Clarks Grove student graduates 

The University of Sioux Falls awarded 373 total degrees on May 22 at the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science. Among those receiving a diploma was Colleen Thompson of Clarks Grove. Thompson received a Bachelor of Arts degree in entrepreneurial studies and media studies.

 

Local students named
to dean’s list

Wartburg College has recognized 427 students who were named to the 2016 winter/May term dean’s list. Those honored included Morgan Ciota of Albert Lea, Haley Harms of Albert Lea and Makenzie Thorson of Lake Mills.

The list honors students who earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above in at least five course credits during the two terms. Four of the five course credits must be graded with a traditional letter grade.

Wartburg students take four courses during winter term, which runs from January to April, and one course during the one-month May term. May term courses often involve travel and study abroad.

 

Area students honored
at Buena Vista University

Two local students were recently honored at Buena Vista University’s student recognition event.

Amelia Evenson and Tanner Jensen, both of Lake Mills, received Academic Excellence Awards as first year students.

The Academic Excellence Award is given to students on the Storm Lake campus whose cumulative GPA is 3.75 or greater, representing approximately the top 10 percent of each class. Evenson was also inducted into the Buena Vista University Global Fellows Program, a competitive academic program designed to provide students with a global perspective of human environmental impact and creative methods at the forefront of sustainable development. The first-year students selected for this honor completed an essay competition and distinguished themselves as not only outstanding scholars, but also young people who are aware of the unique challenges and opportunities present within the global community. According to a press release, the 2016 BVU Global Fellows have accepted the responsibility of serving as campus advocates for international travel, globalism and sustainability, all of which will enrich their experiences as they become leaders in today’s global environment.

Jensen was also recipient of the Marjorie Holmes Literary Award. Recipients are chosen by a committee of English faculty members who evaluate student portfolios. English majors submit a portfolio of their written work which represents each student’s best work in multiple genres. Awards are open to students who have at least a 3.0 GPA and are eligible to receive some form of financial aid for the following academic year.

 

Student receives doctorate

Julie Leifeld, granddaughter of Marjorie Beiser of Albert Lea, graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Ph.D. in mathematics on April 29. Her thesis addressed issues in climate modeling. Leifeld plans to pursue a career in applied mathematics.