Jewell’s 2026 Celebration of Honors was held on Apr. 24, 2026. It honored over 150 students who demonstrated excellence in various academic departments or showed leadership through service. The Faculty Award, the highest distinction William Jewell College offers to a graduating senior, was awarded to Lianna Morelli.

Other awards presented at the Celebration of Honors include the following. (Note: names are included here as presented in the program and may not reflect students’ preferred names or nicknames.)

Analytical Sciences

Engineering

Outstanding Senior in Civil Engineering: Drew T. Caudle

Mathematics

George A. Ross Mathematics Award (senior mathematics majors with the highest academic record in mathematics): Timothy G. Fay, Korbin W. Pugh

Physics

James R. Eaton Memorial Award (for achievement as a sophomore or junior physics major): Lucas Murcia Dominguez

C. D. Geilker Award (for achievement in the general physics course for a student majoring in physics, physics education, or dual-degree engineering): Miranda K. Menousek

John E. Davis Sigma Pi Sigma Award (for a rising senior physics major with the highest level of achievement in physics): Simon G. Lyon

Outstanding Senior Physics Major Award: Luxanna S. Sands

Behavioral, Natural, and Health Sciences

Biology

Dr. Burdette L. Wagenknecht Award (for an outstanding first-year biology major): Olivia L. Allen

Charles F. J. Newlon Award (for an outstanding sophomore biology major): Dilly R. Davies

Monte Harmon Award (for an outstanding junior biology major): Samantha J. Han

Dr. Burnell Landers Award (for an outstanding senior biology major): Javier Ortiz-Merino

Dr. Judith A. Dilts Award (for an outstanding junior or senior biology major): Madeline E. Hanna

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Outstanding First-Years in Chemistry or Biochemistry: Miles C. Heckadon, Lorelai F. Walker

James R. Eaton Memorial Award (for achievement as a chemistry major): Kennadie G. Sheppard, Walton R. Schenk, Zakary E. Wenger

Frank H. Fristoe Award (for achievement in chemistry): Maci M. Mayfield, Avery N. Reynolds, Marina S. Wilson

Outstanding Seniors in Chemistry or Biochemistry: Irene J. Taboada, Brayden S. Thomas

Nursing

Award for Compassion (BSN): Kaitlyn L. Tait, Kennedy K. Wyatt (AT)

Award for Scholarship (BSN): Meghan M. Wilson, Jasmine McDonald (AT)

Anne Bax Ozbolt Award for Servant Leadership: Jessica Stout

Mary Grant Seacole Award for Service: Adalena Shiddell

Outstanding Academic Achievement Award (BSN): Lauren E. Flickinger, Allison M. McIntyre (AT)

Outstanding Nursing Student Award (BSN): Marigrace Angelica B. Larson, Dillon Thiele (AT)

Dr. Leesa A. McBroom Spirit of Nursing Award: Ashley L. Brown

Psychological Science

Premier Graduates in Psychological Science: Paige Hefley, Erin E. Wenzel

Distinguished Graduates in Psychological Science: Lianna E. Morelli, Aimee Núñoz

Business, Communication, and Education

Business and Leadership

Hastings L. Schies Memorial Award (to a junior or senior female student majoring in business administration or finance who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement): Allison M. Welter

Walter J. Stark Award (for development in business studies): Jace D. Walker

Boatwright Economics Leadership Scholar: Xavier M. Winston

Otis and Florence Miller Academic Award (to a senior graduating with the highest GPA in accounting, business, or economics): Victoria M. Jones

Accounting Faculty Award: Victoria M. Jones

Business Faculty Award (for the outstanding senior in business administration): Riley M. Richardson

Economics Faculty Award (for the outstanding senior in economics): Jordan M. Barger

E. Anne Earnest Nonprofit Leadership Award (for the outstanding senior in nonprofit leadership): Jordan L. Riley

Communication

Award for Internship Excellence: Patrick M. Terry, Antony J. Vanderbeek

Digital Media Communication Outstanding Senior Award: Sara A. Hartmann

Outstanding Senior Debater Award: Patrick M. Terry

The Kim and Lois Anne Harris Department of Communication Outstanding Senior Award: Emilie M. Bartlett

Education

Chad Garrison “Reach Out and Touch Someone” Award (to an education major who has demonstrated sensitivity and compassion for others through volunteer service): Sadie L. Camp

Lutie Chiles Elementary Education Award (to an outstanding sophomore in elementary education): Aneesia Y Shalabi

Ida Coffman Education Award (to an outstanding junior in elementary education): Ella G. Robinson

