Hastings College senior Aaron Rouse, Trumbull, Neb., was named winner of the 2008 Bronco Award today at the annual Honors Convocation ceremony.

The Bronco Award, established in 1924 by the editors of the Bronco yearbook, is the highest, non-academic honor Hastings College bestows. 

In addition to Rouse, 22 seniors received the Who’s Who Award. This award, instituted at Hastings College in 1940, is presented to no more than 10 percent of the senior class. Students were recommended by a vote of the student body. A committee of faculty and administrators and three members of the junior class made the final selection. Citizenship and contributions to the overall college program were considered. 

Who’s Who students include: Jena Alt, Waverly, Neb.; Halah Bajaber, Holdrege, Neb.; Beth Bunde, Lincoln, Neb.; Whitney Burr, Juniata, Neb.; Joelle Buskirk, Holdrege, Neb.; Brady Fickenscher, Gothenburg, Neb.; Heather Finney, Sidney, Neb.; Margo Hardy, Chappell, Neb.; Erin Haschke, Cedar Rapids, Neb.; Jillian Heiden, York, Neb.; Reuben Jackson, Piscataway, N.J.; Celeste Kenney, Kearney, Neb.; Bobby Kempf, Shickley, Neb.; Casey Mills, Burns, Wyo.;  Joesaphine “Jossy” Newquist, Aurora, Neb.; Kimberly Nochi, Gering, Neb.; Ashley Phillips, Tucson, Ariz.; Tyler Prochazka, Hemingford, Neb.; Jeffery Richards, Geneva, Neb.; Kelly Robenhagen, Ft. Collins, Colo.; John Striebel, North Platte, Neb.; and Melissa Theesen, St. Joseph, Mo. 

 Aaron Rouse, Trumbull, Neb., son of Larry and Vicki Rouse, was a business administration and human services administration major. He was a member of the Public Relations Council, Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honor society (national convention delegate), Phi Beta Lambda business honor society (president), Jazz Choir, Hastings College Choir, Men’s Choir, and BACCHUS (Boost Alcohol Consciousness Concerning the Health of University Students). Rouse was named National Outstanding Peer Educator and Area 5 Outstanding Peer Educator. On the Dean’s List, he served as Student Association president as a junior, was a Student Senator, was a Student Alumni Ambassador, and served on the President’s Advisory Council. He was co-chair of the Senior Class Gift project, served on the Capital Improvements Committee, the Student Affairs Council, and the Bronco Village Board. He was treasurer of the ALS (Artist Lecture Series) committee, served on the Alcohol Task Force, was on the Altman Hall Dorm Council, and helped with New Student Days. He was a Homecoming finalist, a Nebraska History Day judge, was team captain and volunteer for Relay for Life, participated in the Juvenile Diabetes Walk, and served on the Hastings Destination Downtown Planning Committee. He was a vacation Bible school teacher and choir member at First Presbyterian Church, Hastings.

Jena Alt, Waverly, Neb., daughter of Bruce and Lea Ann Alt, majored in biology. She was a member of Hastings College Choir, Hastings College Singers, Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honor society (vice president of selections), and was art editor of Spectrum literary magazine. A member of Student Association Executive Council, Alt was co-chair of the Union Committee. She was a member of Alpha Chi academic honor society, was a Student Alumni Ambassador, and a member of Beta Beta Beta biological honor society. Alt served on the Artist Lecture Series Student Symposium committee, was a member of Pre-Health Professions Club, was on the Dean’s List, and played softball. 

Halah Bajaber, Holdrege, Neb., daughter of Jeanie Bajaber and Akram Bajaber, majored in biology. She was president of Beta Beta Beta biological honor society, was a member of Public Relations Council, was president of Pre-Veterinarian Club, and was a member and secretary of SHAC (Student Health Advisory Council). Bajaber participated in the Center for Student Leadership program, was a presenter and served on the Academic Showcase Day committee, and was a street team coordinator for Divided We Fall. She also was a cheerleader, was on the Dean’s List, and was a member of the tennis team. 

