Morningside College conferred 270 bachelor’s degrees and 185 Master of Arts in Teaching degrees during its 115th spring commencement held Saturday, May 11.
In addition to the spring graduates, degrees were conferred upon August and December 2012 graduates, as well as students expected to graduate in August 2013. Morningside awarded honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees to Robbie Rohlena of Sioux City, a longtime Morningside instructor and administrator, and Jeffrey Selingo, editor at large for The Chronicle of Higher Education in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Patrick F. McKinlay, professor of political science at Morningside, received the 2013 Lucille and Charles Wert Faculty Award for excellence in teaching. The award recognizes the faculty member judged by his or her peers to best exemplify the ideals of the teaching profession at Morningside.
Outstanding graduates who were recognized with special awards in their fields of study included: Kathleen M. Arnts of Alta, Iowa, Dean’s Award in Professional Services and Influence; Kaeli J. Austin of Sioux City, Marie Bandholz Award in Special Education; Lydia M. Bienlien of Glenwood, Iowa, Dean’s Award in Sciences; Daniel J. Cunningham of Bettendorf, Iowa, Graduating Senior Art Award; Danielle N. Dahlkoetter of Grant, Neb., Montford and Gertrude Knepper Award in English; John W. Harris of Holstein, Iowa, Lawrence Bandholz Award in Mathematical Sciences; Kevra T. Hawk of Williamsburg, Iowa, Tevis Masters Award for Excellence in Action Research; Robin L. Jackson of Urbandale, Iowa, Lorraine E. Knepper Award in Nursing; Nancy Martin of Morning Sun, Iowa, Owens Masters Award for Professional Service; Brianna S. Mozer of Sioux City, Dr. Tom Curry Outstanding Business Student Award; Jennifer L. Noel of Geneva, Neb., Dean’s Award in Fine Arts; Rachel J. Penning of Granville, Iowa, Dr. Tom Curry Outstanding Business Student Award; Chase R. Shanafelt of Sioux City, Dr. B. G. Knepper Award in English; Donald E. Short III of Sioux City, Dr. Paul C. Koch Award in Education; Nancy Waterstraat of Stralsund, Germany, Dean’s Award in Humanities.
Morningside College awards general honors based on undergraduate work completed at the college and according to the grade point averages (GPAs) designated as follows:
*Cum Laude (with honor) at 3.50
**Magna Cum Laude (with great honor) at 3.66
***Summa Cum Laude (with highest honor) at 3.81.
General honors noted are based upon GPAs as of the end of the fall 2012 semester.
The spring graduates were as follows:
Bachelor of Arts
Sioux City: Cole A. Albright, Aaron J. Book, Christopher M. Calvillo, Kip S. Condon, Brittany L. Conolly, Mikaela M. Cooper, Victoria T. Elphic*, Lindze A. Hass**, Jennifer E. Kinzey, Kory R. Kistner, Courtney J. Lucart*, Sunnie E. Ludwigs, Cristina F. McCrystal, Jeremy G. Myers, Mayra A. Orozco, Matthew W. Ponder, Gerald R. Robbins Jr., Cody R. Skinner.
Iowa: Leah K. Albert, Hinton; Michael L. Bumgardner, Hawkeye; Daniel J. Cunningham, Bettendorf; Seth A. Duff, Odebolt; Ashley M. Eberly***, Lawton; Zeba M. Fazeli, Le Mars; Sarah L. Feuchtenberger***, Hinton; Erin J. Hedlund, Hinton; Jarrett M. Heubrock, Aurelia; Kevin D. Huggenberger, Merrill; Jacy L. Jahn, Denison; Allison A. Jansen, Lawton; Bailee K. Keizer, Missiouri Valley; Emily R. Lechtenberg*, Denison; Breanna J. Mathes***, Cherokee; Jordon M. McCubbin, Fort Dodge; Megan R. McLaury, Spencer; Keisha L. Meyer, Terril; Broderick J. Miller, Ankeny; Chad A. Morehead, Akron; Mackenzie E. Neely, Roland; Benjamin E. Nuzum***, Mondamin; Jake L. Parker, Anthon; Jarrod H. Reese, Emmetsburg; Dylan A. Reynolds, Rock Rapids; Kristin L. Rodenburg, Mapleton; Briana J. Schaeuble, Kingsley; John C. Sievert, Westfield; Kelci J. Teut***, Hinton; Douglas W. Thompson, Hartley; Spencer B. Walker, Sergeant Bluff; Tanya J. Webb, Cherokee; Kirstin L. Wessling, Holstein.