Outstanding Junior in Secondary Education: Brenna K. Hamilton

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Teacher: Kassidy A. Schmidt

Outstanding Graduate Student Teacher: Michelle M. Johnston

Humanities, Social Sciences, and Music

English

Pinkerton-Rick Award (an English major entering the senior year who has contributed most to the English Department in exhibiting interest, helpfulness to others, creative thinking, and competent writing skills): Kariss E. Johnson

Outstanding Senior in the English Major Award: Ivan V. Calderon

History

Kenneth Chatlos Award (for best capstone essay in the Department of History): Kandace-Rose A. Gill

U.R. Pugh Memorial Award (for achievement as a history major): Rane C. Rynard

Languages

Outstanding Major in Spanish (for a Spanish major with a record of excellence): Morgan A. Mayo

Outstanding Minor in Spanish (for a Spanish minor with a record of excellence): Lucas R. Linder

Music

Ida and Maybelle Glenn Music Award (for outstanding achievement to someone preparing to teach music): Payten Elaine Davis

Edward Lakin Music Theory Award (student with the highest GPA in the first year of music theory courses): Alyssa J. Hoffman

Linda L. Thomssen String Award (for an outstanding string player): Matthew A. Gass

The Wes and Ginger Forbis Award (for rising seniors in music): Mason M. Allenbaugh, Payten Elaine Davis, H. William Speck

The Dean Wilder Voice Award (for music majors with special consideration for students who study or participate in vocal performance and who demonstrate leadership qualities): Ivan V. Calderon, Prince-Russell C. Johnson

Liberty Symphony Orchestra Collegiate Artist Competition (winners of this annual competition perform a solo with the Liberty Symphony Orchestra): Kaylen A. Fears, Bryson J. Gates, Chèrisse A. Lubbers

Political Science

Outstanding First-Year Student in Political Science: Anna M. Daughtry

Outstanding Sophomores in Political Science: Aidan T. Carter, Alyssa B. Engle

Outstanding Junior in Political Science: Andrew J. Allen

Outstanding Seniors in Political Science: Elliot M. Labeth, Ethan E. Naber

Dr. Will Adams Award (for an outstanding political science major): Zoe G. Ralston

Pi Sigma Alpha – Matthew Oliver Senior Scholar Award: Owen M. Kerrigan

Theatre

Austin Cooper Edwards Acting Awards (peer-voted award for strongest performers of the Jewell Theatre Company season): Ivan V. Calderon, Emma Kelly

Virginia D. Rice Award (for excellence in theatre throughout the year): Lianna E. Morelli

Kim Harris Golden Hammer Award (for excellence in technical theatre): Kendall M. Robbins

Alpha Psi Omega Key Award (for four years of service to Jewell Theatre Company): Ivan V. Calderon

Richard L. Harriman Theatre Award (established in 1994 by the Fine Arts Guild for outstanding theatre students): Kathryn L. Calcara, Brenna K. Hamilton

Student Publication Awards

The Hilltop Monitor

The Hilltop Monitor Newcomer Award: Simone M. Collins

The Hilltop Monitor Community Outreach and Engagement Awards: Alesia M. Dickey, Matthew J. Parker

The Hilltop Monitor Editorial Leadership Award: Ethan E. Naber

Special Honors

Graduating with Honors

Graduating with Honors in Psychological Science: Kelsey Coleman, Lianna E. Morelli

Graduating with Honors in Philosophy: Matthew J. Parker

Graduating with Honors in Mathematics: Korbin W. Pugh

Honors Institute in Critical Thinking Fellows

Simone M. Collins, Lauren E. Flickinger, Lily Frazier, Megan J. Giffin, John W. Jenkins, Ian Lewis, Molly J. McBratney, Jace D. Walker, Erin E. Wenzel, Annalyse Yoder

Pryor Leadership Fellows

Madison L. Atwood, Clifford Brandt, Lily Frazier, Megan J. Giffin, Jocelyn P. Hayes, Kevin Madrid Rodriguez, Anthony J. Vanderbeek, Erin E. Wenzel, Mya Zavala

Oxbridge Honors Program

Grace E. Allen, Ariel Chen, Jonathan Fang, Lila Frazier, Kandace-Rose A. Gill, Ethan E. Naber, Matthew J. Parker, Kaleah Petersen, Jacqueline Quach, Ryleigh Sallinger

Mortar Board

Grace E. Allen, Clifford Brandt, Hadley Fletchall, Riley E. Frasure-Smith, Kaitlyn Hodkins, Connor Hull, Liliana M. Jackson, John W. Jenkins, Landis Johnson, Owen M. Kerrigan, Sara Madsen, Morgan A. Mayo, Molly J. McBratney, Jacqueline Quach, Rane Rynard, Adalena Shiddell, Irene J. Taboada, Dylan F. Tighe, Erin E. Wenzel, Mya Zavala

