IW celebrates final Annual Awards Day

MT. PLEASANT — The sun shone brightly Thursday morning as Iowa Wesleyan hosted the final Awards Day ceremony recognizing outstanding students, faculty, and staff at the University Chapel.

Dressed in their academic regalia, faculty and staff of the university “recognized students for exemplary achievement in their majors, their leadership on campus, and their involvement in the community throughout the year.”

During the ceremony, the university bestowed 30 student awards and four faculty/staff awards.

"Awards day is an honored tradition at Iowa Wesleyan University where we can showcase fantastic academic and co-curricular awards for many Iowa Wesleyan students while also announcing top awards for our staff and faculty," stated Megan Hills, Interim Chief Academic Officer. "It is one of the amazing ways we celebrate the end of the year."

Graduating senior Ella Francis, from New London, received the President’s Award, which is known as the most prestigious student award.

According to a news release from the University, “The President's Award, presented to a graduating senior, epitomizes a person who consistently demonstrates responsible and selfless use of talent and leadership throughout their undergraduate experience. Nominees must be high achievers who have modeled exemplary academic effort and engagement.”

During her time at Iowa Wesleyan, Francis has shown these attributes through her participation in many on-campus organizations and committees such as cheer, the campus ministry CRU, the Student Nursing Association, and IW Choir.

As Francis wraps up her time at IW as the 2022-23 Student Body President, she fulfills her desire to be involved during her time at Iowa Wesleyan.

In addition to the honor of receiving the President’s Award, presented by University President Christine Plunkett, Francis also earned the title of Nursing Student of the Year.

According to Francis’ “This is Your Story,” the nursing profession is near and dear to her heart.

“Growing up my sister had a disease known as pandas and it really took a toll on our family for about 11 years,” Francis said.

After spending so much time at the hospital with her sister, Francis decided she wanted to care for others that were struggling with the hospitalization of a family member.

“I wanted to be that person with that could care for not only [the patient] but for the family,” she said. “I decided that being a nurse is the best way to do that.”

Faith Younce from Bonney Lake, Washington, says that she feels honored and proud of herself for earning the Tiger Spirit Award thanks to her positive attitude, sportsmanship, spirit, and pride.

“I choose to show my tiger spirit through getting involved in various organizations on campus and in the community,” she said. “For example, I am an executive member of the campus activities board and while we don’t always get the most student participation at events I always try and make sure that everyone that does come is having a good time!”

One such way she has done this over the last year includes hosting the Iowa Wesleyan Variety Show.

During the show, Younce showed off her bubbly personality and engaged the audience every time she took the stage.

“Another way is trying to get my peers to come to sporting events to support our athletics whether it be a track meet or a basketball game,” she added. “I love Iowa Wesleyan and I think that shows through my service to the school.”

“It feels good to be recognized with this award,” Younce said.

The Student Leader of the Year award went to Karoline Stratton from Dubuque.

“This award recognizes a student who has excelled and exemplified outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to impact growth, culture, and change at IW positively,” a news release from the University stated.

In addition to student awards, the university recognized Mt. Pleasant REC Center for their support of students with their internship program that has provided students with support and guidance.

Staff and faculty awards included The Advisor of the Year Award given to Professor of Psychology and Faculty Chair Dr. Cyndi Walljasper for her dedication to IW students, and The Carol J. Nemitz Staff of the Year award presented to Development Director Jim Pedrick.

Others recognized at the award ceremony include:

SCIENCE DIVISION

Biology Student of the Year: Leaneris Fuentes

Biology Student of the Year: Joshua L. Keller

Criminal Justice Major of the Year: Jake Huggins

Psychology Major of the Year: Abbigail N. Dameron

Human Services Student of the Year: Morgan Smith

HUMANIITIES

Music Student of the Year: Kai Wheeler

Art/DMD Student of the Year: Delaney J. Adams

ONLINE

Outstanding Online Undergraduate Student of the Year: Nichole Marie Palmer

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

Tiger Spirit Award: Faith Younce

Organization Advisor of the Year: Brianna Hunter/Sarah Florence

Emerging Leader of the Year: Kaylie McFadden

Unsung Hero of the Year: Callyn Organ

Student Leader of the Year: Karoline Stratton

Student Organization of the Year: Black Student Union

Internship Partner of the Year: Ryan Duffie, Mount Pleasant REC Center

Spirit of Service: Elena C. Gonzalez

NURSING

Nursing Student of the Year: Ella C. Francis

Nursing Student Mentor of the Year: Hailee M. Welsh

Nursing Student Professional of the Year: Destinee N. Cornic

EDUCATION

Elementary Education Student of the Year: Chelsey Boettcher

Physical Education Student of the Year: Aspyn Harrison

Exercise Science and Wellness Student of the Year: Karoline Stratton

Secondary Education Student of the Year: Hunter Quint

Student Teacher of the Year: Allison Hasek

Master of Arts Curriculum and Instruction Student of the Year: Mary Hoffman

BUSINESS

Outstanding Business Senior: Brielle M. Baker

Outstanding Business Junior: Axel J. Tjaden

Outstanding Business Sophomore: Ashley M. York

Master of Arts Management Leadership Student of the Year: Destiny Stetson

ADJUNCT FACULTY EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

Outstanding Adjunct Teacher of the Year: Victoria Roe

Outstanding Online Adjunct Instructor of the Year: Randy E. Scott

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com