Beth Bunde, Lincoln, Neb., daughter of Bruce and Margaret Bunde, majored in international health and religion. She was co-president and pledge trainer for Alpha Omega social sorority, and was a member of Public Relations Council, Alpha Chi academic honor society, Outdoor Club, Hastings College Band, and Inter-Greek Council. She participated in Common Grounds, FOCUS, Campus Crusade, and Ignite religious organizations. A Student Alumni Ambassador, Bunde was on the Dean’s List and participated in intramural sports (team captain), and soccer. Her photography was published in Spectrum literary magazine. She was named Outstanding Major of the Year in Exercise Science, was selected as Ms. Bronco, received an Imagine Grant, and was a member of the Nebraska Association for Health and Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. 

Whitney Burr, Juniata, Neb., daughter of Mark and Marcy Burr, was a religion major. She was a member of PHIVE-O (Peer HIV Education Organization), and a peer educator. She was a reporter and copy editor for the Collegian newspaper and a member of Student Association Executive Council, serving on the Religious Organizations Committee. Burr was on the Ignite religious organization leadership team, and was a volunteer for World AIDS Day – Camp Kindle Kids Event. During January term, Burr participated in a service trip to Guatemala. She was a steward at the World Council of Churches in Geneva, Switzerland; helped with the Global Volunteer Network in Nyeri, Kenya; and was a youth group supervisor during a mission trip to Mexico. A pastoral intern for First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Burr was a conference organizer for the National Council of Churches. 

Joelle Buskirk, Holdrege, Neb., daughter of Terry and Teresa Buskirk, majored in English and marketing. Buskirk was a member of Hastings College Choir, Hastings College Singers, Jazz Choir, Vocal Spectrum, and Chamber Choir. She was secretary of Sigma Tau Delta English honor society and served on the community service and social committees of Alpha Omega social sorority. She was a member of Professional Business Leaders, was a copy editor for the Collegian newspaper, participated in theatre, and was on the Dean’s List. She served as a tutor for Intro to Computer Tools and was an AWANA leader for third grade girls at Evangelical Free Church.  

Brady Fickenscher, Gothenburg, Neb., son of Thomas and Cindy Fickenscher, majored in biochemistry and molecular biology. He was a member of Public Relations Council, Student Association, Student Senate, and was a Student Alumni Ambassador. A member of the cross country and track and field teams, Fickenscher qualified for cross country nationals and was chosen for the GPAC (Great Plains Athletic Conference) All-Conference team. On the Dean’s List, he was named to the NAIA Academic All-American team. He was vice president of Beta Beta Beta biological honor society, was treasurer of Pre-Health Professions Club, and was treasurer of the American Chemical Society Student Affiliate. 

Heather Finney, Sidney, Neb., daughter of Jon and Patricia Finney, majored in physics. Finney was named Outstanding Sophomore of Alpha Chi academic honor society, received the Dr. Harry R. James Physics Award, and was on the Dean’s List. She was selected for a summer internship with NASA and participated in a hurricane relief trip.

Margo Hardy, Chappell, Neb., daughter of Harold and Kathryn Hardy, majored in biology. She was on the Dean’s List, was a member of SHAC (Student Health Advisory Council) and volunteered at the Crossroads Center. 

Erin Haschke, Cedar Rapids, Neb., daughter of Paul and Carol Haschke, majored in education. Haschke was a member of Sigma Tau Delta English honor society, a member of Alpha Chi academic honor society, and served on the Public Relations Council. On the Dean’s List, she was awarded the Arthur and Eunice Langvardt Scholarship.

