STUDENT AFFAIRS 20 ANNUAL REPORT May 2023 Graduates demonstrate the impact engagement and service have on the undergraduate experience. Celebrating Outstanding Seniors Spencer Christensen, hailing from Sturgis, S.D., graduated this May with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude. He also earned minors in International Studies, Legal Studies, and Philosophy. “Spencer’s commitment to integrating his curricular and co-curricular learning into his understanding of the world around him, demonstrates the value of engagement and service on the undergraduate experience,” said Sean Blackburn, Dean of Students. Spencer has lived in various parts of the state and completed his secondary education at White River High School in White River, S.D. Spencer was driven by his interests and the many connections he made during his time at Northern. From his freshman year, he was determined to pursue a career in law enforcement and took steps toward this goal by joining the Aberdeen Police Explore Program. He also participated in the symphony club and the College Republicans. Spencer’s most cherished memories include watching movies, playing pool, and cooking with his friends in the residence halls. In his sophomore year, he served as a Resident Assistant in Great Plains East and had the privilege of meeting many international students. He was actively involved in the Campus Activities Board and served as a Senator for Arts and Sciences in the Student Government Association (SGA) during his junior year. Spencer worked as a Resident Assistant in Wolves Memorial Suites, dedicating ample time to cultivating lasting friendships. He was a Resident Assistant in Kramer Hall before becoming a Senior Resident Assistant at Great Plains East his final semester at Northern. As he approached graduation, Spencer spent more time with friends and listened to his inner voice to determine his post-graduation aspirations. Spencer’s advice to incoming freshmen is to “Be open minded; listen to everyone, learn as much as you can, and then draw your own conclusions.” Elizabeth Votava, from Buffalo, Minn., graduated this May with a Bachelor of General Studies. During her first visit to Northern she knew that it was where she’d call home for her college career. Elizabeth was part of TRIO SSS, which helped build a close group of friends. It was cut short due to COVID and Elizabeth struggled with the abrupt end of her first year. Sophomore year, Elizabeth became an orientation leader as she knew this transition is critical for first-year students. Elizabeth wanted to be the person to give support to these new students. She would also serve as a summer RA; this was her first dip into Residence Life. Junior year was Elizabeth’s first year as a Resident Assistant on the second floor of Great Plains West, while working in Admissions. She had good and tearful moments with this first year as an RA, with doubts that she’d be able to connect with her residents, but she built an amazing community. She received the Resident Assistant of the Year award for her consistent work in the Residence Halls building community and keeping the hall active. For Elizabeth’s senior year, she returned as a Resident Assistant. She also joined the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and served as the Student Government Association (SGA) Senator for Residence Life and the Vice President of Residence Hall Association (RHA). She would help CAB plan and execute events and traveled to the NACA St. Paul Regional Conference to network. As a SGA Senator, she sat on SBAC and allocated over a million dollars of GAF funding. “Throughout my experience I have had times that I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue my education. A lot of my success was because I lived on campus during my entire undergraduate experience. I would not have been as involved; I might not have even finished college. I feel happier for staying on campus and active, especially in the residence halls.” Elizabeth has been accepted into graduate school here at Northern in Educational Studies.
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