Health, Sport, & Exercise Sciences Department Holds Annual Awards Night
Eight students, four alumni, one faculty member, and one staff member honored
The Department of Health, Sport, and Exercise Sciences at the University of Kansas, within the School of Education and Human Sciences, honored eight current students, four alumni, a faculty member, and a staff member at its Annual Honor Awards Ceremony on May 1, 2024, at the Lied Center.
These eight students were acknowledged for their achievements both inside and outside the classroom.
Don Henry Health Education Award
Alden Pennington, a senior majoring in Community Health from Edwards, Colorado, was honored with the Don Henry Health Education Award. This award is given to a fourth or fifth-year Health Education student who has maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher, demonstrates leadership and passion in their field, participates in professional activities, and exemplifies good health — physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually.
Jack Wolfe Memorial Award
Blaine Jepson, a senior majoring in Physical Education Plus from Topeka, Kansas, was honored with the Jack Wolfe Memorial Award. This award is bestowed upon an exceptional senior male in Physical Education, recognizing excellence in academics, character, and leadership.
Wayne Osness Outstanding Doctoral Student Award
Damjana Cabarkapa, a third-year doctoral student from Novi Sad, Serbia, has been honored with the Wayne Osness Outstanding Doctoral Student Award. This accolade is awarded to a student engaged in six or more hours of post-master’s graduate-level coursework, who has completed a minimum of two semesters at the University of Kansas, and has exhibited exceptional scholarship, a commitment to supporting fellow graduate students, and a commendable service record within the HSES department.
John McLendon Outstanding Student Award
Janaye Ebo, a senior in Sport Management from Philadelphia, PA, received the John McLendon Outstanding Student Award. This award is presented to an undergraduate or graduate student with a diverse background who, embodying the spirit of John McLendon, has contributed to breaking down racial barriers at KU and within the broader community.
Earl Falkenstien Memorial Award
Kaden Coons, a junior from Gardner, Kansas majoring in Physical Education Plus, was honored with the Earl Falkenstien Memorial Award. This award is given to an exceptional junior in the Physical Education program who demonstrates excellence in academics, character, and leadership.
Bret G. Hammig Exercise Physiology Award
Samantha Richter, a Master’s student in Exercise Physiology from Honolulu, Hawaii, was honored with the Bret G. Hammig Exercise Physiology Award. To be eligible, a student must maintain an overall GPA of 3.5 in their master’s program. Preference is given to students who have demonstrated research excellence in exercise physiology. The awardee should exemplify the determination and resilience to persevere with courage and endurance.
Larry Heeb Recreation Honor Award
Ella Zeff, a senior in Sport Management from Phoenix, Arizona, received the Larry Heeb Recreation Honor Award. This award is given to a student who is committed to serving others and strives for professional growth by pursuing knowledge, understanding, and skills both inside and outside the classroom, and who is involved in State and National Professional organizations. The awardee embodies Larry’s legacy of cooperation, amiability, and assistance.
Joie Stapleton Memorial Award
Skyler Shaw, a junior from McKinney, Texas majoring in Physical Education Plus, was honored with the Joie Stapleton Memorial Award. This accolade is awarded to a senior female student in Physical Education who exemplifies outstanding citizenship, academic excellence, active participation in extracurricular activities, and embodies the spirit of “sharing the joys and responsibilities of being in this field.”
Outstanding HSES Alumni Awards
Four HSES alumni have been honored for their achievements in their respective career fields. The current HSES faculty selected one distinguished alumnus from each program for this recognition.
Outstanding Sport Management Alumni Award
Scott Aligo, a 2005 graduate from the University of Kansas with a degree in Sport Management, serves as the Director of Scouting for the Kansas University Football team.
Outstanding Community Health Alumni Award
Jessica Cooney graduated from KU in 2018 with a degree in Community Health and currently serves as the Impact Director for Just Foods in Douglas County, Kansas.
Outstanding Exercise Science/Physiology Alumni Award
Patrick Moodie graduated from KU in 2007 with a master’s degree in Biomechanics and is the co-founder of DARI Motion Inc.
Outstanding Physical Education Plus Alumni Award
Brad Stoll, who graduated from KU in 1996 with a degree in Physical Education, currently serves as an Adaptive Physical Education instructor and the Head Baseball Coach at Lawrence High School in Lawrence, Kansas.
Joyce Elaine Pauls Morgan Memorial Excellence in Teaching Award
Dr. Sarah Collins, Assistant Teaching Professor and Undergraduate Program Director of Community Health, was honored with the Joyce Elaine Pauls Morgan Memorial Excellence in Teaching Award. This award is bestowed upon the HSES Department’s most outstanding instructor. In addition to her teaching duties, Dr. Collins is a member of several KU committees and instructs a variety of Community Health courses. She became a faculty member in the fall of 2023.
George Lottes Family Award for HSES Staff
Nathaniel Marshall received the George Lottes Family Award for HSES Staff. Serving as the General Maintenance Technician in Robinson Center since 2021, Nathaniel has been acknowledged for his integral role within the HSES department through this award.
The Chair of the Health, Sport, and Exercise Sciences Department, Dr. Jordan Bass, highlighted some key moments from the 2023–2024 academic year. Dr. Rick Ginsburg, the Dean of the School of Education and Human Sciences, also expressed his enthusiasm for the HSES program. The event was a success, with over 80 attendees joining the celebration.
