartmann, Montrose
Cade Cummings, Watertown
Kellen Erpenbach, Norwood Young America, Minn.,
Kailey Feiner, Mitchell
Johannah Jensen, Badger
Haley Lund, Parker
Megan McCorkell, Yankton
Luke Merrill, Canistota
Emma Meyers, Olivia, Minn.,
Caden Milmine, Buffalo, Wyo.,
Connor Morgan, Mitchell
Bailey Nester, Hartford
Taryn Pfeffer, Sioux Falls
Ashley Pruss, Sioux Falls
Morgan Sechser, Montrose
Devan Weelburg, Bryant
Honors in Scholarship
Students who earn recognition for Honors in Scholarship must be in current attendance with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above for all work at DWU and elsewhere. Juniors and seniors must have successfully completed at least two semesters; sophomores, one semester; and freshmen, 16 hours at DWU.
Seniors
Michelle Bechen, Mitchell
Brittany Bergquist, Wolsey
Breanne Brandenburg, Alpena
Andrew Browning, Gun Bay, Cayman Islands
Emily Brunsing, Wagner
Kelsey Buchmann, Tripp
Hannah Capko, Corvallis, Mont.,
Sarah Carr, Huron
Hanah Cerkoney, Deadwood
Lukas Chase, Fort Pierre
Ryan Chase, Huron
Kynedi Cheeseman, Alexandria
Emmanuel Christopher, Sioux Falls
Mallory Cooper, Orchard, Neb.,
Mason Decker, Canistota
Taner DenHoed, Madison
Kellen Erpenbach, Norwood Young America, Minn.,
Joshua Feiner, Mitchell
Rebecca Frick, Yankton
Daniele Geis, Parker
Sydney Goertel, Hartford
Zachariah Gors, Tea
Emily Hanson, Alexandria
Reed Harter, Colome
Zachary Harter, Colome,
Ralph Helmuth, Alexandria
Ty Hoglund, Dell Rapids
Johannah Jensen, Badger
Michelle Johnson, Huron
Mitch Johnson, Mitchell
Hailey Johnson, Hartford
Jessica Juhnke, Stickney
Makaela Karst, Plankinton
Alexis Konda, Sioux Falls
Andrea Konz, Mitchell
Kiana Kuchta, Sioux Falls
Haley Lund, Parker
Courtney Mascarenas, Pueblo, Colo.,
Jerika Mennenger, Onida
Lucas Merrill, Canistota
Caden Milmine, Buffalo, Wyo.,
Connor Morgan, Mitchell
Kennedy Muckey, Geddes
Daruis Norwood, White Lake
Jared Rabenberg, Britton
Morgan Renshaw, Mitchell
Jill Ricke, Sioux Falls
Mckenna Rogers, Saint Michael, Minn.,
Samantha Schaefer, Mitchell
Tiffany Schell, Caputa
Rex Schlicht, Woonsocket
Savannah Schmidt, Plankinton
Danielle Schoenefeld, Burke
Morgan Sechser, Montrose
Emily Sharkey, Colstrip, Mont.,
Taylor Smidt, Lennox
Mikael Smith, Brandon
Will Steineke, Hartford
Claire Stoller, Madison
Mikayla Street, Milbank
Tristan Teichmeier, Sioux Falls
Zachery Treiber, Brookings
Noah Vettrus, Hartford
Wyatt Voelker, Newcastle, Wyo.,
Tyler Wagner, Webster
Aaron Wenande, Alexandria
Cooper Williams, Vermillion
Lacey Wipf, Freeman
Luke Wodahl, Buffalo, Wyo.,
Juniors
Logan Amundson, Watertown
Davis Anderson, Pierre
Samuel Arend, Emery
Cole Barthel, Tea
Devin Bedke, Kearney, Neb.,
Jacinda Biberdorf, Watertown
Macey Bohl, Garretson
Jayden Bormann, Parkston
Julianna Certa-Werner, Superior, Wis.,
Kindra Clark, Garretson
Andrew DeMers, Winner
Brooke Ehlers, Canton
Macy Erickson, Howard
Sydnee Foster, Mitchell
Jonathon Freeman, Mitchell
Joshua Garry, Sioux Falls
Lydia Gerber, Canton
Natalie Gottlob, Salem
Lia Guigui, Rapid City
Joseph Hanisch, Hartford
Dylan Hansen, Mitchell
Abigail Hanson, Alexandria
Callie Heath, Winner
Sara Herman, Reliance
Hannah Hohn, Ethan
Nate Hohn, Ethan
Jess Huber, Elk Point
Anthony Johansen-Sallee, Rapid City
Caleb Johnson, Ridgecrest, Calif.,
Kaylee Kirk, Balaton, Minn.,
Ronae Klein, Winner
Bridgett Knobbe, Norfolk, Neb.,
Samuel Kretschmer, Huron
Brendan Langbehn, Worthing
Hannah Marquardt, Alexandria
Sierra Mesman, Springfield
Chaydon Metzger, Larchwood, Iowa
Emma Meyers, Olivia, Minn.,
Morgan Osthus, Watertown
Sage Pulse, Kimball
Cameron Quigley, Newcastle, Wyo.,
Devin Rihanek, Plankinton
Courtney Roth, Alexandria
Grace Rule, Sioux Falls
Jennifer Schmidt, Tyndall
Jeffrey Schuch, Dell Rapids
Teah Serr, Burke
Chloe Solberg, Sioux Falls
Patrick Starr, Overland Park, Kan.,
Elena Svingen, Pierre
Dawson Tschakert, Watertown
Marcus Urban, Plankinton
Dylan Vosberg, Wahpeton, N.D.,
Christopher Wahlen, Mitchell
Rachael Wahlen, Mitchell
Rebecca Wahlen, Mitchell
Kaylie Zens, Mitchell
Sophomores
Justena Amiotte, Interior
Rebecca Buchholz, Highmore
Hailey Crawford, Aberdeen
Adam DeJong, Watertown
Jadie DeLange, Monument, Colo.,
Jordan Dierks, Mitchell
Jasmine Ferguson, Philip
Jordan Glanzer, Howard
Mariah Gloe, Watertown
Cassidy Gosmire, Canova
Jenna Helget, New Ulm, Minn.,
Michaela Herman, Reliance
Arial Hoffman, Dell Rapids
Austin Hughes, Box Elder
Grace Imbery, Aberdeen
Kaylie Isaman, Pelican Rapids, Minn.,
Kassidy Johnson, Hartford
Heather Kayser, Alexandria
Haley Linke, Mitchell
Kieren Luellman, Yankton
