Past Honorees
The alumni honored here represent generations of Eagles who have faithfully lived out their calling through leadership, service, and influence. Their stories reflect the lasting impact of Northwestern and a shared commitment to Christ. We celebrate their legacy and the example they continue to set for our community.
Patti (Platt ’59) Wiens was Northwestern’s 2025 Distinguished Alumni award recipient.
Fred and Dorothy (Letellier) Peterson ’64 were Northwestern’s 2024 Distinguished Alumni award recipients.
Eagle on Mission
The Eagle on Mission Award is given to alumni who have advanced the kingdom of God by either a God-glorifying achievement and impact in their profession, a God-honoring leadership and service to their community and/or church, or through Christ-centered initiative and influence in the home.
| 2025 – Max ’01 and Angie (Olson ’02) Lundeen | 2024 – Rebekah (Wilder ’11) Kepha |
Rising Eagle
The Rising Eagle Award is given to alumni under the age of 30 who have advanced the kingdom of God by either a God-glorifying achievement and impact in their profession, a God-honoring leadership and service to their community and/or church, or through Christ-centered initiative and influence in the home.
| 2025 – Tyler Flatmoe ’16 | 2024 – Austin ’17 & Connor ’19 Bartz |
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.
| 2025 – Patti (Platt ’59) Wiens | 2009 – Dr. James Cook ’52 | 1992 – Dr. Rose Voetmann Grindheim Sims ’43 |
| 2024 – Fred & Dorothy (Letellier) Peterson ’64 | 2008 – Mrs. Irma Warr ’55 | 1991 – Douglas Gowler ’55 |
| 2023 – Jim ’64 & Kathie ’65 Yost | 2007 – Dr. William Eichorst ’57 | 1990 – John ’45 & Lydia Swyter ’41 Rhoads |
| 2022 – Heather Walker Peterson ’95 | 2006 – Arnold “Bud” Lindstrand ’54 | 1989 – Lois Hemmelman Booth ’48 |
| 2021 – Wilda Nybeck ’49 | 2005 – Ron Reier ’94 | 1988 – Dr. Kenneth Barker ’55 |
| 2019 – Bill ’81 & Lisa (Berwald ’83) Abeler | 2004 – Alice (Steele) Lentz ’42 | 1986 – Robert Lovering ’49 Bible School; ’65 College |
| 2018 – Frank ’44 & Marie Drown | 2003 – Rev. Harold Salem ’43 | 1985 – Barbara Youderian ’49 |
| 2017 – Dick ’64 & Jane (Ericson ’65) Schirmacher | 2001 – Mary Jane Ponten ’53 | 1984 – Chaplain Ervin D. Ingebretson ’54 |
| 2016 – Norma (Clipper ’48, Spahr) Rogers | 2000 – Dr. Elmer Towns ’54 | 1983 – Dr. Mervin Rosell ’33 & Eva Cornelius ’39 |
| 2015 – Dalynn (Morton ’94) Hoch | 1999 – Dr. Ron Soderquist ’65 | 1982 – Dr. Robert Cleath ’50 |
| 2014 – George Wilson ’36 | 1998 – Steve ’61 & Linda Voss ’64 Sheldon | 1981 – Delbert Kuehl ’37 & Katherine Beard ’30 |
| 2013 – Laurie (LeGree ’89) Bolthouse | 1997 – Dr. Harold A. Miller ’55 | 1980 – Dr. J. Edwin Hartill ’36 & George Kraft ’37 |
| 2012 – Christian J. Lingenfelder ’94 | 1996 – Ralph Anderson ’55 & Eleanor Anderson ’50 | 1979 – Dorothy Hanna ’33, Eunice Herbold ’51 & Dr. Paul Hendricks ’27 |
| 2011 – Matt Bostrom ’92 | 1995 – Dr. Ralph Neighbour ’51 | |
| 2010 – Forrest Williams ’50 | 1994 – Brad ’81 and Roberta ’82 Hansen |
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.
| 2025 – Kevin Thompson | 2017 – Dr. Jerry Beilby | 2010 – Dan Stoltz ’83 |
| 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 |
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.
| 2025 – Sam Anderson ’06 | 2018 – Matt Wilson ’99 | 2009 – Kenneth Fenton (Chair ’91–’03) & Bonnevieve Fentor (Asst. Professor ’79–’96) |
| 2024 – Luke Norell ’07 | 2017 – Cindy (Gray ’87) Martinson | 2002 – Richard Schirmacher ’64 |
| 2023 – Ben Linde ’06 | 2016 – Harold (Hal) ’55 & Patsy Miller ’59 | 2000 – Pauline Thompson Sateren ’54 |
| 2022 – Hannah (Nelson) Lu ’03 | 2014 – David Osterlund, Ed.D. (Chair ’75–’89) | 1999 – John L Benham ’64 |
| 2021 – Jeremy Kolwinska, D.M.A. | 2013 – Terry Esau ‘ 78 & Henry Charles Smith | |
| 2019 – Dr. April Fredrick ’02 | 2012 – Rodney J. Loeffler (Chair ’03–’08) |
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.
