Dakota State students honored for achievements

May 20, 2020

Dakota State University is pleased to honor several students with award distinctions this academic year. This demonstrates a continuing commitment to celebrate the achievements of students who have worked hard to excel and contribute to their own future, as well as to the lives and progress of all those around them.

Lowry Scholar

The designation of Lowry Scholar honors students who exhibit outstanding scholarly involvement and leadership within their chosen program of study. The award is named for DSU’s long-time president, V.A. Lowry, who devoted much of his life to creating an environment of academic excellence at this university. This year’s award recipients are:

• College of Arts and Sciences: Macray Rodeman, digital arts and design major from Browerville, Minn.
• The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences: Alexis Vanderwilt, a computer science major from Mitchell, S.D.; and Zachary Quintana; a cyber operations major from Las Vegas, Nevada.
• College of Business and Information Systems: Grant Carlson, a computer information systems major from Watertown, S.D.
• College of Education: Grace Crook, an exercise science major from Gettysburg, S.D.

College Student Leader

The College Student Leader award honors students in good academic standing who also demonstrate outstanding leadership. Students are selected by each of the four academic colleges. This year’s award recipients are:

• College of Arts and Sciences: Laura Garcia, a digital arts and design major from Madison, S.D.; and Kristen Sieck, a digital arts and design major from Onida, S.D.
• The Beacom College of Cyber and Computing Sciences: Christopher Loutsch, a cyber operations major from Milbank, S.D.; and Kyle Korman, a cyber operations major from Grand Forks, N.D.
• College of Business and Information Systems: Tavyn Hallan, a professional accountancy major from Madison, S.D.; and Kayla Mentele, a marketing major from Salem, S.D.
• College of Education: Courtney O’Connell, an elementary/special education major from Madison, S.D.; and Bailey Moody, an elementary/special education major from Letcher, S.D.

Outstanding DSU Artists

The College of Arts and Sciences selected two students in good academic standing whose achievements in the DSU performing and/or studio arts are superior. This year’s award recipients are Riley Lentz and Madison Whitcomb. Lentz is a digital arts and design major from Lakefield, Minn.; Whitcomb is a digital arts and design major from Litchfield, Minn.

Student Senator of The Year

The Senator of the Year is selected annually by the membership of the Student Senate. This honor is given to a senator who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and participation in advancing the mission of the Dakota State University Student Senate. This year’s recipient is Nathan Harmer. He is a graduate student in cyber defense, from Sioux Falls, S.D.

Campus Student Leader

Each year DSU honors students who have been exceedingly active on campus and who exemplify the highest degree of skills in management, communications, personal relationships, vital involvement, and university accomplishments. Campus Student Leaders must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.8. This year’s recipients are:

• Bailey Belisario, a cyber operations major from Acworth, Georgia
• Brandon Schmit, a professional accountancy major from Jackson, Minn.
• Kayla Mentele, a marketing major from Salem, S.D.
• Mason Wieman, a digital arts and design major from Crooks, S.D.
• Phusuda Sheehan, a digital arts and design major from Hayti, S.D.
• Tavyn Hallan, a professional accountancy major from Madison, S.D.