July 2, 2026
Mayville State University takes great pride in recognizing the achievements of its students, whose dedication to excellence extends beyond the classroom and into every aspect of college life. On May 6, 2026, the university community, together with families of students, gathered for the Academic and Student Senate Awards program, an annual celebration to honor students who have distinguished themselves through leadership, scholarship, service, and involvement.
The event was a meaningful reminder of the talent, determination, and character that define Mayville State students. Each award recipient represents the very best of “The School of Personal Service,” demonstrating a commitment not only to personal success, but also to making a positive impact on others and in the Mayville State Family.
This year’s Dean’s List students were recognized. In order to be named to the Dean’s List, a student must have attained a grade point average of 3.50 or higher and have successfully completed a minimum of 12 graded credit hours of regular academic credit in a term.
Additional awards and recipients recognized were as follows:
Early Childhood Education Outstanding Student Award, presented to Michelle Charboneau from Fort Totten, N.D.
This award is given to an outstanding student completing a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education who demonstrates leadership skills and a dedicated commitment to the early childhood profession. The award acknowledges a student who maintains high professional and ethical standards in the field and has been active in a variety of community activities to promote the care and education of young children and their families.
NDACTE (North Dakota Association of Colleges for Teacher Education) Outstanding Student in Teacher Education Award, presented to Claire Woodstead (Special Education) from Cooperstown, N.D., Sheena Mattson (Elementary Education) from Carrington, N.D.; Brady De Laroque (Secondary Education), from Warren, Manitoba, and Traci Kittelson (Early Childhood) from Minto, N.D.
A student from each of the teacher education institutions in North Dakota, or a student NDACTE member, is selected for recognition as an Outstanding Student in Teacher Education. Outstanding students in teacher education may be selected based on the following criteria: 1. Potential as a successful teacher and professional person; 2. Interest in a teaching career; 3. Outstanding personal qualities and character; 4. Exceptional accomplishments while in college - evidence of activities in educational, campus, and community organizations; 5. High academic ranking.
Leila Ewen Outstanding Achievement in Elementary Education Award, presented to Noelle Erickson from Argusville, N.D.
The Leila Ewen Award is given to a person whom the Mayville State University teacher education faculty consider to be an outstanding elementary education student. Leila Ewen was a native of Mayville. She was a graduate of Mayville State who devoted her life to the young people of North Dakota. She taught in North Dakota elementary schools, was selected as president of the North Dakota Education Association, and served on the faculty of Minot State University.
Ronald Semmens TLC Award, presented to Anca Chivaran from Watford City, N.D.
Dr. Ronald Semmens was a professor at Mayville State for more than 30 years. He and his colleagues worked to develop and sustain one of the most outstanding elementary education programs in the country, as was frequently mentioned at the conclusion of national and state accreditation visits.
Dr. Nannette Bagstad Outstanding Achievement Award, presented to Thomas Enerson from Cavalier, N.D.
This award is presented to a distance student who has completed a degree in elementary education or early childhood education by attending night classes through Zoom or online delivery. The distance program was developed to allow individuals to earn a degree while working full-time, raising a family, or being place-bound in rural areas.
Dr. Nannette Bagstad Outstanding Student in Special Education, presented to Marla Nesdahl from Larimore, N.D.
The Outstanding Student in Special Education Award recognizes a bachelor’s degree student who excels academically, demonstrates leadership, and shows compassion for students with special needs. This individual is innovative in developing effective teaching strategies. Their dedication and impact on the field of special education make them a deserving recipient of this honor.
Dennis Kost Outstanding Achievement in Secondary Education Award, presented to Ryan Strande from Thompson, N.D.
Dennis Kost was a faculty member at Mayville State University for more than 30 years. Many of his education initiatives are still evident in our university programs. Dennis dedicated his life’s work to the field of education. Before coming to Mayville State University, he taught secondary science. This award for excellence was established to recognize an outstanding secondary education graduate.