Phi Epsilon Honor Society

Grace E. Allen, Kailynn R. Byrne, Ivan V. Calderon, Lauren E. Flickinger, Riley E. Frasure-Smith, Megan J. Giffin, Sara A. Hartmann, Paige Hefley, John W. Jenkins, Victoria M. Jones, Eliott Labeth, Lianna E. Morelli, Zachary Nichols, Hayley E. O’Keefe, Riley M. Richardson, Jordan L. Riley, Irene J. Taboada, Brayden S. Thomas, Laura Torres Arroyo, Erin E. Wenzel

The Faculty Award

The Faculty Award is the most significant distinction awarded to a graduating senior. Finalists are selected from those students who have spent at least three years in residence at William Jewell College and who have a grade point average of 3.75 or higher. The winner is selected by a faculty committee on the basis of academic achievement and exemplification of the highest ideals of a liberal arts education.

Finalists were asked to address the following question: “Given your experience at William Jewell College, how do you understand the relationship between critical thinking, community, and the pursuit of a meaningful life?”

Faculty Award Finalists

Grace E. Allen, Derrick Ampofo, Clifford Brandt, Ivan V. Calderon, Lianna E. Morelli

William Jewell College hosted its annual Celebration of Honors ceremony on April 23. The hybrid event was held in Gano Chapel with a limited number of attendees spaced out in the auditorium – to comply with COVID-19 restrictions –  and all other attendees watching the event via Zoom. This was the first celebratory event held in Gano Chapel since Jewell introduced COVID-19 safety guidelines last year. 

The Celebration of Honors, held the same day as Duke Colloquium, is a chance for the College to honor student achievement, which includes the presentation of the prestigious Faculty Award. 

The 2021 Faculty Award winner is Jackson Still, economics and political science major from Lubbock, Texas. Still is a member of the Cardinal golf team and Mortar Board. During his time at Jewell, Still co-founded the Cardinal Union and served as its president. He also served in leadership roles in Phi Gamma Delta, College Union Activities, and Student Senate. After graduation, he will be an academic intern at The Fund for American Studies Program in Washington, D.C., while attending George Mason University. 

Still credits this award to “the men of Phi Gamma Delta here at Jewell and all they have done to push me to become the man I am today,” as well as his professors for their dedication. According to Still, “acceptance of the Faculty Award is a testament to the exceptional community that we have at Jewell more than it is a recognition of any individual achievement.” 

The complete list of departmental and student awards is as follows.

Awards in Biology:

Dr. Burdette L. Wagenknecht Award for an outstanding first-year biology major – Alexis Harper

Charles F. J. Newlon Award for an outstanding sophomore biology major – Rachel Reaves 

Monte Harmon Award for an outstanding junior biology major – Mason Alexander

Dr. Judith A. Dilts Award for an outstanding junior biology major – William White

Dr. Burnell Landers Award for an outstanding senior biology major – Caleb Houghton

Awards in Business and Leadership:

Hastings L. Schies Memorial Scholarship for a deserving junior or senior female student majoring in business administration or finance who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement – Felecia Cummons

Walter J. Stark Award for development in business studies – Anthony Hansen

John W. Boatwright Scholar to a student majoring in economics – Jayme Coon

Boatwright Economics Leadership Scholar to a student majoring in economics – Noah Mayo

Otis and Florence Miller Academic Award for the senior graduating with the highest GPA in accounting, business or economics – Malorie Colby

Accounting Faculty Award for outstanding seniors in accounting – Malorie Colby, Garrett Peoples, Grant Peoples

Business Faculty Award for the outstanding senior in business administration – Zachary Bayless

Economics Faculty Award for the outstanding senior in economics – Carter Olsen

E. Anne Earnest Nonprofit Leadership Award for the outstanding senior in nonprofit leadership – Kylee Newton

Awards in Chemistry and Biochemistry:

Outstanding First-Year in Chemistry or Biochemistry – Jorey Luebbert, Kyla Schulte, Carly Thacker

Promising First-year in Chemistry or Biochemistry – Alyssa Hash, Ethan Nichols, Traeten Thorell

James R. Eaton Memorial Scholarship for achievement as a chemistry major – Hailee Brushwood, Cecelia Rogers

Frank H. Fristoe Scholarship for achievement in chemistry – Eli Engledow, Megan Hall, Megan Rohrer, Rachel Schon, Hannah Sherman

Outstanding Seniors in Chemistry or Biochemistry – Catherine Cogley, Cara Kingman

Awards in Communication and Theatre:

Austin Cooper Edwards Acting Awards – Isaac Chizhik, Jaimeson Satterfield

Virginia D. Rice Award for excellence in theatre throughout the year – Sequoia Crissman

Kim Harris Golden Hammer Award for Excellence in Technical Theatre – Garrett Washington

Alpha Psi Omega Key Award for four years of service to Jewell Theatre Company – Sequoia Crissman

