Honored Students
April 25, 2024
Every year, we are able to celebrate the achievements of our students, those who have worked especially hard to excel and contribute to their own future as well as to the lives and progress of those around them. This year’s honored students include:
DSU Lowry Scholars
Five Dakota State University students have been named Lowry Scholars for 2023-2024. This award is based on the student’s scholarly involvement and leadership in their program of study. It is named for V.A. Lowry, president of DSU from 1933-1962. He devoted much of his life to creating an environment of academic excellence at this university. Lowry Scholars for 2023-2024 are:
College of Arts and Science, Denyce Bravo
The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences, Saddie Palmquist
The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences, Tristan Stapert
College of Business and Information Systems, Ephrata Yared Feyissa
College of Education, Amy Uher
College Student Leaders
This award honors students in good academic standing who also demonstrate outstanding leadership. Students are selected by each of the four academic colleges. The College Student Leaders for 2023-2024 include:
College of Arts and Sciences, Braxton Lacher
College of Arts and Sciences, Anna Vonkeman
The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences, Benjamin Bowman
The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences, Ethan Price
College of Business and Information Systems, Garret Leiseth
College of Business and Information Systems, Kalani Mangin
College of Education, Rebecca Hazlett
College of Education, Taylor Koisti
Outstanding DSU Artists
The College of Arts & Sciences recognizes students in good academic standing whose achievements in the DSU performing or studio arts are superior. For the 2023-2024 academic year, they have selected Lainy Culberson and Cora Red Leaf as Outstanding DSU Artists.
Culberson showcases her dedication and passion in every piece she creates. Her commitment to her craft is unmistakable, evident through the countless hours she devotes to honing her skills, exploring new techniques, and pushing the boundaries of her creativity. Within the animation specialization, Culberson serves as a role model, offering guidance and support to her peers who look up to her for mentorship. Her talent, passion, and unwavering commitment to delivering excellence make her truly deserving of this honor. She is a Digital Arts & Design major from Rapid City, S.D.
Cora Red Leaf was also selected as an Outstanding DSU Artist. Red Leaf's talent as an artist is truly remarkable, evident in the exceptional quality, creativity, and depth of her work. She possesses a level of skill and artistry that sets her apart, approaching each project with unwavering dedication and passion. Her portfolio is a testament to her outstanding talent and artistic vision, filled with pieces that captivate and inspire. Red Leaf is an Animation major from Rapid City, S.D.
Campus Student Leaders
Campus Student Leaders honor students who have been very active on campus. Through their involvement, students must exemplify the highest degree of skill in management, communications, personal relationships, vital involvement, and university accomplishments. They are also required to have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.8.
The 2023-2024 Campus Student Leaders are:
Chad Compton Houston Lunde
Ephrata Yared Feyissa Lavendar Slack
Trissa Gross Cooper Vincent
Student Employees of the Year
Each year, the Dakota State University Career and Professional Development office name Student Employees of the Year, both on- and off-campus. This year, these awards went to Anden Wieseler and Baylee Holmlund.
Wieseler was named the On-Campus Student Employee of the Year. He works for DSU Marketing, and embodies a rare blend of creativity, dependability, and quick comprehension of complex concepts. His dedication to problem-solving and determination to find solutions, regardless of difficulty, showcase his commitment to excellence. He is a Cyber Operations major from Brandon, S.D.
Holmlund was named the Off-Campus Student
Employee of the Year. Since May 2022, Holmlund has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the cohesion and effectiveness of her team at the Madison Regional Hospital. Her co-workers remarked that her work ethic is remarkable, and she exhibits genuine care for their patients. Her presence as the first point of contact for patients is invaluable, as she adeptly addresses inquiries and ensures they receive the care they deserve. She is a Health Information Management major from White, S.D.
These awards are held in conjunction with the Midwest Association of Student Employment Administrators.
Tyler Thomas is Student Senator of the Year
Tyler Thomas has been named the Student Senator of the Year at Dakota State University.
Tyler Thomas has been named the Dakota State University Senator of the Year for 2023-2024. This honor is given to a member of the Student Senate who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and participation in advancing the mission of the DSU Student Senate.
Thomas’s dedication to DSU and the Student Association Senate is truly commendable. As the current President of the Student Association Senate, he leads with drive, knowledge, and a commitment to setting a positive example for his peers. His fellow senators praise him for his tireless efforts to improve DSU, noting the significant amount of work he consistently puts in.
Thomas is a Computer Science graduate student from Forest Lake, Minn.
Center of Excellence graduates
Dakota State University Center of Excellence graduates for 2023-2024 were honored at an April 18 Honors Reception. Graduates must maintain a minimum 3.2 grade point average and complete the Center of Excellence Minor, which includes a major field capstone experience.
Eight students were honored for the 2023-2024 academic year:
Benjamin Batie Joseph Larson
Elizabeth Elder Grace Schofield
Lucy Fods Ann Scripture
Madalyn Groft Lily Wolff
Delta Mu Delta graduates
Dakota State University named five students to the business administration national honor society Delta Mu Delta.
Delta Mu Delta is a national honor society for students majoring in business administration. It was established to recognize and reward superior scholastic achievement of business majors. To be eligible for admission, a student must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25.
CeciliJane Carlson George Justice Forster Josiah Fawcet
Gavin York Curtis Flint
General Beadle Honors graduates
Dakota State University graduates of the General Beadle Honors Program were honored at an April 18 Honors Reception. This program originated at DSU in 2013 to challenge outstanding students and stress broad intellectual development. It is open to students from all colleges and majors. To graduate as a General Beadle Honors Scholar, students must complete 26 or more credit hours of honors coursework, which includes an honors capstone project, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Four students were honored for the 2023-2024 academic year:
Joseph Boyd Grace Schofield
Beau Miller Tristan Stapert
Kappa Sigma Iota
Kappa Sigma Iota is an honorary society at Dakota State University, established by President E. C. Higbie to “promote, secure, and maintain a high level of professional fellowship.” A student must have a 3.5 grade point average and be elected by current members of the society to be a member of this prestigious organization.
The 2023-2024 students honored at an April 18 Honors Reception include:
Amy Collins Cole Sylliaasen
Lainy Culberson Austin Taylor
Jada Dukat Jalen Taylor
Ryan Morganti Lily Wolff
Kincade Naus
TriBeta graduates
Five Dakota State University students in the Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) Honor Society were recognized at the Honors Reception on April 18. TriBeta is a National Biological Honor Society that enables students to be involved in science outside of the classroom. Through this organization, students can access research funding and a venue to present/publish their work. Membership in TriBeta is a valued, nationally recognized credential.
Students honored for the 2023-2024 academic year include:
Denyce Bravo Jalen Taylor
Roger Oliete Tejedor Lucas Wieczorek
Oleksandra Rachynska
Undergraduate Research Poster Awards
This new award for 2023-2024 honors the exceptional undergraduate researchers who showcased their work at the annual Research Symposium. Each recipient has demonstrated exemplary dedication, creativity, and scholarly rigor in their research endeavors. The awards were selected by a faculty committee, recognizing the outstanding contributions these students have made to their respective fields.
