As part of National Transfer Student week, the University of Minnesota Morris recognized several students, faculty and staff during a 'Transfer Champion' banquet on Wednesday, Oct. 19.
Transfer Student Services Director John Tornes explained, "The transfer student experience begins at the first moment of contemplation and lasts all the way through graduation. This year’s National Transfer Student Week theme is 'Plug Into Transfer' and we are excited to celebrate transfer students and the professionals who support them on their journeys."
Here is a list of the awards presented during the banquet:
Transfer Student Service Award- Exceptional leadership and service to community and university.
Connie Liker- Anthropology Major and Sustainability Leadership Minor
Connie has volunteered for multiple transfer student-centered events around campus. Connie continues to serve, is always helpful with the UMN Morris community, and maintains a superb GPA. Connie continues to add to her educational journey by participating in numerous resources offered by UMN Morris.
Outstanding Transfer Student Leader Award- Excellence in peer leadership.
Gavin Zempel- NAIS Major
Gavin always has good grades, perfect attendance, talkative, charismatic, helpful, and nice to everyone who comes to him.
Resilience Transfer Student Award- Excellence in managing adverse experiences and recovering from challenges.
Cathryn Wallmow Biochemistry and Pre-Physicians Assistant Major
Cathryn transferred to UMN Morris just over a year ago. She shares, "I am a Biochemistry major here at Morris with a pre-PA focus. Some specific opportunities offered at Morris that I was not offered before were the human anatomy lab, undergraduate research, and access to many volunteer activities. The professors in the science department are wonderful here and have so much knowledge to give to their students. I was also able to gain my E.R. EMT and I currently work as an EMT for Stevens County Ambulance. Working at Stevens County Ambulance has given me the chance to gain experience in the medical field. I have had nothing but a great experience here at UMN Morris."
Carli King Anthropology Major and History Minor
Carli writes: "During my freshman year of college, I knew that the place I was at wasn't the place I wanted to stay. I didn't feel at home at the college, I didn't like my major, and I didn't have many friends. During the spring semester, when everyone got sent home because of covid, I was able to set up a tour here at Morris. I learned about this place from a friend who went here, who told me this place had good anthropology professors, which was the field I was interested in. After the tour, I knew I liked it here better than at my old school, but I still wasn't convinced this was the place for me. I decided to give it a chance. During my first semester here, I loved my classes. My professors were so helpful and worked hard to make classes online as good as possible, and I liked the closeness of campus. I ended up staying and am happy with that choice every day."
Outstanding Transfer Student-Athlete Award: Excellence in academics, leadership, service, and participation of UMN Morris Cougar Athletics.
Jacob “Jake” Brooks: Fall 2022 incoming transfer student-athlete. Sports Management Major and plays basketball for the Cougars.
Jake is a great friend, a hardworking student, and always willing to try new things!
Fortitude Award (TSS Director’s Choice Award): Exceptional commitment to transfer students via education and mentorship.
Chip Beal- Native American Student Success (Nass) Director and Interim Assistant to the Chancellor for Native American Partnerships, Student Success, and Inclusion
Transfer Champion Award: Excellence in student engagement, service, advocates, uplifts, community service, current UMN Morris employee, values all aspects of transfer student life.
Hannah Amundson: Assistant Director of Admissions and Transfer Coordinator
Hannah is the voice transfer students first hear when they inquire about Morris. Hannah is consistent in communication. Hannah is reassuring during the students' transfer process, answering questions all along the way. She is excellent at explaining the process and tackling any complications that may arise. Hannah is a true transfer champion!
UMN Morris Transfer Alumni Award: Excellence as a former transfer student in the current place of employment, serving the university, uplifts others through community service, and valuing all aspects of life.
Anna Jackson: Double Major in Biology and Native American Indigenous Studies
Anna is a 2020 UMN Morris alumne and currently works at her alma mater as a Transfer Pathway Navigator within Native American Student Success and Transfer Student Services. Anna has continued to service the UMN Morris community by contributing to the success of current and future transfer students.