Richard L. Harriman Theatre Scholarship established in 1994 by the Fine Arts Guild for outstanding theatre students – Faith Harris, Morgan Tuttle

Digital Media Communication Outstanding Senior Award – Bryar Buhlig

The Department of Communication and Theatre Award for Internship Excellence – Michaela Esau

The Murphy Award for Excellence to a senior communication major planning a career in law – Madeline Wingert

The Kim and Lois Anne Harris Department of Communication and Theatre Outstanding Senior Award – Lydia Enge, Madeline Wingert

Awards in Education:

Chad Garrison “Reach Out and Touch Someone” Award to an education major who has demonstrated sensitivity and compassion for others through volunteer service – Tyler Heston

Lutie Chiles Elementary Education Award to an outstanding sophomore in elementary education – Charlene Noble

Ida Coffman Education Award to an outstanding junior in elementary education – Brady O’Donnell

Elementary Student Teacher Award – Grace Haug, Sydney Offield

Secondary Student Teacher Award – Rey Camareno, Tanner Vance

Outstanding Seniors in Elementary Education – Lillian Frevert, Carman Stephenson

Outstanding Senior in Secondary Education – Rachel Harris

Awards in Engineering:

Outstanding Senior in Civil Engineering – Shane Lang

Awards in English:

Pinkerton-Rick Scholarship to English majors entering the senior year who have contributed to the English department through creative thinking and helpfulness – Emma Mayfield, Tyler Sherman 

Outstanding Senior English Major Award – James Hobbs

Award in History:

Kenneth Chatlos Award for best capstone essays in the Department of History – Kaitlyn Harken, James Hobbs

U. R. Pugh Memorial Scholarship for achievement as a history major – Hayley Michael

Awards in Languages:

Spanish Research Award for scholarly achievement in literary and cultural study – Kelsey Lanterman

Outstanding Senior in Spanish to a graduating major with a record of excellence – Carter Olsen

Awards in Mathematics and Data Science:

George A. Ross Mathematics Award to a senior mathematics major with the highest academic record in mathematics – Connor Morehouse

Awards in Music:

Ida and Maybelle Glenn Music Scholarship for outstanding achievement to someone preparing to teach music – Dre’Shon Tolbert

Edward Lakin Music Theory Award to the student with the highest GPA in the first year of music theory courses – Daniel Samsel 

Linda L. Thomssen String Award for an outstanding string player – Kathleen Wilcock

The Wes & Ginger Forbis Award for a rising senior in music – Laurence Dahlsten

The Collegiate Artists Competition, the winner of this annual competition performs a solo with the Liberty Symphony Orchestra – Laurence Dahlsten

Awards in Nursing:

Awards for Integrity – A’Leiya Clark (BSN), Jennifer Hutton (BSN-AT)

Awards for Compassion – Abigail Rand (BSN), Traci Fleming (BSN-AT)

Awards for Scholarship – Meredith Scarborough (BSN), Alice Kirsch (BSN-AT)

Anne Bax Ozbolt Awards for Servant Leadership – Halie Juarez (BSN), Bailey Brockley (BSN-AT)

Awards for Excellence in Practice – Cutter Sanders (BSN), Gabrielle Miranda (BSN-AT)

Mary Grant Seacole Awards for Service – Cody Lampe (BSN), Marissa Dillon (BSN-AT)

Outstanding Academic Achievement Award – Kaitlyn Pohl (BSN), Mona Akbarnia (BSN-AT)

Outstanding Nursing Student Award – Annemarie Boeh (BSN), Manuel Arciniega (BSN-AT)

Leesa A. McBroom Spirit of Nursing Book Award – Anjeli Ravi (BSN-AT)

Awards in Physics:

The Charles Don Geilker Feynman Lectures Award to an outstanding first-year physics student – Ellesa Henning

James R. Eaton Memorial Scholarships for achievement as sophomore or junior physics major – Graham Chambers-Wall

C. D. Geilker Award for achievement in the general physics course for a student majoring in physics, physics education or dual-degree engineering – Hope Peck

John E. Davis Sigma Pi Sigma Award for a senior physics major with the highest level of achievement in physics – Graham Chambers-Wall

Outstanding Senior Physics Major Award – Catherine Dema

Awards in Political Science:

Outstanding First-Year Students in Political Science – Jacqueline Hensley, Hattie Miller

Outstanding Sophomore in Political Science – Christian Santiago

Outstanding Juniors in Political Science – Zachary Mertes, Hayley Michael, Madalyn Newton

Outstanding Senior in Political Science – Madison Carroll Porth

Dr. Will Adams Scholarship for an outstanding political science major – Kyler Schardein

Pi Sigma Alpha – Matthew Oliver Senior Scholar Award – Jackson Still

Awards in Psychological Science:

