Student Leadership and Engagement Award

Shawn Bennett, from Grafton, is a senior psychology major with concentrations in leadership and deaf studies and a 3.56 grade point average. He served as the Student Government president, as well as a senator before that, and has served on multiple Student Government committees. He was the president of the Psychology and Addiction Studies club as well. In addition, he is a member of the Rock Climbing Club, MSU Life, and the Science Club and is currently working on an independent senior thesis project. He has presented research at Minot State, the University of Moorhead, and the University of North Dakota. He has also presented lectures, held research assistantships, and been a teaching assistant. Among his many recognitions are a Research Excellence Award and the Dr. Richard Sheldon Award, both from the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Criminal Justice. He hopes to obtain a doctorate in counseling psychology or clinical psychology and serve the needs of rural North Dakota.

Kendal Braun, from Minot, is a senior with a 3.97 grade point average and a major in communication sciences and disorders with a minor in deaf and hard of hearing and concentrations in deaf studies and special education. She has been a member of the Minot State volleyball team and the secretary of the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association. She has volunteered with Prairie Grit for wheelchair basketball and gymnastics and served as a Salvation Army bell ringer. She is the recipient of the Sertoma Club of Minot Scholarship and the Beaver Boosters Athletic Scholarship and was twice named to the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference All-Academic Team. She has been named to the President’s List and received the College Sports Communication Academic All-District Honors. She also coaches youth volleyball. She hopes to earn her master’s degree in speech-language pathology from Minot State and work with children, empowering them to communicate confidently and effectively.

Brooklyn Brugger is a senior who holds a 3.93 grade point average while majoring in communication sciences and disorders (CSD), with a minor in deaf and hard of hearing education. She hails from Brandon, Manitoba. She has served as a peer mentor for the Advancing Students Toward Education and Employment Program (ASTEP) and as a student mentor for students in the CSD program. She has also been active in intramurals. She completed an internship with the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities, volunteers with Prairie Grit, and is a member of the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association. She received the Dr. and Mrs. C.P. Lura Scholarship and has been named to the President’s List and the Vice President for Academic Affairs Honor Roll. In the summer, she has been a respite care worker and has participated in job shadowing both in Minot and Manitoba. Brugger plans to attend graduate school and complete her doctoral degree in audiology and hopes to provide compassionate care that empowers patients to navigate the world with confidence.

Krysten Glab, as a military dependent, has lived around the world and amassed 215 credits (so far). She is from Loma Linda, California, with a 3.58 grade point average in the nursing program. She has been active with the Nursing Student Association of North Dakota as the co-director of publicity and communications, interim chair of Breakthrough to Nursing, and as a student consultant, and has helped to organize their annual conference, secured sponsors for the conference, and coordinated interviews for their leadership contest. At Minot, she has been involved with the Nursing Student Association, a member of the Department of Nursing Curriculum Committee, and as a student representative on the Department of Nursing Hiring Committee. She is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Society of Nursing and the National Student Nurses’ Association, and has received the Theodore and Nan Monson Scholarship, the Loretta F. Holub Nursing Scholarship, and the Trinity Health Foundation Scholarship. She hopes to eventually obtain an advanced degree, possibly as a nurse practitioner or certified registered nurse anesthetist, and provide exceptional patient care and advocacy, contributing to the well-being of military and civilian communities alike.

Brooklyn Hanelt is a communication sciences and disorders major from Medicine Hat, Alberta, with a minor in deaf and hard of hearing and two concentrations: special education and deaf survey. She is currently a junior with a 4.0 grade point average. She has served as a resident assistant and is currently a residence hall director, and will return to that position next year as well. She has been involved in the International Club and intramurals and has volunteered with Prairie Grit. She is a member of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, serving as a committee member for Miles for Smiles this year and will be the vice president of volunteering in the upcoming year. She hopes to obtain a doctorate degree in audiology and eventually work in private practice.

Kaylee Hofmann is a senior communication sciences and disorders (CSD) major from Muenster, Saskatchewan, with a 3.59 grade point average. She has been an active member of the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association and has volunteered with that organization for Prairie Grit, the Salvation Army, and several other organizations. She is also an ASTEP mentor and a mentor for students in the CSD program. In addition, she has been involved in intramurals. She has received several scholarships, including the Build a Better World Scholarship, the Robert and June Marsh Scholarship, and the BHP Jansen Project Scholarship, and has been named to the President’s List. She plans to continue at Minot State for a master’s degree in speech-language pathology.

