End of the Year Honors for Bushnell University Students

PHOTO GALLERY

EUGENE, Ore. – Earlier this month at Honors Convocation, Bushnell University celebrated the academic achievements of its students in a meaningful gathering held in the Morse Center. The annual event, which included the symbolic Cutting of the Ivy tradition, brought the campus community together to honor graduating seniors as they prepare to flourish beyond Bushnell into their individual callings.

During this special chapel, the distinguished Bushnell University Graduate of the Year awards were presented to outstanding students nominated by faculty from each academic school, recognizing exceptional character, academic excellence, and leadership. In the weeks that followed, each academic college hosted its own celebration event, where additional honors and program-specific awards were given. Award winners included:

College of Theology, Arts, and Sciences

Bible, Theology, and Ministry:

Zondervan Biblical Language Award – Violet Chadwell
Zondervan Theology Award – Zoe Kingsley
Robert Sullivan Family Award for Creativity in Ministry – Elizabeth Box
William T. Siefke Evangelism & Church Growth Award – Martha Valverde
Stone Campbell Journal Promising Scholar Award – Grace Kitchens
Siefke Preaching Scholarship Award – Ben Collins
Graduate of the Year – Hannah Beers

Arts and Sciences:

Gardiepy-Peloquin Communication Scholar AwardAmanda Sisul
Outstanding Graduating Exercise Science Student – Benjamin Lovrod
Outstanding Psychology Major – Harmony Simmons
Graduate of the Year – Alexia Krough

Music:

Graduate of the YearAmariah Deschenes

Pi Gamma Mu Initiates (Psychology Honor Society)

  • Abigail Askew
  • Rachel Grant
  • David Pence
  • Hannah Beers
  • Lauren Cázares
  • Krystal Meyers

Sigma Tau Delta Initiates

  • Alexia Krough

College of Professional Studies

Education:

Outstanding Teacher Leadership – Ella Schauer (undergraduate) and Fredrick Kruse (graduate)
Excellence in Teaching – Bethany Smith (undergraduate) and Anne Farris (graduate)
Outstanding School Counselor – Amy Lokach
Excellence in School Counseling Leadership – Katelyn Tracer
Graduate of the Year – Bethany Smith

Business, Leadership, and Technology:

Outstanding Business Graduate – Luke Smith
Frank Paliotta Outstanding Accounting Student – Jackson Geilish
Victor P. Morris Award – ShijoJohn
Accounting Student of the Year – Jackson Geilish
Graduate of the Year – Luke Smith

Sigma Beta Delta Initiates (Business Honor Society)

  • Luke Smith
  • Matelynn Ladd
  • Garrett Vohs
  • Kristin Vreeland
  • Shawna Ricks
  • Anne Harrison
  • Shijo John
  • Libby Mathis
  • Dana Gunderson
  • Mitchell Davis
  • Verenise Valentin
  • Esgar Garcia-Avila
  • Melva Mackey
  • Nolan Burke
  • Ushna Khan

Related News

Bushnell faculty member presents research during a University of Notre Dame symposium in Rome
Dr. Stephen Andes Presents at Roman Symposium 

EUGENE, Ore. — Over the summer, Bushnell University professor Stephen Andes attended an academic symposium at the University of Notre Dame Rome, located next to the Roman Colosseum. He was not only enjoying the sights of...

Read More
Faculty and higher education leaders gathered around tables for a NetVUE professional development session.
Extending Vocational Discernment into the Online Classroom 

With support from the Council of Independent Colleges and the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education, Bushnell University used its 2025 NetVUE Professional Development Award to extend vocational exploration more intentionally into...

Read More
Bushnell University women’s volleyball players celebrate together on the court after sweeping Corban University 3-0.
History Repeats as Beacons Sweep No. 4 Corban

EUGENE, Ore. – For the second straight season, Corban University walked into Bushnell as the No. 4-ranked team in the NAIA and for the second straight year Corban University walked...

Read More