University of Dubuque Bestows Awards at 2026 Honors Convocation

DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque gathered to celebrate student achievement, character, and involvement in campus life at the 2026 Honors Convocation on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 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

Akim Baba Traore
Senior Biology Major from East Moline, 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

Gabriella Kluever
Junior Elementary Education Major from Sammamish, Washington

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 award is chosen by election of the UD faculty and staff members.

SENIOR ACADEMIC ATHLETIC AWARD

Ashley Glennon
Senior Sport Marketing and Management Major, Member of the Women’s Volleyball and Women’s Track and Field Teams from Peosta, Iowa

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 Center for Character and Leadership.

FACULTY MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Kevin Cattani, PhD
Director of Master in Management - Sport Management, Professor of Sport Marketing and Management

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 award is chosen by election of the general student body.

STAFF MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Roger Portner
Groundskeeper

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 award is chosen by election of the general student body.

STUDENT ORGANIZATION ADVISOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

Dennis George, MBA
Advisor of Accounting Club, Associate Professor of Accounting, Director of Summer School Program

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 award is chosen by election of the general student body.

STUDENT ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR AWARD

Accounting Club

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 award is chosen by election of the general student body.

INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE AWARD

Nicholas Elder, PhD
Associate Professor of New Testament

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 award is chosen by election of the general student body.