DWU crowns 2025 homecoming royalty

MITCHELL — Dakota Wesleyan University crowned its Blue & White Days homecoming royalty Monday night during Coronation ceremonies. Jaelyn Benson, Garretson, and Landon Ruesink, Dell Rapids, were named the DWU Homecoming Royalty for 2025.

Benson, Garretson, is a graduate of Garretson High School and is a Nursing major. She serves as the senior class president; was junior class president last year; and is vice-president of the Student Nurses Association. She is the recipient of the Nursing Faculty Award and has received several scholarships. Benson played volleyball for the Tigers her freshman and sophomore years. She is employed and Lakeview Golf Course. Benson is the daughter of Jase and Jamie Benson.

Ruesink, of Dell Rapids, is a graduate of Dell Rapids High School. He is an Accounting major with a concentration in Finance. Ruesink is captain of the DWU Tigers football team and is an all-conference baseball player. He was recently named the male recipient of the NAIA’s most prestigious player honor, the A.O. Duer Award, presented to a male and a female student-athlete nationally who has excelled in scholarship, character and citizenship on and off the field of play. Ruesink’s parents are Jen and Fran Ruesink.

DWU also crowned its 2025 Beanie Royalty, a title bestowed on two freshmen who have already made an impact on the campus community during their short time at DWU and have embraced DWU’s values of learning, leadership, faith and service. Hunter Dean, Ethan, and Keatyn Liebsack, Bennington, Neb., were named this year’s Beanie Royalty.

The following were also candidates for homecoming royalty:

Colin Burke, of Boyle, Ireland, is a Business Administration major. He previously attended Elphin Community College. Burke has played soccer for the Tigers during his time at DWU. He is the son of Linda Fulton and Peter Burke.

Emily Dale, of Huron, is a graduate of Huron High School. Dale majors in Business Management and Digital Media and Design. She is captain of the Volleyball team and has been named honorable mention to the GPAC All-Conference team. Dale serves as secretary of the Business club; is a member of the Student Ministry Council and FCA; is a leadership team member for the Semper College Ministry; and belongs to two small group ministries. She has received several scholarships and also works in the Safety Department at Trail King Industries. Dale’s parents are Shelly and Danny Dale.

Braxton Gahan, Fredonia, Wis., is a graduate of Ozaukee High School. The Athletic Training major played football for DWU for one season and served as a student assistant to the team for one season. He is a member of the Athletic Training Club and has received several awards and scholarships including the McWhirter Scholarship this year. Gahan works part-time at Cabela’s. He is the son of Monica Gahan and Adam Gahan.

Gracie Geppert of Mitchell is a double major in Criminal Justice and Behavioral Sciences. She graduated from Mitchell High School. Geppert is a member of the Cheer and Dance team and is the recipient of several scholarships. She works part-time as a substance abuse counselor at Dakota Counseling Institute and Stepping Stones. Geppert’s parents are Heidi and Joe Geppert.

Tristin Hendricks, Belle Fourche, is a graduate of Belle Fourche High School and majors in English. He is a member of the men’s Soccer team. Hendricks is the son of Brenda and Ron Hendricks.

Jonathan Mosqueda is a Nursing major from King City, Calif. He graduated from King City High School. Mosqueda played soccer for the Tigers where he was honored as an NAIA Daktronics Scholar and has been on the DWU Dean’s List. He works part-time at Edgewood Assisted Living. Mosqueda is the son of Lorena and Rafael Mosqueda.

Rylee Rosenquist, North Sioux City, S.D., is a graduate of Dakota Valley High School. She is a Business Administration major. Rosenquist is a member of the Women’s Basketball team where she has scored more than 1,000 points; has been named Offensive Player of the Week and was selected to the all-GPAC first team. She is the recipient of athletics scholarships. Rosenquist is the daughter of Brenna Rosenquist and Randy Rosenquist Sr.

Sarah Sebert of Mitchell graduated from Mitchell High School. The Athletic Training major also participated in Cheer and Dance at DWU for three years. Sebert is a Randall scholar who has been active on campus as part of Student Ministry Team, Athletic Club president for two years and is a student ambassador. She also serves as a Campus Ministry student chaplain. Sebert works part-time at Bradley’s Pub and Grille. Her parents are Bob and Julie Sebert.

The following were also candidates for Beanie Royalty:

Tiara Faehnrich, Hill City
Gabbi Galvan, San Antonio, Texas
Ryan Hanssen, Lennox
Gavin Hinker, Mitchell
Ephraim Hoefert, Rock Rapids, Iowa