Distinguished Graduates in Psychological Science – Addisyn Cress, Rhyann Fisher, Hannah Koehler

Premier Graduate in Psychological Science – Kole Wagener

Student Publications Awards:

The Hilltop Monitor Newcomer Award – Zachary Dube, Krista Halstead, Elizabeth Payton

The Hilltop Monitor Community Outreach and Engagement Award – Samantha Bahler

The Hilltop Monitor Editorial Leadership Award – Trenton Brink, Catherine Dema, Agatha Gutierrez, Savannah Hawley, Christina Kirk, Hannah Koehler, Kyler Schardein, Kari Tott

Inscape Poem of the Year – Michaela Esau

Inscape Fiction of the Year – Jenna Hultgren

Inscape Creative Nonfiction of the Year – James Hobbs

Inscape Fine Art of the Year for Visual Art, Digital Art or Music – Kenton Fox-Horst

The John and Mary Pritchard Humanitarian Service Awards:

The Award annually goes to one or more William Jewell students who commit to engaging with people in need, developing relationships with people different from them in all fundamental aspects and learning about their unique gifts and about what God calls them to do with those gifts.

Noah Mayo

Mortar Board:

A national honor society demonstrating ideals of leadership, scholarship and service. Members are selected through an application process and must the meet ideals of the society and have a GPA in the top 35% of their junior class.

Kayla Burdette, Catherine Cogley, Malorie Colby, Christopher Cotton, Addisyn Cress, Catherine Dema, Elizabeth Ellis, Tori Farr, Brianna Francis, Lillian Frevert, Rose Galetti, Tyrell Jeffries, Cara Kingman, Christina Kirk, Hannah Koehler, Chance Lister, Kylee Newton, Caitlin Overmeyer, Kaitlyn Popejoy, Madison Carroll Porth, Elizabeth Quinn, Allison Rawls, Teagen Rich, Megan Sprague, Jessica Steinbach, Carman Stephenson, Jackson Still, Alexander Thiessen and Macyn Wilbers

Phi Epsilon Honor Society:

Students graduating in the 10% of the class based on institutional GPA and a minimum of 60 credit hours at William Jewell College.

Lacey Albers, Catherine Cogley, Malorie Colby, Elizabeth Ellis, Lillian Frevert, Kaitlyn Harken, James Hobbs, Thomas Hollinberger, Cara Kingman, Hannah Koehler, Kelsey Lanterman, Garrett Peoples, Grant Peoples, Kaitlyn Pohl and Victoria Vogt

Graduating with Honors:

Graduation with Honors is awarded to students who completed a project within their declared major and Graduation with Distinction is awarded to students who completed a project in a subject outside of their declared major. Eligible students must graduate with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and must have completed A-level work on a project over two or more semesters.

With Distinction in Chemistry – Kaitlyn Popejoy

With Distinction in Philosophy – Madison Carroll Porth

With Honors in Education – Lillian Frevert, Carman Stephenson

With Honors in Oxbridge History of Ideas – Catherine Dema

With Honors in Oxbridge Institutions and Policy – Madison Carroll Porth

WIth Honors in Physics – Catherine Dema

Graduating in the Oxbridge Honors Program:

Isaac Chizhik, Catherine Dema, Savannah Hawley, Christina Kirk, Caitlin Overmeyer, Madison Carroll Porth, Jacob Shutts and Nathan Wasson

On April 24, William Jewell College celebrated student achievement despite the COVID-19 related cancellation of the annual Honors Convocation. Usually, Jewell will host an event to read the names of student winners of institutional awards, highlight the achievements of the Faculty Award finalists, celebrate student achievement in music and announce the Faculty Award winner. This year, Jewell printed a listing of awards and posted about the Faculty Award finalists on their Facebook page.

“[The listing] looks very much like the event program without the music and speaking parts. We will mail those to all 139 of the award recipients, along with any checks or scholarship letters on Friday as well,” said Susan Arbo, director of ceremonies and signature events. “The seniors will also receive any certificates, Phi Epsilon cords, Oxbridge medallions, departmental plaques and Faculty Award finalist and winner plaques. Most will go out on April 24 or April 27. A few other departmental awards had not yet been prepared so those will go out this summer.”

The Faculty Award finalists were highlighted – one per day – in the week leading up to the announcement, and the College posted a video announcing the winner April 24. 

Margo Evilsizor, senior international relations and Oxbridge: Institutions and Policy major, won the 2020 Faculty Award. 

