Honors Convocation 2020

In light of COVID-19 and the need for social distancing, Wittenberg is hosting this year's recognition of academic excellence virtually. Normally held in Weaver Chapel, the 2020 Honors Convocation kicked off with a special welcome video by President Mike Frandsen, April 3.

Presidential Scholars

Named for each of Wittenberg's 14 presidents, Presidential Scholars hold the top 14 grade point averages in the junior class.

Presidential Scholars Video Announcement

This year's recipients are:

  • J. Ezra Keller Scholarship
    Sage R. Gerstenzang
  • Samuel P. Sprecher Scholarship
    Rachel C. Remias
  • John B. Helwig Scholarship
    Shelby R. Smith
  • Samuel Alfred Ort Scholarship
    Abigail E. Yunker
  • John M. Ruthrauff Scholarship
    Bailey E. McPhail
  • Charles G. Heckert Scholarship
    Erika E. Bournival
  • Rees Edgar Tulloss Scholarship
    Amor Niksic
  • Clarence Charles Stoughton Scholarship
    Miranda M. Zielinski
  • John Nissley Stauffer Scholarship
    Jillian M. Poska
  • G. Kenneth Andeen Scholarship
    Lena K. Pirt
  • William A. Kinnison Scholarship
    Kathryn G. Wetterstroem
  • L. Baird Tipson Scholarship
    Aislynn Ward
  • Mark H. Erickson Scholarship
    Lucas A. Klever
  • Laurie M. Joyner Scholarship
    Audra P. Metzger

Departmental And Program Awards

Each year, Wittenberg University's Academic Departments announce a wide variety of awards during the Honors Convocation ceremony.

Art Department

The Ralston C. Thompson Awards were established in honor of the late Ralston Thompson, professor of art (1941-1970). These awards are granted by the Art Department to students who demonstrate exceptional promise in art.

  • Anna K. Lebold

The Wittenberg Guild Awards are given annually from a fund established by The Wittenberg Guild. These awards are granted by the Art Department to students who demonstrate exceptional promise in art.

  • Kimberly S. Mugford

The S. Paul & Clara M. Weaver Endowed Scholarship was funded through a generous gift in loving memory of S. Paul Weaver by his wife Clara M. Weaver, Columbus, Ohio, to provide financial assistance to sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are either art majors or education majors with a desire to teach art.

  • Grace A. Worley

Biology Department

The Faculty Award for Outstanding Achievement in Biology is given by the faculty of the department in recognition of seniors who have had outstanding achievement and demonstrate strong potential in biology.

  • Kelli A. Fisher, Brooke M. Moore, Rachel M. Corsello

The Emmett Bodenberg Award for Outstanding Achievement in Environmental Biology, named to honor the late professor of biology (1931-1968), is given to the junior or senior students who have excelled in and demonstrated commitment to this field of study.

  • Madison T. Nadler, Ilse J. Hassler

The Rachel Ianni Award for Excellence in Peer Mentoring was established in memory of 2008 graduate Rachel Ianni (1986-2013). A biology major and marine science minor, Rachel served as a peer mentor for three years in the biology department, where she inspired fellow students with her knowledge of the field, passion for research, love of “good science,” and joie de vivre.

  • Casey M. Meyers, Thomas P. Scholl

Biology Senior Fellows recognizes outstanding junior Biology majors who are model representatives of both the Department and the University.

  • Elaina F. Adams, Emma G. Amurgis, Caleb T. Austin, Verne P. Kreger, Destiny L. Paulen, Genevieve A. Spiridigliozzi, Abigail E. Yunker

Watch Congratulatory Video From Dr. Jim Welch


Biochemistry/Molecular Biology Program

The Faculty Award for Outstanding Achievement in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is given in recognition of seniors with exceptional achievement and strong potential in biochemistry and molecular biology.

  • Lindsey N. King

Watch Congratulatory Video From Dr. Margaret Goodman


Business & Economics Department

The Tau Pi Phi Award is given to the graduating business major who combines the highest academic achievement with university contribution.

  • Korynne J. Berner

The Faculty Award for Excellence recognizes business majors with the greatest potential for career success.

  • Noah A. Moderwell

The Denise L. Calvert Award is given to the senior business major who provides significant leadership to both the department and university, while offering a strong example of dedication to scholarship and the needs of others.

  • Jack T. Wolfe

Financial Executives International Award recognizes an outstanding senior finance or accounting student based on academics, leadership and service.

  • Whitney P. Hoover

Lowell E. Stockstill III Investment Award, sponsored by the WittInvest Investment Club in honor of the founding advisor, recognizes students of high academic achievement who further the American free enterprise system via their knowledge of markets and investments.

  • Madison I. Wolters

The Dr. Woodrow Wilson Prize for Excellence in Business, made available by the widow and children of Woodrow Wilson, professor emeritus of business administration (1956-1978), was created to give annual financial awards to students who major and excel in management.

