HONORS HIGHLIGHTS Northern State University Spring 2026 UPPER MIDWEST HONORS CONFERENCE Dakota State University, Madison, SD Three Honors students from Northern State University attended the Upper Midwest Honors Conference held in Madison in April. The conference hosts students and faculty from numerous colleges and universities from across the region. Attendees are able to connect with peers and faculty to discuss research and share ideas. Ann Sarah Paul, Kimberly Portillo, and Laila Gordillo represented NSU at the conference. They returned to NSU with new perspectives on research, collaboration, and their place within a broader academic community. For both Ann Sarah and Laila, one of the most impactful aspects of the conference was the range of student work. Presentations spanned topics from artificial intelligence to student activism, as well as interdisciplinary projects that blended science and art. Laila was especially struck by a biology student’s artistic exploration of how understandings of the heart and brain have shaped medical practice, reinforcing her belief that research can come from many different perspectives. 1 L to R: Kimberly Portillo, Ann Sarah Paul, Laila Gordillo L to R: Kimberly, Ann Sarah, and Laila at Dakota State Universtity
2 The experience extended beyond presentations. Ann Sarah found the greatest value in connecting with students from other campuses, while Laila enjoyed exploring the host campus and town, and even trying axe-throwing for the first time! Together, these moments made the conference both academically engaging and personally memorable. When asked what advice they would give to other honors students, both shared an enthusiastic message: go! Whether it’s to gain confidence in presenting, discover new academic interests, or simply meet like-minded peers, the conference offers something valuable for everyone. As Laila noted, it can even help students who are unsure where to begin with their research by exposing them to ideas they may have never considered. And, as Ann Sarah put it simply, it’s “one of those experiences that feels both exciting and meaningful,” the kind that stays with you long after the conference ends. Ann Sarah presenting her research Laila axe throwing! Ann Sarah Paul presented her poster on Language in Music Shaping Performance During Word‑Search Tasks and Cognitive Processing. Paul has always used music while studying and one day wondered if the music actually helped. She researched not only music, but also if the language of the lyrics changed performance. She shared, “Presenting at the conference felt like a roller coaster...but the support from Dr. Heather Scott and Dr. Hannah Walters made all the difference. By the time I was standing next to my poster I realized, “Okay, I actually can do this. I have come to realize that I know my research the best.”
ACTIVITIES Spring Honors hosted events during the semester to build community and have fun! These events included bedazzling claw clips, Valentine card making, football watch party, flower pot painting and planting, a Tax Basics session from Dr. VanLaecken, bookmark making, and the annual banquet. 3 Honors Banquet Bookmark making Valentine’s card making Seeds of Spring Bedazzling claw-clips Seeds of Spring Football watch party
NSU CLASS OF 2014 Major: Elementary Education & K-12 Special Education During her time in the Honors Program, Teresa was deeply involved across campus. She served as both Treasurer and Secretary for the Association for the Education of Young Children (AEYC), participated in the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and the South Dakota Education Association (SDEA), and represented education majors in the Student Government Association. Teresa’s Honors thesis, Raising Childhood Cancer Awareness through the Internet and Nature: Creating a WebQuest and Cancer Awareness Tree, was inspired by her cousin Danny, who passed away from childhood cancer in 2010. One of her most meaningful memories was the ribboncutting ceremony for the Cancer Awareness Tree, where friends, family, and community members gathered to tie the first ribbons to the tree. a Today, the Cancer Awareness Tree still stands at the heart of campus. Each ribbon represents lives touched by cancer, offering a quiet space for reflection, connection, and healing. The tree is a lasting symbol of hope within the NSU and Aberdeen community. Teresa now teaches middle school English in Redfield, South Dakota, where she also serves as the student council advisor. She and her husband are raising their two children, Charlie (4) and Lilah (7 months), and enjoy spending time reading and exploring the outdoors. In her free time, Teresa loves to crochet. Her advice to current students: “Get out of your comfort zone! Also, find a study spot beyond your dorm room! I loved a high table in the back of the library or a local coffee shop.” Honors Program Alumni Spotlight TERESA YOST 4 Teresa with Dr. Erin Fouberg Teresa by the Cancer Awareness Tree Parker, Theresa, Lilah, and Charlie
