Honored Students

April 26, 2022

Lowry scholars

This award is based on the student’s scholarly involvement and leadership in their program of study. It is named for V.A. Lowry, who was president of DSU from 1933-1962. He devoted much of his life to creating an environment of academic excellence at this university.

The V.A. Lowry Scholars named for 2022 are:

• College of Arts and Sciences, Jennifer Giles
• The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences, Shane Donahue
• The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences, Annabelle Klosterman
• College of Business and Information Systems, Caleb Nielsen
• The College of Education, Kayla Gerken (pictured)

College student leaders

This award honors students in good academic standing who demonstrate outstanding leadership within their college.

The 2021-2022 College Student Leaders include:

• College of Arts and Sciences, Vincent Campbell
• College of Arts and Sciences, Conner Tordsen
• The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences, Shane Donahue
• The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences, Nathan Ord
• College of Business and Information Systems, Mary Simmons
• College of Business and Information Systems, Madelin Smith
• The College of Education, Payton Harrell
• The College of Education, Bridget Thill

Outstanding DSU artists

This College of Arts and Sciences award recognizes students in good academic standing whose achievements in the DSU performing or studio arts are superior.  Those honored for 2021-2022 are Tate Mohlenkamp and Vincent Campbell (pictured).

Campus student leaders

This honor is awarded to students who have been very active on campus and exemplify the highest degree of skill in management, communications, personal relationships, vital involvement, and university accomplishments. The 2021-2022 Campus Student Leaders include Carsen Bergersen, Vincent Campbell, Nicholas Handberg, Nathan Ord, Jazlynn Pederson, and Madelin Smith. 

Regental awards

These awards are presented by the South Dakota Board of Regents to student organizations to recognize meritorious efforts and achievements in Academic Excellence, Community Service, and Organizational Leadership. During 2021-2022, these were presented to:

• Academic Excellence - PBL Club
• Community Service - Photography Club
• Organizational Leadership - The Alliance Club

Student employees of the year

This award process is held in conjunction with the Midwest Association of Student Employment Administrators. Nominations are sought from on-campus and off-campus employers of DSU students. A five-member committee selects one student in each category.

This year’s winners include Alison Kienholz (left), the off-campus student employee of the year who works at Valiant Living, and Madelin Smith, the on-campus student employee of the year, who works in the Counseling Center.

The on-campus winner is forwarded for competition at the state, regional and national levels, and this year, Madelin has also been named the State Student Employee of the Year.

Center of Excellence

Graduates must maintain a minimum 3.2 grade point average and complete the Center of Excellence Minor, which includes a major field capstone experience. Fifteen students were honored for the 2021-2022 academic year, including:

• Madison Aldendifer, Erica Anderson, Keinen Bousquet, Jacia Christiansen, Dillon Eagon, Michael Fahnlander, Tyler Franzen, Spencer Harris, McKenzie Hermanson , Annalisa Ingui, Mariel Klosterman, Alexander Maxey, Cody Mayer, Cody Muilenburg, Solomon Shahan

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. This year’s honorees include:  

• Blaine Hamann (pictured), Mark Poncelet, Alexis Robson, Solomon Shahan, Marcus VandenBosch

General Beadle Honors

The program originated at DSU in 2013 to challenge outstanding students and stress broad intellectual development. The program 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.

The 11 honorees for 2021-2022 include:

• Steven Bergmann, Keinen Bousquet, Dillon Eagon, Robert Goscicki, Aqil Lakha, Sophia Lewis, Gillian Morris, Xander Morrison, Nicholas Smith, Jack Weekly, Kyle Wormstadt

Kappa Sigma Iota

This is an honorary society, unique to Dakota State University, established by former President E. C. Higbie to “promote, secure, and maintain a high level of professional fellowship.” To be a member of this prestigious organization, a student must have a 3.5-grade point average and must be elected by the current members of the society.

Thirteen students were honored as members for the 2021-2022 academic year, including Jon Bonar, Keinen Bousquet, Grace Dellman, Tyler Franzen, BreeAnn Hoek, Sara Hopkins, Josie Johnson, Kayla Kappler, Tresa Monteith, Christina Mulu, Regan Olson, Solomon Shahan, Marcus VandenBosch.

Tribeta

Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) is a National Biological Honor Society whose purpose is to give students the opportunity to be involved in science outside of the classroom. Through TriBeta, students have access to research funding and a venue to present/publish their work. Membership in TriBeta is a valued, nationally recognized credential.

Inductees for 2021-2022 include Carsten Bergersen, Austin Donat, Tacey Fischbach, Jennifer Giles, Payton Harrell, Ashlyn Macdonald, Kahlil Tilbury, Conner Tordsen.