University of Dubuque Bestows Awards at 2025 Honors Convocation

DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque gathered to celebrate student achievement, character, and involvement in campus life at the 2025 Honors Convocation on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center.

Around 100 scholarships and awards were given or acknowledged at the ceremony, some of which were awarded to multiple students.

Towards the conclusion of the ceremony, high student, faculty, and staff honors were bestowed upon seven individuals and one student organization. Here are those award recipients:

UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP AWARD
Hannah Bauch
Senior Digital Art and Design Major from Mount Carroll, Illinois

The University Leadership Award is the highest leadership honor awarded by UD, given annually to one senior-level college student. It is given to the student who has shown commitment beyond personal gain, served fellow students, encouraged and promoted positive actions in others, and demonstrated in his or her personal life the true spirit of the Mission of UD.

STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARD
Alyssa Tranchita
Senior Elementary Education Major from Greenfield, Wisconsin

The Student of the Year Award is awarded annually to recognize one undergraduate student who exemplifies qualities of personal, college, and community achievement which UD seeks to honor. This student has an above average classroom record and is involved in campus and/or community activities. The Student of the Year Award is chosen by election of the UD faculty and staff members.

SENIOR ACADEMIC ATHLETIC AWARD
Victoria Zoltowska
Senior Human Health Science Major and Member of the Women's Track and Field Team from Island Lake, Illinois

The Senior Academic Athletic Award is the highest honor awarded by the Department of Athletics. It is given to the student-athlete who has demonstrated an excellent academic record and has made a major contribution to his or her team in the athletic area. The recipient must also demonstrate the personal qualities inherent in the Mission of UD and the Wendt Character Initiative.

FACULTY MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Adam Hoffman, PhD
Professor of Environmental Chemistry

The Faculty Member of the Year Award is awarded annually to a faculty member who is an outstanding teacher with a positive attitude, has the ability to motivate students, and has earned the respect of his or her peers. The Faculty Member of the Year Award is chosen by election of the general student body.

STAFF MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Carissa Berendes, MS, LAT, ATC
Assistant Athletic Trainer

The Staff Member of the Year Award is awarded annually to a staff member who unselfishly devotes his or her time and energy in support of UD and its Mission. The Staff Member of the Year Award is chosen by election of the general student body.

STUDENT ORGANIZATION ADVISOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Britney Clark
Advisor of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Melanin Association
Coordinator of Creative Media, Marketing, and Fan Engagement for the Department of Athletics

The Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award is awarded to an advisor of a student organization who, through his or her hard work, knowledgeable advice, and tremendous efforts, has helped the organization grow and succeed. The Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award is chosen by election of the general student body.

STUDENT ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR AWARD
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)

The Student Organization of the Year Award is awarded annually to a student organization that demonstrates extraordinary dedication to campus involvement, leadership, and the betterment of campus life. The Student Organization of the Year Award is chosen by election of the general student body.

INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE AWARD
Anne Funke, EdD
Director of World View Studies

The Inclusive Excellence Award is presented to a faculty or staff member who has demonstrated a commitment to inclusion and equity within the UD community. The Inclusive Excellence Award is chosen by election of the general student body.