  • Zori L. Parker, Erin E. Adams

The Economics Prize for Outstanding Achievement is given by the department to recognize economics majors who have maintained high standards in course work and research.

  • Olesya Tehan, Jonathan E. Specht

Watch Congratulatory Video From Dr. Rachel Wilson


Chemistry Department

The Dayton Section of the American Chemical Society Patterson Award is given to the outstanding junior chemistry major.

  • Nicholas F. Weissman

The Nelson E. Sartoris Award is given to outstanding senior chemistry majors.

  • Katherine R. Robinson

The James T. Gregory Award is given to the junior or senior chemistry student most likely to succeed in chemical research.

  • Christina M. Thompson

Watch Congratulatory Video From Dr. Justin Houseknecht


Communication Department

Laurels in Communication are given to a major who demonstrates academic excellence, personal integrity, a commitment to community, and the motivation and potential to use advanced knowledge of communication toward socially responsible ends.

  • Elena G. Dumm

Watch Congratulatory Video From Dr. Katie Warber


East Asian Studies Program

The Outstanding East Asian Language Study Award is given to the outstanding upperclass East Asian Studies major of the Chinese and Japanese languages.

  • Sage R. Gerstenzang (Chinese), Samantha L. Bailey (Japanese)

The Shigeharu Matsumoto Award is given to outstanding seniors in East Asian Studies and recognizes superior academic performance and outstanding community service. The award honors Shigeharu Matsumoto for his leadership in the development of peaceful relations among the United States, Japan, and China.

  • Samantha L. Bailey

The Eugene Swanger Scholarship is awarded to a sophomore East Asian Studies major who demonstrates high academic achievement and shows promise as an Asian studies scholar.

  • Peyton N. Ernst

Education Department

The Barbara Steel Kane Memorial Award was established in memory of Barbara Steel Kane, a 1978 graduate of Wittenberg. The award is presented to one major and one minor from the Teacher Education Program who demonstrate the capacities of character, commitment and community that are in keeping with the mission of the Education Department and its theme of “Educational Leaders for Constructive Social Change.”

  • Chelby C. Dye (major), Clay A. Waidelich (minor)

The Virginia Lucas Silver Apple Award is presented to the Education Department junior who displays the qualities exemplified by Professor Emerita of Education Virginia Lucas (1973-1992).

  • Caleb T. Austin

Watch Congratulatory Video From Dr. Brian Yontz


English Department

The Allen J. Koppenhaver Prize, established in honor of the late Allen J. Koppenhaver, professor of English (1961-1991), is awarded annually to the outstanding senior English major who best represents the breadth and depth of Professor Koppenhaver’s scholarship and interdisciplinary interests.

  • Megan N. Winters, Sophia E. Reutter

The Award for Excellence in Literary Studies is given to senior English majors who best exemplify excellence in literary criticism and scholarship.

  • Samantha L. Reynolds

Watch Congratulatory Video From Dr. Lori Askeland


Geology Department

The Geology Alumni Fund for Student Development recognizes an outstanding incoming freshman who intends to major in Geology.

  • Hannah O. Hayes

Health Professions Program

The John Stauffer Scholarship is given to a student in the sciences who is planning to enter medical school or graduate school upon graduating from Wittenberg to pursue a career in medicine or one of the basic medical sciences. The award recipient should be planning for either the M.D. or the Ph.D. degree after graduation with plans for medical practice or medical research and education. This award recognizes merit and outstanding scholarship and potential for future contributions in the health sciences.

  • Casey M. Meyers

History Department

The ATO - Paul F. Bloomhardt Award, established in honor of the late Paul F. Bloomhardt, professor of history and biography (1925-1956), is awarded to outstanding junior history majors.

  • Anna-Claire L. Crichton, Saylor M. Frye

The Margaret S. Ermarth Award, established in honor of the late Margaret Sittler Ermarth, professor of history (1953-1974), is awarded to outstanding senior history majors.

  • Zoe K. Schwartz, Grace E. Fischer

The Martha and Robert Hartje Award, established in 1988 to honor Robert Hartje, professor of history (1956-1988) and his wife Martha Hartje, is awarded to an outstanding senior history major skilled in writing historical narrative.

  • Zoe K. Schwartz

The Hartje Travel Scholarship Award is a newly endowed award by the Hartje family for history students to travel and/or study abroad in the summer or fall semester.

  • Allyson J. Masterson

Watch Congratulatory Video From Dr. Christian Raffensperger


Intercollegiate Athletics Program

The North Coast Athletic Conference Student-Athlete Award recognizes a student who has performed with distinction both in the classroom and on the playing field.

