University of Mary Honors Audra Savelkoul as 2026 Outstanding Senior

Faith-driven leader recognized for serving youth and families, shaping public policy, and embodying Catholic social teaching

BISMARCK, ND - Audra Savelkoul, a social work and Catholic studies double major from Lansford, ND, is the 2026 University of Mary Alumni Association Outstanding Senior Award winner. University of Mary President Monsignor James Shea presented Savekoul with the prestigious award Saturday, just hours prior to University of Mary's 65th commencement ceremony at the Bismarck Event Center.

Seeking to serve youth and families in crisis according to Catholic social teaching, she interned with the Police Youth Bureau and Juvenile Court and worked three summers in a clinic serving developmentally and educationally delayed young people. She volunteers with numerous initiatives serving people on the margins as well as pro-life causes - and her testimony before the North Dakota legislature was key to including a nursery within the new women's prison. Audra has been active in the Emerging Leaders Academy, Dawson Society, String Ensemble, and the Gregorian Scholar Honors program. After graduation, she plans to serve as a social worker and pursue graduate studies in the same field.

"Audra is the kind of student who quietly but consistently leads through integrity, initiative, and a deep sense of purpose," said Katie Krukenberg, associate professor and Social Work Program director at the University of Mary. "She has intentionally integrated her faith with her professional formation, including her studies at the University of Mary's Rome campus, where she deepened her understanding of the Church and her vocation."

Each year, the teaching faculty at the University of Mary nominates members of the graduating class for this prestigious award, based on their academic achievement, service to the university, and service to the community. The Alumni Association Selection Committee then selects the recipient from the nominees.

"Selecting the Outstanding Senior each year is both a joy and a challenge for the Alumni Association, because the caliber of nominees is so high," said Michael Mortenson, director of Alumni Relations. "We are incredibly proud of all those considered for this honor. Audra Savelkoul rose to the top because of the remarkable way she integrates faith, academic excellence, and servant leadership. Her work with vulnerable youth and families, her advocacy at the state level, and her commitment to living out Catholic social teaching reflect the very best of a University of Mary education."

This year's Outstanding Senior nominees included Lillian Beauregard, Choctaw, OK; Zechariah Bitz, Bismarck, ND; Kathleen Brousek, Bellevue, NE; John Colton, Bella Vista, AR; Leo Devick, Fargo, ND; Ellie Feeney, Moorhead, MN; Tayla Fischer, Bismarck, ND; Logan Grabins, Verona WI; McKaylee Kalstrom, Bowman, ND; Matthew Lynch, Tony, WI; Maryanne Mongin, Stevens Point, WI; Megan Schimmel, Colorado Springs, CO; Hannah Vaagen, Devils Lake, ND; Jonathan Viehman, Plymouth, MN; Ava Yurczyk, Seattle, WA