Bluffton University Celebrates Student Excellence at Annual Academic Awards Forum

Bluffton University recognized many of its top students for their academic achievements at the annual Academic Awards and Honors Forum on April 22.

Nine seniors were recognized as C. Henry Smith Scholars. 

• Emily Dienstberger
• Bishop Florence
• Tacoma Lawson
• Josie McCullough
• Meredith Myers
• Mara Ruhlen
• Emma Schutz
• Michael Stuff
• Macey Thomas

One senior was recognized for completion of the Honors Program. 

• Bishop Florence

Thirty seniors were honored as distinguished scholars in their respective academic areas.

• Andrea Burden, Distinguished Performer in Theatre
• Lauren Case, Distinguished Scholar in Primary (P-5) Education
• Kyla Columber, Distinguished Scholar in Biology
• Emily Dienstberger, Distinguished Scholar in Intervention Specialist
• Basil Gates, Distinguished Scholar in Art and Writing
• Basil Gates, Distinguished Scholar in Writing
• Emmie Griffith, Distinguished Scholar in Nursing
• Levi Hohenbrink, Distinguished Scholar in Marketing
• Jenna Juarez, Distinguished Scholar in Communication and Media
• Grant Klinger, Distinguished Scholar in Medical Laboratory Science
• Adelynn Kradlak, Distinguished Scholar in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
• Tacoma Lawson, Distinguished Scholar in Criminal Justice
• Evelyn Masters, Distinguished Scholar in Psychology
• Meredith Myers, Distinguished Scholar in Graphic Design
• Kinsey Myers, Distinguished Scholar in Sport and Recreation Leadership
• Emma Mueller, Distinguished Scholar in English
• Madelyn Renner, Distinguished Scholar in Nutrition and Dietetics
• Colby Schlabach, Distinguished Scholar in Economics
• Colby Schlabach, Distinguished Scholar in Mathematics
• Zach Slone, Distinguished Scholar in Studio Art
• Katrina Stone, Distinguished Scholar in Information Technology
• JT Taviano, Distinguished Scholar in Chemistry
• Macey Thomas, Distinguished Scholar in History
• Hailey Thorn, Distinguished Scholar in Pre-Physical Therapy
• Dawson Troyer, Distinguished Scholar in Sport Management
• Allie Waggener, Distinguished Scholar in Business Administration
• Josh Webster, Distinguished Scholar in Exercise Science
• Josh Webster, Distinguished Scholar in Strength and Conditioning
• Gabrielle Woolley, Distinguished Scholar in Art Education
• Grace Wooley, Distinguished Scholar in Social Work
• Nathan Young, Distinguished Scholar in Accounting

Other awards went to:

• Mya Vernon of Toledo, Ohio; Coen North of Denver, Colo.; and Micah Dodson of Wooster, Ohio, C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Awards
• Kayla Nartker; John D. Unruh Jr. Award for exceptional research paper written for humanities, “The Subtle Protest: The Women’s Movement at Bluffton College in the 1960s”
• Leonardo Campos; John D. Unruh Jr. Award for exceptional research paper written for humanities, “Study on the Perception of College Students about the Effects of AI upon their Rationality”
• Jennifer Specht; Esta Lugibill Dye Award for Excellence in Chemistry by a Woman
• Aislinn McGowan, Aubrey Hudson, Mya Vernon, Meredith Myers; Art Show Juror’s Awards of Distinction
• Emily Jones; Gregg Luginbuhl Award for Best of Show
• Aubrey Hudson; Gregg Luginbuhl Award for Ceramics
• Colby Schlabach; Sattler-Keiper Award for Mathematical Research
• Kayleigh Michael and Allyson Zvara; Dr. Elizabeth Hostetler Outstanding Educator Award
• Sydney Trevino; Criminal Justice Merit Award

Concluding the program was the recognition of 98 academic all-conference student-athletes; and 38 new members of Bluffton’s Pi Delta Society, an honor for graduating seniors with a grade point average of at least 3.75 during their college careers.