College of Education & Human Development announces 2026 Torchbearer Awards
Awards celebrate alumni and friends who’ve made a lasting impact on North Dakota and UND
The UND College of Education & Human Development is proud to announce the inaugural recipients of the Torchbearer Awards, an accolade created to recognize extraordinary alumni and friends whose contributions reflect the college’s core values and commitment to positive impact.
The Torchbearer Awards were established by the CEHD Alumni Advisory Board (CAAB) in 2025 to honor individuals who have shown exceptional leadership, innovation, service and mentorship within their fields and communities. Nominees were evaluated from across diverse academic disciplines and geographic backgrounds. Posthumous awards were also considered.
“The Torchbearer Awards embody CEHD’s highest ideals,” said Monte Gaukler, the board’s president. “We are honored to select and present these awards.”
The 2026 CEHD Torchbearer Award honorees are listed below by category.
Torchbearer Award for Innovation and Community Impact: Julie Erickson
Erickson is the executive director of the Grand Forks Growth and Support Center, a non-profit agency that provides services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their homes, in the community and at the agency. She led the development and expansion of their Residential Support Services program and spearheaded the creation of the innovative Roots Program, designed to provide meaningful, person-centered engagement for participants with IDD.
Through her leadership, Erickson has expanded opportunities for individuals with IDD while creating a sustainable, inclusive, ethical organizational culture that uplifts staff and empowers clients to thrive.
Torchbearer Award for Mentorship: Yee Han Chu
Yee Han Chu is UND’s academic support and fellowship opportunities coordinator. Since assuming her role in 2018, she has guided more than 80 students to nationally competitive scholarships, fellowships and grants, including from the National Science Foundation and the Fulbright Program. Her visionary approach to scholarship advising has transformed the academic trajectories of countless students and elevated UND’s national profile in the process.
Chu is also a founding member and the current treasurer of the North Dakota Fulbright Association Chapter, a mentor to new Fulbright Program advisors, a former member of the North Dakota Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and the former president of the North Dakota Association for Gifted Children.
Torchbearer Award (Posthumous): Wesley Waage
Waage served as the first president of the Fergus Falls Junior College (now the Minnesota State Community and Technical College) from 1960 to 1983. During his tenure, he oversaw the building of a new campus after losing available class space in a fire, created a college curriculum to rival that of a four-year college, and grew enrollment at the fledgling school. According to the Fergus Falls Daily Journal, 15,000 students had taken at least one course at the college during his tenure.
Waage, who passed away in 1985, is fondly remembered by his former students, faculty, and staff for his engagement, leadership, and vision that built the college from the ground up.
“At CEHD, we prepare professionals to nurture stronger minds, bodies, and hearts, and these Torchbearer Award recipients show what that looks like in action,” said Shelbie Witte, dean of the College of Education & Human Development. “Through innovation, mentorship and service, the honorees have strengthened lives and communities in lasting ways. We are proud to celebrate them.”
The 2026 Torchbearer Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 16 at 5 p.m., bringing together community members, alumni and friends to celebrate this year’s outstanding honorees. Other college awards for graduating seniors, faculty and staff will also be celebrated at that time.
The UND community is invited to join in celebrating these exceptional individuals who continue to elevate the CEHD legacy.
