UND College of Education & Human Development hosts inaugural Torchbearer Awards
Awardees praise college for support in their personal and professional endeavors at UND
UND’s College of Education & Human Development (CEHD) hosted its inaugural Torchbearer Awards on April 16, recognizing excellence in leadership, innovation, service and mentorship in what will become an annual event.
In her opening remarks, Dean Shelbie Witte praised the college’s faculty and staff. Although she conceded that a lot of their work goes on behind the scenes, it is nonetheless vital in curating a positive student environment.
“If you spend enough time in a college like ours, you start to notice something,” Witte said. “The most important work we do rarely announces itself. It happens in small decisions, consistent effort and people choosing to show up well every day.”
Witte added that a growing research profile — $7.4 million in externally funded research in 2026 alone — and a robust network of alumni educating North Dakota’s preK-12 students are evidence of the college’s momentum. According to Witte, more than 85% of the state’s preK-12 schools employ teachers or administrators who graduated from UND.
“Every one of these efforts connects back to people – the students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters we are recognizing tonight,” she said. “From national research rankings that continue to rise to the people we are honoring tonight, this college is on the move.”
Prior to presenting the Torchbearer Awards, Monte Gaukler, retired UND professor and president of the college’s Alumni Advisory Board, reflected on her time at the University. She expressed gratitude for the resources she received that helped her navigate the transition to life as a first-generation college student.
“While my parents were very supportive of me continuing my education, I didn’t have a vast history within my own family to determine how to go forward,” Gaukler said. “Things in many ways were scary for me. But in those first few months on campus, I found my footing through friendships and campus organizations.”
Gaukler also encouraged current and future alumni to “carry forward the spirit of this place.
“Being an alumnus isn’t just about a degree – it’s about staying connected, giving back, lifting others up and continuing to invest in the place that helped shape who you are,” she added.
2026 Torchbearer Award recipients
- Julie Erickson: Recipient of the Innovation and Community Impact Award, Erickson serves as executive director of the Grand Forks Growth and Support Center. In her role, Erickson provides services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their homes.
- Yee Han Chu: Recipient of the Mentorship Award, Chu serves as UND’s academic support and fellowship opportunities coordinator. In her role, she assists UND students and faculty members in applying for nationally competitive scholarships, fellowships, and grants, including the prestigious Truman and Marshall Scholarships and the Fulbright Program.
- Wesley Waage: Waage, who served as the first president of Fergus Falls Junior College (now Minnesota State Community and Technical College), was recognized posthumously. During his tenure as the Fergus Falls college’s president from 1960-83, Waage oversaw a period of strong enrollment growth that helped boost the region’s workforce development.
In her acceptance speech, Chu – who is also a first-generation college graduate – praised the college for the support she received in pursuing her doctorate in teaching and learning with an emphasis on higher education.
“Celebrating my academic achievements as intellectual and personal growth have often been private moments shared with my husband,” Chu said. “That’s why I’m so grateful to the College of Education & Human Development – for recognizing what academic achievement looks like beyond material outcomes. Earning my doctorate helped me find purpose, think more creatively, become more patient, build confidence and plan my future. Milestones that have shaped me into a stronger leader, mentor and person.”
Robert Stupnisky, CEHD associate dean for Research & Faculty Development, presented the faculty and staff awards.
- Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award: Elizabeth Suazo-Flores
- Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award: Cheryl Hunter
- The Aspire Award for Early Career Excellence in Research and Scholarship: Pempho Chinkondenji
- Excellence in Research and Scholarship Award: Logan Rutten and Renuka de Silva (tie)
- Excellence in Service Award: Lee Ann Rawlins Williams
- Staff Excellence Award: Angie Stokke
Additionally, 10 CEHD graduating seniors were recognized as distinguished senior students, presented by Jared Schlenker, faculty fellow of student success.
- Nicole Doheny: Rehabilitation & Health Sciences
- Allyson Harvala: Early Childhood Education
- Kellen Kinzer: Kinesiology
- Chloe Kleinsteuber: Public Health Education
- Kinley Kueneman: Elementary Education
- Briar Maudal: Rehabilitation & Health Sciences
- Alexandra Pavek: Kinesiology
- Hudson Schmitz: Elementary Education
- Amelia Tucker: Elementary Education
- Faith Vasicek: Composite Social Studies Education
The event concluded with Ashley Stocker, director of development for CEHD, acknowledging the hard work of the more than 100 students who were awarded scholarships in the college for the 2025-26 academic year, as well as the generosity of the donors whose support makes these awards possible.
