Alumni Awards & Recognition

Nomination Form

Achievement Awards

Each year, UD alumni are recognized for their achievements in their communities or while on campus at the University of Dubuque. Nominations can be submitted by a University of Dubuque alumna/us or by a member of the campus community.  Nominations can be made year round using the nomination form below. Awards are presented during the Homecoming Awards and Recognition Bruch each fall. There are six award categories, descriptions and criteria for each award is listed below.

Alumnus/Alumna of Distinction Award

Awarded to a graduate or friend of the University who has distinguished himself/herself in service to the whole church and/or the world; has characterized or exemplified the academic, physical, and spiritual growth we hold as goals in life of a University of Dubuque student; and has displayed loyalty and interested concern for the University of Dubuque and its future.

Previous Award Winners

  • John Couchman (C'69)
  • Durwood (C'52, MDiv'55) and Barbara (Skaife) (C'57) Busse
  • Richard Svrluga (C'71)
  • James Martin (C'67)
  • Betty Takes (C'79)
  • Bobbi Alpers (C'73)
  • Javaune Adams-Gaston (C'78)
  • Duane "Dewey" Feuerhelm  (C'56)
  • Robert Schwaegler (C'56)
  • William Svrluga (C'66)
  • Silas Kessler (C'32, BDiv'34)
  • Mark Brodersen (C'71)
  • Wilfred "Bill" Sawyier (C'45)
  • Alvin Straatmeyer (C'54, MDiv'57)
  • Richard Aborn (C'74)
  • Laura Palmer-Noone (C'80)
  • Duane Meyer (C'50)
  • James Schneck (C'64)
  • Anthony "Tony" Danza (C'72, DHL'04)
  • Hsuan Owyang (C'50)
  • Lee Beck (C'65)
  • Dennis Dammerman (C'67, DHL'03)
  • Duane Rumbaugh (C'50)
  • Lois (Schneider) Selmar (C'52)
  • Robert MacAskill (C'43)
  • Keith Ackman (C'50)
  • Charles Chakerian (C'24)
  • Donald Swain (C'53)
  • Walter Soboleff (C'37, MDiv'40)
  • William Grings (C'40)
  • J. Bruce Meriwether (C'60, DHL'02)
  • Arline Dieterich (C'41)
  • Harold "Hal" Fisher (C'49)
  • Roderick Riggs (C'55)
  • Eugene Siekmann  (C'35, MDiv'51, DHL'61)
  • Donovan Ward (C'25)
  • Lee Chang (C'25, DLAW'46)
  • Dexter French (C'38, DSCI'60)
  • Paul Laube (C'32, DHL'95)
  • Susan Bellinger (C'59)
  • Herbert Gearhart (C'51)
  • Gerald Smith (C'42)
  • Ruben Austin (C'36)
  • William Troxell (C'38)
  • Richard Biek (C'53)
  • Joseph Duke (C'20, DLAW'60)
  • Charles Tyrrell (C'36)
  • Joseph Mihelic (C'32)
  • Edgar Boell (C'29, DSCI'52)
  • Oliver Ohmann (C'22)
  • George Sisler (C'19)
  • William Petersen (C'26)
  • Edward Pike (C'25, DHL'63)
  • Gilbert Forbes, posthumously
  • Clarence Peterson (C'21)
  • Ethelda (Norberg) Sassenrath (C'42)
  • Homer Conzett (C'42)
  • David Gelzer (C'41, MDiv'43)
  • Robert MacAskill (C'43)
  • Keith Ackman (C'50)
  • Charles Chakerian (C'24)
  • Donald Swain (C'53)
  • Walter Soboleff (C'37, MDiv'40)
  • William Grings (C'40)
  • J. Bruce Meriwether (C'60, DHL'02)
  • Arline Dieterich (C'41)
  • Harold "Hal" Fisher (C'49)
  • Roderick "Rod" Riggs (C'55)
  • Eugene "Gene" Siekmann  (C'35, MDiv'51, DHL'61)
  • Donovan Ward (C'25)
  • Lee Chang (C'25, DLAW'46)
  • Dexter French (C'38, DSCI'60)
  • Paul Laube (C'32, DHL'95)
  • Susan Bellinger (C'59)
  • Herbert "Herb" Gearhart (C'51)
  • Gerald Smith (C'42)
  • Ruben Austin (C'36)
  • William Troxell (C'38)
  • Richard "Ric" Biek (C'53)
  • Joseph Duke (C'20, DLAW'60)
  • Charles Tyrrell (C'36)
  • Joseph Mihelic (C'32)
  • Edgar Boell (C'29, DSCI'52)
  • Oliver Ohmann (C'22)
  • George Sisler (C'19)
  • William Petersen (C'26)
  • Edward Pike (C'25, DHL'63)
  • Gilbert Forbes, posthumously
  • Clarence Peterson (C'21)
  • Ethelda "Ethel" (Norberg) Sassenrath (C'42)
  • Homer Conzett (C'42)
  • David Gelzer (C'41, MDiv'43)

