2026 Gunkelman Award Nominees Announced

Posted: 2026-04-19 05:14:31 Expiration: 2026-05-05 05:14:31

Join us on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Alumni Center Atrium

Please join us in congratulating the 33 students, faculty, and staff nominated for the 2026 Gunkelman Award.

Established in 1987 with the first award presented in 1989, the Gunkelman Award honors Mary McCannel Gunkelman, a 1942 graduate of Home Economics. She believed that the more enjoyable the campus and programs at NDSU, the more likely students were to succeed. The award recognizes those who make NDSU a bright, enjoyable place to work, live, and learn.

The winner will be announced at the ceremony on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Alumni Center Atrium. All are welcome to attend.

Student Nominees

Austin Anderson (Architecture)
Ava Della Vedova (Psychology)
Christen Doe (Architecture)
Philomena Entsie (Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Carly George (Plant Sciences)
Reese Knudson (Nursing)
Drew Lebrun (Electrical Engineering)
Emma Ann Mckenzie (Human Development & Family Science)
Sam Moe (Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering)
Nicole Neumiller (Nutrition & Exercise Science)
Kierston Wheat (Business Administration & Management)

Faculty Nominees

Lisa Montplaisir (Biological Sciences)
John Smiley (Division of Performing Arts)
Yildirim Bora Suzen (Mechanical Engineering)
Ashleah Wimberly (English)

Staff Nominees

Jeff Boyer (Office of the Provost)
Mara Campbell (Division of Performing Arts)
LaDonna DeGeldere (President’s Office)
Sharon Dunkel (Student Health Services)
Diane Ellwanger (Facilities Management)
Sarah Gerads (Plant Pathology)
Laura Johnson (Division of Performing Arts)
Jen Kacere (Resident Life)
Aimee Klein (Division of Performing Arts)
Maggie Latterell (Student Success Programs)
Jobey Lichtblau (Wellness Center)
Aleisha Lokken (Allied Sciences)
Sydney Robinson (Psychology)
Gongjun Shi (Plant Pathology)
Zach Smith (University Police & Safety Office)
Tabitha Thomas (Office of the Provost)
Shannon Ueker (Extension Plant Sciences)
Mary Volk (Career & Advising Center)

Congratulations to all of our 2026 nominees, and thank you for everything you do to make NDSU a wonderful place to work, live, and learn.

-- Academic Affairs: Haley Hamel