Annual awards ceremony recognizes outstanding impacts of students, employees, organizations

Annual awards ceremony recognizes outstanding impacts of students, employees, organizations

Northwest Missouri State University honored outstanding organizations, students, faculty and staff Monday during its 16th annual Northwest Awards and Recognition.

The Northwest Awards and Recognition is a collaborative celebration to recognize excellence exhibited by students, faculty and staff. The event celebrates awards presented by Student Employment, the Graduate Office, the Office of Student Involvement, B.D. Owens Library, the International Involvement Center, the Office of Human Resources, Student Senate and the Student Success Center.

As the ceremony's keynote speaker, Dr. Elise Hepworth, an alumna of the University who serves as dean of the College of Arts, Communication and Social Sciences, reflected on her own student involvement and the lessons she learned as a vocal music education major at Northwest. She cited Northwest's culture of caring, connecting and support that continues to shape its students, employees and alumni.

"When we talk about Northwest culture, we're not just talking about traditions or events," Hepworth said. "We're talking about something deeper, something that lives in the way we show up for one another. It's in the professor who sees potential in a student before they see it in themselves - not just when they're excelling but when they're struggling to figure things out. It's in the staff member who goes the extra mile - not because they have to but because they believe in the mission. And it's in the students who somehow manage classes, jobs, organizations, performances, rehearsals and still say things like, 'I'm just a little busy,' which is the most polite understatement ever to be spoken in higher education. A culture doesn't happen by accident. It is built day by day, interaction by interaction, and choice by conscious choice, and today, we celebrate those people who built it."

A complete listing of this year's award nominees appears below. Award recipients are marked with an asterisk; they are pictured with an excerpt of their nominators' comments.

Notably, Northwest's student employment awards highlight the ceremony each year as a preface to the University's celebration of National Student Employment Week. About 850 students are employed by Northwest and play key roles in its educational, research and operational excellence, Paula McLain, the University's coordinator of Student Employment.

"Student employees perform invaluable services with enthusiasm, dedication and initiative," McLain said. "Student employment is our bridge to those we serve, a bridge that personally brings us friendship, ideas, motivation, among many other valuable assets."

While naming this year's student employment award recipients, McLain also announced Northwest will be represented among the honors presented by the Midwest Association of Student Employment Administrators. Northwest Communication Manager Dr. Mark Hornickel, who was named the University's Student Employment Supervisor of the Year, is the runner-up for the Midwest Association's Student Employment Supervisor of the Year, and Northwest student Mayson Hartley, who was named the University's Student Employee of the Year in Community Service, is the runner-up for the Midwest Association's Student Employee of the Year in Critical Thinking.

Additionally, Monday's ceremony included a recognition of this year's recipients of the Center for Engagement and Community Connection's Community Impact Award. That honor was presented in January to Amanda Cullin, the chief of Northwest's University Police Department; Dr. Paul Hindemith, an assistant professor of music; Northwest student Amaira Peterson; and Roger Stone, a custodian at Northwest.

A complete listing of the nominees appears below. Award recipients are marked with an asterisk; they are pictured with an excerpt of their nominators' comments.

Library Research Awards

First place (tie)

Ashlee Limbach for her paper, titled "Criterion Shifts Aren't the Sole Explanation of False Memories in the DRM Paradigm," written for Dr. Jason McCain's research methods course. The paper was a replication of Gallo et al.'s (2001) study on associative false recognition. Participants for the study were Northwest students, who were randomly assigned to a condition - warning or no-warning about critical lures. False recognition was measured by frequency of "new" words identified as "old." A one-way ANOVA was used to analyze the difference in false recognition between conditions.

Allison McCord (not pictured) for her paper, titled "The American Blueprint: Tracing the Roots of Nazi Eugenics and Race Law," written for Dr. Devlin Scofield's research seminar course. The paper examined how American eugenics pioneered and legitimized Nazi Germany's racial policies. Findings revealed a transnational exchange where U.S. statutes and funding provided the ideological and financial blueprint for the Third Reich. The study concluded that Nazi racial hygiene and eugenical practices did not emerge in isolation but were a product of U.S. transnational influence.

