Montana Technological University announces Outstanding Student Awards for 2024

Montana Tech announced this week student honors for its graduating class of 2024. 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 2024 valedictorians are Brie Birkenbuel, Occupational Safety & Health; Tyler Steele, Biological Sciences; Dylan Yarger, Mechanical Engineering; and Sarah Wohlgenant, Nursing.

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 2024 associate of applied science valedictorians are Aubree Corcoran, Radiologic Technology; Kylia Kliner, Radiologic Technology; and Julianna Croston, Radiologic Technology.

The university also awarded the 2024 Highest Scholastic Standing in the Arts & Sciences Award to Tyler Steele, Biological Sciences and Sarah Wohlgenant, Nursing.

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 2024 awardee is Dylan Yarger, Mechanical Engineering.

The second Chester H. Steele Award is presented to an outstanding graduate in mining/geology selected based on scholastic achievement. The 2024 awardee is Mackenzie Jones, Geological Engineering.

The Montana Society of Engineers also announced the recipients of the 2024 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 2024 awardee is Koby Martin, Civil Engineering.

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.

Biological Sciences, Tyler Steele

Business, Connor Heggem and Clayton Heggem

Chemistry & Geochemistry, Shelby Paulson

Civil Engineering, Koby Martin

Civil Engineering Technology, Eli Costin

Computer Science, Danielle Failor

Construction Technology, Matthew Larson

Cyber Networking, Anthony Calkins

Data Science, River Sheppard

Electrical Engineering, JT Baer

Environmental Engineering, Jessika Harman

Exercise & Health Science, Naiya Beaudin and Sawyer Sibley

Geological Engineering, Tylor Olson

Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, Isabelle Ralph-Puderbaugh

Mathematics, Eduardo Pantoja

Mechanical Engineering, Emma Anderson

Metallurgical & Materials Engineering, Nathanael Rawlins

Metals Fabrication Technology, Dalton Butler

Mining Engineering, Mckoy Gebhardt

Nursing, Payton Huss

Petroleum Engineering, Nick Draper

Pre-Apprentice Line, Scott Waters

Precision Machining Technology, Jacklyn Waller

Radiologic Technology, Aubree Corcoran

Occupational Safety & Health, Brie Birkenbuel

Welding Technology, Casper Sackman

Writing, Isabelle Ralph-Puderbaugh