Concordia students honored at science department's 2019 annual awards banquet

The Department of Natural Sciences at Concordia University, Nebraska, recognized seven students for their exceptional work and contribution to the science department at its 18th annual awards banquet April 10. 

Science students and graduating seniors were honored at the banquet. Dr. Dennis Brink, who is the university’s first professor of agricultural science, also shared some remarks on his experiences as a retired professor from University of Nebraska-Lincoln and how Concordia’s agricultural science program will expand on the university’s mission.

“We are blessed to have outstanding students in our science programs at Concordia,” said Robert Hermann, chair of the natural sciences department. “The science faculty are so proud of the things that all our students achieve that we can’t help talking about them and celebrating them, and the science banquet is a chance to celebrate everyone’s accomplishments throughout the year together.”

The Natural Sciences Scholarship, funded by current and emeriti faculty, is awarded to outstanding returning seniors in a natural science program. This year’s recipients were Josiah Rensner and Riley Tegtmeier.

Nathanael Patron received the Golden Scalpel award as the top student in Gross Anatomy, Concordia’s human cadaver dissection course.

Riley Tegtmeier was recognized as the outstanding student in chemistry for his superior performances in chemistry.

The department also recognized outstanding lab assistants for the year. These included Jensen Anderson, Arianna Rathke and Victoria Woodburn in biology, Nathanael Patron and Josiah Rensner in chemistry and Timothy Rasch in physics.

Students who received awards include:

Josiah Rensner, senior, Effingham, Iowa, received the award for outstanding lab assistant in chemistry and was a recipient of the Natural Sciences Scholarship

Nathanael Patron, senior, North Newton, Kan., received the award for outstanding lab assistant in chemistry and received the Golden Scalpel Award 

Jensen Anderson, junior, Beaver Crossing, Neb., received the award for outstanding lab assistant in biology

Riley Tegtmeier, junior, Davenport, Neb., received the award for outstanding student in chemistry and was a recipient of the Natural Sciences Scholarship

Arianna Rathke, senior, Fremont, Neb., received the award for outstanding lab assistant in biology

Victoria Woodburn, senior, York, Neb., received the award for outstanding lab assistant in biology

Timothy Rasch, senior, Denton, Texas, received the award for outstanding lab assistant in physics