Past Honorees
See the list of Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.
Fred and Dorothy (Letellier) Peterson ’64 were Northwestern’s 2024 Distinguished Alumni award recipients.
Jim ’64 and Kathie (Schoff ’65) Yost were Northwestern’s 2023 Distinguished Alumni award recipients.
Dr. Heather Walker Peterson ’95 was Northwestern’s 2022 Distinguished Alumni award recipient.
Distinguished Alumni Award
Recognizes and honors an alumnus/a of University of Northwestern who has demonstrated God-honoring leadership in the home, church, community and in his/her profession.
| 2024 – Fred & Dorothy (Letellier) Peterson ’64 | 2009 – Dr. James Cook ’52 | 1994 – Brad ’81 and Roberta ’82 Hansen |
| 2023 – Jim ’64 & Kathie ’65 Yost | 2008 – Mrs. Irma Warr ’55 | 1992 – Dr. Rose Voetmann Grindheim Sims ’43 |
| 2022 – Heather Walker Peterson ’95 | 2007 – Dr. William Eichorst ’57 | 1991 – Douglas Gowler ’55 |
| 2021 – Wilda Nybeck ’49 | 2006 – Arnold “Bud” Lindstrand ’54 | 1990 – John ’45 & Lydia Swyter ’41 Rhoads |
| 2019 – Bill ’81 & Lisa (Berwald ’83) Abeler | 2005 – Ron Reier ’94 | 1989 – Lois Hemmelman Booth ’48 |
| 2018 – Frank ’44 & Marie Drown | 2004 – Alice (Steele) Lentz ’42 | 1988 – Dr. Kenneth Barker ’55 |
| 2017 – Dick ’64 & Jane (Ericson ’65) Schirmacher | 2003 – Rev. Harold Salem ’43 | 1986 – Robert Lovering ’49 Bible School; ’65 College |
| 2016 – Norma (Clipper ’48, Spahr) Rogers | 2001 – Mary Jane Ponten ’53 | 1985 – Barbara Youderian ’49 |
| 2015 – Dalynn (Morton ’94) Hoch | 2000 – Dr. Elmer Towns ’54 | 1984 – Chaplain Ervin D. Ingebretson ’54 |
| 2014 – George Wilson ’36 | 1999 – Dr. Ron Soderquist ’65 | 1983 – Dr. Mervin Rosell ’33 & Eva Cornelius ’39 |
| 2013 – Laurie (LeGree ’89) Bolthouse | 1998 – Steve ’61 & Linda Voss ’64 Sheldon | 1982 – Dr. Robert Cleath ’50 |
| 2012 – Christian J. Lingenfelder ’94 | 1997 – Dr. Harold A. Miller ’55 | 1981 – Delbert Kuehl ’37 & Katherine Beard ’30 |
| 2011 – Matt Bostrom ’92 | 1996 – Ralph Anderson ’55 & Eleanor Anderson ’50 | 1980 – Dr. J. Edwin Hartill ’36 & George Kraft ’37 |
| 2010 – Forrest Williams ’50 | 1995 – Dr. Ralph Neighbour ’51 | 1979 – Dorothy Hanna ’33, Eunice Herbold ’51 & Dr. Paul Hendricks ’27 |
Buckles-Hanna Service Award
Recognizes and honors an individual who was or is currently a member of the University of Northwestern community (i.e. faculty, staff, administration, and volunteers) and who has given outstanding service to the Northwestern community and its mission.
| 2024 – Tim Sawyer | 2016 – Dr. Mark Baden | 2009 – Luverne Gustavson ’39 |
| 2023 – Beth Wilmeth ’02 | 2015 – Dr. Charles & Dr. Helen Aling | 2008 – Paul Ramseyer ’55 |
| 2022 – Dr. Bruce Simat | 2014 – Charles “Chuck” Kuivinen | 2007 – Gifford Myers ’53 |
| 2021 – John Easterling ’57 | 2013 – Dr. Sara Robertson ’54 | 2006 – Dr. Kyle Wilson ’51 |
| 2019 – David K. Johnson ’57 | 2012 – Dr. Barb Lindman | 2005 – Dr. Harold Miller ’55 |
| 2018 – Harv Hendrickson | 2011 – Neil Stavem ’95 Focus; ’08 Masters | |
| 2017 – Dr. Jerry Beilby | 2010 – Dan Stoltz ’83 |
Athletic Hall of Fame
The Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes former athletes and coaches for their UNW athletic achievements and evidence of a continuing commitment to the claims of Christ in his/her life.
Past honorees are listed on the unweagles.com website.
Music Hall of Recognition
Recognizes and honors music alumni or department contributors who best exhibit the spirit, integrity, and Christian commitment that exemplify the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and Department of Music, and who have made significant contributions to the field of music, honoring the Department of Music.
| 2024 – Luke Norell ’07 | 2018 – Matt Wilson ’99 | 2012 – Rodney J. Loeffler (Chair ’03–’08) |
| 2023 – Ben Linde ’06 | 2017 – Cindy (Gray ’87) Martinson | 2009 – Kenneth Fenton (Chair ’91–’03) & Bonnevieve Fentor (Asst. Professor ’79–’96) |
| 2022 – Hannah (Nelson) Lu ’03 | 2016 – Harold (Hal) ’55 & Patsy Miller ’59 | 2002 – Richard Schirmacher ’64 |
| 2021 – Jeremy Kolwinska, D.M.A. | 2014 – David Osterlund, Ed.D. (Chair ’75–’89) | 2000 – Pauline Thompson Sateren ’54 |
| 2019 – Dr. April Fredtrick ’02 | 2013 – Terry Esau ‘ 78 & Henry Charles Smith | 1999 – John L Benham ’64 |
