NDSU undergraduate student receives prestigious Gunkelman Award
Emma Ann McKenzie, a human development and family science major, is the 2026 recipient of the Mary McCannel Gunkelman Recognition Award. McKenzie was honored during a ceremony held on May 4 at the Harry D. McGovern Alumni Center.
The Gunkelman Award was established in 1987 by the late John L. Gunkelman and his family in memory of Mary McCannel Gunkelman. The award is given annually to the student, staff member or faculty member who best makes the campus a welcoming, friendly place.
Mary McCannel Gunkelman was a 1942 graduate of the College of Home Economics. She was dedicated to the principle that a student is more apt to attain his or her full potential in an enjoyable environment. Throughout her life, Gunkelman’s greatest expression and satisfaction was in creating an atmosphere of happiness for others to enjoy.
This is the 38th year the award has been distributed.
“Receiving this award means so much,” said McKenzie. “Being able to bring a sense of joy and inclusion to others is something that really makes me feel happy. The smallest acts like going to class or just listening to someone can make a difference. Helping others feel seen and heard helps me feel complete and useful. I always put my friends and students with disabilities before myself and nothing feels better. Radiating positivity makes campus a better place.”
McKenzie was recognized for her involvement on campus as a peer mentor with NDSU’s Transition and Access Program, an inclusive program for students with developmental disabilities. Throughout her involvement in TAP, McKenzie said she has formed many lasting bonds with her peers.
“I have made some of my best friends in the program and wouldn’t trade my experiences for the world. Even the smallest acts to the students mean the world,” she said.
In addition to her mentorship with TAP, McKenzie also serves as a historian for the Saddle and Sirloin Club.
After she earns her Human Development and Family Science degree next year, McKenzie plans to apply to NDSU’s counseling program with the goal to one day become a counselor for people with disabilities or a mental health counselor.
McKenzie, who just completed her first year at NDSU after transferring from Bismarck State University, said she has enjoyed the welcoming environment NDSU provides.
“Thank you to the NDSU community for providing a space for students to be themselves,” she said. “Everyone deserves a chance at a college education and experience, and NDSU supports just that.”
This year 33 students, faculty and staff were nominated for the Gunkelman Award. The nominees include:
Student nominees
- Austin Anderson (architecture)
- Ava Della Vedova (psychology)
- Christen Doe (architecture)
- Philomena Entsie (pharmaceutical sciences)
- Carly George (plant sciences)
- Reese Knudson (nursing)
- Drew Lebrun (electrical engineering)
- Sam Moe (industrial and manufacturing engineering)
- Nicole Neumiller (nutrition and exercise science)
- Kierston Wheat (business administration and management)
Faculty nominees
- Lisa Montplaisir (biological sciences)
- John Smiley (Division of Performing Arts)
- Yildirim Bora Suzen (mechanical engineering)
- Ashleah Wimberly (English)
Staff nominees
- Jeff Boyer (Office of the Provost)
- Mara Campbell (Division of Performing Arts)
- LaDonna DeGeldere (President’s Office)
- Sharon Dunkel (Student Health Services)
- Diane Ellwanger (Facilities Management)
- Sarah Gerads (plant pathology)
- Laura Johnson (Division of Performing Arts)
- Jen Kacere (Residence Life)
- Aimee Klein (Division of Performing Arts)
- Maggie Latterell (Student Success Programs)
- Jobey Lichtblau (Wellness Center)
- Aleisha Lokken (allied science)
- Sydney Robinson (psychology)
- Gongjun Shi (plant pathology)
- Zach Smith (University Police and Safety Office)
- Tabitha Thomas (Office of the Provost)
- Shannon Ueker (Extension plant sciences)
- Mary Volk (Career and Advising Center)