Susan Council in the College of Business was recognized with the Mary McCannel Gunkelman Award on May 7.
Susan Council, senior academic adviser in the College of Business, has been recognized with the Mary McCannel Gunkelman Award. The annual honor is given to the person who makes the most unselfish contribution to creating a happy environment for NDSU students.
A virtual ceremony and reception were held via Zoom on May 7, honoring Council and the other 31 award nominees.
Council received 29 nominations for the award, many praising her energetic, positive attitude; friendly and compassionate demeanor; and longtime service to the university.
“Susie contributes to a happy campus environment because of how much she cares about her students, the College of Business, her advising colleagues and NDSU,” one nominator wrote. “Susie is very genuine person.
Another nominator wrote, “Susie Council has been with the College of Business since its beginning 35 years ago. She has been a solid force advising students and prepping them for their coursework ahead. She has served on college committees advising the dean and faculty on curriculum paths and changes. She has been a pleasure to work with and always does her work with a smile. I consider her an amazing colleague, but most of all, I consider her my friend.”
Still another wrote, “Susie is a bright light wherever she goes. She is a positive force that is there to meet every challenge with a good attitude and an eye toward finding solutions that are best for students. I seriously have never met another person who is so good at adapting to change – she’s truly an inspiration to many.”
2021 nominee list includes:
Students
Ashlyn Dilley, graphic design
Hunter Frederick, animal science
Kaitlyn Kratsch, architecture
Samantha Pernsteiner, agricultural economics
Scott Rudquist, psychology
Will Odland, engineering
Faculty
Benjamin Braaten, electrical and computer engineering
Burton Johnson, AES plant sciences
Carl Dahlen, AES animal science
Cheryl Wachenheim, agribusiness applied economics
David Englund, agribusiness and applied economics
David Westerman, communication
Kirk Howatt, AES plant science
Margaret Andersen, College of Business (retired)
Rebekah Oliver, plant sciences
Xudong Rao, AES agribusiness and applied economics
Zachary Machunda, agribusiness and applied economics
Staff
Alyson Meyer, Facilities Management
Ben Austinson, psychology
Brenda Deckard, plant sciences
Christine Davis, NDSU Dining
Daniel Erichsen, Information Technology Services
David Huber, performing arts
Deb Hofer, NDSU Dining
Erika Berg, disability services
Josie Hayden, research integrity and compliance
Karen Blake, accounting
Kimberly House, Facilities Management
Linnett Schmidkunz, library associate, School of Nursing, Bismarck
Sandy Mark, AES plant science
Teresa Enderson, School of Design, Architecture + Art
The award honors the memory of the late Mary McCannel Gunkelman, who, from when she was an NDSU student and to later in life as a wife, mother and active citizen in the Fargo-Moorhead community, found her greatest satisfaction in contributing to the happiness of others. She firmly believed that a student would be more apt to attain their full potential if they were working and living in an enjoyable environment.
