a publication for alumni, family, and friends

Gloria Hanson
University Relations

Wyonne Kaemingk, assistant professor of nursing at Dakota Wesleyan University, received the Clarke Award for Teaching Excellence during the Commencement ceremony May 5 at the Corn Palace.

The award, which is presented annually, is considered the highest honor for a DWU faculty member. Selection criteria for the Clarke Award include excellence in teaching, excellence in serving the needs of students, and service to the institution and to the community. The academic affairs committee of the DWU Board of Trustees made the final selection.

Kaemingk was nominated for the award by first-year nursing students and by her colleagues. They said:

• "Wyonne is admired not only for her part in our education, but also for the way she interacts with us on a personal basis."
• "Wyonne encourages us to be independent and use good critical thinking skills."
• "Through the years her passionate approach to nursing has not changed. Her enthusiastic attitude, preparation for class and her remarkable knowledge have motivated her students to work to their highest ability."

More than a mentor Wyonne Kaemingk, assistant professor of nursing and this year's recipient of the Clarke Award for Teaching Excellence, is surrounded by nursing graduates after the May 5 Commencement ceremony at the Corn Palace. Graduates with Kaemingk include Jessica Engel, Kimball; Meggin Heim, Wessington Springs; RaShara Colwell, Mitchell; Ann Bossman, Bridgewater; Julie Hartmann, Armour; Jodi Dufek, Geddes; and Debra High, Plankinton.

Kaemingk gives volunteer presentations for the South Dakota Lions Eye Bank on organ and tissue donation. She also serves on the board of directors for the Mitchell Skating and Hockey Association and for the Center of Hope, a mission outreach organization in Sioux Falls. She is a member of the First Reformed Church in Mitchell where she is a youth group leader, women's group officer and Sunday school teacher.

She earned an associate's degree and bachelor's degree from DWU, a Bachelor of Science degree from South Dakota State University and a master's degree from Andrews University in Barrien Spring, Mich. Kaemingk and her husband, Dennis, have two children.

The Clarke Award for Teaching Excellence includes a cash prize and an inscribed golden apple. John and Vicki Clarke, Mitchell, established the endowed award to "reward those individuals who continue to make significant contributions in academics and demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching."

About the Clarke Award for Teaching Excellence
This award was first given in 1997 when John and Vicki Clarke of Mitchell endowed an award to recognize a Dakota Wesleyan University faculty member for excellence in teaching. The award is presented to one faculty member each year at Commencement. The award consists of an engraved 18-karat gold-plated apple on a walnut pedestal base and a cash prize. All faculty members are eligible every year.

The student association senate, the vice president for academic affairs and the DWU community at large can nominate a faculty member. The Clarke Award Selection Committee then selects the top candidates and forwards the names to the Board of Trustees Academic Affairs Committee, along with a recommendation for the recipient. The Board of Trustees Academic Affairs Committee makes the final selection. All nominations are confidential and based on the criteria listed below.

Dakota Wesleyan University
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