Award of Merit

Awarded to a graduate within 15 years of graduation for significant accomplishments in business or professional life. The award winner will have demonstrated a clear commitment to excellence in their careers, and through their careers have achieved visible public recognition, achievement, and leadership, which exemplify the University's Mission.

Previous Award Winners

  • Dominque A. Anthony (C'07)
  • Joshua Terrell (C'10, MBA'11)
  • Caroline (Zelent) Grunenwald (C'08)
  • Matthew Metelak (C'11)
  • Charity Edgar (C'07)
  • Daniel Calvert (C'01)
  • Thomas Rauen (C'05)
  • B'Ann (Bohnsack) Dittmar (MBA'00)
  • Aaron Williams (C'99)
  • Polly (Rademacher) Kadolph (C'91, MBA'05)
  • C. Richard Schwerdtfeger Jr. (C'86)
  • Paul Adams (C'83)
  • Mary Lou Baal (C'84, MBA'88)
  • Todd Helgeson (C'86)
  • James Riddick (C'91)
  • Saleem Ghubril (MDiv'91)

Professional Achievement Award

Awarded to any graduate after 15 years of graduation for significant contribution of achievement in his/her chosen professional field. To be considered for this award, the alumnus/alumna will have demonstrated a clear commitment to excellence in his/her career. This person will have achieved visible public recognition, achievement, and leadership, which reflect positively on the University's vision.

Previous Award Winners

  • Barbara (Glovik) Rechterman (C'85)
  • Juris Terauds (C'61)
  • Thaddeus Foucher (C'78)
  • I. Richmond Nettey (C'82)
  • Rebecca (Bruns) Johnson (C'79)
  • Celina (Malloy) Peerman (C'92)
  • Lynn "Butch" Fuller (C'71)
  • Brett Bacon (C'69)
  • Robert Shafer (C'75, MBA'94)
  • Gary Olsen (C'70)
  • Marian (Sessler) Hoffman (C'55)
  • Carol (Spencer) Kuhle (C'68)
  • Kent Hatteberg (C'77)
  • Dale Brubaker (C'43)
  • Jane Hammond (C'50)
  • Susan Senft (C'75)
  • Mary (Usui) Toma (C'49)
  • Robert Van Iten (C'59)
  • Henry Hector III (C'61)
  • Graham Turnbull (C'56)
  • James Davis (C'60)
  • Thomas Rosenquist (C'64)
  • Fredric "Fritz" Hayes (C'58)
  • Ardyth (Weinbender) Diercks (C'76)
  • Colleen (Birdnow) Brown (C'79)
  • Donald Thomas (C'48)
  • Kirk Wolfinger (C'75)
  • Patricia (Wild) Franzen (C'68)
  • Marvin O'Hare (C'55)
  • Thomas Somerville (C'55)
  • Joseph Lawrence (C'32)
  • Colleen (Birdnow) Brown  (C'79)
  • Donald Thomas (C'48)
  • Kirk Wolfinger (C'75)
  • Patricia "Pat" (Wild) Franzen  (C'68)
  • Marvin "Marv" O'Hare (C'55)
  • Thomas "Tom" Somerville  (C'55)
  • Joseph Lawrence (C'32)

Service to Community Award

Awarded to an alumnus/alumna or friend of the University who has demonstrated a clear commitment to serving the community through notable volunteerism, an outstanding act of selflessness, or a pattern of service to humanitarian efforts or causes.