Freshman Mathematics Award, presented to Jack Antonio from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The Freshman Mathematics Award is given to a freshman who has outstanding mathematical ability. The recipient is encouraged to pursue further studies in mathematics.
Outstanding Mathematics Award, presented to Emma Stewart from Ada, Minn.
The Outstanding Mathematics Award is presented to a student who is majoring in mathematics and who has demonstrated high achievement and promise in the field of mathematics.
Outstanding Online Mathematics Award, presented to Chase Stockert from Bismarck, N.D.
The Outstanding Online Mathematics Award is presented to a distance student who has completed a degree in mathematics or mathematics education in an online format. The recipient has demonstrated high achievement in mathematics throughout their online coursework.
Outstanding Student in Psychology, presented to Kambree Hauglie from Bismarck, N.D.
This award is given to the program major who exemplifies leadership, academic excellence, and dedication to assisting their fellow students.
The Living Psychology Award, presented to Whitney Ernst from Hillsboro, N.D.
This award recognizes students who demonstrate an ongoing impact and contribution of a person’s life to the field of psychology. The student demonstrates a strong sense of purpose to help others in their future career. Their work demonstrates an advanced understanding of human nature using principles of psychology, and the desire for future impactful work in the field.
Outstanding English Student Award, presented to Victoria Richter from Casselton, N.D.
This award is given to an outstanding English student completing a B.S. in English Education who demonstrates leadership skills and a dedicated commitment to the profession. The award acknowledges a student who maintains high professional and ethical standards in the field and has been active in a variety of community activities.
Outstanding Online English Student Award, presented to Cole Garrett from Portland, N.D.
This award is given to a distance English student who is working on a degree in English by attending courses through Zoom or online delivery. This program was developed to allow individuals to earn a degree while working full-time, raising a family, or being place bound in rural areas.
Outstanding Freshman English Award, presented to Jameson Haycraft from Barnesville, Minn.
The Freshman English Award is given to a freshman who has outstanding English abilities exhibited through analysis of reading and creation of writing. This recipient is encouraged to pursue further studies in English.
Outstanding Theatre Participant Award, presented to Brenneke Tobin, North Pole, Alaska; Jennifer Hilgemann, Hutchinson, Minn.; Megan Burgi, Lamoure, N.D.; Kaiden Johnson, Buxton, N.D.; and Penelope Spain, Alice, N.D.
The Outstanding Theatre Participant Award is given to those who have shown great ability, dedication, and initiative, as well as creativity, artistry, and/or craftsmanship in bringing a play to the public during the current school year.
Outstanding Social Science Student Award, presented to Ryan Strande from Thompson, N.D.
The Outstanding Social Science Student Award is presented to the most outstanding student in Social Science and Social Science Education. The award recognizes and encourages high academic performance in course assignments, class participation, discussion, and interaction with peers.
Outstanding Student Success Award, presented to Taylor Hill from Rochester, Minn.
The Outstanding Student Success Award is presented to tutors who have advanced scholarly knowledge and who exhibit professionalism and dedication that goes beyond the job description. These tutors have provided personal service in line with MSU standards and have visibly help to improve student success.
Outstanding Accounting Student Award, presented to Dustyn Nelson from Egeland, N.D.
The recipient of the Outstanding Accounting Student Award must display academic performance that is exceptional. The award also includes strong leadership qualities in and out of the classroom, including campus and community involvement. From all of these perspectives, the recipient must exhibit potential for career success.
Outstanding Distance Accounting Student Award, presented to Allissa Bratager from Clifford, N.D.
The recipient of the Outstanding Distance Accounting Student Award recognizes a place- and/or time-bound student for their academic performance, engagement in class, and excellence in scholarship through the use of online and/or videoconferencing technologies.
