Mount Pleasant, IA – April 27, 2023 —Iowa Wesleyan University held its annual Awards Day on April 27 to recognize outstanding students, faculty, and staff. The University recognized students for exemplary achievement in their majors, their leadership on campus, and their involvement in the community throughout the year. The awards ceremony also included announcing the most prestigious student award given annually, the President’s Award.
“Awards day is an honored tradition at Iowa Wesleyan University where we can showcase fantastic academic and co-curricular awards for many Iowa Wesleyan students while also announcing top awards for our staff and faculty,” stated Megan Hills, Interim Chief Academic Officer. “It is one of the amazing ways we celebrate the end of the year.”
The President’s Award, presented to a graduating senior, epitomizes a person who consistently demonstrates responsible and selfless use of talent and leadership throughout their undergraduate experience. Nominees must be high achievers who have modeled exemplary academic effort and engagement. The 2022-2023 President’s Award was presented to Ella Francis from New London, Iowa. Ella has been involved in numerous on-campus organizations and committees, including performing in the IW Choir and serving as the President of the Student Government Association during the 2022-23 academic year.
Faith Younce of Bonney Lake, Washington, received the Tiger Spirit Award. This award signifies what it means to be an Iowa Wesleyan Tiger by displaying a positive attitude, sportsmanship, spirit, and pride.
The Student Leader of the Year award recipient was Karoline Stratton from Dubuque, Iowa. This award recognizes a student who has excelled and exemplified outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to impact growth, culture, and change at IW positively.
The Mount Pleasant REC Center was recognized for their unwavering support of Iowa Wesleyan’s internship program. The REC Center has been a dedicated internship placement facility for many Iowa Wesleyan students while providing excellent support and guidance for interning students.
We are also excited to recognize our instructors during our annual celebration. The Advisor of the Year honor was awarded to Dr. Cyndi Walljasper ’92, Professor of Psychology and Faculty Chair, for her dedication to IW students.
The Carol J. Nemitz Staff of the Year award was presented to Jim Pedrick ’80, Development Director. This award recognizes staff members who have exhibited extraordinary commitment and service to Iowa Wesleyan University.
For a full list, check out our 2023 Awards Day Winners.