Morgan Haselhorst has been accepted into the Honors Law Opportunity Program (HLOP) at the University of South Dakota (USD) Knudson School of Law. Through the HLOP, Haselhorst is guaranteed admission to the USD Knudson School of Law, regardless of LSAT score, and will receive a $2,500 scholarship for her first year of law school if she earns an LSAT score of 150 or higher and graduates In Honoribus from NSU. “Being accepted into the HLOP is an incredible honor and a significant milestone in my journey toward a legal career,” Haselhorst said. “I am incredibly grateful for the support from the Northern State University Honors Program and the USD Knudson School of Law. This opportunity provides me with a clear path forward as I finish my undergraduate studies at Northern.” “Morgan brings a strong academic foundation and a clear commitment to ethical legal advocacy,” said Dr. Hannah Walters, director of the NSU Honors Program. “She has strengths in criminal justice, psychology and professional communication, and already has some hands-on legal experience, which makes her an excellent fit for law school.” The Honors Law Opportunity Program supports high-achieving honors students as they prepare for and transition to law school, providing a clear pathway from undergraduate studies at Northern to legal education at USD Knudson School of Law. Honors Mentor Ann Sarah Paul organized an event to decorate Easter cards with friends and delivered them to Bethesda Nursing Home in Aberdeen. She says, “Making Easter cards for nursing home residents is a small act of kindness with a big impact. Many older adults experience loneliness, especially during holidays. A handmade card can brighten their day, remind them they’re valued, and bring a sense of connection and joy. It felt like a heartfelt way to share hope, compassion, and community with those who need it most.” 5 out and about HONORS NSU Honors Law Opportunity MORGAN HASELHORST Decorating Easter cards Delivering Easter cards to Bethesda Morgan Haselhorst
Did you miss GiveNDay but wish to donate to the NSU Honors program? Scan the QR code to donate: Sharon McMahon to Keynote Common Read Lecture November 18 Northern State University will host bestselling author and educator Sharon McMahon as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Larry and Julie Poeppel Family Common Read Lecture at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, in the Harvey and Cynthia Jewett Theater. Known as “America’s Government Teacher,” McMahon is the author of the bestselling book The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, this year’s NSU Common Read selection. Her work focuses on civic engagement, democracy and the stories of ordinary Americans who shaped history. The keynote is free and open to the public and will include a Q&A session following the presentation. GiveNDay is a 24-hour fundraising event where alumni, faculty, staff, parents, students, and friends come together to support the programs that make Northern special. GiveNDay happened on April 1 and 2 , 2026. st nd 6 Sharon McMahon with her book The Small and the Mighty The NSU Honors Program is undergoing a comprehensive review in partnership with the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC). This initiative is designed to ensure that our program continues to provide a meaningful, high-quality educational experience for current and future students. As an alumnus/a of the NSU Honors Program, your perspective is invaluable. We invite you to participate in a virtual alumni feedback session and share your insights about how the program shaped your academic journey, professional path, and personal growth. Your feedback will directly inform recommendations to strengthen the program and sustain its excellence. Alumni Zoom Session Date: Wednesday, June 17 Time: 1:00 - 1:45 ⏰ Location: Zoom To receive the Zoom link and confirm your participation, please email nsuhonors@northern.edu. Thank you for helping us continue to build a vibrant and impactful honors community!
Congratulations! 7 Honors Students Awarded The NSU Speech and Debate team competed at the Pi Kappa Delta National Tournament. Congratulations to Honors students Abiah George: Excellence awards (top 20%) in extemporaneous speaking and student scholarshipo and a superior award (top 10%) in interviewing. She was also awarded 10 place speaker in Open IPDA debate. th Haylee Bohnet: excellence award in Dramatic Interpretation. Elana Bishop: National runner up in Novice Public Forum Debate. Jericho Jones: Quarterfinalist in Novice IPDA debate. L to R: Haylee Bohnet, Elana Bishop, Abiah George, Jericho Jones The Wolfy’s NSU Honors was recognized at the Wolfy Student Engagement Awards. The Wolfy Awards recognize the outstanding leadership, service, and impact of students and campus partners. NSU Honors Club earned the South Dakota Board of Regents Student Organization Award for Academic Excellence. Dr. Hannah Walters, Honors Program Director, was awarded Student Organization Advisor of the Year. The Honors Quiz Bowl was awarded the Wolfy Program of the Year. Honors students at the Wolfy Student Engagement Awards The Northern State University Honors Program is now on LinkedIn! Follow our page @Northern State University Honors Program to stay connected with student achievements, research opportunities, academic events, leadership experiences, and the exciting work happening across our community of scholars. Join us as we celebrate honors students, faculty mentorship, and the pursuit of excellence at NSU. Go Wolves!
Vice President Kathryn Kilber Secretary Sophia Fogarty Treasurer Audrey Reineke @nstatehonors @Northern State University Honors Program Edited by Emily Magera, Honors Coordinator with assistance from the NSU Communications and Marketing Department HAVE QUESTIONS OR IDEAS? Dr. Hannah Walters, Honors Director hannah.walters@northern.edu Public Relations Hailey Cota 2026 - 2027 NSU Honors Club Executive Team Congratulations In Honoribus graduates! Back row (L to R): Dr. Hannah Walters, Madison Park, Annalise Olsson, Maggie Knippling, Allie Windjue, Jacob Angerhofer, Dr. Al LaFave, Liliana Angulo Front row (L to R): Ashlee Kaup, Abiah George, Elana Bishop, Chasity Lewis President Bree Ann Friesen Social Media Coordinator Maggie Kruger STAY CONNECTED
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