Jillian Heiden, daughter of Cynthia Heiden, York, Neb., and Gregory Heiden, Benedict, Neb., majored in biology. She was president of Student Alumni Ambassadors and served on the leadership team. She was also a member of Pre-Health Professions Club (served as president and secretary), Alpha Chi academic honor society, Beta Beta Beta biological honor society, Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honor society, Public Relations Council, Alpha Omega social sorority, Campus Crusade religious organization, and the American Chemical Society Student Affiliate. Heiden was a student leader for the Center for Servant Leadership, was a member of the dance team, was a Homecoming candidate, and on the Dean’s List. She received the Creigh Weyer Scholarship, the Wendell V. Showalter Award for Biology, the Balanos Biology Freshman Achievement Award, and the CRC Press Freshman Chemistry Award. Heiden participated in a medical mission trip to Guatemala and was a Hurricane Katrina Relief volunteer.

Reuben Jackson, Piscataway, N.J., son of Ruth Jackson, majored in health promotion management. He was a member of Tau Beta Alpha social fraternity, was president and vice president of Multicultural Student Union, was a representative of Peer Umbrella Network (PUN), and a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Jackson served on the Student Association Executive Council, was a disc jockey for KFKX radio, was a member of Team Against Bias, played on the soccer team, and was a certified Peer Educator. He also participated in the Center for Student Leadership program.

Celeste Kenney, Kearney, Neb., daughter of Charles and Deborah Kenney, was a religion and social justice major. She was a member of Sigma Tau Delta English honor society, Alpha Omega social sorority (co-chair of women’s ministry), and Alpha Chi academic honor society (secretary and president). On the Dean’s List, Kenney was a contributor to Spectrum
literary magazine, was a presenter at the Alpha Chi Regional Conference, was an Academic Showcase Day presenter, interned at Borderlinks (Mexico), and volunteered for Operation Christmas Child. 

Bobby Kempf, Shickley, Neb., son of David and Susie Kempf, majored in education. A member of the men’s basketball team, Kempf was a NAIA All-America Scholar-Athlete. He was a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and on the Dean’s List. 

Casey Mills, Burns, Wyo., son of Charles and Susan Mills, was a media production major. A Student Senator, Mills was a member of Public Relations Council, participated in Hastings College Band, was a Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity member (officer), and served on the Academic Affairs Committee. He was named Senior Reporter of the Year for the Collegian newspaper, was a member of the Bronco yearbook staff, and was a member of the Society of Collegiate Journalists (national news photography champion). He was news director for KFKX radio, was photo editor for HCworldnews.com, was a HC media beat director, and worked with HCTV 6. Mills assisted with the NAIA national women’s basketball tournament broadcast for two years and received a first place award in news photography at the Nebraska Collegiate Media Association Golden Leaf Awards. He also served as a public safety officer at Hastings College. A reserve firefighter with the Hastings Fire Department, Mills helped design and develop their website. He is co-founder of Lithium Arts Photography.com.

Joesaphine “Jossy” Newquist, Aurora, Neb., daughter of Ernest and Kristine Newquist, majored in media production. She was president of Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honor society; served as treasurer of the Society of Collegiate Journalists; and was a feature page editor, reporter and photographer for the Collegian newspaper. Newquist was team captain of the cross country and track and field team, and was a four-time NAIA Scholar Athlete. She was a Student Senator, a member of CARE (College Acquaintance Rape Educators), and a member of Alpha Chi academic honor society. A resident assistant for Altman Hall, Newquist served on the Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week committee and served on the planning committee for Martin Luther King, Jr., Day. She was on the Dean’s List, was named Top Senior Reporter for the Collegian in 2007, received a Nebraska Collegiate Media Association Golden Leaf Award for a radio public affairs piece, and was a co-presenter at the Area 5 Meeting of the Minds Conference.  She worked in the theatre box office and was a Homecoming candidate.

