ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University's TRIO Student Support Services program celebrated student achievement and success at its annual Recognition Night on Thursday, April 9, in Kessler's Champion Club at the Barnett Center.
The event honored TRIO Student Support Services scholars for their academic accomplishments, leadership, involvement and progress toward degree completion. Faculty, staff and campus partners were also recognized for their continued support of TRIO students and the program's mission.
"Recognition Night is one of our favorite traditions because it allows us to celebrate the growth, persistence and accomplishments of our students," said Becky Jensen, TRIO Student Support Services director. "Each student has a unique journey, and it is meaningful to take time to recognize the hard work and determination that brought them to this point."
The evening featured student speaker Colton Wicks of Nunda, S.D., who reflected on his experiences in TRIO Student Support Services and the impact of mentorship, involvement and community throughout his time at Northern. Wicks graduated in spring 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Education in elementary education and special education.
"The first thing I thought about wasn't just the program — it was the people," Wicks said. "The people who supported me, checked in on me and helped me get through some really stressful times. I came into college nervous and unsure of myself, but I'm leaving with a support system that I know will continue to be here for me. TRIO SSS didn't just help me get through college, it helped me grow into someone who actually believes in themselves and feels ready for what's next. TRIO SSS didn't just help me succeed in college, it helped me realize that I belong here."
Awards Presented
- TRIO Rising Star: Taylor Elsenpeter
- Peer-to-Peer: Levi Pankratz
- Commitment to Excellence: Gracen Hansen
- Spirit of TRIO: Anna Batie and Natalie Kelsey
- TRIO Bridge Builder: Andrea Phillips
- TRIO Achiever: Colton Wicks
- Champion of TRIO: Jessica Bielke and the NSU Finance Office
TRIO L.E.A.D. Awards Hannah Ahart, Jose Baas, Anna Batie, Adam Bosma, Kasey Burmeister, Harley Davis, Taylor Elsenpeter, Marcus Garza, Tiger Heart, Emmalyn Hunt, Stephen Jewett Jr., Ross Kortenbusch, Amy LeBeau, Isaac Ligon, Joe Lindberg, Charlie Metzger, Brady Metzinger, Eyuel Miftah, Mariam Mohammad Hidalgo, Chit Snow and Lora Titze
Academic Recognition — President's List and Dean's List Hannah Ahart, Kendyl Aumer, Teyah Azure, Drew Bakeberg, Liv Barnes, Tayla Bauer, Taylor Bendix, Serenity Berens, Avery Beyers, Paige Bishop, Sara Bokelheide, Hailey Bonn, Brennen Boyle, Rebecca Burhans, Kasey Burmeister, Carlee Crawford, Cara Cyr, Ella Cozad, Taye Cundiff, Rylee Fischer, Calcifera Fletcher, Kennedi Gack, Marcus Garza, Madison Geditz, Alexis Goche, Ilyanna Haigler, Brooklinn Halvorson, Gracen Hansen, Annabelle Huber, Miles Hofer, Emmalyn Hunt, Hannah Jensen, Amelia Johnson, Jalyssa Johnson, Brooke Jones, Jericho Jones, Natasha Kaderabek, Connor Knigge, Marie Loest, Seth Mead, Cassie Metzinger, Tess Miller, Miranda Myers, Margaret Neeley, Brady Neys, Nang Naing, Autumn Olsen, Brooke Palmer, Levi Pankratz, Halle Perrigo, Andrea Phillips, Kimberly Portillo, Marinda Prokop, Emma Puttin, Layla Roberts, Angela Rowse, Sam Ryan, Josalyn Schroeder, Alexis Schwagel, Addison Schwan, Kyriana Sherwood, Cole Simon, Chit Snow, Jessel Stengel, Zach Terrio, Turner Thorson, Jenna Tichi, Lora Titze, Sascha Usselman, Benjamin Villegas, Christena Walker, Bryson Wambach, Ella Wanschura, Karly Wellman, Colton Wicks and Nate Wilts
Graduates Recognized
Fall 2025
- Braden Freeman
- Jalyssa Johnson
- Karly Wellman
Spring/Summer 2026
- Noah Bayer
- Sara Bokelheide
- Graham Borden
- Ella Cozad
- Kelsa Edwards
- Rian Gehring
- Madison Geditz
- Tiger Heart
- Caiti Hubert
- Mariam Mohammad Hidalgo
- Margaret Neeley
- April Olson
- Damen Pape
- Emma Rahm
- Caden Robbins
- Joshua Steinwandt
- Colton Wicks
2026-27 Peer Mentors Andrew Brennan, Cassie Buranen, Eyuel Miftah, Gracen Hansen and Andrea Phillips
For more information, contact Becky Jensen, TRIO Student Support Services director, at becky.jensen@northern.edu or 605-626-3398.