MiKayla Kippen is a Minot native studying communication sciences and disorders with a minor in deaf and hard of hearing and a concentration in deaf studies and special education. She is a senior carrying a 3.76 grade point average. She is involved in the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association and is currently serving as the vice president for socials in that organization. She has also worked with them in many service projects, including Miles for Smiles, Prairie Grit, and the Salvation Army. She has worked as a family nanny since 2021, fostering creativity, thoughtful decision-making, and independence in children. She has been named to the vice president for Academic Affairs Honor Roll and the President’s List and has received the Career and Technical Education Scholarship, the Great Plains Award Scholarship, the Trueblood Family Scholarship, and the Minot Eagles Aerie #2376 School Scholarship. She will be pursuing her graduate degree in speech-language pathology at Minot State with the goal of becoming a pediatric speech pathologist, helping children build confidence and improve their communication skills.

Cody Leonard is a senior biology major with a minor in psychology and concentrations in chemistry, physics, physical science, and deaf studies. He is from Bottineau and holds a 3.36 grade point average. He is a member of the Biology Club, the Pre-Professional Club, Beta Gamma Phi Science Club, the Native American Cultural Awareness Club, Sign On American Sign Language Club, and the Kin Krew Kinesiology Club. He has served in the community as a vice president of Minot Insulin Services, Inc., as a volunteer with the North Dakota Medical Reserve Corps (with the capacity to become a contracted supervisor in a federally or state-declared emergency), and as a nationally certified phlebotomy technician and laboratory assistant with Trinity Health.  He has been the recipient of several scholarships, including the Indian Health Service full scholarship and stipend, as well as the Rose Morgan Scholarship, the Clinton and Adlyn Morgan Scholarship, the Gertrude Eck Scholarship, and the J. Spencer Overholzer Scholarship. He has participated in undergraduate research exploring the usage of AgNPs (silver nanoparticles) in the inhibition of MDR (multidrug-resistant) bacteria growth and the rapid synthesis of compounds utilizing the Leuckart reaction. He is a member of the American Chemical Society, the American Society for Clinical Pathology, the American Psychological Association, and the American Heart Association. He hopes to attend medical school and eventually practice medicine in rural, underserved communities, such as the Native American reservations in North Dakota.

Conner Meldrim is a junior from Henderson, Nevada, pursuing a degree in exercise science and rehabilitation with a concentration in chemistry and biology. He holds a 4.0 grade point average and shares his talent as a tutor for biology and kinesiology. He is the secretary and chair of education and certifications for the Kin Crew and a member of the Minot State Beavers baseball team as a relief pitcher. He volunteers with Somerset Assisted Living, Caring Edge Hospice, and Prairie Grit. Meldrim has been involved in several research projects focusing on the effects of IASTM (instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization) on range of motion and grip strength, effects of IASTM on lower extremity range of motion and gait, and fundamental movement skill intervention on preschool-aged children. He is currently engaged in research on the effects of anti-gravity treadmill gait training and strengthening in individuals with osteoarthritis. He won the NASPSA (North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity) Outstanding Student Paper Award. He also served as a medical scribe in the emergency department and as a certified nurse assistant in the operating room. He is the recipient of several scholarships, including the Garnet Cox Scholarship, an athletic scholarship, and the Edson and Margaret Larson Leadership Scholarship. He has been named to the President’s List every semester and four times to the Engagement Honor Roll. Following graduation, he hopes to attend medical school.

Hannah Murray, from Red Deer, Alberta, is a senior professional chemistry major with minors in mathematics and data science, and a concentration in physics, and holds a 3.93 grade point average. She is a member of the Minot State Beavers softball team and is the team captain. She has also served as a tutor and has spent time volunteering with Prairie Grit teaching swimming lessons. She has received the prestigious Myles Brand All-Academic with Distinction Award and has been named to the NSIC (Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference) All-Tournament Team, the NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence, and the President’s List. She completed the University of North Dakota Energy and Environmental Research Center Energy Hawks Internship, where she conducted a research project/feasibility study and presented on large-scale hydrogen production via electrolysis for renewable diesel production. She has also completed an internship with the United States Department of Agriculture, conducting biochemistry and analytical chemistry research on monobutyrin feed additives for poultry gut health. She intends to continue her education at the graduate level and eventually pursue a career in the energy industry, and hopes to contribute to its advancement through a career of scientific research and innovation that positively impacts society.

Emerald Okotie is a senior honors student with a major in social work from Lagos, Nigeria.  She currently holds a 3.81 grade point average. On campus, she has been involved as the vice president of the Residence Hall Association and the vice president of the Social Work Club, as well as the Looyenga Leadership Institute. Through these programs, she has completed volunteer work with the MSU Food Pantry, hosted a symposium for social workers, created awareness of cultural diversity at Minot middle schools, and raised funds for the Minot Fire Department.  She has also volunteered with Project BEE and Magic City Daycare and is currently volunteering with Caring Edge Hospice. She has been named to the Vice President for Academic Affairs Honor Roll and the President’s List. She hopes to attend graduate school for clinical social work and aspires to work in assisted living facilities and hospitals.