Previous Award Winners

  • Keith Kephart (C'66)
  • Judy Hay (C'68)
  • Lenis "Lenny" Weih (C'67)
  • Rick Wallace (C'81)
  • Carolyn Poplett (C'51)
  • Christopher Peterson (C'04)
  • Roy Buol (C'92)
  • Loretta Gratias-Bremer (C'62)
  • Lloyd Alamsha (C'56, MDiv'60)
  • Alan Spensley (C'55)
  • John "Rick" Carney (C'69)
  • Pauline (Tobiason) Antons (C'48)
  • Nancy Kringle (C'85, MBA'14)
  • Peggy (Snuttjer) Hudson (MAC'00)
  • Douglas Horstmann (C'75)
  • William Peck (C'60)
  • Harold Knutsen (C'65)
  • David Drake (C'51)
  • Robert Richard (C'72)
  • Henry Pillard (C'57)
  • Diane Nelson (C'78)
  • Ruth (Hermann) Clark (C'45)
  • Craig Thompson (C'75)
  • Margery (Peckham Deale) Dodge (C'41)
  • Barbara (Skaife) Busse (C'57)
  • Beverly (Anderson) Curtiss (C'76)
  • Betty Takes (C'79)
  • Wilton Sinning (C'36, BDiv'39)
  • Donald McAllister (C'50)
  • Paul Harmon (C'64)
  • Barbara (Skaife) Busse (C'57)
  • Beverly (Anderson) Curtiss (C'76)
  • Betty Takes (C'79)
  • Wilton Sinning (C'36, BDiv'39)
  • Donald McAllister (C'50)
  • Paul Harmon (C'64)

Veterans Award for Distinguished Service

Awarded to an alumnus or alumna veteran who has made a positive impact on their local, national, international or veteran community, the University, or through their military service. To be eligible, the nominee must be a person who served in the military and who received an Honorable Discharge. In general, includes someone that served as a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and the equivalent reserve component or as a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service, the Environmental Science Services Administration or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. When submitting the nomination for this award, please reference the dates of service and rank of the nominee for this recognition.

Previous Award Winners

  • Colonel Robert Wicklund (C'53)
  • Colonel Harry "Bucky" Peterson (C'68)
  • Sergeant Major Richard E. Goebel (C'82)
  • Colonel Earl Bufton, Jr. (C'63), posthumously
  • Chaplain (LTC) Donald Neely (C'57, MDiv'62)
  • Staff Sergeant Ronald Sagers (C'68), posthumously
  • Lieutenant Commander Roger Meyers (C'55), posthumously
  • First Lieutenant Michael Downey (C'66), posthumously
  • Sergeant Jeffrey B. Dodge (C'68), posthumously
  • Lieutenant Senior Grade Nickas Yiannias (C'47)
  • Colonel Mark Carlson (C'85)

Volunteer Recognition Award

Awarded to University of Dubuque alumni/ae or friend of the University for outstanding contributions to the University of Dubuque in a volunteer capacity

Previous Award Winners

  • Paul Clayton (C'68)
  • Royce (C'68) and Kathy (Haselton) (C'68) Farmer
  • Andrew Ward, Sr. (C'66)
  • Timothy Polley (C'08, MDiv'11)
  • Anderson Sainci (C'10, MAC'12)
  • Jane (Sumpter) Malone-George (C'51)
  • Anthony Lehmann (MBA'87)
  • Barbara (Weber) Blinks (C'64)
  • Margie (Lane) Schmidt (C'55)
  • Dan Frump (C'63)
  • Beverly (Anderson) Curtiss (C'76)
  • Ronald Cavanagh (C'76)
  • Charmion (Luense) Van Drie (C'49)
  • Gerhardt "Dutch" Van Drie (C'47)
  • William Fullarton (C'32)
  • Barbara (Kelly) Smeltzer (C'66)
  • John "Jack" Bachtell (C'53)
  • Bret Johannsen (C'50)
  • Robert Besch (C'40)
  • William Burnette (C'50)
  • Eldon "Bud" Loats (C'50)
  • Bruce Ferguson (C'53)
  • Eleanor (Behnke) Rafoth (C'37)

Manning Award

Awarded since 1972, the Herbert E. Manning, Jr. Distinctive Service Awards recognize UDTS alumni/alumnae who demonstrate exceptional contributions in Christian ministry. Recipients model servant leadership, courageous convictions, a spirit of witness, and a faithful obedience as they contribute significantly to the Church universal, the Seminary, and all of God's people.