  • Brad L. Barren, Taylor M. Yontz

Languages Department

The Kurt J. Fickert Award, established in honor of Kurt J. Fickert, professor of languages (1956-1986), is presented to an outstanding junior or senior majoring in French, German, or Spanish or completing advanced studies in Russian. The recipient must possess those qualities exemplified by Professor Fickert during his more than 30 years of service to the Department of Languages and to the university: an understanding of and commitment to the humanistic values fostered by an education in the liberal arts, a lively interest in intellectual endeavor and achievement, and plans for a career that will enrich the lives of others.

  • Marielle L. Beach (German), Zoe K. Schwartz (German), Grant D. Steele (German), Daniel L. Barren (Russian), Rachael M. Fink (Russian), Elexis A. Spence (Spanish)

The Stan Mickel Award is presented to an outstanding senior student of East Asian languages. While the major area of study is open, the recipient will have completed, or will be completing, advanced studies in Chinese or Japanese and will have an overall GPA of no less than 3.5. In keeping with Professor Mickel’s profound commitment to passing on his love of Chinese, the award winner will also show promise of further engagement with East Asian language and culture.

  • Olesya Tehan

Read Congratulatory Letter from Dr. Tim Bennett


Mathematics and Computer Science Department

The Paul Hessler Award, established in memory of Paul Hessler, a member of the mathematics faculty at Wittenberg (1969-1978), is awarded to a junior or senior major for outstanding achievement in mathematics or computer science.

  • Andrew M. Gregory

The Charles and Elsie Little Mathematics Fund was established by Dr. Richard A. Little, a 1960 graduate of Wittenberg, in memory of his parents. This award recognizes outstanding junior or senior mathematics or computer science majors.

  • John A. Hughes, Ngoc Minh Quang Nguyen

Watch Congratulatory Video From Dr. Adam Parker


Music Department

The Elmer Blackmer Award, established in memory of Professor Elmer Blackmer (1962-1974), is presented to music students who have shown outstanding achievement in music theory and music skills.

  • Zachary B. Howe

The Jan Bender Award, established in honor of the late Jan Bender, professor of music (1965-1975), is awarded to a senior whose performance both academically and musically has been excellent and whose contributions to the Department of Music have been outstanding.

  • Alexander J. O’Connor

Watch Congratulatory Video From Dr. Brandon Jones


Nursing Department

The David and Mary Benfer Scholarship for Academic Excellence in Nursing, established in 2018, is in honor of David and Mary’s siblings whose careers and lives have been dedicated to serving and caring for others. The scholarship recognizes an outstanding junior nursing student based on academic merit, leadership and potential in the field of nursing.

  • Cameron R. Rice

Philosophy Department

The Remsberg/Klive Award, established in honor of Robert G. Remsberg, professor of philosophy (1940-1975), and Visvaldis V. Klive, professor of philosophy (1966-1994). This recognition is given to an outstanding senior philosophy major and includes a book award.

  • Greta W. Andersen

Watch Congratulatory Video From Dr. Nancy McHugh


Political Science Department

The Joe H. Bindley Scholarship, which honors Professor Bindley (1968-1987), is granted to junior or senior political science majors who exhibit high levels of leadership or scholarship while pursuing courses of study leading toward law school or American politics.

  • Rachel C. Remias

The Jeffrey Y. Mao Alumni Award in Political Science is given to junior political science majors in recognition of outstanding scholarship, service to the university and promise of significant contributions to society.

  • Saylor M. Frye

Watch Congratulatory Video From Dr. James Allan


Psychology Department

The Bethlehem Steel Award has been established to honor outstanding senior students in psychology.

  • Tara E. Buchy

The Meagan Toothman Scholarship is named for Meagan because she represented the best of Wittenberg as a scholar-athlete, a beloved sister in her sorority and a friend to many. Meagan followed Wittenberg’s motto of “having light we pass it on to others” in supporting countless individuals. This scholarship is awarded annually to a junior or senior psychology student who is hardworking, passionate and engaged in the community.

  • Jubileen L. Kombe, Gabrielle K. Zysik

The Award for Professional Potential is given to a senior psychology major who has demonstrated the potential for advanced study in psychology.

  • Cassidy S. Taylor

The Virgil E. Rahn Memorial Fund in Psychology has been established to honor an outstanding junior student in psychology.

  • Lucas A. Klever

Watch Congratulatory Video From Dr. Stephanie Little


Religion Department

The David Hartman Award, established in honor of the late David Hartman, associate professor of religion (1962-1976), is awarded to an outstanding senior in the Department of Religion based upon the student’s academic performance, ability to relate the study of religion to the liberal arts, and contributions to the department and its program.

  • Daniel L. Barren

Watch Congratulatory Video From Dr. Jennifer Oldstone-Moore


Russian and Central Eurasian Studies Program

The Award for Excellence in Russian and Central Eurasian Studies is given to an outstanding senior Russian and Central Eurasian Studies major.

  • Daniel L. Barren, Rachael M. Fink

Click Here To View Congratulatory Statement From Dr. Lilah Zaharkov


Sociology Department

The T. Edwin Boling Sociology Scholarship Award, established in honor of the late Ed Boling, professor of sociology (1967-1994), is given to outstanding senior sociology majors.