Third place

Avery Baker for her paper, "Leigh Syndrome in the mitochondria and its impacts on cellular reparation," written for Dr. Gretchen Thornsberry's cell biology class. The paper described the impacts of Leigh syndrome, a degenerative pediatric disease, on the mitochondria and cellular function. Leigh syndrome attacks a cell's ability to generate energy, leading to loss of muscle control, speech and respiratory function.

Graduate Office Awards

Graduate Assistant of the Year

• Bhavesh Goswami, teaching assistant, School of Health Science and Wellness
• Carol Grace Riner, tutor, Writing Center tutor
• Geethika Kolukuluri, School of Computer Science and Information Systems
• Sam Leaver, School of Health Science and Wellness*
• Ella Ornelas, Office of Academic Success and Retention
• Amber Sandlin, case manager, Wellness Services

"Sam has made meaningful contributions to improving lab operations, equipment use and student learning experiences, directly enhancing both efficiency and instructional quality. He demonstrates leadership through mentoring students, supporting peers and helping implement new ideas, all while leading by example. Additionally, Sam fosters an inclusive and respectful environment, showing empathy, adaptability and appreciation for diverse perspectives. Overall, he stands out as an exceptional graduate assistant who positively influences both the department and its students."

Office of Human Resources

Student Impact Awards

Faculty

• Brian Swink, senior instructor, School of Mathematics and Statistics*

"Brian is always going above and beyond as a professor. He is always staying late for students to get help during office hours, while also setting up separate times and appointments to help students. One time his office hours were busy and had just finished, but I wanted a project checked, so he had me share it with him and he sent me comments so I could revise it before the due date. He truly cares about his students and wants to get to know them and help them succeed."

Staff

• Kelli Graham, office manager, School of Education*
• Patty Holley, programming director, KXCV/KRNW
• Henry Lickteig, coordinator of intramurals, club sports and recreation, Campus Recreation
• Breanne Poston, director of Horace Mann Laboratory School/Phyllis and Richard Leet Center for Children and Families

"Kelli is a thoughtful, dedicated professional who consistently places the needs of faculty, staff and students ahead of her own comfort and convenience. Her daily actions reflect a deep commitment to service and to the success of our School of Education community. Kelli greets students, faculty, staff and guests with a genuine smile and a positive tone, ensuring that everyone who enters our office feels valued and supported."

International Involvement Center

Outstanding International Student of the Year

• Bassma Jebbar
• Tosin Popoola
• Daniel Sherchan*
• Daniela Van Jaarsveldt

"Daniel has greatly contributed to internationalization at Northwest Missouri State University through his leadership and advocacy. As a member of Student Senate, he represents diverse student voices and works to ensure international students are included in campus decision-making. His involvement with Career Services and Psi Chi reflects his commitment to academic and professional growth while supporting students from different backgrounds. As president of the International Student Organization, Daniel actively promotes cross-cultural engagement and creates opportunities for international and domestic students to connect. He also serves as the Inclusion Assistant for Franken Hall, where he fosters an inclusive residential environment and encourages understanding among students from diverse cultures. … Daniel is a leader among his peers because he consistently leads by example and supports others in meaningful ways.

Student Employment

Student Employment Supervisor of the Year

• Mark Hendrix, university scheduling coordinator, Auxiliary Services
• Dr. Mark Hornickel, communication manager, Office of University Marketing and Communication*

"Mark always greets me with a positive attitude and seems genuinely excited to work with his student assistants every day. He keeps his office door open to answer any questions, and he has never made me feel less than capable of doing the task at hand. He treats his students equally and with respect. He listened to my ideas and shared his personal connections with me, which increased my social network. This meant a lot to me as I know Mark wants to see me succeed after leaving Northwest. His confidence in me instills confidence in myself. His positive way of mentoring will stick with me throughout my entire life."