Carter Max, Mitchell
Megan McCorkell, Yankton
Emily McDonald, Crooks
Allison McElveny, Chula Vista, Calif.,
Mackenzie Miller, Mitchell
Haylee Mork, Aberdeen
Koln Oppold, Sioux Falls
Emma Paul, Dell Rapids
Ashley Pruss, Sioux Falls
Zackary Satterwhite, Teague, Texas
Maxwell Schoenfelder, Mitchell
Anna Schwader, Howard
Maddison Sparks, Amour
Adriana Thomason, Las Vegas, Nev.,
Bailey Thompson, Mitchell
Hayden Titze, Mitchell
Annika Vermeulen, Mitchell
Rodrigo Vilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Lexus Voelker, Newcastle, Wyo.,
Ace Zorr, Harrisburg
Freshmen
Wyatt Baldauf, Seneca, Ill.,
Lucas Bule, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ava Burns, Brookings
Cooper Caskey, Norfolk, Neb.,
Meghan Daffern, Tehachapi, Calif.,
Darby Deffenbaugh, Kimball
Sydnaya Dunn, Sioux Falls
Avery Dutt, Gettysburg
Cassidy Eidsness, Hartford
Ashtyn Evans, Gillette, Wyo.,
Amber Feigert, Jamestown, N.D.
Carter Fredericksen, White Lake
Camyron Gaulke, Lakewood, Wash.,
Taylor Henry, Lake Elsinore, Calif.,
Allison Jamison, Sioux Falls
Corbin Kramer, Philip
Jocelyn Krouse, Montrose
Grace Lewis, Custer
Leah Marshall, Huron
Elijah McGrain, Waukesha, Wis.,
Erin Moncur, Miller
Mateo Moragues, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Bailey Nester, Hartford
Conor Nichols, Dakota Dunes
Payton Phares, Rapid City
Shay Saarie, Freeman
Hope Schulte, Mitchell
Matthew Schwaerzler, Fife, Wash.,
Kelsey Valencia, Atwater, Calif.,
Lexi Valencia, Atwater, Calif.,
Kristen Velez, Mount Vernon
Makenzie Wagoner, Newcastle, Wyo.,
Gabrielle Warwick, Tea
Devan Weelborg, Bryant
Troy Wilhelm. Rapid City
Athletic Awards
Matthew D. Smith Scholar-Athlete Award
Dr. Matthew D. Smith was dean of DWU from 1936 to 1944 and president from 1952 to 1958. This award is presented in recognition of Dr. Smith’s support of excellence in academics and athletics. This award is presented to a scholar-athlete based on academic achievement, athletic participation and leadership on and off the athletic field.
Ty Hoglund, Dell Rapids
Emil S. Liston Award
The founder of the NAIB (the forerunner of the NAIA) and the first executive secretary of the NAIA, Emil S. Liston was the prime mover behind the men’s basketball tournament. The award is presented to a junior male and/or female basketball player who has shown athletic and scholastic achievement. The recipient must have an overall grade point average of at least 3.5.
Sarah Carr, Huron
A.O. Duer Award
The A.O. Duer Award is named in honor of the NAIA’s former executive secretary for his 26 years of service to the association. This award emphasizes the NAIA policy of scholarship in athletic programs. The award is presented to a junior male and/or female student-athlete in any sport, who has excelled academically and athletically. The recipient must have an overall grade point average of at least 3.75.
Rex Schlicht, Woonsocket
Cheever Award
The Cheever award commemorates Gene and JoAnne Cheever and is given to the top scholar football player in his senior year at DWU and is selected by the football coaching staff. This award is based on athletic ability, academic ability, leadership, character and involvement in campus life.
Zach Gors, Tea
KMIT Award
For 35 consecutive years, the Mitchell Radio Group, Sports Director Tim Smith, and KMIT Radio (the home of Tiger Sports), have presented the KMIT Student-Athlete Award. This award is given to a senior male or female athlete based 50% on athletic achievements and the remaining 50% on leadership, character and scholastic accomplishments.
Becky Frick, Yankton
Don & Barb Young Family Scholarship
The Don & Barb Young Family scholarship is awarded annually to a student-athlete who displays extraordinary leadership both on and off the playing field. The recipient must be in good academic standing and maintain athletic eligibility and participation.
Devin Rihanek, Plankinton
NAIA All-Americans
Rebecca Frick, Yankton
Ty Hoglund, Dell Rapids
Kynedi Cheeseman, Alexandria
Sarah Carr, Huron
Academic All-Americans
CoSIDA began the distinguished Academic All-America program in 1952, as players are voted on exclusively by members of CoSIDA. In order to be considered for this award, athletes must first be named to the All-Region Team where they need to hold a GPA of 3.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale. They must also be a starter or important reserve and participate in at least 50% of their team’s games.
Rebecca Frick, Yankton (Academic All-American of the Year)
Ty Hoglund, Dell Rapids