  • Dania Jaser, Carly E. Schneider

Women's Studies Program

The Women’s Studies Writing Award, sponsored by the Women’s Studies Program, is presented for outstanding writing in any area of Women’s Studies.

  • Samantha L. Reynolds

Honor Societies In The Academic Disciplines

Each year, Wittenberg University announces newly inducted members of Honor Societies in the Academic Disciplines during the Honors Convocation ceremony.

Alpha Kappa Delta seeks to acknowledge and promote excellence in scholarship in the study of sociology, the research of social problems, and such other social and intellectual activities as will lead to improvement in the human condition. Academically accomplished sociology majors and minors are invited to join Wittenberg’s Sigma of Ohio Chapter.

  • Raeven N. DeSantis
  • Lindsay N. Fetherolf
  • Dania Jaser
  • Noah W. Perry
  • Lilliona Rogers
  • Shelby R. Smith
  • Cameron T. Stout
  • Aislynn Ward
  • Antonia V. Turner
  • Madison M. Vanhook

Watch Congratulatory Video From Dr. Keith Doubt

Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) is a society for students dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research. Since its founding in 1922 more than 670 chapters have been established throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

  • Jennifer S. Barron Estrada
  • Alexa R. Bell
  • Carly A. Carafa
  • Ashley E. Cave
  • Meredith L. Funderburg
  • Lilye M. Morrison
  • Meghan A. Nadzam
  • Madelyn J. Paazig
  • Kristin L. Stein
  • Courtney R. Stewart
  • Sarah N. Theisen
  • Mikayla S. Thompson

Epsilon Alpha Sigma, the first East Asian Studies honor society in the United States, was founded at Wittenberg in 1981. Since then, other colleges and universities throughout the country have established chapters of this honorary. Membership is open to academically superior students of East Asian Studies.

  • Sage R. Gerstenzang, Shae L. Gorin

Kappa Delta Pi is an honored community of diverse educators who have achieved and continue to promote and advance excellence in scholarship, leadership and service.

  • Emma J. Capuano
  • Tyler M. Gittins
  • Lauren A. Hurt
  • Olivia L. Roll
  • Brittany N. Watson
  • Breann C. Webb

Lambda Pi Eta is the National Communication Association’s official honor society at four-year colleges and universities. LPH represents what Aristotle described in The Rhetoric as three ingredients of persuasion: logos (Lambda), pathos (Pi), and ethos (Eta). Lambda Pi Eta recognizes, fosters and rewards outstanding scholastic achievement while stimulating interest in the communication discipline.

  • Lindsay N. Fetherrolf
  • Lauren E. Geraci
  • Emily H. Kaufman
  • Margaret A. Keverline
  • Isabelle K. McClure

Omicron Delta Epsilon, one of the world’s largest academic honor societies. Members of ODE participate in a wide range of activates from discussions of economic issues, social events, and community service. Omicron Delta Epsilon welcomes students with passionate interest for research, networking and excellence in the economic discipline.

  • Erin E. Adams

Pi Mu Epsilon, founded in 1914, is the nation’s most prestigious mathematics honorary society. The purpose of the Society is to promote scholarly activity in mathematical activity inside and outside the classroom.

  • Jacob B. Bertemes
  • Ashley E. Cave
  • Clara C. DeHart
  • Garrett E. Hunter
  • Taylor M. Lasits-Brooks
  • Ngoc Minh Quang Nguyen
  • Katherine R. Robinson
  • Emma K. Thacker

Pi Sigma Alpha brings together students and faculty interested in the study of government and politics. Wittenberg has had a chapter since 1947. Juniors and seniors who have completed requisite political science courses with excellence and whose overall grade point average is above 3.3 are eligible for membership.

  • Noelle M. Collins
  • Clara C. DeHart
  • Saylor M. Frye
  • Mackenzie E. Hill
  • Vanessa Orduna Zarazua

Psi Chi is the international honor society in psychology. Wittenberg’s Psi Chi members have a psychology grade point average of 3.50 or higher.

  • Danielle B. Gilbert
  • Theresa K. Harper
  • Caitlyn M. Hum
  • Lucas A. Klever
  • Natalie M. Lowen
  • Elexis A. Spence
  • Sara E. Sullivan

Watch Congratulatory Video From Dr. Stephanie Little

Founded in 1914, Sigma Delta Pi is a national honor society devoted to students of Spanish in four-year colleges and universities. The organization is the largest foreign-language honor society accredited by the Associate of College Honor societies (ACHS), the nation’s only governing body of its kind.

  • Daniela C. Anchundia
  • Mary L. Britton
  • Destiny L. Paulen
  • Shelby R. Smith

Sigma Tau Delta is an International English Honor Society founded in 1924. The Society strives to confer distinction for high achievement in the English language and literature in undergraduate studies. Fostering all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing, Sigma Tau Delta provides an outreach to thousands of students who share a commitment to excellence in English language arts.