Kimberly Nochi, Gering, Neb., daughter of Larry and Sandra Nochi, was a history and English major. She was a member of Alpha Chi academic honor society, Sigma Tau Delta English honor society, Phi Alpha Theta history honor society, the Society of Collegiate Journalists, and Ignite religious organization. On the Dean’s List, Nochi was a Homecoming candidate, was a Student Alumni Ambassador, was literature editor for Spectrum literary magazine, and received the Sara Jane Gardner English/History Award. She was a resident assistant for Babcock Hall and served as a TeamMates Mentor.

Ashley Phillips, Tucson, Ariz., daughter of David and Catherine Phillips, majored in English. She was on the Dean’s List, presented at Academic Showcase Day, worked for the Collegian newspaper, and was a PUN (Peer Umbrella Network) representative.

Tyler Prochazka, Hemingford, Neb., son of John and Robyn Prochazka, majored in education. He was a member of Public Relations Council, worked for HCTV 6, and was a Homecoming candidate. Prochazka served on the Executive Council and Education Committee of Student Association. On the Dean’s List, he was a member of Ignite and Campus Crusade religious organizations. He was a New Student Days volunteer, a member of Beta Chi social fraternity, and a member of Alpha Chi academic honor society. Prochazka was named Alpha Chi Outstanding First-Year Student.

Jeffery Richards, Geneva, Neb., son of Rodger and Annetta Richards, majored in religion. He was a member of Alpha Chi academic honor society, Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honor society, and Student Association Executive Council. He served as co-president of Beta Chi social fraternity. He was co-chair and chair of the Religion in Life committee, served on Chapel Committee, and was the Religion Organizations Committee representative. On the Dean’s List, Richards was on the Academic Showcase Day planning committee, served on the Bronco Village Select Board, and assisted with New Student Days. He was an editorial writer for the Collegian newspaper and was a member of Hastings College Choir. Richards was a youth group sponsor and pastoral intern at First Presbyterian Church, Hastings, Neb. He also filled the pulpit in several area churches.

Kelly Robenhagen, Ft. Collins, Colo., daughter of Joel and Barbara Robenhagen, was a political science major. She was a member of Phi Alpha Theta history honor society, Alpha Chi academic honor society, Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honor society, SHAC (Student Health Advisory Council), and Hastings College Democrats, and was secretary of Hastings College Child Defenders. She was co-chair of the ALS (Artist Lecture Series) Symposium, and served on the Academic Programs Assessment Committee. On the Dean’s List, Robenhagen was entertainment anchor for HCTV 6. She was an Irish American Scholar, was a Hurricane Katrina Relief volunteer, and an American Red Cross Volunteer.

John Striebel, North Platte, Neb., son of John and Nancy Striebel, was a psychology major. He was president of Student Association his junior year, and was a member of Beta Chi social fraternity, Ignite religious organization, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. A former football player, Striebel was a Homecoming candidate and on the Dean’s List. He volunteered at The Zone after school program and participated in two hurricane relief trips.

Melissa Theesen, St. Joseph, Mo., daughter of Steven and Sally Theesen, was a religion major. She was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honor society, Alpha Chi academic honor society, SHAC (Student Health Advisory Council), and Alpha Omega social sorority. Theesen was secretary of Student Association and served on the Executive Council Union Committee and Religious Organizations Committee. She also served on the Lilly Board Committee. Theesen was co-chair of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, served on the Local Global Community Committee, and was on the Intramural Sports Board. She participated in the Sojourners Women’s Group and served on the ALS (Artist Lecture Series) committee. Theesen served on the Religious Organizations Committee and was a Presbyterian Campus Fellowship Leader. She was vice president of Chapel Committee and secretary of Religion and Life Week. On the Dean’s List, Theesen was named Freshman Female Student of the Year. She received the Midwest Consortium for Service Learning Student Award, was a Borderlinks (Mexico) volunteer, was an Open Table intern, and participated in a migrant painting project in Altar, Sonora. Theesen attended the Peace Fellowship National Meeting, taught English in Guatemala, and served on the YWCA Board of Directors. In 2008, she was awarded the YWCA TRIBUTE! To Women Young Woman of Achievement Award.
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