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Meet the 2003 Scotchman and Miss Wesleyan candidates.

Gloria Hanson and Brandon Vetter
University Relations and Student Contributor

The honor of being named Scotchman or Miss Wesleyan is the highest recognition bestowed upon an undergraduate at Dakota Wesleyan University. The award is based on scholarship, character and overall contributions to the university. Only those students with senior status and a grade point average that reflects academic excellence are eligible

The first Miss Wesleyan was named during the fall football season in 1930, and the Scotchman award was added in 1939. The naming of Scotchman and Miss Wesleyan were synonymous with homecoming week until the 1949-50 academic year when the recognition was moved to the spring.

This year's candidates received a letter telling them of their eligibility. After submitting a resume, their names were placed on a ballot and the student body elected six men and six women. A panel of faculty members, staff, administrators and students interviewed the 12 and selected the winners, Jesse Weins and Donella Headlee.

All of the finalists have been changed in some way by their Wesleyan experience. A few will remain on campus during the summer or return for a semester to complete their undergraduate work, but most will leave the arms of their Wesleyan family to forge a new future. We wish them well.

2003 Miss Wesleyan
Donella Headlee
Hometown: Belvidere
Major: Athletic Training

How have you been changed by your experiences at DWU?
"How haven't I been changed? When I came to DWU I could feel change in the air. Everything about this campus invited me to grow. I became more outgoing and developed self-confidence that I don't think I could have found anywhere else. The sense of community has always made me feel so comfortable. I didn't have to worry about petty things that kept me from being an extrovert in high school. I also learned to appreciate the views of others. I realized it is not about being right or wrong, but it is about standing up for your beliefs and morals, and being accepting to those who do not agree with you. I've learned not to sweat the small stuff. I know that there are a lot of things out of my control, so all I can do is make choices, deal with consequences and react to changes."

What are your postgraduate plans?
"After passing my Athletic Training Certification exam in June, I'm hoping to finish my biology and chemistry requirements for medical school while working in the athletic training field. I haven't decided which path I will take in medical school, but I've been toying with a few, well actually a lot of ideas. Most recently I have considered working with an emphasis in sports medicine while doing cancer research. I have also considered orthopedic surgery and geriatrics. I guess only time will tell which path I'm meant to be on."

Sarah Cox
Hometown: Fremont, Neb.
Major: Business Administration

How have you been changed by your experiences at DWU?
"I have become a more outgoing person and I am not shy around other people. When I came here, I was really shy because I didn't know anyone. DWU has given me a chance to grow academically, athletically and personally. I had a lot of opportunities to do many different things here at DWU that I would not have been able to do or be a part of had I gone to another college or university. More importantly, I have been able to find out who I am, what I want to do in life and where I want to go."

What are your postgraduate plans?
"I just accepted a job at Wells Fargo Financial in Sioux Falls and I will be moving there in a few weeks."

Danielle Heltzel
Hometown: Philip
Major: Biology

How have you been changed by your experiences at DWU?
"DWU has changed me by helping me to become a more independent and responsible person. I was given the opportunity to be a leader in several areas and it has truly helped me to do more productive and helpful things with my time."

What are your postgraduate plans?
"I intend on going to physical therapy school next year. This year I will be saving some money and studying to take the GRE. I will also truly enjoy some time off from school, but I still want to go back and finish my education."

Carrie Peterson
Hometown: Wakonda
Major: Psychology

How have you been changed by your experiences at DWU?
"Besides earning a quality education, I have grown as a person. What I've learned about myself and others could never have been taught in any classroom. I also have been educated culturally. Coming from a small town, as many DWU students do, I really had no experiences with other cultures."

What are your postgraduate plans?
"I will attend graduate school to earn a doctorate in health psychology or the psychology of aging, and a master's degree in either gerontology or counseling."

Jodi Plender
Hometown: Hartland, Wis.
Major: Business Administration with Management Emphasis

How have you been changed by your experiences at DWU?
"When looking back at my experience at DWU, one thing that really sticks out to me is the relationships I've formed. I have made some wonderful, lifelong friends here, but one in particular that stands out, is my friendship with Jerry Luckett. She was first my teacher, then my boss, but most importantly my friend. She has helped me through many life struggles and sincerely cared about me. She has helped me get through classes and helped me in my search for what I'm supposed to do with the rest of my life. Because this school has small class sizes that allow the teachers to get to know their students, I was able to benefit educationally, emotionally and spiritually. I think that is one of DWU's most valuable attributes."