  • James A. Hagerman
  • Katrin C. Hodson
  • Emma E. Kilpatrick
  • Bailey E. McPhail
  • Jessica L. Pinkerton
  • Dorothy A. Rees
  • Jamin N. Waite
  • Breann C. Webb
  • Kathryn G. Wetterstroem

Tau Pi Phi, the Business Honor Society, was founded at Wittenberg University in 1931. Tau Pi Phi recognizes and honors business and economics students for quality academic achievement, promotes scholarship in the study of business and economics, encourages the practice of the highest ethical canons in business, and fosters the social nature of business.

  • Erin E. Adams
  • Stephanie L. Angle
  • Blake E. Atwell
  • Jana C. Davila
  • Kristen A. Eikenberry
  • Alyssa M. Holtkamp
  • Yorihiro Kosaka
  • Vanessa Orduna Zarazua
  • Lauren M. Welker

National & GPA Awards

Provost Michelle Mattson announced this year's Fulbright semi-finalists and seniors with 4.0 GPAs.

National & GPA Awards Video Announcement

National Awards

U.S. Fulbright Student Program

  • Semi-finalists: Theresa "Reese" K. Harper, Madison T. Nadler, Samantha L. Reynolds

GPA Awards

Seniors with a 4.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average

  • Joshua D. Butler
  • Clara C. DeHart
  • Rachael M. Fink
  • Christopher D. Fritts
  • Megan N. Winters

Recognition Societies

Each year, Wittenberg University announces newly inducted members of Recognition Societies during the Honors Convocation ceremony.

Ivy Ring is a junior women’s service honorary. Members are chosen on the basis of their contributions to the Wittenberg campus and to the community through the quality of their academic work and their participation in extracurricular activities.

  • Ashley A. Brooks
  • Elizabeth H. Canright
  • Lindsay N. Fetherolf
  • Rachel A. Kaiser
  • Shante T. Leslie
  • Dorothy P. Morgan
  • Mary E. Steiner
  • Lauren M. Welker

Pick and Pen is a junior honorary emphasizing leadership, service and scholarship.

  • Jillian C. Baker
  • Alexa R. Bell
  • Ashley A. Brooks
  • Elizabeth H. Canright
  • Casey J. Conrad
  • Sarah K. Eshelman
  • Alex T. Jordan
  • Rachel A. Kaiser
  • Shante T. Leslie
  • Lauren M. Welker

National Honor Societies

Each year, Wittenberg University announces newly inducted members of National Honor Societies during the Honors Convocation ceremony.

Alpha Alpha Alpha is a national honor society that recognizes the scholarship and achievement of first-generation college students. Founded at Moravian college in 2018, Wittenberg was the third school approved to induct a class and is the Mu chapter. Wittenberg inducted its first class into the honors society this spring. The society recognizes students who have earned at least 36 credits hours, achieved overall GPA of 3.2 or higher, and neither parents nor guardians have completed a bachelor’s degree.

  • Kayla M. Cull
  • Taylor N. Easlick
  • Morgan E. Ely
  • Danielle B. Gilbert
  • Nicole E. Hawkins
  • Jordan L. Kostura
  • Amanda A. Lam
  • Elise J. Loux
  • Dana J. Messer
  • Lydia D. Newton
  • Olivia R. Riddle
  • Rebecka M. Schlake
  • Camiron L. Shimrak
  • Courtney R. Stewart
  • Logan B. Walton

Alpha Lambda Delta is a national honor society that seeks to recognize and encourage scholarship among first-year college women. Selection is based entirely on achieving a 3.5 cumulative grade point average for fall semester of the first year.

  • Mallory J. Austin
  • Alana L. Bell
  • Ellen D. Brouhard
  • Kailey N. Cordova
  • Julianna S. Fisher
  • Maya K. Hagander
  • Kacee E. Hemby
  • Shaylin M. Hower
  • Meredith C. Johnson
  • Miranda L. Justice
  • Lauren E. King
  • Sydney B. Lamb
  • Alaina D. Lentz
  • Jenna E. Mains
  • Kaitlyn M. McGee
  • Claire M. Muia
  • Emily C. Noble
  • Calliope R. Osborn
  • Shannon L. Riley
  • Elizabeth M. Rioch
  • Ashley M. Schnetzer
  • Faith L. Scully
  • Claire S. Stechow
  • Megan K. Suffoletta
  • Carmen P. Sullivan
  • Leah K. Vogt
  • Sarah Watson
  • Hannah G. Weymouth
  • Morgan B. White

Phi Eta Sigma is a national honor society that seeks to recognize and to encourage scholarship among first-year college men. Selection is based entirely on achieving a 3.5 cumulative grade point average for fall semester of the first year.

