Sioux City, IA – Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), the leadership honor society at Morningside University, proudly recognizes the achievements of its students, faculty, and staff through the 2025 awards ceremony. Spanning academia, athletics, service, communications, and arts, the awards reflect Morningside’s commitment to fostering excellence and leadership within its community.

ODK serves as a leadership honor society that supports students in their pursuit of academic, professional, and personal growth. Through its five main pillars—academics, athletics, service, communications, and the arts—ODK provides guidance and celebrates those who demonstrate exemplary qualities, preparing them to influence their communities positively as they enter the workforce.

This year’s awards showcased the remarkable accomplishments of Morningside students, faculty, and staff across various disciplines:

Applied Ag and Food Studies Presented by Annie Kinwa-Muzinga

  • AAFS Outstanding Senior – Dylan Hosek
  • Outstanding Senior in Agribusiness – Thomas (Tom) Moss
  • Outstanding Senior in Agronomy – Abraham Dirkx

Art Presented by Shelby Prindaville

  • Outstanding Freshman – Maya Willey
  • Outstanding Sophomore – Eli Boyd Harris
  • Outstanding Junior – Azaria Meals
  • Marion Shapiro (Junior) – Lorelei Schumacher

School of Business Awarded by Darrel Sandall (Presented by Jay Moran)

  • Outstanding Accounting Senior (ISCPA sponsored) – Jared Nicholas
  • Outstanding Accounting Senior (IMA sponsored) – Olivia Boudreau
  • Outstanding Business Senior – Maddie Craighead and Barbara Kozouskova
  • Outstanding Marketing Senior – Mandi De Jongh
  • Outstanding Finance Senior (IMA sponsored) – Gregory Clark
  • Outstanding Management Senior – Claire Wilson

English Awarded  by Leslie Werden (Presented by David Elder)

  • Bill & Lorraine Knepper Award for an Outstanding Junior in English – Sal Osborn
  • Ralph and Margaret Crary & Bruce Crary & Quicksilver Scholarship Fund in Literary Arts – Katherine Rouse

Mathematical Sciences Awarded By Randy Campbell (Presented by Dean Stevens)

  • Terra Industries Scholarship for Computer Sciences – Simon Zychowski
  • Elise C. Muller Scholarship in Mathematical Sciences – Eein McKinley
  • Robert Wood Green Pre-Engineering Scholarship – Jesse Gerth

Natural Sciences Presented by Anni Moore

  • Faculty Award in Biology – Alexander Valdez and Lauryn Bonar
  • Faculty Award in Chemistry – Gavin Potts and Rachel Spier
  • Stephen J. Gould Award – Claire Cozad and Kale Bird
  • Outstanding Service to the Department Award – Claire Cozad, Gavin Potts, and Rachel Spier

Performing Arts Presented by Heath Weber

  • Dorothy Paulson McLarnon Scholarship for Voice – Nora Dahle
  • Mildred Harrington Piano Scholarship – Claire Conn
  • Tom Shilhanek Technical Theatre Award – Julianne Johnston

Political Science Presented by Patrick McKinlay

  • Miller Award in Political Science – Ella Wragge and Hannah Dillehay
  • Day Center Award for Ethical Leadership – Adam Fillipi

Religious Studies Presented by Elizabeth Coody

  • Robert Jewett Book Award – Sami Geisen and Aabiskar Sharma

Spanish Presented by Stacey Alex

  • The Dr. Gail Ament Award – Byanka Olivarez and Lupita De Anda Valadez
  • The Modern Languages Book Award – Gavin Potts

Teacher Education Presented by Rochelle Maynard

  • Sharon Ocker Endowed Scholarship for Secondary Education – Azaria Meals
  • Nelson Elementary Education Scholarship – Emma Barwick, Amelia Evans, Sophia Guntren, Emily McGill, Victoria Asmus, and Fatih Beeck
  • Marcia McNee Scholarship in Elementary Education – Ellie Wiese, Madelynn Morony, Gillian DePauw, Sydney Marlow, Carly VonRentzel, Kirsten Campbell, Lindsey Seibold, and Chloe Goldsmith

Undergraduate Nursing Presented by Amanda Haverhals

  • Professional Development and Achievement Award from the Nylen School of Nursing and Health Sciences – Sophomore: Adeline Fliege, Junior: Madi Aldrich, and Seniors: Quinnlan Frost and Tesheta Kero

OTHER AWARDS

Human Rights Essay Contest Winners Presented by Anni Moore

  1. 1st place: Lauren Ellis
  2. 2nd place: Emaly Kruse

Event of the Year Presented by Greg Clark

  • Performance of The Emperor’s New Clothes

John and Robin Reynders Awards for Community Engagement Presented by Andy Nelson

  1. Morningside Accounting Club for their work with the Siouxland Food Bank
  2. Morningside Grill Masters for their work with Siouxland Flood Recovery
  3. Sustainable Environment Association for their work with Radiant Life Community Church

The Robert “Bob” Miller Academic Student-Athlete Award Presented by Jim Sykes

  • Sydney Marlow – Women’s Volleyball
  • Yannik Vogel – Men’s Soccer 

ODK Freshman of the Year

  • Abigail Otto

ODK Sophomore Cup

  • Miyah Whitehead

ODK Tommeraasen Award

  • Accounting Club

ODK Dr. Bruce Forbes Faculty Person of the Year Award

  • Dr. Elizabeth Coody

ODK Staff Member of the Year

  • Alex Watters