Student Employment Team of the Year

• B.D. Owens Library
• Office of University Marketing and Communication, Multimedia Services Team
• Office of University Marketing and Communication, Social Media Team*

"This team has played a critical role in growing Northwest's social media presence through strategic planning, consistent execution and data-driven decision-making. Most notably, they have nearly doubled social media analytics compared to last year. Their ability to analyze trends and adjust content strategies has significantly strengthened Northwest's digital visibility and brand identity. … Most importantly, their leadership and teamwork stand out as they support each other, take initiative and aim for excellence."

Student Employee of the Year Awards

Student Employee of the Year:
Emily Colling, office assistant, Auxiliary Services

"Emily is one of the hardest-working students I have seen. She found a passion for the Bearcat Food Pantry and organized a food drive, collecting over 800 pounds of food and hygiene items. Emily took full responsibility for this new idea and initiative on campus, demonstrating leadership. She helped stock the food pantry, curating a safe inviting environment for students facing food insecurities to find support, demonstrating social impact and belonging. Emily also had to work through the logistics of the food drive, requiring critical thinking. In addition, she took it upon herself to improve the Food Pantry through several projects that enhanced the look of the pantry and increased campus awareness. Emily has demonstrated that she goes above and beyond in everything she does."

Northwest Award for Excellence in Community Service:
Mayson Hartley, lab assistant, School of Health Science and Wellness

"She consistently supports outreach initiatives, meets with prospective students and represents our program with professionalism, warmth and knowledge. Mayson also contributes to forward-thinking initiatives. She is currently helping lead a collaborative project with fellow student-athletes to raise awareness about the need for dietetic professionals in University sports. Her desire to make a difference and help future Bearcats reflects a strong commitment to advancing both the profession and campus community."

Northwest Award for Excellence in Critical Thinking:
Morgan Pierson, nursing assistant, Wellness Services

"She has taken on more responsibilities with supplies by helping the nurses to make sure the inventory is appropriately logged. Her suggestions on monitoring inventory have led to a better system and prevents the clinic from running out of supplies. Morgan also produced a solution to make sure the clinic had an adequate supply of prescription cards for patients. This showed initiative, creativity and determination to provide a service she felt was valuable for the students we serve. Morgan is constantly motivating and inspiring others through her actions and kindness."

Northwest Award for Excellence in Leadership:
Malia Noel, tutor, Writing Center (not pictured)

"She has conducted writing support sessions with students across a range of courses, has supplemented writing-intensive courses under her degree, and has helped students develop confidence, clarity and critical thinking skills in their academic writings. Each time a project arises, Malia is the first person to volunteer to bring it to its completion. Her attention to detail and reliability have strengthened the Writing Center's ability to function as a whole and to plan for future growth. Her passion for mentorship is evident through her interactions with all - students and colleagues alike."

Northwest Award for Social Impact and Belonging:
Oluwatosin Popoola, student manager, Auxiliary Services

"Tosin's most defining strength is his ability to create inclusive, welcoming environments for all students. Whether stationed at the Student Engagement Center desk, supporting operations in the CECC or assisting students while walking across campus, he intentionally supports individuals from all backgrounds. His approach reinforces the idea that the college environment belongs to everyone. His commitment to social impact is further demonstrated through his work as a JumpStart Mentor. In this role, he supports incoming students during their transition into campus life and taking mentees under his wing during their first year."

Northwest Award for Excellence in Technology & Innovation:
Maryanna Bolinger, office assistant, Career Services

"Maryanna is an incredibly positive, genuine person who works well with everyone. The initiative and critical thinking that she displayed during fall 2025 was particularly exemplary. I assigned Maryanna the labor-intensive task of developing a better process for emailing interview feedback to all students who participated in our mock interview days, which she gladly took on. … This was a huge time-saver that cut our processing time down and will have a lasting impact on our productivity moving forward. Maryanna is not one to sit back and wait for work to be assigned to her. When she sees a task that needs attention, she tackles it."