  • David H. Blair
  • Nicholas F. Bowman
  • Patrick R. Bretland
  • Dane A. Flatter
  • Nicholas G. Kleiner
  • Cameron J. Menini
  • Christian Meyers
  • Andres Mujica
  • Brady C. Oder
  • Jack S. Rardon
  • Rider J. Stock
  • Evan P. Sugrue

Mortar Board is a national senior honorary recognizing scholarship, leadership and service. Candidates must have a 3.3 grade point average and excel in both curricular and cocurricular leadership and service to the Wittenberg community.

  • Braeden L. Bowen
  • Anna-Claire L. Crichton
  • Rachel M. Corsello
  • Gabriell M. Hancock
  • Lucas A. Klever
  • Cora E. Lutz
  • Bailey E. McPhail
  • Ngoc Minh Quang Nguyen
  • Samantha S. Peck
  • Jessica L. Pinkerton
  • Leah N. Ruby
  • Carly N. Stang
  • Jamin N Waite
  • Breann C. Webb

Omicron Delta Kappa is a national senior leadership honor society recognizing leadership in scholarship, athletics, university publications, cultural life and student affairs.

  • Sophomore Award
    • Alana L. Bell
    • Casey J. Conrad
    • Rachel A. Kaiser
    • Anthony N. Petruzzi
    • Mikayla S. Thompson
  • New Members
    • Stephanie L. Angle
    • Taylor M. Barnhisel
    • Braeden L. Bowen
    • Samantha H. Childress
    • Anna-Claire L. Crichton
    • Gabriell M. Hancock
    • Mackenzie E. Hill
    • Katrin C. Hodson
    • Paige E. Lewis
    • Cora E. Lutz
    • Audra P. Metzger
    • Dorothy P. Morgan
    • Lena K. Pirt
    • Katherine R. Robinson
    • Zoe K. Schwartz
    • Alexander T. Sheppard
    • Taryn J. Smith
    • Carly N. Stang
    • Gabrielle K. Szydlowski
    • Breann C. Webb
    • Grace A. Worley

Chi Alpha Sigma is a national college athletic honor society founded in 1996. Members must be of junior or senior class standing, have a 3.4 or higher cumulative grade point average, be of good moral character and have earned a letter in a varsity intercollegiate sport.

  • Elaina F. Adams
  • Erin E. Adams
  • Caleb T. Austin
  • Taylor M. Barnhisel
  • Nathan O. Baulch
  • Tanner P. Boros
  • Erika E. Bournival
  • Miles A. Caine
  • Daniel J. Castleberry
  • Jeffrey J. Chonko
  • Elise N. Freeland
  • Zachary T. Guyer
  • Gabriell M. Hancock
  • Jack A. Hollinshead
  • Jordan A. Jarrett
  • Aliza L. Johnson
  • Kristie R. Kalis
  • Lucas A. Klever
  • Verne P. Kreger
  • Kaitlyn M. Krieg
  • Anthony P. LeBarge
  • Cora E. Lutz
  • Noah A. Moderwell
  • Madison T. Nadler
  • Abigail E. Sammons
  • John R. Siefert
  • Samantha M. Skelly
  • Jacob A. Snowden
  • Carly N. Stang
  • Kristin L. Stein
  • Jordan T. Welch
  • Abigail E. Yunker

Alpha Sigma Lambda The Wittenberg chapter of this national honor society for adult students is one of more than 200 throughout the nation. The society recognizes superior academic achievement by mature adults who typically pursue their studies while meeting major responsibilities of work and family.

  • Christopher D. Fritts
  • Dania Jaser
  • Megan S. Short
  • Kiri Youngblood

Watch Congratulatory Video From Barbara Randazzo

Seniors Earning University Honors

  • Daniel L. Barren
  • Rachel C. Bernard
  • Tara E. Buchy
  • Rachel M. Corsello
  • Clara C. DeHart
  • Cameron J. Dobrotka
  • Elena G. Dumm
  • Kristen A. Eikenberry
  • Lindsay N. Fetherolf
  • Rachael M. Fink
  • Theresa K. Harper
  • Ilse J. Hassler
  • Mackenzie E. Hill
  • Trevor A. Hoberty
  • Katrin C. Hodson
  • Margaret A. Keverline
  • Jenny A. Larrick
  • Rachel E. Littleton
  • Casey M. Meyers
  • Quintin E. Muhlenkamp
  • Madison Nadler
  • Alexander J. O’Connor
  • Sophia E. Reutter
  • Samantha L. Reynolds
  • Carly E. Schneider
  • Zoe K. Schwartz
  • Jonathan E. Specht
  • Grant D. Steele
  • Drew T. Suffoletta
  • Cassidy S. Taylor
  • Olesya Tehan
  • Katherine L. Vorpe
  • Megan N. Winters
  • Grace A. Worley

Phi Beta Kappa

Founded at the College of William and Mary in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest and most prestigious of the national honor societies. Wittenberg’s chapter, Omicron of Ohio, was established in 1992. Phi Beta Kappa exists to give recognition to students who have achieved high academic distinction at Wittenberg. Phi Beta Kappa stresses the importance of the liberal arts and sciences, and elects to membership only those students who have demonstrated their awareness of the liberal arts tradition by building programs broad in scope yet sufficiently concentrated to ensure comprehensive knowledge in one or more disciplines.