Throughout her time at Jewell, Evilsizor used Jewell’s Hall Grant to conduct field research interviews in Mafraq, Jordan, for her international relations honors thesis on women’s empowerment in the Syrian Civil War. With the Pritchard Humanitarian Award she spoke out against violence against women at a self-organized public forum at the state congress in Morelos, Mexico. Evilsizor has also co-authored an article with Dr. Fletcher Cox, professor of political science, about women’s empowerment. She is president of Pi Sigma Alpha and vice president of Mortar Board, in addition to being involved in Christian Student Ministries and handbell choir.

After graduating, Evilsizor will move to Mexico City to take part in a Fulbright Program. Her long-term goals include providing women with more opportunities – potentially by impacting public policy with a law degree or starting a business to employ or microfinance women.

“I am extremely grateful for the faculty at Jewell. Winning the Faculty Award was one of many times over the course of four years where I’ve felt encouraged, supported and believed in by the faculty. I cannot thank them enough. I feel deeply grateful for their mentorship and investment in my life,” said Evilsizor.

“While I wish I could have been there to celebrate with everyone in person, I’m glad I got to be with my family and reflect on my time at Jewell with them,” continued Evilsizor. “After the announcement was released on Facebook, one of the things that we talked about was how impressive the other finalists are. I never expected to win – I felt honored to have even been placed in the same group as Caeley, Sofia, Tate and Elliott. Once again, thank you to all the faculty, staff and friends who have touched my life throughout the four years. I’m going to miss doing life on the Hill.”

Because the ceremony could not be hosted as usual, Arbo discussed Jewell’s alternative plans to honor student achievement.

“In the fall, we are planning to hold a reception in the Union Atrium where the students will be able to mingle with professors and pick up their awards. Ideally, it may be held the same weekend as the rescheduled Commencement ceremony so that the graduating seniors could attend as well,” said Arbo.

A listing of all awards was made available to the campus community in View From the Hill April 29 and are listed below.

Awards in Biology:

Dr. Burdette L. Wagenknecht Award for an outstanding first-year biology major – Elizabeth  Wilson

Charles F. J. Newlon Award for an outstanding sophomore biology major – Emily Sawyer

Monte Harmon Award for an outstanding junior biology major – Kelsey Lanternman

Dr. Burnell Landers Award for an outstanding senior biology major – Logan McKinney

Dr. Judith A. Dilts Award for an outstanding senior biology major – Alexis Nelson

Awards in Business and Leadership:

Hastings L. Schies Memorial Scholarship for a deserving junior or senior female student majoring in business administration or finance who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement – Emily Trout

Walter J. Stark Award for development in business studies – Nicholas Bradley

John W. Boatwright Scholars to students majoring in economics – Jacob Shutts, Jackson Still

Boatwright Economics Leadership Scholar to students majoring in economics – Alexander Hein, Tyrell Jeffrues, Carter Olsen

Otis and Florence Miller Academic Award for the senior graduating with the highest GPA in accounting, business or economics – Kaitlyn Pittala

Accounting Faculty Award for the outstanding senior in accounting – Hayden Fulk

Business Faculty Award for the outstanding seniors in business administration – Lexie Stull, Parker Tergin

Economics Faculty Award for the outstanding senior in economics – Hunter Forkum

E. Anne Earnest Nonprofit Leadership Award for the outstanding senior in nonprofit leadership – Natalie Denzer

Awards in Chemistry and Biochemistry:

Outstanding First-Years in Chemistry – Mallory Dickerson, Eli Engledow, Megan Hall, Cecelia Rogers, Rachel Schon

James R. Eaton Memorial Scholarship for achievement as a chemistry major –  Hailee Brushwood, Kayla Crowder, Johnathan Haug, Sierra Sanchez, Hannah Sherman

Frank H. Fristoe Scholarship for achievement in chemistry – Catherine Cogley, Cara Kingman, Katie Parrott, Megan Rohrer, Macyn Wilbers

Outstanding Seniors in Biochemistry – Ryan Hoffman, Elizabeth Ruark

Awards in Communication and Theater:

Austin Cooper Edwards Acting Awards – Faith Harris, Terrace Wyatt, Jr. 

Virginia D. Rice Award for excellence in theatre throughout the year – Cassidy Schuster

Kim Harris Golden Hammer Award for excellence in technical theatre – Suzane Wright

Alpha Psi Omega Key Award for four years of service to Jewell Theatre Company – Terrace Wyatt, Jr.

