Graduating sophomores were recognized with awards for their academic achievements during Hesston College’s annual Larkfest during Commencement Weekend. The Saturday evening, May 2, event was held at Hesston Mennonite Church.
Seventeen students were named to the Dean’s List. The Dean’s List recognizes graduating sophomores who achieved a cumulative 3.9 to 4.0 grade point average based upon the completion of a minimum of three semesters and 30 credit hours at Hesston College.
Heidi Baker, Mohnton, Pa.
Karen Dalke, Hutchinson, Kan.
Sheldon Goerzen, Newton, Kan.
Emily King, Danville, Ill.
Kaely Miller, Newton, Kan.
Jessica Neer, West Liberty, Ohio
Joseph Spory, Johnstown, Pa.
Jennifer Warkentine, Wichita, Kan.
Katrina Zerger, Moundridge, Kan.
Named as Student Ambassadors of the Year were sophomore Tyler Lucas, Alda, Neb., and freshman Angela Bishop, Souderton, Pa. Hesston’s 20 Student Ambassadors lead campus tours and host prospective students, visitors, alumni, and friends. This year ambassadors helped host 440 visits by prospective students.
Named as Resident Assistants of the Year in a vote by the 30 resident assistants were sophomores Tessa Walters (female), Salina, Kan., and Mitch Stutzman (male), Middlebury, Ind. Resident Assistants are responsible for 10 to 14 students in one mod (section) of a dormitory.
National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Academic All-American awards by sport (for achieving a 3.6 GPA) were given to three sophomore student-athletes-women’s soccer player Janell Maust, Goshen, Ind.; and volleyball players Annali Murray, Orrville, Ohio; and Rachel Steckly, Milford, Neb.
Sophomores who were awarded the NJCAA Distinguished Academic All-American Award (for achieving a 3.8 GPA) were-men’s soccer player Rick Eigsti, Goshen, Ind.; women’s soccer player Heidi Baker, Mohnton, Pa.; women’s basketball player Katelyn Nussbaum, Union, Mich.; and women’s tennis player Stephanie Wyse, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. They will receive a certificate this fall from the NJCAA.
Four graduating sophomores-Heidi Boese, Hesston, Kan.; Daniel Penner, Harper, Kan.; Diedre Funk, Hillsboro, Kan.; Heidi Baker, Mohnton, Pa.-received the Hesston College Business Department Award. To qualify for the business award, a student must maintain at least a 3.5 grade point average; take Financial Accounting, Management, and an economics course; and take at least nine additional hours of business department courses. The Business department selects the top student(s) among all who meet the qualifications. The winner(s) received a one-year subscription to Business Week magazine and their names were added to the Business Award plaque.
In addition, five business students received honorable mention recognition-Justin Kaufman, Moundridge, Kan.; Lindsay Lehman, Harrisonburg, Va.; Rachel Steckly, Milford, Neb.; Rick Eigsti, Goshen, Ind.; and Alicia Hochstetler, Albany, Ore.
The Marian Martin Drama Award, named after former Theatre faculty member Marian Martin (1987-91; 1994-2003), in tribute to her dedication and love of Hesston College theatre, was given to Carson Stutzman, Beaver Crossing, Neb., and Mitch Stutzman, Middlebury, Ind.
A special award from the Theatre and Spanish Departments, in recognition for her humanitarian efforts, was given to sophomore Hannah Titus, Roland, Iowa, for her project on immigration, legal and illegal, and its effects on the community at large, as well as the Hispanic community specifically. The project culminated in a one-act reader’s theatre, performed during Commencement Weekend, which utilized the play, Puente Negro , as well as personal testimonies and stories from the local community.
Shana Kennell, Roanoke, Ill., received the Social Science Excellence Award for her academic achievement, diligence, and insight.
Bernard Sejour, Kansas City, Kan., received a certificate of appreciation for the leadership he provided to organize and lead the United Club. The objectives of the United Club were to offer space to students (U.S. and international) to learn about other people’s cultures. Club objectives also included to initiate and facilitate conversations that can lead to tolerance and acceptance, and to build unity in diversity in love and respect for all. The club met regularly throughout the academic year under the leadership of Sejour and Emily Yoder, one of the college’s resident directors.
Recipients of the Clayton V. Beyler Bible Department Award exemplify dedication to high academics and to the church. The award was given to Kaely Miller, Newton, Kan.; and Travis Riesen, Hillsboro, Kan. The recipients received copies of The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament and The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament .
Winners of the Daniel Gerber Peace and Service Award were Abigail Roth, Wood River, Neb., and Sarah Ingbretson, Castle Rock, Colo., now serving with Youth With A Mission. Winners received a certificate and $200 to be used for service or peace activities in the next three years.
The second annual Music Department Student of the Year Award was given to Lauren Zehr, Wauseon, Ohio; and Dustin Heppner, Salem, Ore., who received a copy of the Harvard Dictionary of Music.
According to Matt Schloneger, chair of the Fine Arts Division, “I can’t remember a year when we had so many deserving candidates.” These sophomores best exemplify the following characteristics: “Excellence in music making, active and enthusiastic participation in varied Music Department activities, leadership among peers in the Music Department, scholarship in the classroom, and potential for musical success beyond Hesston College.”
The Outstanding Freshman Chemistry Student Award was given to Rachel Fahrenthold, Solomon, Kan. Randy Raditya, Jakarta, Indonesia, received the award last year. Fahrenthold received the Handbook of Chemistry and Physics by CRC Press.
Located in south central Kansas, Hesston College is the two-year liberal arts college of Mennonite Church USA. Hesston offers two-year degree programs and transfer programs for more than 50 academic majors and pre-professional fields. Learn more at www.hesston.edu.