November 9, 2026

2026-27 College of Arts and Sciences Student Ambassadors enjoy representing their college

CAS Executive Officers presenting their annual Ambassador Faculty Excellence Award to this year’s recipient, Justin Benna

For Student Ambassadors in the College of Arts and Sciences, being able to represent their peers has been a highlight of their involvement.

“I love the opportunity to represent all members of our college, so that they have the chance to be heard,” said Ava Haldorson, a junior in biological sciences and the co-president of the CAS Student Ambassadors. “I love that we get to not only welcome and prepare the next generation of students but to be able to make the current students feel understood and a part of something more than themselves.”

Patrick Kadrmas, a senior majoring in social science education and history and another co-president of the CAS Student Ambassadors, agrees with Haldorson.

“What I love most about this role is the ability to speak with and represent all of the students within our college,” Kadrmas said. “The ability to go out and see, not only our current students, but also our perspective students, is truly an experience and no other student organization can offer. Offering events to benefit our college is such a great experience that our ambassadors create and execute.”

Students sit on a floor while petting a puppy

In addition to meeting prospective students, ensuring all students in the college feel their voices are being heard and connecting with alumni, CAS Student Ambassadors contribute to various campus events, including Discover Days, Boo at NDSU and Saturday Visit Days. So far this semester they have hosted a Week of Wellbeing, wrote thank you cards to donors and are gearing up for a Fuel for Finals event. They are also set to speak at Northern Cass Statistics Day

The ambassadors also select faculty members who have showcased dedication to their students, both in and outside of the classroom for the Ambassador Faculty Excellence Award. This year’s faculty member to receive the award is Justin Benna, associate professor of practice in NDSU’s School of Education.

This year’s Student Ambassadors are:

Skyler Sonntag: Junior in interior design from New Berlin, Wisconsin
Kingston Kamangala: Sophomore in psychology from Aitkin, Minnesota
Ava Haldorson: Junior in biological sciences from Harvey, North Dakota
Sidney Armstrong: Senior in biological sciences from Parker, Colorado
Patrick Kadrmas: Senior in social studies education and history from Fargo
Jayne Phelps: Junior in social studies education and history from Hibbing, Minnesota
Ellie Landeis: Senior in psychology from Mandan, North Dakota
Owen Pyan: Senior in strategic communications from New Ulm, Minnesota
Tyler Martin: Majoring in architecture from Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Camryn Anderson: Majoring in sociology from Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Megan Hefta: Majoring in history and social studies education from Grafton, North Dakota
Chance Christian: Majoring in political science and global studies from Greenbush, Minnesota
Kyan Woodruff: Majoring in political science from Bismarck
Brynn Gaffney: Majoring in criminal justice from Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Nick Tofteland: Majoring in architecture from Brandon, South Dakota