MSU Collegiate DECA Recognition
Collegiate DECA is a professional organization that provides leadership and career-oriented opportunities for tomorrow’s leaders. Open to all majors, Collegiate DECA provides a natural outlet for leadership, competition, networking, and community service. MSU Collegiate DECA members take part in leadership and competitive conferences on state and international levels. Currently Collegiate DECA includes over 5,000 members in about 200 colleges and universities worldwide. Competitions, students, and places are as follows:
Daniel Suda, Halstad, Minn., (Financial Accounting, 1st place); Ethan Schnerch, Winnipeg, Manitoba, (Human Resource Management, National Qualifier); Andrea Majchrzak, Albany, Minn., (Marketing Management, 3rd place); Kadyn Helde, Minot, N.D., (Travel and Tourism, National Qualifier); Jake Otto, Grace City, N.D., (Sales Management & Leadership, 2nd place); Bode Roberts, New York Mills, Minn., (Professional Sales, 3rd place); Davis Bengson, Cooperstown, N.D., (Restaurant and Food Service Management, 1st place); Sam Schlepuetz, Ypsilanti, N.D., (Restaurant and Food Service Management, 2nd place); Malachi Beaulieu, Grand Forks, N.D., (Restaurant and Food Service Management, National Qualifier); Autumn McGough, Horace, N.D., (Restaurant and Food Service Management, National Qualifier); Davis Bengson, Cooperstown, N.D., (Hospitality and Tourism Exam, 2nd place); Daniel Suda, Halstad, Minn., (Finance Exam, 1st place); Joseph Dukart, Killdeer, N.D., (Business Ethics, 3rd place); Jameson Haycraft, Barnesville, Minn., (Business Ethics, 3rd place); Sam Schlepuetz, Ypsilanti, N.D., (International Marketing, 1st place); Ethan Schnerch, Winnipeg, Manitoba, (International Marketing, 1st place); Andrea Majchrzak, Albany, Minn., (Sports Marketing, 3rd place); Autumn McGough, Horace, N.D., (Sports Marketing, 3rd place); Andrea Majchrzak, Albany, Minn., (Entrepreneurship - Starting Your Business, 1st place); Autumn McGough, Horace, N.D., (Entrepreneurship – Starting Your Business, 1st place); Isabel Helde, Minot, N.D., (Entrepreneurship – Starting Your Business); Brock Jungels, Fargo, N.D., (Business to Business Marketing, 1st place); Daniel Suda, Halstad, Minn., (Business to Business Marketing, 1st place).
Outstanding Business Student Award, presented to Andrea Majchrzak, Albany, Minn.
The recipient of the Outstanding Business Student Award must display academic performance that is exceptional. The award recipient also shows strong leadership qualities in and out of the classroom, including campus and community involvement. From all of these perspectives, the recipient must exhibit potential for career success.
Outstanding Distance Business Student Award, presented to Cara Hansen-Thompson, Starkweather, N.D.
The recipient of the Outstanding Distance Business Student Award recognizes a place- and/or time-bound student for their academic performance, engagement in class, and excellence in scholarship through the use of online and/or videoconferencing technologies.
NASA Space Grant Scholarship Awards, presented to Jesse Halverson, Mayville, N.D.; Alex Halmers, TOWN; Taylor Hill, Rochester, Minn.; Lexi Hoeft, Barnesville, Minn.; Michaela Kocher, Crosby, N.D.; Alexis Nesheim, Minot, N.D.; Lindsay Nyhagen, Cando, N.D.; and Hannah Stark, Alexandria, Minn.
The NASA Space Grant Scholarship award is the main objective of the North Dakota Space Grant Consortium to provide and support opportunities for students to pursue in STEM fields and prepare them for careers that support NASA’s goals and the high-tech workforce development needs of North Dakota. The NDSGC is confident that supporting academic endeavors will help in achieving these goals.
Sorensen Scholar-Athlete Award, presented to Desidy Schwanke, Leeds, N.D., and Anthony Johnson, Mandan, N.D.
The Sorensen Scholar-Athlete Award is presented to the mail and female graduating senior who has reached an outstanding level of achievement in both academics and athletics.