What are your postgraduate plans?
"I will go to Madison, Wis., where I will live with my brother and sister-in-law and help take care of their new baby while I search for a job. I would like to find a job working in management at a health club or fitness center. I don't have any definite plans once I move back to Wisconsin. I just pray the Lord will give me some direction and help me find a job that fits my strengths and interests."

Mistie Sachtjen
Hometown: Burke
Major: Human Services

How have you been changed by your experiences at DWU?
"The greatest experience I've gained at Wesleyan would be all the friends I've made, including faculty members. Because Wesleyan is such a small campus it gave me the opportunity to meet different types of people from all over. The people I've met over the past four years are going to be my lifelong friends and I can't imagine what my life would be like if I hadn't met these people."

What are your postgraduate plans?
"I will be doing an internship at the Mitchell Area Adjustment Training Center this summer as part of my graduation requirements. I'm leaning toward graduate school after a year in the workforce. One thing I do know is that my future endeavors include helping people in need - whether it means helping them by getting out of an abusive relationship or just helping them get back on their feet."

2003 Scotchman
Jesse Weins
Hometown: Platte
Majors: English, Criminal Justice

How have you been changed by your experiences at DWU?
"Because of DWU I have discovered and pursued interests that I never knew I had. DWU has changed me from being minimally involved to participating in many diverse activities. From athletics and music to religion and writing, I have been able to get to know people of varying experiences and opinions. This has changed both my view of the world and what I look forward to in the future."

What are your postgraduate plans?
"I plan to attend law school."

Scott Backes
Hometown: Platte
Major: Business Administration with Finance Emphasis

How have you been changed by your experiences at DWU?
"I have been affected in more ways than I could have ever imagined. I loved the small college atmosphere and the fact that the teachers know you by your first name. Also, the dedication of the teachers, who are always willing to go the extra mile to help their students."

What are your postgraduate plans?
"My current postgraduate plans are sort of up in the air. I've applied at a couple of different places for my MBA and I'm also interviewing for a couple of bank schools. I've also applied at a few banks around the area."

Ryan Evans
Hometown: Centerville
Major: Elementary Education with Math, Science and Coaching Endorsements

How have you been changed by your experiences at DWU?
"DWU has given me the opportunity to experience challenges that have
readied me for my future. DWU has given me the values and aspirations that I will keep and use in the future. I've become stronger in my faith and have had my eyes opened to possibilities that I didn't know existed before I came to school here. The DWU Education Department has provided me with the knowledge, strategies and motivation to become the best person that I can be."

What are your postgraduate plans?
"I plan on becoming an elementary teacher in the Midwest and attaining a master's degree in educational administration to achieve my goal of being an elementary school principal."

Luke Norden
Hometown: Canon City, Colo.
Major: Elementary Education with Math and Coaching Endorsements

How have you been changed by your experiences at DWU?
"Dakota Wesleyan has really opened my eyes to being who I am and being my own person. I feel very comfortable here at DWU and the people here have made me very comfortable. I feel that this experience has shown me who I am as a person and that people will respect that."

What are your postgraduate plans?
"I will be student teaching in Mitchell next fall. After that I plan to return to Colorado and substitute teach for the spring and then look for a teaching job."

Matt Piper
Hometown: Jamestown, N.D.
Majors: Business Administration with Accounting Emphasis, Criminal Justice

How have you been changed by your experiences at DWU?
"I have grown spiritually, mentally and physically. DWU has allowed me to
see the big picture."

What are your postgraduate plans?
"When I graduate I plan on working for a federal government agency or going to law school and possibly earning my MBA and CPA."

Brandon Vetter
Hometown: Bismarck, N.D.
Majors: Communication/Theater with Communication Emphasis, Human Services, Multimedia

How have you been changed by your experiences at DWU?
"My experiences in classes and with friends have given me the opportunity to hone what I believe. Through classes, campus ministry opportunities and conversations, I've been challenged and forced to think through my beliefs. DWU was a great place to be challenged."

What are your postgraduate plans?
"In August I will begin my master's degree work at Asbury Theological Seminary, which should last around three to four years. More than likely, I will return to the Dakotas after that time as a United Methodist pastor."

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