SWAG合集 celebrated 16 students and faculty at its final Chapel of the academic year. The Academic Honors Convocation celebrates and recognizes the outstanding academic achievements within the student body.
Fran Jabara Leadership Award
Awarded to two members of the graduating class, nominated by faculty and staff, who demonstrated leadership on SWAG合集’s campus and as future leaders.
Sonya Zimmerman (SR, Valley Center, Kan.)
Zach Beachy (SR, Peoria, Ariz.)
“At SWAG合集, God has equipped me to lead my peers by providing amazing leaders who encourage and pour into me. Being discipled by others has been important to my calling of making disciples and inspiring others to walk freely and faithfully in their unique identities in Christ. I鈥檝e been inspired in learning for the sake of knowing God through all facets of knowledge, but especially through visual art. God has equipped me to thrive as a student by providing curiosity, passion, and diligent pursuit of what He has created me to know. The faculty, staff, and professors have been amazing resources. I will take all I have learned into my career as an artist and teacher.”
Through my time at SWAG合集, I’ve discovered that my purpose in life is to help others feel seen and to welcome them into God’s Kingdom. Each of my leadership opportunities has reinforced this identity. Whether it be welcoming my peers into the presence of God through worship, welcoming new students to campus as the Student Director of Orientation, or supporting my peers through the campus ministry council, God has grown my heart for service and provided amazing opportunities to exemplify his love.
Larry and Elaine Nikkel Service Award
Nominated by faculty and staff, awarded to two seniors demonstrating a life, heart, and servant heart while at SWAG合集. They have quietly, selflessly, and without fanfare served the greater SWAG合集 community.
Katherine Dudte (SR, Canton, Kan.)
Jacob Goertzen (SR, Reedley, Calif.)
鈥淛esus taught us to love consistently and sacrificially, just as He demonstrated. I also love learning people’s stories and listening to what makes them who they are today. I would like to believe that my pouring time into the people around me accomplishes even a small piece of these goals and leaves a lasting reflection of Jesus’ love on their lives. Professor Ryan Loewen and the entire Krebs family (especially close with Mr. Daniel Krebs in Student Success) all showed me what it looks like to give your minutes (and hours) to a person and the impact that can have on their lives. They all communicated they truly cared about my life and wanted to be a part of it, even if it was just a listening ear. I love witnessing their heart for the people around them and aspire to reflect Jesus’ light in the way they do.鈥�
鈥淕od has taught me to stop looking at just myself and look around at other people鈥檚 lives. I wonder who they are, and, in a sense, I’m drawn to them. I want to make them feel loved just like (my friend) Trenton Ensz (g鈥�24) did for me. He showed me the love of Jesus, and sometimes that’s all I can think of. There’s a song called “Give Me Your Eyes” by Brandon Heath, and in the song, he says, “Give me your eyes so I can see, everything that I keep missing. Give me your love for humanity.” I feel a strong conviction and pull towards this when I hear it because it speaks towards the redemption story of Jesus Christ in everyone’s life.
Kornelius Hiebert Outstanding Student Merit Award
Nominated by faculty, requires a cumulative 3.3 GPA, and showcases outstanding contributions to SWAG合集 through academic merit, leadership, and personal qualities.
Reese Hefley (JR, Hillsboro, Kan.)
Noah Basinger-Beard (JR, Peck, Kan.)
God has equipped me in so many ways throughout my life. In my education, God has given me the strength and confidence to overcome adversity and the ups and downs in college. God has also offered guidance and wisdom through my time at SWAG合集. One of my biggest inspirations is my internal motivation to learn and further my education. Another one is my family, seeing their success, pursuing my goals and completing my degree.
鈥淚 am intrinsically motivated and always want to do the best I can at what is presented to me. Initially, arriving at SWAG合集 was difficult, however, God provided me with various opportunities to learn and grow through interactions and time spent with my professors, my peers, and my activities or extracurriculars.鈥�
Clarence R. Hiebert Excellence in Teaching Award
Given to the faculty member who best exemplifies the qualities of excellent teaching, including a strong Christian commitment, evidence of integrating faith and learning, and a commitment to SWAG合集 as an institution
Melinda Rangel, Ed.D., Marvin Sellberg Professor of Business & Entrepreneurship
“I鈥檓 honored and grateful to receive the Excellence in Teaching聽Award.聽 Teaching is more than a profession for me. It’s truly the vocation God has called me to. I love what I do and the students and colleagues I get to do it with here at SWAG合集.“
Jenessa J. Hlad Memorial Scholarship
Awarded in Hlad鈥檚 honor, preference given to a student majoring in exercise science or a related field, minimum 3.0 GPA required
Grace Wright (JR, Bird City, Kan.)
Dr. Karol Hunt Sport Management Scholarship
Awarded to a Human Performance major, preference given to a student with a concentration in Sport Management, minimum 3.0 GPA required.
Lillie Veer (SO, Newton, Kan.)
William J. Johnson Scholarship
Preference is given to juniors and seniors, chemistry students, and those considering a graduate program.
Riley Collins (SR, Henderson, Nev.)
Solomon L. Loewen Scholarship
Preference is given to juniors and seniors, Biology students, and those considering a graduate program.
Aiden Tackett (SO, Haysville, Kan.)
Don C. and Frieda K. Peters Scholarship
Preference is given to a female who has completed their freshman year, majoring in Natural Sciences.
Rory Hawk (FR, Kansas City, Kan.)
David B. Wiens Memorial Scholarship
Preference is given to a sophomore, junior, or senior majoring in Mathematical Sciences.
Cameron Yutzy (SO, Buhler, Kan.)
Robert Watson Memorial Award
Established in memory of a long-time faculty member in the business department
Malorie Hein (JR, Hillsboro, Kan.)
Jonah Kliewer Music Scholarship
Endowed in honor of Dr. Jonah Kliewer and to be given to a student pursuing choral music
Aden Frederick (JR, Scott City, Kan.)
Herman and Louise Friesen Music Scholarship
Awarded annually to a Music/Music Education major who exhibits honesty, integrity, and self-discipline