Students are normally elected as seniors or, in special cases, as juniors. They must be majoring in one of the liberal arts or sciences, have a high grade point average, have taken a variety of courses across the liberal arts spectrum, and have demonstrated a knowledge of mathematics and a foreign language appropriate to a liberal arts education.

  • Marielle L. Beach
  • Grace E. Fischer
  • Trevor A. Hoberty
  • Bailey E. McPhail
  • Ngoc Minh Quang Nguyen
  • Destiny L. Paulen
  • Rachel C. Remias
  • Katherine R. Robinson
  • Shelby R. Smith
  • Grant D. Steele
  • Sara E. Sullivan
  • Darby A. Szmania
  • Cassidy S. Taylor
  • Megan N. Winters
  • Abigail E. Yunker

Special Awards And Honors

Each year, Wittenberg University announces a wide variety of special awards honoring service, scholarship, extracurricular activities, and leadership during the Honors Convocation ceremony.

The Charles E. Chatfield Global Awareness Award

Chatfield, a professor of history at Wittenberg University for 38 years, directed international education from 1975 to 1983. He created and directed study-abroad, Global Issues and World Churches programs. The Global Awareness Award, instituted in 1992, recognizes seniors who have contributed to greater global awareness within the Wittenberg University community.

  • Rachael M. Fink

Read Congratulatory Message from Dr. Lila Zaharkov
View Congratulatory Video from JoAnn Bennett

Campus Compact's Newman Civic Fellowship

The Newman Civic Fellowship is intended to honor the leadership legacy of Campus Compact founder Frank Newman by recognizing community-committed students who engage in collaborative action with others from campus or from surrounding communities in order to create long-term social change, take action in addressing issues of inequality and political polarization, and demonstrate the motivation and potential for effective long-term civic engagement.

  • Emmanuel Thombs

Watch Congratulatory Video From The Hagen Center

Community Service Champion Award

The Community Service Champion Award recognizes a student’s commitment to service, the quality of his/her service, and his/her positive impact on the City of Springfield and Clark County. It is not merely the student’s hours of service, but the impact on the quality of life in the Springfield community that is most important.

  • Korynne Berner

Watch Congratulatory Video Created By Hagen Center Staff

Charles J. Ping Student Community Service Award

The Charles J. Ping Student Community Service Award honors a student’s outstanding leadership and commitment to community service on campus and within the community. It recognizes a student’s ability to work in partnership with members of the community to identify and meet the needs of the community, as well as the creation of a sustainable organization or process to meet this community need for an extended period of time, either to its resolution or into the foreseeable future. The award is sponsored by Ohio Campus Compact, a statewide non-profit coalition of college and university presidents and their campuses working to promote and develop the civic purposes of higher education.

  • Kenzie Hill

Watch Congratulatory Video From The Hagen Center

Copeland Community Service and Social Justice Award

The Copeland Community Service and Social Justice Award recognizes a student who has demonstrated engaged citizenship in the Springfield/ Clark County community. It is not merely the student’s hours of service, but the ability to think critically about difficult societal issues and the willingness to work to confront these issues with compassion and commitment that is most important.

  • Sarah Hartman

Watch Congratulatory Video Created By Hagen Center Staff

Excellence In Community Service Award

The Excellence in Community Service Award recognizes a faculty/ staff member for their dedication to community service in the Springfield/ Clark County community. The recipient is selected based on his/her substantial involvement in community projects, services and activities that contribute to the quality of life in the local community.

  • Dr. Sarah Fortner

Watch Congratulatory Video Created By Hagen Center Staff

The Broadwell Chinn Award

Named for Broadwell Chinn, documented as having been among the first African American students to attend Wittenberg in the 1870s, this award was first given in 1981 in recognition of the Black junior with the highest cumulative grade point average.

  • Jamin N. Waite

Watch Congratulatory Video from Assistant Dean of Students Joshua Moore

The Martin Luther King Jr. Awards

The Martin Luther King Jr. Award was instituted in 1981 to recognize two outstanding black seniors, one man and one woman, who have been positive examples to members of the black community and to the university at-large during their college careers. The Copeland Community Service and Social Justice Award recognizes a student who has demonstrated engaged citizenship in the Springfield/ Clark County community. It is not merely the student’s hours of service, but the ability to think critically about difficult societal issues and the willingness to work to confront these issues with compassion and commitment that is most important.