Nebraska: Shelby R. Beaudette**, Walthill; Ashley M. Boman**, Clay Center; Riley J. Callan, Ord; Danielle N. Dahlkoetter***, Grant; Cody J. Hammer, Omaha; Colby W. Henderson, Wakefield; Tyler M. Lenz*, Lincoln; Elizabeth A. McQuistan*, Valentine; Kimberly C. Mendoza, South Sioux City; Jennifer L. Noel, Geneva; Nicole M. Seier*, Lincoln; Marcus R. Smith, Crete.
Other states: Emily E. Beckfield*,New Brighton, Minn.; Karen R. Hatlestad*, Maplewood, Minn.; Elizabeth A. Norton*, Yuma, Ariz.; Jamison K. Parkhill, Sparks Glencoe, Md.; Jescy C. Rodriguez, North Arlington, N.J.; Charles E. Szitas***, Meadville, Pa.; Justin D. Tjaden, Julesburg, Colo.
International: Gustav Hollnagel***, Dresden, Germany; Haoqi Jin, Linhai, China; Nancy Waterstraat***, Stralsund, Germany.
Bachelor of Science
Sioux City: Mohsan Ali, Amy E. Baer, Brian T. Block, Gena M. Cutler, Michael C. Fischer, Fernando Franco Jr.***, Travis L. Hanson***, Nicholas J. Hessa**, Cole G. Hoff, Madison M. Knight, Jordyn J. Lapierre**, Ashley J. Lewis, Kevin L. Long**, Bobbi Jo C. McManaman, Heather G. Mesmer, Brianna S. Mozer***, Chisato Murillo, Cody T. Neddermeyer*, Breanna M. Schwartz***, Donald E. Short III***, Derik D. Simenson, Whitney E. Wee.
Iowa: Andrew J. Anthofer, Coon Rapids; Christopher C. Balliet, Sergeant Bluff; Lydia M. Bienlien***, Glenwood; Taylor M. Chapman*, Spencer; Alisa K. Christensen*, Newell; Cody R. Danko, Hartley; Nathaniel A. Drees*, Spencer; Miranda L. Ebert*, Cherokee; Shelby A. Feldt, Monroe; Stefanie J. Ford***, Brooklyn; Blake S. Fostvedt**, Council Bluffs; Jeffrey J. Gacke, Rock Rapids; Marissa B. Gregg***, Hawarden; Laura J. Grote**, Neola; Samuel D. Halse**, Rock Rapids; John W. Harris***, Holstein; Kyle H. Huggenberger, Merrill; Michael T. Huseman*, Alta; Kyle A. Larkin, Council Bluffs; Alyssa S. Louison, Le Mars; Jedidiah J. McCoy***, Climbing Hill; Tressa L. Miller, Corning; Georgia M. Mize, Moville; Michael T. Oetken***, Akron; Michael A. O’Neal**, Hornick; Rachel J. Penning***, Granville; Nicholas P. Putnam*, Dow City; McKenzie K. Reece, Forest City; Sean D. Richardson, Lawton; Blake M. Schany***, Emmetsburg; Kristin L. Shaw**, Creston; Allison M. Smith, Davenport; Kayla R. Smith, Fonda; Kaylee L. Spotts***, Ida Grove; Adam M. Sullivan, Peosta; Rachel M. Thompson, Lawton; Chelsie M. Trask, Rockford; Casey L. Vetter, Arcadia; Stephanie S. Wibben, Rock Rapids; Jordan M. Wineland**, Grimes; Josh A. Winkel, Newell.
Nebraska: Hanna N. Blum**, Gretna; Keith R. Chvatal, Wahoo; Kirsten M. Dargy, LaVista; Paul A. Davies, Pilger; Claire E. DeRoin**, South Sioux City; Chelsey K. Dunivan***, Meadow Grove; Mary K. Froeschl**, Falls City; Taylor R. Gatz**, South Sioux City; Cameron M. Meter***, Lincoln; Shane D. O’Connell, Omaha; Mariah P. Stauffer**, Omaha; Amber J. Wortmann, Hartington.
