Montana Technological University announces Outstanding Student Awards for 2025-2026
Montana Technological University announced this week student honors for its graduating class of 2026. Valedictorian honors are awarded for academic excellence to attain the associate of applied science degree and the bachelor of science degree. The bachelor of science valedictorian award is given to the graduating senior at Montana Tech who has achieved the highest grade point average overall in his or her years of study at the university. The recipient must receive his or her first baccalaureate degree and have earned all academic credits at Montana Tech. The 2026 valedictorians are: Lily Kemmer, Environmental Engineering; Dakota James, Mechanical Engineering; Jakob Nielsen, Mechanical Engineering; Liv Wangerin, Exercise & Health Science; and Mia Wohlgenant, Exercise & Health Science.
The associate of applied science valedictorian award is given to the graduate who has achieved the highest grade point average overall in his or her years of study toward a first associate of applied science degree. The recipient must have earned all academic credits at Highlands College. The 2026 associate of applied science valedictorian is Justin Riffle, Computer Networks & Cybersecurity.
The university also awarded the 2026 Highest Scholastic Standing in the Arts & Sciences Award to Liv Wangerin, Exercise & Health Science; and Mia Wohlgenant, Exercise & Health Science.
Montana Tech also announced the recipients of the Chester H. Steele Honor Awards. The Chester H. Steele Honor Award is given to recognize the outstanding graduating senior or seniors in engineering with the highest scholastic achievement. The 2026 awardees are Lily Kemmer, Environmental Engineering; Dakota James, Mechanical Engineering; and Jakob Nielsen, Mechanical Engineering.
The second Chester H. Steele Award is presented to an outstanding graduate in mining/geology selected based on scholastic achievement. The 2026 awardee is Ian Pfeffer, Mining Engineering.
The Montana Society of Engineers also announced the recipients of the 2026 Gold Medal Award. For nearly 100 years, the Montana Society of Engineers has presented an outstanding senior graduating in engineering from Montana Tech with the award. The 2026 awardee is Jakob Nielsen, Mechanical Engineering.
Student employees play a vital role in working in many areas of the university and are an integral part of the success at Montana Tech. The 2026 Student Employee of the Year is Lauren Ferguson in the Payroll Office.
Justus Peterson, a standout three-sport athlete at Montana Tech, was named a 2025 Montana Athlete in Service. A Dillon native and former Digger football player, Peterson currently competes in both rodeo and track. His commitment to excellence extends beyond the field and arena; he is simultaneously pursuing degrees in carpentry, welding, and machining through Highlands College while remaining deeply dedicated to community involvement.
The Montana Student Volunteer Award honors the exceptional dedication and commitment of college students across Montana who have made significant contributions to their communities while pursuing their academic goals. In partnership with the Governor’s Office of Community Service, Montana Campus Network affiliate campuses proudly recognize individuals who exemplify the spirit of civic engagement and volunteerism. Business student Hayden Diekhans was named the 2025-2026 awardee.
Champion of Character Award
Dr. Joe Cooper, Staff
Dr. Rick LaDouceur, Faculty
Sonya Trudnowski, Student
Outstanding Leadership in a Student Club Award
Audrie Jensen, Society of Petroleum Engineers
Student Club Advisor of the Year
Sebastian Perduss, Business Guild Club Advisor
The following students received their department’s Outstanding Student Award. Department faculty chose students based on scholastic achievement, character, and community service. These students have demonstrated exceptional achievement within their departments and Montana Tech.
- Taylor Burke, Biological Sciences
- Tylar Clary, Business
- Wyatt Cobb, Chemistry & Geochemistry
- Rachel Hollingsworth, Civil Engineering
- Zachary Clark, Civil Engineering
- Quinten Cox, Computer Science
- Natalka Rolfson, Electrical Engineering
- Lily Kemmer, Environmental Engineering
- Mia Wohlgenant, Exercise & Health Science
- Christopher Langhoff, Geological Engineering
- Zachary Tierney, Highlands College - Business & Industry
- Zachary Newton, Highlands College - Machining & Welding
- Alyssa Peterson, Highlands College - Radiologic Technology
- Tova Anderson, Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
- Emily Martin, Mathematical Sciences
- Francis Rogers, Mechanical Engineering
- Daniel Ziesing, Metallurgical & Materials Engineering
- Ian Pfeffer, Mining Engineering
- Jordyn Bolton, Nursing
- Xander Smith, Petroleum Engineering
- Olivia Stillwagon, Safety, Health & Industrial Hygiene
- Kallie Hossack, Writing