STUDENT AFFAIRS 19 ANNUAL REPORT RANDI J. SCHUSTER: A MODEL OF LEADERSHIP AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Randi J. Schuster, an elementary and special education major with an endorsement in birth to grade 3 special education, exemplifies what it means to be a scholar-leader at Northern. An honors student from Roslyn, SD, Randi has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, leadership and a deep commitment to service. Randi has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment through her involvement in the NSU Honors Program and TRIO Programs. She served as Honors President, Head Honors Mentor, and peer mentor, and was also recognized for her contributions as a mentor in both the TRIO Student Support Services and McNair Scholars programs. She earned numerous accolades during her time at Northern, including: • Honors Freshman of the Year (2021–2022) • Emerging Leader of the Year (2021–2022) • Honors Leadership Award (2022–2023) • Glenna Fouberg Volunteerism Award (2022–2023) • Servant Leader of the Year (2022–2023) • National Collegiate Honors Conference Presenter (2023) • Upper Midwest Honors Conference Presenter (2024) • Homecoming Royalty (2024) Randi’s engagement extended across the School of Education through active participation in CEC, AEYC and SDEA. Passionate about mental health advocacy, she volunteered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walk and created Northern’s first mental health tree—a tradition that continues as a centerpiece of Mental Wellness Week. Her leadership also shone through in new student programs. Randi served as a HOWL (Helping Our Wolves Learn) orientation leader, senior orientation leader and eventually as HOWL coordinator. When the former director of student involvement and leadership, Megan Frewaldt, transitioned to Clemson University, Dean Sean Blackburn turned to Randi to help lead the development of the summer 2024 orientation program. “I could not have successfully kept HOWL the excellent program it is without Randi’s knowledge, hard work, creativity and courage,” said Dean Blackburn. “I say courage because Randi was probably often surprised by how little I knew about Orientation. She was a huge help!” Randi continued to support the program during the leadership transition, assisting Alison Kuch as she stepped into her new role overseeing HOWL. Respected by her peers and trusted by campus leadership, Randi was a positive force on campus and a role model for future student leaders. We are exceptionally proud of her and all she has accomplished. She is truly deserving of this recognition. Randi accepted a position at Simmons Elementary in their special education Care Classroom. Residence Life because I got to meet so many people and be part of a community through the other community assistants and through my building. I’ve learned and grown so much through this job, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without it. My first year as an RA especially helped me gain so much confidence in myself.” As she graduates, Ava says she will deeply miss the support and connections she found at Northern: “I have met lifelong friends here.” Looking ahead, Ava plans to continue her musical journey by teaching private horn lessons and performing with local ensembles in Sioux Falls. She also intends to pursue graduate studies in the near future. Ava’s passion for music, leadership Oustanding Seniors, continued…
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