Other states: Erin R. Barkley, North Sioux City, S.D.; Krystal L. Carlson***, Richfield, Minn.; Nathan T. Connelly, North Sioux City, S.D.; Jeremiah J. Curry, Elk Point, S.D.; Kaitlin A. Gerber*, Worthington, Minn.; Rebecca L. Hansen*, Darwin, Minn.; John J. McEwen, Canton, Ohio; Hanna L. Mortimer, Rapid City, S.D.; Tyler J. Omundson, Lantana, Texas; William S. Pfau, McHenry, Ill.; Reid T. Rosen***, Fairmont, Minn.; Adam L. Sexton, McCook Lake, S.D.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Sioux City: Jessica N. Bliven***, Monica L. Iverson, Jerilynn J. Perry**.
Iowa: Kathleen M. Arnts***, Alta; Kelsey K. Barker, Alta; Janice L. Bergman*, Arthur; Amanda L. Bryan, Denison; Trisha M. Douvia, Le Mars; Robin L. Jackson**, Urbandale; Aaron J. King, Bronson; Rebecca A. Lenhart, Storm Lake; Katherine L. Matasovsky**, Storm Lake; Selena J. Miller, Saint Charles; Emily C. Nutting, Milo; Kelsey L. Raper, Cherokee; Kathryn J. Rasmussen, Jefferson; Tabitha A. Shepherd**, Corning; Tessa F. Sievert***, Akron; Jamie J. Swotek, Council Bluffs; Kara R. Yoerger*, Le Mars.
Other states: Laura E. Bruce, Champlin, Minn.; Taylor L. Chapman, Lenexa, Kan.; Alyssa N. Geerdes, Brandon, S.D.; Adison T. Gillett, Omaha, Neb.; Taylor J. Johnson, Arlington, Neb.; Lacey A. Tuttle, Elk Point, S.D.; Michelle L. Weber, Eagan, Minn.
Bachelor of Music
Joel T. Dorsett, Sioux City.
Bachelor of Music Education
Elizabeth A. Fish, Carroll, Iowa.
Master of Arts in Teaching Degree
Sioux City: Jennifer C. Bruening, Kamyl R. Hoing, Rafael A. Monasterio, Leslee I. Reiter.
Iowa: Megan Abens, Grimes; Allison Adams, Norwalk; Jill Alessio, Des Moines; Katherine Al-Khanfar, Ottumwa; Anna Bemer, Cedar Rapids; Bernadine Bieber, Des Moines; Carolyn Carlson, Sanborn; Dustin Cassler, Bondurant; Marissa A. Clabaugh, North Liberty; Jeramiah Cox, Pleasant Hill; Kara Dodds, Dubuque; Sarah Downing, Charles City; Lisa Drinkall, Cedar Rapids; Christopher J. Dyer, Shenandoah; Barbara Edwards, Des Moines; Rachel Y. Edwards, Iowa City; Lisa A. Ehlers, Lawton; Amber D. Evans, Laurens; Nicole Gish, Des Moines; Heather Goodrich, Des Moines; Elizabeth M. Gretillat, Britt; Rose Heims, Central City; Aaron Hohl, Des Moines; Bobbie J. Hugo, Cedar Rapids; Frances M. Isley, Indianola; Makenzie Johnson, Des Moines; Karen Jones-Treinen, Ankeny; James Jordan, Coralville; Nicole Kimm, Dubuque; Kristine Kliewer, Kalona; Suzanne Koenck, Graettinger; Mable Kurian, Marshalltown; Scott M. Lammer, Dubuque; Ashley Lathrum, Mitchellville; Diana Lemke, Sibley; Katie E. Lombard, Ankeny; Rebekka Maass, West Des Moines; Nancy Martin, Morning Sun; Vanessa Minick, Des Moines; Matthew C. Oliver, Milo; Jenna Olson, Maquoketa; Ashli J. Perry, Swisher; Jacob Phillips, Mason City; Megan M. Pigott, Cherokee; Angela A. Read, Bellevue; Holly K. Rexroat, Des Moines; Amy Ricks, Dubuque; Sherri Riggan, Lacona; Sara Riley, Cherokee; Pamela A. Ryan, Webster City; Shawn Sandersfeld, Middle Amana; Judi R. Simon, Dyersville; Amanda M. Smith, Stratford; Amy S. Snowden, Ankeny; Katie Sonsalla, Webster City; Kelly L. Stewart, Otho; Allison Stout, Oskaloosa; Kristen A. Turner, Estherville; Laura Van Otterloo, Spencer; Karina Vander Weerdt, Pella; Neomi Voeller Case, Des Moines; Gina Walter-Dunn, Ottumwa; Erin Weiland, Hinton; Sarah L. Wessels, Belmond.