HPER Sport Management Major of the Year, presented to Nate Zavaleta from Morgan Hill, Calif.
This award is given to a graduating senior who demonstrates outstanding qualities and knowledge in professional administration and leadership positions relating to sports, health and fitness, and the sporting goods industry. This individual will be an excellent represent of the Mayville State program.
HPER Allied Health Major of the Year, presented to Lindsay Nyhagen from Cando, N.D..
This award is given to a graduating senior who demonstrates outstanding qualities, knowledge, and leadership in the Allied Health major. This individual will be an excellent representative of Mayville State’s program.
HPER Fitness and Wellness Major of the Year, presented to Taylor Barman from Ray, N.D.
This award is given to a graduating senior who demonstrates outstanding qualities, knowledge, and leadership in the Fitness and Wellness major. This individual will be an excellent representative of Mayville State’s program.
HPER Physical Education Major of the Year, presented to Bethany Holter from McCanna, N.D.
This award goes to a graduating senior who the division feels exemplifies the qualities and knowledge Mayville State hopes that graduates will demonstrate as teachers of physical education.
Student Senator Recognition, presented to Sophia Hanson (President), Grand Forks, N.D.; Micah Musser (Secretary), Mayville, N.D.; Haley Johnson (VP of Public Relations), Grand Forks, N.D.; Lexi Hoeft (Student Senator), Barnesville, Minn.; Landon Olson (Vice President), Reynolds, N.D.; Kathryn Agnew (Treasurer), Bagley, Minn.; Brooklyn Weiers (Senator), Erhard, Minn.; Micaela Kocher (Club Delegate), Crosby. N.D.
Student Senate officers for the 2025-26 year were elected in the spring of 2025, while other Senate members were nominated and selected in the fall of 2025. Student Senate meets weekly during the academic year, and Senate members represent student interests and concerns on a variety of institutional committees and groups. Senate members also participate in the North Dakota Student Association.
Jeff Sieg Award for Teaching Excellence, presented to Dustin Olson. Nominees: Yvonne Cannon, Rob Johnston, Kadam Arjel, Karissa Hanson, Lynn Dilivio, Janell Juelich, Kelli Odden, Mary Townsend.
Student Senate recognizes individual faculty members who have shown dedication and excellence in teaching at Mayville State. In 2020, Student Senate renamed the Teacher of the Year Award to the Jeff Sieg Award for Teaching Excellence to honor the memory of longtime Mayville State science professor Jeff Sieg, an incredibly gifted educator, mentor, and role model for what excellence in the classroom should be.
Student of the Year Award, presented to Faith Frisch, Grand Forks, N.D.; Kathryn Agnew, Bagley, Minn.; Jesse Halverson, Mayville, N.D.; and Erin Willyard, Carrington, N.D.. Nominees were Jack Simmers, Grand Forks, N.D.; Richard Shelton, Antioch, Tenn.; Traci Kittelson, Minto, N.D.; Sheena Mattson, Carrington, N.D.; Holly Hill, Mayville, N.D.; Jett Hutchinson, Regina, Saskatchewan; Allissa Bratager, Clifford, N.D.; Satchel Tickel, Hawley, Minn.; Andrea Majchrzak, Albany, Minn.; Taylor Hill, Rochester, Minn.; Macy Majer, Roseau, Minn.; Chase Stockert, Bismarck, N.D.; Micah Musser, Mayville, N.D.; Hannah Stark, Alexandria, Minn.; Victoria Richter, Casselton, N.D..; Mackenzie Fuxa, Walcott, N.D.; Noelle Erickson, Argusville, N.D.; Hannah Pilon, Fargo, N.D.; Tyson Snagg, Northlakes, Queensland, Australia; Samuel Schlepuetz, Ypsilanti, N.D.; and Isaiah Smith, Moreno Valley, Calif.
These students were nominated because of their involvement in campus activities and organizations.