Criteria

The awards recognize the many gifts of one spirit, in a person who:

  • Graduated with a professional degree (MAR, MDiv, DMin) from UDTS
  • In ministry leaves a lasting legacy impacting the lives of others
  • Is in a ministry supportive of or identified with a church or a church body
  • Without concern for self is witnessing to others with a true sense of call in a specific time and place
  • Demonstrates an appreciative relationship with UDTS and/or the Alumni Association
  • Contributes to the nominee's denomination and/or the wider church
  • Qualifies for an award category, which currently include Parish Ministry and Specialized Ministry, including mission, ecumenism, community service, chaplaincy, communications, education, etc.
  • Has served seven years in the ministry; nominees need not be ordained

Previous Award Winners

  • 1972: Rev. Warren M. Hoffman (C'55, MT'58)
  • 1973: Dr. H Gene Harbaugh (C'62)
  • 1974: Rev. Guy F. Rondell (C'56)
  • 1975: Dr. John B. Toay (MDiv'56)
  • 1976: Dr. Silas G. Kessler (C'32, HON'34)
  • 1977: Rev. John J. Munchoff (C'59, BDiv'60)
  • 1978: Dr. Coy C. Lee (MDiv'51)
  • 1979: Rev. Paul R. Skelley (C'65, MDiv'69)
  • 1980: Dr. George H. Pike (MDiv'57)
  • 1981: Dr. Reuben J. Tjaden (C'40, BDiv'42)
  • 1982: Dr. Donald E. Gowan (MDiv'57)
  • 1983: Dr. Clarence C. Richardson * (MDiv'38)
  • 1983: Dr. Robert N. Allen ** (C'42)
  • 1984: Rev. George W. Bishop * (C'48, MDiv'52)
  • 1984: Dr. Gerald J. Middents ** (MDiv'60)
  • 1986: Dr. Robert R. Boehlke ** (C'50, MDiv'53)
  • 1986: Dr. Richard W. Glasgow * (MDiv'70)
  • 1987: Dr. James A. Campbell * (MDiv'73)
  • 1987: Rev. H. Gene Straatmeyer ** (MDiv'59)
  • 1988: Dr. Frank M. Elliott ** (C'57)
  • 1988: Dr. Wanis A. Semaan ** (MDiv'61)
  • 1989: Rev. Howard N. Orcutt ** (C'30, BDiv'33)
  • 1989: Rev. George H. Swalve * (C'43, MDiv'46)
  • 1990: Rev. Kenneth H. McCullen * (C'60, BDiv'63)
  • 1990: Rev. Paul F. Soderquist ** (MDiv'80)
  • 1991: Rev. Henry P. Guinotte ** (MDiv'56)
  • 1991: Dr. William R. Klink * (MDiv'73)
  • 1992: Dr. Mearle L. Griffith ** (MDiv'79)
  • 1992: Dr. Murray L. Hanson * (MDiv'73, DMin'80)
  • 1993: Rev. Elizabeth H. Stilwell ** (MDiv'81)
  • 1993: Dr. Lloyd P. Terrell * (MDiv'83)
  • 1994: Rev. Charles E. Klink * (MDiv'78)
  • 1994: Rev. Barry M. Walker ** (MDiv'65)
  • 1995: Rev. Gwyneth E. Osuch * (MDiv'70)
  • 1996: Rev. Laury W. Larson * (MDiv'74)
  • 1997: Rev. Donald D. Patterson ** (C'78, MDiv'80)
  • 1997: Rev. John E. Sumwalt * (MDiv'78)
  • 1998: Rev. Philip A. Prasad ** (MDiv'61)
  • 1998: Rev. William E. Taylor * (MDiv'69)
  • 1999: Dr. Elmer M. Colyer ** (MDiv'85)