Other states: Michele M. Ellingson, Omaha, Neb.; Jessica Gill, South Sioux City , Neb.; Tara Job, Vermillion, S.D.; Jeffrey Kassal,Omaha, Neb.; Dawna Kurtz, Fulton, Ill.; Tamara Pfaffle, North Sioux City, S.D.
The following students are expected to graduate in August 2013 and participated in the exercises:
Bachelor of Arts
Sioux City: Samantha E. Dailey*, Chase R. Shanafelt, Shawn P. Sullivan, Brooke N. Williams.
Iowa: Zachary J. Ascherl, Westfield; James R. Brooks, Belmond; Andrew R. Dougherty, Moville; Sean C. Elliott, Spencer; Derrick J. Freese, Treynor; Clayton M. King, Lawton; Michelle K. Kuester, Sergeant Bluff; Cory D. Maassen, Hancock; Jared K. Masterson, Bettendorf.
Nebraska: Allison D. Beutler, Norfolk; Ryan M. Boell, Oakland; Alberto Ledesma, South Sioux City; Alexander F. Stopak, Omaha; Adam D. Wademan, Crete.
Other states: Seth C. McCauley, Lawrence, Kan.
Bachelor of Science
Sioux City: Kayla M. Betsworth, Cory R. Derochie, Mandria A. Moran, Jessica A. Prather.
Iowa: David C. King, Le Mars; Jacob J. Lehmann, Merrill; Carter M. Ridenour, Bettendorf.
Other states: Alexandra J. Lohry***, Dakota Dunes, S.D.; Matthew S. Maresh, Central City, Neb.; Alexis M. Stabile, Steamboat Springs, Colo.; Judith E. Stanton, Laurel, Neb.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Jewel A. Sheley***, South Sioux City, Neb.
Bachelor of Music
Haley E. Gabriel, Holdrege, Neb.
The following August or December 2012 graduates participated in the exercises:
Bachelor of Arts
Sioux City: Courtney Brown, Amanda L. Suing**, Joshua G. Thomas**.
Iowa: Jacob R. Chambers, Hospers; Darcy A. Christensen, Council Bluffs; Melissa M. Cruise, Westgate; Tahaun L. Fountain, Des Moines; Kevin W. Green, Holstein; Gregory D. Kolpin, Aurelia; Jennifer A. Nielsen, Spencer; John R. Tietsort, Battle Creek.
Other states: Miranda L. Christian, Centennial, Colo.
Bachelor of Science
Sioux City: Kaeli J. Austin***, Jesse W. Derrick, Brooke M. Haltli, Brittany L. Poss***, Michael T. Seaton, Andrea L. Stodola***, Linda R. Wideman*.
Iowa: Brittany K. Buren**, Vail; Barbara A. Burson***, Lawton; Joshua J. Bush*, Cleghorn; Derek A. Dougherty, Mapleton; Kelsie K. Gagnon, Merrill; Jared D. Goforth, Polk City; Kimberly J. Heberer, Sergeant Bluff; Jacquelyn M. Kessenich**, Le Mars; Nathan J. McDonald, Underwood; Andrea A. Miller, Le Mars; James J. Nitz, Cherokee; Joseph G. O’Neill, Le Mars; Dustin L. Potter, Bedford; Jessica R. Sievers*, Quimby; Courtney J. Vaughn**, Fort Dodge; Emily A. Wassom*, Spencer; Derek L. White***, Grimes.
Nebraska: Kerie A. Ehlers, West Point; Maria D. Guzman**, South Sioux City; Jenna N. Kral**, Crete; Anastasia M. Ott***, Trumbull; Ismael Valadez, South Sioux City.
Other states: Jacquelyn M. Adams, McCook Lake, S.D.; Samantha L. Hollingshead, North Sioux City, S.D.; Levi S. Owen, Sun City, Ariz.; Taylor W. Rasmussen, Sioux Falls, S.D.; Jason D. Vaith***, Scotland, S.D.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Sioux City: Alisa D. Knutson
Master of Arts in Teaching Degree
Sioux City: Sarah M. Boesch, Betsy P. Ingenthron, Shawna L. Sonksen, Amanda A. Worden.
