±«Óătv students graduating in May were recognized for their
contributions to their academic areas and divisions during “A Premiere of Excellence:
Sweet Success” ceremony Tuesday evening, April 4.
This ceremony recognizes four groups of students – honors graduates, Gordon and Judy Dutile Honors program graduates, division-specific academic award recipients, and veteran and active
military graduates. The ceremony also featured a time of devotion, a personalized
sweets bar, and a photo booth. Photos from the event are available using this link:
Honorees included:
- Outstanding Art Graduate - Kalen Bradley, Bolivar, Mo.
- Outstanding Music Graduate - Tyler Zustiak, Galena, Kan.
- Kelly Martin Outstanding Criminal Justice Major - Tylor Brashear, Buffalo, Mo.
- Pearlene Breshears Outstanding Psychology Major - Sarah Backer, Lebanon, Mo.
- Pearlene Breshears Outstanding Psychology Major - Madison Wasylewski, Harrison, Ark.
- Evelyn Mercer Outstanding Social Work Major - Katherine Failor, Stone Mountain, Ga.
- Outstanding Christian Ministry Award - Noah Sass, Hastings, Neb.
- Outstanding Biblical Studies Award - Kristen Bownds, Lee's Summit, Mo.
- Outstanding Humanities Graduate - Sarah Johnson Bates, Piedmont, Mo.
- Outstanding English Graduate - Taylor Brown, Springdale, Ark.
- J.A. Clark Outstanding Student in Natural Sciences - Lindsey Losey, Springfield, Mo.
- Natural Sciences Snellen Services Award - Bryant Burns, Ozark, Ark.
- Outstanding Business Division Graduate - Gabrielle Ginnings, Wheatland, Mo.
- Academic Excellence & Servant Leadership Award - Madisyn Best, Kansas City, Mo.
- Academic Excellence & Servant Leadership Award - Nathan MacLaughlin, Springfield,
Mo.
- Outstanding Computing Area Graduate - Joel Nicholson, O'Fallon, Mo.
- Outstanding Mathematics Area Graduate - Andrew Eisenhour, Springfield, Mo.
- Division of Computing and Mathematics Servant Leadership Award - Brian Purkaple, Gladstone,
Mo.
- Outstanding Elementary Education Major Award - Hanna Glasgow, Grove, Okla.
- Outstanding Elementary Education Major Award - Michaela Tunnell, Stockton, Mo.
- Outstanding Secondary Education Major Award - Hayley Hershenson, West Plains, Mo.
- Outstanding Kinesiology Division Graduate - Sydney Ernsbarger, Nevada, Mo.
- Florence Nightingale Award - Savannah Garrison, Springfield, Mo.
- Gordon & Judy Dutile Honors Program Graduates - Sarah Backer, Lebanon, Mo.; Jared
Bates, Forsyth, Mo.; Addison Batschelett, Clinton, Mo.; Tatum Bell, Kansas City, Kan.; Andrew
Eisenhour, Springfield, Mo.; Bethany Glore, High Hill, Mo.; Brian Purkaple, Gladstone,
Mo.; Rebekah Rodgers, Siloam Springs, Ark.; Zachary Wallgren, Wentzville, Mo.
In addition to the individual honors, ±«Óătv President Dr. Rick Melson and Provost Dr. Tracy Manly presented cords to 91 seniors graduating with honors
- 18 Cum Laude, 19 Magna Cum Laude and 54 Summa Cum Laude.
±«Óătv will host three spring commencement ceremonies – one ceremony for bachelor degree
recipients at 3 p.m., and one for associate degree recipients at 6 p.m., Friday, May
19, and one for graduate degree recipients at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 20. The ceremonies
also will be available for viewing simultaneously on livestream. Visit ±«Óătvniv.info/graduation for more information about the ceremonies.
*Published: 4-17-2023
