May 23, 2022

Academic, Wildcat Pride awards given at K-State Salina

Posted May 23, 2022 11:45 AM

K-State Salina

Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus is honoring students for their academic achievements, leadership and personal contributions with the campus's annual end-of-the-year awards.

The following students were recipients of a Wildcat Pride Award or the Student Life Outstanding Graduating Senior Award:

Deborah Turner, senior in social work, Salina, was selected for the Wildcat Pride Award for Determination. The award is presented to a student who shows firmness in beliefs and actions, doesn't quit until an answer or decision is reached, and pursues life by focusing on achieving a goal with passion. According to her nominator, Turner is the most determined person they've ever met. As an adult learner, Turner has endured many changes circumstances but nothing has stopped her from her pursuit of a degree, including working full time and meeting personal obligations.

Logan Ragsdale, graduating senior in professional pilot, Tonganoxie, is receiving the Student Life Outstanding Graduating Senior Award, which recognizes a strong student leader who has made outstanding contributions to student life while on campus. Ragsdale is described someone with personal integrity and a passion to help others and who helped make a difference while at K-State Salina.

Ryan Walkowiak, senior in mechanical engineering technology, Lee's Summit, Missouri, is the recipient of the Wildcat Pride Award for Dedication, which recognizes a student who goes above and beyond normal duties and is committed to a particular course of thought or action. According to his nominator, Walkowiak has gone above and beyond to make some campus programs run smoothly. His initiative and leadership have helped launch new summer programs on campus that have been successful, in part because of his energy, enthusiasm and commitment.

Marcello Dodd-Holliday, sophomore in social work, Trenton, Tennessee, is the recipient of the Wildcat Pride Award for Community Service. This award recognizes a student who serves and is involved in the local community. According to his nominator, Dodd-Holliday exemplifies the true meaning of service and his unselfish acts have touched the lives of this community and those around him. He volunteers his time weekly to the Smoky Valley Nursing Home's Alzheimer's unit and the Marine Corps recruiting station in Salina. Dodd-Holliday also volunteered his time with Big Brothers and Big Sisters and the Salina Animal Shelter.

The following K-State Salina students also received awards:

Nathan Emond, senior in professional pilot, Andover, Most Inspirational Student of the Year; Connie Lang, junior in web development technology, Berryton, Outstanding Academic Student Award; Ty Pfizenmaier, senior in aviation maintenance, Clay Center, Outstanding Academic Student Award; Hunter Allison, senior in unmanned aircraft systems flight and operations, Delphos, Outstanding Academic Student Award; Phane Pedigo, senior in mechanical engineering technology, Great Bend, Outstanding Academic Student Award; Michael Blanks, junior in professional pilot, Hill City, Expository Writing Award, second place; Jonathan Stevenson, sophomore in electronic and computer engineering technology, Oakley, Outstanding Academic Student Award; Eunha Kim, senior in applied business and technology, associate degree program, Overland Park, Outstanding Academic Student Award.

From Salina: Kaitlyn Bergmann, sophomore in chemistry, Outstanding Academic Student Award; Shea Clark, senior in digital media, Outstanding Academic Student Award; Blayke Clemmer, senior in social work, Outstanding Academic Student Award; Noah Endreshak, senior in unmanned aircraft systems flight and operations, Student Employee of the Year; Houston Griffitts, junior in unmanned aircraft systems design and integration, Outstanding Academic Student Award; Lauren King, senior in professional pilot, Outstanding Academic Student Award; and Nathan Weiss, junior in professional pilot, Expository Writing Award, first place.

Alex Reichart, senior in robotics and automation, Valley Falls, Outstanding Academic Student Award; Logan Pyle, junior in professional pilot, Waverly, Kyle Pelton University Student Employee of the Year; and Eric Webb, senior in computer systems technology, Wichita, Outstanding Academic Student Award.

From out of state: Che Jackson, Norristown, Pennsylvania, applied business and technology bachelor's program, Outstanding Academic Student Award.

Outstanding campus awards for faculty and staff include Rayeann Brisso, academic advisor/faculty mentor of the year; Michael Kuni, Staff Member of the Year; and Doug Zerr, Faculty Member of the Year.