Iowa: Joel P. Allen, De Witt; Aaron R. Anderson, Mason City; Michelle H. Bennett, Ankeny; Susan A. Bordenaro, Des Moines; Tara D. Braithwaite, Pella; Jennifer R. Brase, Marion; Brenda J. Butler, Albia; Shari J. Butler, Waukee; Billie J. Buss, Allison; Theresa M. Cheever, Dubuque; Sarah E. Chenoweth, Johnston; Geralyn M. Christensen, Harlan; Justin M. Colbert, Altoona; Jennifer A. Davis, Fort Dodge; Amy L. DeWaard, Pella; Kristi Druvenga, Oelwein; Angela M. Ellis, Pleasantville; Erin Essy, Ankeny; Crystal D. Gassman, Marshalltown; Jennifer L. Gay, Lenox; Mitchell D. Gearhart, Grimes; Jill M. Geissler, Clear Lake; Mary L. Gipp, Granger; Sarah K. Gorman, New Hampton; Emmalee A. Grote, Johnston; Mary J. Hall, Keokuk; Evie L. Halvorson, Fort Dodge; Brett G. Hansen, Emmetsburg; Kevra T. Hawk, Williamsburg; Rachel L. Hejna, Ventura; Mary S. Hellige, Fort Madison; Abigail R. Hightower, Des Moines; Victoria J. Hintz Bueno, Windsor Heights; Dustin H. Hockman, West Des Moines; Janie M. Houselog, Dubuque; Kristin D. Jones Shelton, Huxley; Lonna J. Kaster, Eddyville; Andrew D. Kleeman, Le Mars; Kara M. Kluesner, Epworth; Kimberly K. Kolling, Johnston; Mollie E. Koopmans, Ireton; Leigh E. Landes, New London; Chris M. Lang, Orange City; Tiffany J. Lange, Clinton; Angela M. LeValley, West Des Moines; Diane M. Lichtenberg, Bettendorf; Tyler L. Lloyd, Sheldon; Janell L. Lynch, Coon Rapids; Joshua D. Malenosky, Rock Valley; Lori N. Manley, Marion; Deborah A. Matthews, Ottumwa; Dustin J. Mead, Des Moines; Amanda K. Mefferd, Manson; Megan A. Meinders, Ottumwa; Jennifer L. Miller, Lacona; Denise M. Moeller, Newhall; Lindsay A. Moeller, Muscatine; Jill R. Muenchrath, Sloan; Michael W. Mullis, Dyersville; Laura L. Nicodemus, Waukee; Lisa A. Noe, Ottumwa; Sue L. Nordstrom, Fort Dodge; Abby Norton, Pleasant Hill; Christopher J. Novak, Waukee; Rebecca Olson, Adel; Aaaron Pals, West Des Moines; Kerry L. Pasker, Manchester; Rory A. Payne, Alta; Sara J. Pibal, Lytton; Michelle L. Price, Cedar Rapids; Scott T. Powell, Pleasant Hill; Melissa L. Roller, Monticello; Lori A. Rushman, Ottumwa; Annette K. Saxion, Central City; Jennifer D. Schauer, Dickeyville; Jennifer D. Schauf, Oelwein; Shayla L. Schilling, New Sharon; Stephanie A. Schmadeke, Denison; Lindsey J. Schroeder, Slater; Ross A. Schumaker, Kalona; Dennis Simon, Rockwell City; Stacy L. Snow, Johnston; Monika M. Steffen, Dyersville; Kelly Swan, Bloomfield; Lindsay M. Swartzendruber, Iowa City; Gretchen Taylor, Marshalltown; Christine E. Toft, Davenport; Lindsay M. Topping, Epworth; Lindsey K. Updike, Grimes; Jacob Urbatsch, Northwood; Molly C. Vander Linden, Spencer; Abbie Vander Maten, Hull; David W. Van Groll; Greeley; Yolanda Voss, Toddville; Alison Warren, Ankeny; Kristin Weiland, Dubuque; Sheila K. Welander, Rockwell City; Carol Wheeler, Osceola; Benjamin A. Wilson, Dubuque; Kayla M. Wilson, Dubuque; Cynthia Witt, Rock Rapids; Aaron Zuspann, Vinton.
Other states: Tony J. Fischer, Bellevue, Neb.; Tammy L. Schroeder, Three Lakes, Wis.; Patricia L. Van de Riet, Saint Louis, Mo.; Mark Wackwitz, Pueblo, Colo.; Leroy M. Wilch, Vermillion, S.D.