Other nominees:

• Venkata Chandresh Adapa, office assistant, Office of Admissions-Operating
• Jeselle Gonzalez, office assistant, Horace Mann Laboratory School
• Ally Joyce, office assistant, Office of Financial Assistance
• Amaira Peterson, office assistant, International Involvement Center

Office of Student Involvement

Commitment to Community Leadership

• Northwest Homecoming*

"Northwest Homecoming dedicates significant time to community service. During the last Homecoming, the executive board raised $400 for Eugene Field Elementary and hosted a donation drive where student organizations created sculptures from non-perishable food items. This effort resulted in 615 pounds and 500 cans donated to the Bearcat Food Pantry, as well as 974 pounds of cans to the Ministry Center. The executive board continues to engage students in philanthropy through interactive events, such as a spring cornhole tournament that brought together over 15 student organizations."

Outstanding Program of the Year

• Karen Hawkins Memorial Week*
• Sigma Kappa

"Karen Hawkins Memorial Week has had a meaningful impact on the Northwest campus, including members of Sigma Sigma Sigma, the Fraternity and Sorority Life community and University leadership. The week raises awareness and provides valuable knowledge, skills and support related to personal safety. Through events like the self-defense class hosted by the University Police Department, students gained skills to better protect themselves and others. Overall, the week brings awareness, education and comfort to the campus community."

Outstanding Student Organization of the Year

• Cyber Defense Club
• Association for Computing Machinery
• Behavioral Sciences Association*
• Northwest Soccer Club
• Phi Sigma Kappa
• Sigma Kappa
• Sigma Tau Gamma
• Student Senate

"This organization stands out for its strong commitment to community engagement and mental health advocacy. Through events like the I Will Listen art exhibition, members create spaces for self-expression, empathy and conversation about mental health. This organization dedicates significant time and effort to supporting others, providing resources and fostering open discussions that help students feel supported."

Outstanding Organizational Advisor of the Year

• Shelbi Pieper* (not pictured)
• Brooke Uhlenkamp

"Shelbi Pieper deserves the Advisor of the Year Award for her dedication to mentoring student leaders and supporting the growth of Northwest Dance Company. Through her guidance, encouragement and commitment to student success, she has strengthened the organization while empowering students to lead with confidence."

Student Organization President of the Year Award

• Jackson Atwell
• Katelyn Briggs and Lauren Lynch*
• Delaney Harmon
• Tosin Popoola
• Alexa Wastell

"Katelyn Briggs and Lauren 'Aura' Lynch deserve this award for their strong leadership and commitment to student engagement, service and professional development. As co-presidents, they advanced BSA's mission by promoting behavioral science knowledge, mental health awareness and community involvement while inspiring and positively impacting members and the campus community."

Outstanding Student of the Year Award

• Alyssa Cage
• Clevi Johnson
• Dakota Oswalt
• Riley Steele*

"Riley truly embodies Bearcat pride through his character, mentorship and commitment to the campus community, making him highly deserving of this recognition. Throughout his time at Northwest, he has demonstrated outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to others while being involved in Pi Kappa Alpha, Northwest Homecoming, Student Activities Council, Interfraternity Council executive team and Greek Week executive team."

Student Senate

Tower Service Awards

Team Award

• Student Success Center*

"The Student Success Center is a driven team of students who work to help their peers be the most successful they can be. The tutors and supplemental instructors in the SSC effectively collaborate with one another, as well as with students utilizing their services, to make sure that students at Northwest can get the academic support they need. They are the student employment team that most directly impacts our students and deserve to be recognized for the ways that they are committed to students at Northwest."

Faculty Award

• Dr. Brian Hesse, professor of political science, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Dr. Robert Voss, associate professor of history, School of Humanities and Social Sciences*

"He is a fantastic professor who truly exemplifies the 'every student, every day' criteria that we care for here at Northwest. Dr. Voss stepped into a brand-new organization advisor role because he knew that students would benefit from his support and presence."

