Student Senate Celebrates 2023-24 Academic Year and Honors Several Individuals and Organizations

The 2023-24 Peru State College Student Senate Banquet celebrated a successful year, recognizing the many clubs and Ted Harshbarger for their outstanding contributions to the campus community.

(Peru, Neb.) – The 2023-24 Peru State College Student Senate Banquet was held on April 14 in the Live Oak Room on the college campus. The event, attended by members and guests, highlighted a successful year by the Senate and recognized individuals and organizations for their accomplishments. Student Senate president Becky Hupp (O’Neill) presided over the banquet.

After Hupp’s welcome, the dinner, prepared by Fresh Ideas, was served. It was followed by the presentation of four annual awards given by the Student Senate.

The first award was the Thomas Ediger Award which is given to an outstanding club or organization that has served the campus and community. The nominees were the Peru Theatre Company, Collegiate FBLA, and the Social Science Club. Winning the award for the 2023-24 year was the Peru Theatre Company.

The Peru Theatre Company provides free performances each year for college students, staff, and faculty. One of their shows this year was called "Disco Citizens," where students wrote, directed, and performed their original pieces. The PTC is a club that offers support to other organizations and clubs throughout the year. They assist in organizing various events such as choir concerts and Halloween activities. The PTC is an inclusive community that welcomes all students who are interested in theater and desire to explore their passion for it.

The second award was the Elaine Hanson Award which is given to an individual or individuals who go above and beyond for the Peru State College Community. They must not be employed by the college, and they must show true dedication to Peru State and abide by the motto of “Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat.” The nominees for this year’s award were Paul Fell (Lincoln), Ted L. Harshbarger (Humboldt), and Dr. Amber Mahan (Papillion).

Receiving the 2023-24 Elaine Hanson Award was Harshbarger. Currently, Harshbarger is the Executive director of the Peru State College Foundation, having been on the College staff for over 32 years. He plays a crucial role in the College’s success with homecoming and many other events on campus. Harshbarger has been the longtime announcer for halftime coronation at homecoming. He is very supportive of all activities on campus and is frequently found at most sporting and fine arts events. Harshbarger has performed annually in the Dr. Seuss Day festivities for many years. 

The Scroll of Service Award which is the highest non-academic award given to a student at Peru State College. The individual recognized must have demonstrated dedication and service to the student body. The nominees for the award were Andrew Black Elk (Rushville), Hupp, and Carlos Soriano (Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic).

Black Elk was selected for the 2023-24 honor. Andrew has been involved in various activities at Peru State, including serving on the Student Senate, working as a Student Ambassador, and holding multiple positions within Residence Life such as Summer Resident Assistant and Senior Resident Assistant. He was instrumental in the success of Residence Life this year as he took on bigger leadership roles due to staff shortages and changes. Black Elk is known for always being willing to help when he can and being an incredible leader on campus.

The final award presented by the Senate was the Barb Lewellen Award. This award recognizes outstanding faculty, staff, or an administrator who has distinguished himself or herself to the betterment of students and student life at Peru State College. The nominees for the recognition were Laura Lippman (Lincoln), Dr. Paul Hinrichs (Auburn), and the Campus Services and Facilities Staff.

Being recognized for 2023-24 was Dr. Hinrichs. Hinrichs has been a member of the Peru State staff for nearly 34 years. Since 2017, he has been named Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. The past year, Hinrichs has also served as the interim dean of professional studies, education, and vice president of academic affairs – juggling those roles at the same time. Dr. Hinrichs is a supportive advisor despite his heavy workload. He performs Green Eggs and Ham each year for the Dr. Seuss celebration with Mr. Harshbarger.

Additional recognition went to the 2023-24 senators and student trustees. Dr. Jesse Dorman, one of the advisers for the Senate recognized the outgoing seniors in attendance. They included Emily Taggs (Harlan, Iowa), Phillip Hensarling (Broken Bow), Jayden Duff (Frontenac, Kan.), Sawyer Kinnison (Nebraska City), Bethany Ullman (Beatrice), Lara Wells (Girard, Kan.), Andrew Black Elk, and Becky Hupp.

Dr. Dorman and Ashleigh Eickhoff recognized Hupp and Shannon Jones (Humboldt) for their service as the 2023-24 president and vice president. Dr. Dorman oversaw the transition of the gavel to the incoming president and vice president for the term 2024-2025. Brandon Kristensen (Wausa) will lead the Senate next year, with Lucas Hrabik (Louisville) as vice president.

Kristensen concluded the evening with a few remarks. The 2024 Student Senate Banquet was a fitting tribute to the many achievements of the organization as well as Peru State College’s students, faculty, staff, and community members.

The Student Senate represents students' interests and opinions on college operations. They participate in campus affairs and help shape institutional policies on academics and student services.