Students from various universities across the Midwest have recently been recognized for their academic excellence during the Fall 2025 semester. Notable achievements include dean’s list honors and graduation ceremonies, showcasing the dedication and hard work of these individuals.
Winona State University Recognizes Achievers
Lauryn Ahlers from Worthington has been named to the dean’s list at Winona State University. To earn a place on this prestigious list, students must be enrolled full-time, completing a minimum of 12 credit hours, and achieve a grade point average of at least 3.5.
Ridgewater College and North Dakota State University Celebrate Success
Similarly, Ridgewater College in Willmar has announced its Fall 2025 dean’s list, which honors students who maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher while completing at least nine credits. Area students recognized include Case Van Dyken from Luverne and Caleb Barber from Worthington, among others.
At North Dakota State University in Fargo, a remarkable 4,349 students achieved dean’s list status for the semester. To qualify, students must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and be enrolled in at least 12 credits. Local students on the list include Autumn Luinenburg from Bigelow, majoring in agricultural education, and Hailey Vandenbosch from Fulda, pursuing nursing.
In addition to academic honors, Olivia Lapthorn from Pipestone graduated with a bachelor’s degree in strategic communication at North Dakota State University during its Fall 2025 graduation ceremony, where 817 degrees were awarded.
South Dakota State University and Morningside University Acknowledge Scholars
South Dakota State University in Brookings recognized over 4,100 students for their academic achievements by naming them to the dean’s list. To qualify, students must complete a minimum of 12 credits and attain at least a 3.5 GPA. Among those recognized are Hiltyn Heitkamp and Quentin Wolf from Adrian, as well as Olivia Wehking from Avoca.
Additionally, Morningside University in Sioux City announced that 472 students made it to the dean’s list for the Fall 2025-26 semester. Students must achieve a GPA of 3.67 or better and complete at least 12 credits. Notable students from the area include Jenna Dykstra from Brewster and Hailey Veenker from Windom.
Iowa State University Honors Top Performers
Iowa State University in Ames has also recognized significant academic achievements. The President’s list includes students maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA for two consecutive semesters, with local students such as Peter Baustian from Luverne making the list.
Moreover, over 11,800 students were honored on the dean’s list at Iowa State University for the Fall 2025 semester. The criteria for this distinction require a GPA of at least 3.5 while completing a minimum of 12 credit hours. Area students recognized include Jenna Hoffman from Worthington and Tyce Gunderson from Lake Park.
These accomplishments highlight the commitment and academic success of students across various institutions, showcasing their hard work and dedication in their respective fields.
