Education briefs: Local student nominated for prestigious award
Published 4:57 pm Saturday, April 12, 2014
WINONA — Saint Mary’s University music performance major Marilyn Yennie, daughter of Tom and Kim Yennie of Grand Meadow, was nominated for the university’s Outstanding Senior Female Award.
For the past 47 years, Saint Mary’s has honored a male and a female senior who have demonstrated the ideals of scholarship, character, leadership, service to colleagues and the university community, as well as genuine concern for the needs of others.
Yennie has demonstrated these qualities through her involvements including the Lasallian Honors Program, Sigma Alpha Iota (International Music Fraternity), National Association for Music Education, and Delta Epsilon Sigma National Honor Society. She has participated in various music ensembles including concert choir, concert band, and wind ensemble. She has also been a resident assistant in Gilmore Creek Hall, LaSalle Hall, and Heffron Hall.
After graduation, she plans to gain experience and work for a year and then apply at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, where she would like to achieve a master’s degree in music therapy.
The Outstanding Senior Male and Female Awards were presented during the university’s Founder’s Day April 1 to Miles Dunna, son of Wokie Dunna of Saint Paul, Minn., and Amy Spitzmueller, daughter of Kathy and Bill Spitzmueller of New Brighton, Minn.
Luther College announces Steven Mark Anderson Scholarship winners
DECORAH, Iowa — Jessica Edgar, of Austin, is one of five students selected to receive a $1,000 Steven Mark Anderson Scholarship for the 2014-15 academic year at Luther College.
Scholarship were awarded to Edgar, Alex Hain, Pamera Kezy, Kathleenjo Peterson and Alexis Reynolds during Luther’s Student Support Services celebration banquet March 19.
Edgar, a sophomore, is involved in a number of activities that promote the values and mission of Luther. As the elected service chair representative for Tau Delta Gamma sorority, she is in charge of breast cancer awareness and fundraising projects as well as the American Red Cross blood drive. She also created a service project a year ago called “God’s Helping Hands.” In addition, she has volunteered with community clean-up projects during both fall and spring fling, and is member of the Luther track and field team. A double major in social work and management, she will graduate from Luther in 2016.
The Steven Mark Anderson Scholarship benefits Luther students involved in Student Support Services, a Federal TRIO program that is commemorating its 40th anniversary at Luther this year. The student success program provides a range of services such as tutoring, advising, leadership development and graduate school preparation for more than 175 students annually.
Akkerman to perform organ recital
DECORAH, Iowa — Kalle Akkerman, of Austin, will perform an organ recital at 7 p.m.Tuesday, April 22, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall on the Luther campus.
Akkerman, son of Jack and Rhonda Akkerman of Austin, is a junior majoring in music at Luther. He is a 2011 graduate of Austin High School.
Akkerman will perform songs by Bach, Francois Couperin and Marcel Dupre.
Akkerman is a student of Gregory Peterson, Luther associate professor of music. His recital partner is Grace Erie, Luther senior.