Colby Opp is a junior composite science major with a concentration in leadership studies and a 4.0 grade point average from Minot. As an AmeriCorps member, Opp worked as the junior group leader coordinator for the Launching Leadership Program, which won a Future Leaders Empowerment Award. He has also been an orientation leader and has appeared on a billboard, in various videos, and on the radio promoting Minot State. He currently serves as an assistant coach for the Minot North boys' tennis team and as a volunteer coach for the girls' tennis team. He works with the Minot Park District Tennis in the Parks program as assistant director and continues to participate in multiple North Dakota tennis tournaments and events. He has been named to the President’s List every semester and has received the Emerging Scholars Scholarship, the North Dakota Academic Scholarship, and the Srejma Family Scholarship. He hopes to obtain a high school teaching position, eventually earning his master’s degree and becoming a school principal.

Maelyn Sanders is a senior physical education major from Tioga with a concentration in leadership studies and a 3.47 grade point average. She has been involved in MSU Life, the Minot State track & field team, Cru, the Leadership Club, and Kin Krew on campus.  She has also worked as an orientation leader, a first-year experience peer mentor, an intramurals referee, and at the Wellness Center. She has coached junior high basketball for the past two years at Bishop Ryan, been a group leader for Launching Leadership, and participated in a Cru mission trip as well as the Day of Hope at Pursuit Church. She has received numerous scholarships, including the Gertrude Eck Scholarship, the Sandra (Koolmo) Dilland Scholarship, the Elmer Ness Scholarship, and the Alva J. Field Scholarship. Her career goal is to teach physical education and coach a varsity sport.

Jadyn Sandy is a senior elementary education major from Velva with a 4.0 grade point average. Sandy was a member of the Leadership Living-Learning Community and then served as the event planner for the floor. She has also been an orientation leader, a Wellness Center employee, a STEM summer instructor, and a Reading Camp instructor. As a volleyball official, she has volunteered for the NDHSAA volleyball tournaments and the Empire Volleyball Club tournaments. Among her many scholarships are the Edson and Margaret Larson Leadership Scholarship, American Legion Scholarship, Rotary Scholarship, Pringle and Herigstad Scholarship, Mensa Scholarship, and the Towner Pioneer Daughters Scholarship. Her career goal is to be an elementary teacher and work with children, ensuring that every child receives a fair and equal opportunity for education.

Brek Thompson is a general studies major combining exercise science and rehabilitation as well as business classes, while also minoring in leadership studies. He is a Minot native with a 3.79 grade point average in his junior year. He is employed at the Wellness Center where he is a group fitness instructor, a rock wall instructor, an intramurals referee and scorekeeper, and a desk attendant. He is part of the Rock Climbing Club and the Esports team for Minot State and has been involved in numerous intramural teams as well. In addition, Thompson has been an orientation leader, a group leader for Launching Leadership, and is the vice president of the Leadership Club. He is a recipient of the North Dakota Career and Technical Education Scholarship, a Minot State University academic scholarship, and an Esports varsity scholarship. He hopes to one day open a rehabilitation and wellness center that emphasizes the use of exercise as a treatment for disease and injury.

Hayden Tinker is a senior exercise science and rehabilitation major with a pre-law minor from Minot. Tinker has been involved in the Student Government Association as a senator and, most recently, as president. He is also the president of the Kin Krew and is an undergraduate research assistant for the Department of Science. His volunteer work includes the Edgewood Assisted Living facility, serving as a spotter and plate loader for North Dakota powerlifting meets, and collaborating with Minot High School’s “Greener Tomorrow” trash clean-up. He has received the North Dakota EPSCOR (Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) Award for research and an Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program Student Award and has presented posters and abstracts with two authorships and two ongoing projects. He is a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified professional trainer and senior fitness instructor. He plans to attend law school and one day work in private practice specializing in personal injury, medical malpractice, and civil litigation.

Sadie Weninger of Velva is a junior multimedia communications major with a concentration in photography and a 3.79 grade point average. Her campus involvement includes the Content Creation Club, the Art Club, of which she is currently vice president, the host of “MSU Inside Out,” the host of the KMSU game show “Sabotage!,” a student social media specialist for Minot State University, and a former gallery assistant and social media manager for the Northwest Arts Center.  She has also taught photography to 4-H club members and photographed portraits for economically challenged families. Her artwork has been featured in the “Members Only Show” at the Taube Museum of Art and in the “Juried Student Show” at the Northwest Arts Center. She also won a blue ribbon in the North Dakota State Fair Photography Competition. She is the recipient of the Huso/Flossie Henke Scholarship, the 4-H Scholarship, and the North Dakota Career and Technical Education Scholarship, and has been named to the President’s List. She owns her own photography business and hopes to work as a news anchor and broadcaster following graduation.