Walla Walla University held its annual Awards Celebration Ceremony on Friday, April 24, 2026, honoring student scholarship and recognizing the accomplishments of faculty, staff, and alumni.
Thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends of WWU, 933 total awards were given to students from 239 scholarships and awards, totaling $1,370,504.15.
The following faculty and staff received awards during the ceremony:
Diversity and Inclusion Award: Matt Webster.
Excellence in Advising Award: Stephanie Onthank.
Excellence in Scholarship Award: Natalie Smith-Gray.
Excellence in Teaching Award: Amanda Lewis.
Excellence in Theological Teaching Award: Susan Bungard-Beck.
School of Business Teaching Excellence Award: Bruce Toews.
School of Theology Lifetime Achievement Award: Alden Thompson.
Stephen and Margaret Tan Engineering and Computer Science Excellence in Teaching Award: Qin Ma.
Walla Walla University Community Service Award: Pedrito Maynard-Reid.
Distinguished Faculty Lecturer Award: Mathilde Frey.
Rising Staff Member of the Year Award: Catherine Thomsen.
Staff Member of the Year Award: Sheila Dockter.
Staff Member of the Year Award: Andrea Keele.
The ceremony also featured an “Excellence in Thought” segment celebrating scholarship and creative work across the university. Christine Janis and Luke Palau reflected on Palau’s third-place finish at the National Student Auditions in Philadelphia. Stephen Pilgrim joined business students Ashley Cornejo, Andrew Vickrey, Alise Geisler, and Estee Meeks to discuss a class project and its outcomes. Moises Velasquez shared about a piece he composed, and Greg Dodds spoke about his recently completed book and what Restoration England can teach readers in 2026.
WWU also honored four alumni: Betty (Fritz) Duncan, David Bullock, Randy Croft, and Ryan Mowat. They were recognized for outstanding or unusual contributions in the areas of education, church service, professional service, and community impact. Each honoree’s character and work reflect Walla Walla University’s core values.
Posted May 21, 2026