  • Asharee B. Jones, Jonathan A. Seay

Watch Congratulatory Video from Assistant Dean of Students Joshua Moore

The Lillian C. Franklin Diversity Award

The Lillian C. Franklin Diversity Award will be granted each year to honor a student and a faculty/staff member who have made outstanding contributions in promoting and furthering our goal of rich diversity in the Wittenberg community. Candidates must uphold the tradition of diversity embodied by the award’s namesake, demonstrate high standards of personal integrity, commitment to the education of the whole person, global vision and leadership.

  • Erykah L. Andrews (student), Joshua Moore (faculty/staff)

Watch Congratulatory Video from Assistant Dean of Students Joshua Moore (Student Award)
Watch Congratulatory Video from University President Michael Frandsen (Faculty/Staff Award)

Heimtraut Dietrich Award

The Heimtraut Dietrich Award was instituted in 1981 to recognize a senior who, through faith and service, best emulates the spirit of Miss Dietrich’s devotion to Wittenberg.

  • Marlee T. McGorray

Watch Congratulatory Video From Rev. Anders Tune

Dominic E. And Alyce G. De Marco Award

The Dominic E. and Alyce G. De Marco Scholarship for Academic Excellence and Distinguished Service to Those Living on the Margins of Society is awarded to a student with a GPA of at least 3.5 who has demonstrated – and will continue to demonstrate – a commitment to serving those persons who live on the margins of society, the sick, the material poor, the displaced, the homeless and the elderly.

  • Aislynn Ward

Watch Congratulatory Video From Rev. Anders Tune

Lou Laux Environmental Sustainability Award

The Lou Laux Environmental Sustainability Award recognizes one student and one faculty/staff member for their effort and creativity devoted to cultivating a spirit of environmentalism on campus.

  • Angela M. Gialanella (student), Daniel Lofton (staff)

Watch Congratulatory Video From Dr. Sheryl Cunningham

Alpha Delta Pi Scholarship Awards

The Alpha Delta Pi Scholarships Awards were created in 1990 by the Springfield Alumnae Association and Chi Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority to recognize two junior women, one Greek and one non-Greek, who best exemplify the characteristics consistent with the ideals and goals of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. Selection is based upon excellence in scholarship, leadership, activities and moral character, and goals of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. Selection is based upon excellence in scholarship, leadership, activities and moral character.

  • Charlotte E. Hurst (Greek), Zori L. Parker (Non-Greek)

Watch Congratulatory Video From Dean of Students Casey Gill

M. Alice Geiger Award

The M. Alice Geiger Award was instituted in 1974 at the 100th anniversary of women’s admission to Wittenberg. The award, named for the first woman graduate, recognizes a senior woman for outstanding contributions to the Wittenberg campus in the areas of the performing or literary arts, athletics, co-curricular leadership, new programming, special academic pursuit or through special representation at any time during her college career.

  • Erykah L. Andrews

Watch Congratulatory Video From Dean of Students Casey Gill

The John F. Mitchell Award

Named for the valedictorian of Wittenberg’s first graduating class, the Class of 1851, the John F. Mitchell Award recognizes a senior male student who represents the liberal arts tradition well. This senior is a positive force in academic, cultural and social aspects of the campus. He exemplifies an open mind, understanding, reliability and a wide range of interests.

  • Noah Perry

Watch Congratulatory Video From Dean of Students Casey Gill

Omicron Delta Kappa Faculty Excellence In Teaching Award

The ODK Award honors a current faculty member with less than five years of dedicated service to Wittenberg.

  • Dr. Kelly Dillon

Watch Congratulatory Video From ODK President Jessica Pinkerton '21

Alumni Association Award For Distinguished Teaching

The Alumni Association Award for Distinguished Teaching is presented in recognition of superior classroom teaching and contributions to the academic life of the students and faculty of Wittenberg University.

  • Dr. Brian Yontz

Watch Congratulatory Video From Tosha Bell '07, Wittenberg Alumni Board Representative

Alma Mater

Alma Mater is a traditional honor bestowed upon a junior female student who possesses qualities of leadership, scholarship and service. Final candidates are selected from a pool of nominees determined by students, faculty and staff. The Alma Mater is chosen in a campus-wide election.

  • The final candidates for the 2020-2021 Alma Mater: Elaina F. Adams, Saylor M. Frye, Abby E. Glass, Charlotte E. Hurst, Zori L. Parker
  • The 2020 honoree is: Elaina F. Adams

Alma Lux

Alma Lux is an honor bestowed upon a junior male student who possesses qualities of leadership, scholarship and service. Final candidates are selected from a pool of nominees determined by students, faculty and staff. The Alma Lux is chosen in a campus-wide election.

  • The final candidates for the 2020-2021 Alma Lux are: Blake E. Atwell, Caleb T. Austin, Nathan O. Baulch, Braeden L. Bowen, Deion K. Woodson
  • The 2020 honoree is: Deion K. Woodson

Watch Congratulatory Video from University President Michael Frandsen


Honors Convocation Links/Materials

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