Staff Award

• Mark Aubuchon
• Brandy Brady
• Mackenzie Campbell
• Keatley Cotter
• Dr. Kori Hoffmann
• Faith Thompson*

"Faith is the ultimate team player and an exceptionally hard worker. She is personable, respected by all of her advisees and colleagues and an irreplaceable asset to the University. After the retirement of the former director in August, Faith stepped into that role and has demonstrated a high capacity for successful leadership. She has been serving the student community by operating as both director and student involvement coordinator during the hiring process, effectively taking on double the advising workload. … Faith has consistently shown a willingness to support all areas of the Office of Student Involvement, serving a wide range of students through advising and programming with dedication and excellence."

Student Award

• Salem Atkinson
• Avery Baker*
• Alora Bucey
• Max Ferries
• Carter Gebhards
• Macee Griffith
• Madelynn Hartman

"Avery Baker exemplifies dedication, leadership and a genuine commitment to service that consistently elevates the Northwest community. She approaches every role she takes on with intention, reliability and a strong work ethic, always prioritizing the needs of students and the broader campus. Avery leads with humility and consistency, often taking on responsibilities that require significant time and energy without seeking recognition. … Her ability to independently manage large initiatives while simultaneously contributing meaningfully to multiple organizations speaks to her character, leadership and lasting impact on the Northwest community."

Student Organization Award

• Alpha Kappa Lambda
• Phi Sigma Kappa
• Sigma Tau Gamma
• St. Jude Bearcats*
• Turning Point USA

"St. Jude Bearcats is fully committed to raising money and awareness for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The Maryville community has had many families benefit from the care provided at St. Jude, and this organization is determined to assist in continuing their mission."

Student Success Center

First-Generation Student Achievement Award

• Brooklyn Kelley
• Graham Petersen*
• Bonnie Woods

"Graham exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding first-generation student - not just through his own growth and resilience but through his unwavering dedication to the success of those around him. As a TRIO SSS peer mentor, Graham goes above and beyond in every sense. He guides students through career exploration, graduate school planning and professional development. … Graham's own journey as a first-generation student, combined with his consistent advocacy for others, demonstrates a rare combination of resilience, leadership, and commitment."

Commitment to Student Success Awards

Staff

• Brandy Brady, director of library services and operations, B.D. Owens Library*
• Jennifer Partridge, student success specialist, Office of Academic Success and Retention

"This has been a year of significant change and construction at the library. Rather than letting that disrupt students, Brandy made it her mission - in her nominator's words - 'to adapt to change as it comes so that students continue to have access to resources.' She advocated for study rooms, quiet spaces, collaborative spaces and provided space for tutoring, the Writing Center and the International Involvement Center. What drives every decision she makes? Her nominator says it simply, 'every decision she has made in the process has been solely based on putting our students first.'"

Faculty

• Dr. Ratan Lal, assistant professor of computer science and information systems, School of Computer Science and Information Systems*

"Dr. Ratan Lal is committed to helping students be successful at Northwest through mentoring on undergraduate and graduate projects. Students who want to learn more about a class topic and/or explore new topics have found their way to Dr. Lal, and he has served as a mentor to several students. While he is a teacher to some of them, he has also mentored several students who have not been in his classes. He has made a point to work with both undergraduate and graduate students in his research, offering students opportunities they would not otherwise have."

Student

• Desiree Madere*

"Through her roles as a TRIO SSS peer mentor and content curriculum coordinator, she actively supports her peers academically, personally and financially, while creating a welcoming and engaging campus environment. She consistently goes above and beyond by planning interactive events, helping students navigate online curriculum and mentoring her peers to achieve their goals. Desiree's commitment extends beyond the academic year, as evidenced by her volunteer work with the TRIO SSS Summer Bridge Program and her involvement in first-generation celebrations, where she helps first-generation students feel supported and empowered."