  • 1999: Dr. R. Steven Krueger * (MDiv'71, DMin'80)
  • 2000: Dr. Cecil Corbett ** (MDiv'62, HON'72)
  • 2000: Rev. George K. Tjaden * (C'41, MDiv'44)
  • 2001: Rev. Paul G. Moon ** (MDiv'62)
  • 2001: Rev. Mark E. Yurs * (MDiv'82)
  • 2002: Dr. Louis J. Prues ** (MDiv'75)
  • 2002: Rev. Cathy F. Young * (MDiv'89)
  • 2003: Rev. Durwoood Busse ** (C'52, MDiv'55)
  • 2003: Rev. Duane C. Queen * (MDiv'69)
  • 2004: Rev. Richard H. Skelley * (C'61, MDiv'63)
  • 2005: Rev. James L. Stewart * (MDiv'86)
  • 2006: Rev. Dee M. Anderson * (C'82, MDiv'85)
  • 2006: Rev. Teri Thomas ** (MDiv'77)
  • 2007: Rev. Steven E. Wirth (C'75, MDiv'78)
  • 2008: Rev. Saleem H. Ghubril (MDiv'91)
  • 2009: Rev. Heidi McGinnes ** (MDiv'89)
  • 2010: Rev. B.J. Weber ** (MDiv'78)
  • 2011: Rev. Richard J. Shaffer ** (MDiv'88, DMin'01)
  • 2012: Rev. Curtis E. Karns (MDiv'84)
  • 2013: Rev. Emerson E. Eggerich (MDiv'76)
  • 2018: Rev. E.James Verkest (MDiv'98)
  • 1990: Rev. Paul F. Soderquist ** (MDiv'80)
  • 1991: Rev. Henry P. Guinotte ** (MDiv'56)
  • 1991: Dr. William R. Klink * (MDiv'73)
  • 1992: Dr. Mearle L. Griffith ** (MDiv'79)
  • 1992: Dr. Murray L. Hanson * (MDiv'73, DMin'80)
  • 1993: Rev. Elizabeth H. Stilwell ** (MDiv'81)
  • 1993: Dr. Lloyd P. Terrell * (MDiv'83)
  • 1994: Rev. Charles E. Klink * (MDiv'78)
  • 1994: Rev. Barry M. Walker ** (MDiv'65)
  • 1995: Rev. Gwyneth E. Osuch * (MDiv'70)
  • 1996: Rev. Laury W. Larson * (MDiv'74)
  • 1997: Rev. Donald D. Patterson ** (C'78, MDiv'80)
  • 1997: Rev. John E. Sumwalt * (MDiv'78)
  • 1998: Rev. Philip A. Prasad ** (MDiv'61)
  • 1998: Rev. William E. Taylor * (MDiv'69)
  • 1999: Dr. Elmer M. Colyer ** (MDiv'85)
  • 1999: Dr. R. Steven Krueger * (MDiv'71, DMin'80)
  • 2000: Dr. Cecil Corbett ** (MDiv'62, HON'72)
  • 2000: Rev. George K. Tjaden * (C'41, MDiv'44)
  • 2001: Rev. Paul G. Moon ** (MDiv'62)
  • 2001: Rev. Mark E. Yurs * (MDiv'82)
  • 2002: Dr. Louis J. Prues ** (MDiv'75)
  • 2002: Rev. Cathy F. Young * (MDiv'89)
  • 2003: Rev. Durwoood Busse ** (C'52, MDiv'55)
  • 2003: Rev. Duane C. Queen * (MDiv'69
  • 2004: Rev. Richard H. Skelley * (C'61, MDiv'63)
  • 2005: Rev. James L. Stewart * (MDiv'86)
  • 2006: Rev. Dee M. Anderson * (C'82, MDiv'85)
  • 2006: Rev. Teri Thomas ** (MDiv'77)
  • 2007: Rev. Steven E. Wirth (C'75, MDiv'78)
  • 2008: Rev. Saleem H. Ghubril (MDiv'91)
  • 2009: Rev. Heidi McGinnes ** (MDiv'89)
  • 2010: Rev. B.J. Weber ** (MDiv'78)
  • 2011: Rev. Richard J. Shaffer ** (MDiv'88, DMin'01)
  • 2012: Rev. Curtis E. Karns (MDiv'84)
  • 2013: Rev. Emerson E. Eggerich (MDiv'76)
  • 2018: Rev. E.James Verkest (MDiv'98)

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