Richard L. Harriman Theatre Scholarship for outstanding theatre students – Faith Harris, Morgan Tuttle

The Murphy Award for Excellence for a senior communication major planning a career in law – Jack Nielsen

The Department of Communication and Theatre Distinguished Service Award – Isabel Warden

The Kim and Lois Anne Harris Department of Communication and Theatre Outstanding Senior Award – Sofia Arthurs-Schoppe

Awards in Education:

Chad Garrison “Reach Out and Touch Someone” Award for an education major who has demonstrated sensitivity and compassion for others through volunteer service – Victoria Vogt

Lutie Chiles Elementary Education Award for an outstanding sophomore in elementary education – Brady O’Donnell

Ida Coffman Education Award for an outstanding junior in elementary education – Grace Haug, Allison Rawls

Outstanding Junior in Secondary Education – Rachel Harris

Outstanding Senior in Elementary Education – Brittany Marr

Outstanding Senior in Secondary Education – Christina Vogler

Master of Science in Education Award – Michelle Martin

Awards in Engineering:

Outstanding Senior in Civil Engineering Award – Whitney Holloman

Awards in English:

Pinkerton-Rick Scholarship for English majors entering the senior year who have contributed to the English department through creative thinking and helpfulness – Hannah Koehler, Cameron White

Outstanding Senior English Major Award – Brielle Buntin

Award in History:

Kenneth Chatlos Award for the best senior capstone essay – Kendall Gammon

U. R. Pugh Memorial Scholarship for achievement as a history major – James Hobbs

Awards in Languages:

Arabic Studies Award for a graduating minor with a record of excellence – Ian McBride

Chinese Studies Award for a graduating minor with a record of excellence – Haley Call

Spanish Research Award for scholarly achievement in literary and cultural study – Samantha Schaer

Outstanding Senior in Spanish for graduating major with a record of excellence – Alexis Mijares

Awards in Mathematics:

George A. Ross Mathematics Award for senior mathematics major with the highest academic records in mathematics – Katie Bird

Awards in Music:

Ida and Maybelle Glenn Art/Music Scholarship for outstanding achievement to someone preparing to teach music – Dre’Shon Tolbert

Edward Lakin Music Theory Award for the student with the highest GPA in the first year of music theory courses – William Laycock 

Linda L. Thomssen String Award for an outstanding string player – Rachel Harris

The Wes & Ginger Forbis Award for rising seniors in music – Elise Benne, Rachel Harris, Fionna Pillow

The Collegiate Artists Competition for winners of an annual competition who will perform a solo with the Liberty Symphony Orchestra – Tate Cooper

Awards in Nursing:

Awards for Integrity – (BSN) Chandler Tennyson, (BSN-AT) Brian Hoover

Awards for Compassion – (BSN) Lauren Nichols, (BSN-AT) Abigail Schott

Awards for Scholarship – (BSN) Elise Pape, (BSN-AT) Jynnifer McClinton

Anne Bax Ozbolt Awards for Servant Leadership – (BSN) Itzel Quintero, (BSN-AT) Jonathan Stratman

Awards for Excellence in Practice – (BSN) Karla Calderon-Gomez, (BSN-AT) Nikki Upton

Mary Grant Seacole Awards for Service – (BSN) Kylea McArdale, (BSN-AT) Khanh-Linh Nguyen

Outstanding Academic Achievement Award – (BSN) Jessica Farris, (BSN-AT) Kimberly Rice

Outstanding Nursing Student Award – (BSN) Juliet Connole, (BSN-AT) Brianna Ehrler

Leesa A. McBroom Spirit of Nursing Book Award – Valerie Dunn

Awards in Physics:

The Charles Don Geilker Feynman Lectures Award for an outstanding first-year physics student – William Laycock

James R. Eaton Memorial Scholarships for achievement as sophomore or junior physics majors – Graham Chambers-Wall

C. D. Geilker Award for achievement in the sophomore physics course majoring in physics, physics education or dual-degree engineering – Kaitlyn Simms

John E. Davis Sigma Pi Sigma Award for a rising senior physics major with the highest level of achievement in physics – Catherine Dema

Outstanding Senior Physics Major Award – Caeley Pittman

Awards in Political Science:

Outstanding First-Year Student in Political Science – Ashley Chiles

Outstanding Sophomores in Political Science – Zachary Mertes

Outstanding Junior in Political Science – Jacob Shutts, Jackson Still

Outstanding Senior in Political Science – Margo Evilsizor

Dr. Will Adams Scholarship for an outstanding political science major – Madison Carroll

Pi Sigma Alpha – Matthew Oliver Senior Scholar Award – Lexie Stull

Awards in Psychological Science:

Distinguished Graduates in Psychological Science – Christopher Davison, Hannah Keeney, Riley Martin, Kaitlyn Pittala, Haley Unruh

Premier Graduate in Psychological Science – Darcy Sweet

Student Publications Awards:

The Hilltop Monitor Newcomer Award – Angelica Gutierrez

The Hilltop Monitor Rising Star Award – Jenna Hultgren, Hannah Tietz

The Hilltop Monitor Themes and Content Award – Trenton Brink

The Hilltop Monitor Editorial Leadership Award – Sofia Arthurs-Schoppe, Rachel Bell, Michaela Esau, Cassie Hayes, William Humphrey, Hannah Koehler, Jack Ledbetter, Madison McCormick, Tavarus Pennington, Kyler Schardein, Elliott Yoakum

