DWU seniors chosen for Honors of Distinction Awards

MITCHELL — Four Dakota Wesleyan seniors were awarded the third annual Honors of Distinction awards, the university’s highest honors, during the annual Honors Banquet Friday night, April 26.

Established in 2022, the Wesleyan Honors of Distinction are awarded annually to four Dakota Wesleyan University seniors who have most notably embodied and exemplified the university’s values of learning, leadership, faith and service. One senior receives Wesleyan Honors of Distinction in each category.

To qualify for candidacy, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher (3.7 for the learning distinction), as required by each award’s guidelines, and be ranked as senior status. Those eligible submit an application, and the finalists are selected by a Student Senate-appointed panel. The finalists are then interviewed by a committee of students, staff and faculty who choose the recipients.

In the category of Honors of Distinction for Learning is Julia Sanderson of Sioux Falls, daughter of Joel and Nicole Sanderson. Sanderson is graduating with a Biochemistry major. She was active on campus playing volleyball, as a member of CHAOS and Lost & Found. She was a member of the residence life team and served as a mentor for Big Friend, Little Friend. Sanderson completed a summer research term at Augustana University as part of the South Dakota Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (BRIN). Next fall she will attend the Arizona College of Optometry.

In the category of Honors of Distinction for Leadership is Adyson Dwight of Langford. Dwight’s parents are Jason and Tara Dwight, and she is a Nursing major. Dwight is a nationally recognized member of the women’s volleyball team and belongs to the Student Nurses Association. She served a South Dakota Area Health Education Center (AHEC) internship in Scotland, S.D., and will be working as an ICU nurse at Avera Queen of Peace.

In the category of Honors of Distinction for Faith, the recipient is Audrey Koesters of Omaha, Nebraska. The daughter of Robert and Julie Oesterle, Koesters is a Biology major. She has been active in Campus Ministry, Student Senate and on the Homecoming Committee. Koesters will next be attending veterinary school at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

In the category of Honors of Distinction for Service, the student selected is Katy Sebert. Sebert is a Mitchell native majoring in Biology. She is the daughter of Bill and Jane Sebert. She has served as the president of Student Senate and was a member of the Conservation Club and CHAOS. Sebert plans to take a gap year and apply to medical schools.

The following students were also candidates for Honors of Distinction:

Wesleyan Honor of Distinction for Learning
Alyssa Burke, Rapid City
Ryan Mix, Sioux Falls

Wesleyan Honor of Distinction for Leadership
Brooklyn Boetel, Huron
Drew Van Regenmorter, Dell Rapids

Wesleyan Honor of Distinction for Faith
Reagan Grossi, Vail, Ariz.
Adaya Plastow, Mitchell

Wesleyan Honor of Distinction for Service
Esther Garcia, Dodge City, Kan.
Laney Titze, Mitchell