In addition to the core Wolfy Awards, Admissions, Residence Life, and Campus Recreation and Intramurals joined in recognizing students within their areas for excellence and achievement. The evening served as a powerful reminder of the diverse ways students lead, serve, and inspire their peers. Special thanks goes to Alison Kuch and Krista Bau for their leadership in planning and hosting this year’s celebration. Their efforts ensured the Wolfys were not only a recognition event, but a true reflection of the spirit and vibrancy of student life at Northern. See the full list of 2025–2026 award winners below. Individual Awards: Champion for Inclusion: Andrea Phillips Excellence in Student Government: MacKenzie Turner Servant Leader of the Year: Abiah George Student Employee of the Year: Natalia Szybinska Student Organization Advisor of the Year: Hannah Walters Emerging Leader of the Year: Tessa Sieh Student Leader of the Year: Harley Davis Admissions Awards: Most Improved STAR: Taylor Elsenpeter STAR Energy: Greta Brooks STAR of the Year: Ann Sarah Paul Residence Life Awards: Community Builder of the Year: Sarah Osborne Residence Life Rising Star: Tevyn Lutz and Chi Ukegbu Community Assistant of the Year: Claire Haas Student Organization Awards: Community Engagement Project of the Year: Culture Fest Most Improved Student Organization: SGA Program of the Year: Honor’s Quiz Bowl Student Organization of the Year: Speech & Debate CELEBRATING OUTSTANDING SENIORS May 2026 Graduates Colton Wicks and Abiah George demonstrate the impact engagement and service have on the undergraduate experience. Colton Wicks, from Nunda, SD - yes, it’s a real town - graduated in May with a double major in elementary education and special education with a minor in history. Colton has been an active member of the Northern campus community serving as a Trio mentor and getting involved with the Trio Scholars Association. Colton’s leadership continued by being a Community Assistant, Senior Community Assistant, and serving as SGA Senator. Colton has been a valuable part of Student Affairs, working as a student office assistant for 3 years. Colton is kind to everyone and leads humbly from the middle in ways that often go unseen. In addition, he participated in Awaken Bible Study, Cru Bible Study, College Republicans, and the School of Education Club. In the fall of 2024, Colton was one of our Homecoming King Candidates. Anyone who knows Colton knows he is passionate about his sheep and loves to talk about them. During his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities such as pickleball and frisbee golf. Colton’s efforts have helped make our campus a brighter and kinder place. With a deep passion for teaching, he is certain to change the lives of many young people in the years ahead. Colton will begin his career this fall in Lake Preston, SD teaching special education to middle school students. Colton’s advice to incoming freshmen is “The more you buy into the college experience, the more connections and enjoyment you will find from the experience!” THE WOLFY STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AWARDS: CELEBRATING LEADERSHIP AND INVOLVEMENT April 2026 — The 39th Annual Wolfy Student Engagement Awards lit up campus on April 26, 2026, celebrating the outstanding contributions of students who have made a meaningful impact on campus life. From leadership and service to creativity and involvement, the Wolfys recognize the many ways students shape the Northern experience. Through participation in student organizations and leadership opportunities, students develop valuable skills in leadership, conflict management, event planning, fiscal management, and team building, preparing them for success well beyond graduation. The Wolfys highlight and celebrate these student achievements and the positive impact they have on the campus community. This event is part of Key Result 97 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021–2025): “Create a campuswide, end-of-the-year student leadership recognition event.” The Wolfys have long been a tradition at Northern, but this renewed focus elevated the event’s visibility and impact across departments. Student Affairs Annual Report Executive Summary 2025-26 9
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