Inscape Poem of the Year – Kaitlyn O’Neal

Inscape Fiction of the Year – James Hobbs

Inscape Nonfiction of the Year – Kathryn Wilhelm

Inscape Fine Art of the Year (Visual Art, Digital Art or Music) – Bryar Buhlig

Inscape Outstanding Editor Award – Brielle Buntin

The John and Mary Pritchard Humanitarian Service Awards:

The Award annually goes to one or more William Jewell students who commit to engaging with people in need, developing relationships with people different from them in all fundamental aspects and learning about their unique gifts and about what God calls them to do with those gifts.

Megan Sprague

Mortar Board:

National honor society demonstrating ideals of leadership, scholarship and service. Members must meet ideals of the society and have a GPA in the top 35 percent of the class.

Haley Call, Tate Cooper, Jakob Erdmann, Margo Evilsizor, Jessica Farris, Shaneann Fross, Hayden Fulk, Mckenzie Gross, Kelly Hendershot, Jeremy Hofman, Jameson Howard, Kylie Jorgensen, Emily Lakin, Sarah Lewis, Alexis Mijares, Margaret Miles, Bjorn Myers, Lauren Nichols, Jack Nielsen, Mikaela Papageorgiou, Kaitlyn Pittala, Megan Rhule, Samantha Schaer, Christopher Seward, Lexie Stull, Darcy Sweet, Haley Unruh, Elliott Yoakum

Phi Epsilon Honor Society:

Students graduating in the top ten percent of the class based on institutional GPA and a minimum of 60 credit hours at William Jewell College.

Brielle Buntin, Karla Calderon-Gomez, Tate Cooper, Natalie Denzer, Valerie Dunn, Jessica Farris, Hunter Forkum, Jeremy Hofman, Riley Martin, Logan McKinney, Alexis Nelson, Dalton Nelson, Benjamin Pautler, Kaitlyn Pittala, Caeley Pittman, Elizabeth Ruark, Lexie Stull, Haley Unruh

Graduating with Honors:

Graduating with Honors in Biochemistry – Elizabeth Ruark

Graduating with Honors in Biology – Logan McKinney

Graduating with Honors in Communication – Sofia Arthurs-Schoppe

Graduating with Honors in English – Brielle Buntin

Graduating with Honors in International Relations – Margo Evilsizor

Graduating with Honors in Oxbridge: Institutions and Policy – Tate Cooper, Bailey Cordonnier, Tanner Devore

Graduating with Honors in Oxbridge: Literature and Theory – Kaitlyn O’Neal

Graduating with Honors in Oxbridge: Molecular Biology – Shaneann Fross, Clayton Mansel

Graduating in the Oxbridge Honors Program:

Matthew Capps, Christopher Choe, Tate Cooper, Bailey Cordonnier, Tanner Devore, Margo Evilsizor, Shaneann Fross, Emily Hemphill, Jeremy Hodman, Heather Jackson, Clayton Mansel, Riley Martin, Kaitlyn O’Neal, Caeley Pittman, Jesse Rose, Samantha Schaer, Elliott Yoakum

The Faculty Award:

Finalists – Sofia Arthurs-Schoppe, Tate Cooper, Margo Evilsizor, Caeley Pittman, Elliott Yoakum

Winner – Margo Evilsizor

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, William Jewell College’s Honors’ Convocation – set for this Friday, April 24 – was canceled. Student awards typically announced at the event will be published online Friday, April 24. The Faculty Award – one of Jewell’s most revered awards, which recognizes a senior student who embodies the values of a liberal arts education – will be announced in a video to be posted at 7 p.m. April 24. 

In the week leading up to the announcement, Jewell will feature and celebrate each of the Faculty Award finalists on social media. The finalists for 2020 are Sofia Arthurs-Schoppe, senior communication and chemistry major; Tate Cooper, senior Oxbridge Institutions and Policy major; Margo Evilsizor, senior international relations and Oxbridge Institutions and Policy major; Caeley Pittman, senior physics, Applied Critical Thought and Inquiry (ACT-In) and Oxbridge Literature and Theory major; and Elliott Yoakum, senior Oxbridge Literature and Theory major. More information about these finalists and the process of nomination can be found in this article.

Dr. David McCune, professor of mathematics and chair of the Faculty Award Committee, will record a video of the announcement to be released. Jewell will release a teaser of this video during the week, and the final announcement will be posted to Jewell’s Facebook 7 p.m. April 24.

In addition to the online announcement and publication of awards, the College will print Honors’ Convocation programs for all awardees and will mail each Faculty Award finalist a plaque recognizing their achievement.