Congratulations to the 2026 Beaker Award Winners!
The University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) honored student excellence on Thursday, April 23, during the annual Beaker Awards. The event is a dedicated space to recognize those who have truly embodied UMR’s Student Learning and Development Outcomes over the past year. Students are nominated by their professors, coaches, peers and other UMR community members. This year’s event celebrated and recognized over 30 nominees across five award categories.
In addition to student honors, the Rochester Student Association presented the student-voted faculty and staff awards, highlighting the mentors who make the UMR experience possible. A huge congratulations to every nominee and award recipient for your dedication to the UMR community!
2026 Beaker Award winners:
Difference Maker Award: honors a student group that makes a meaningful contribution to the UMR community through leadership, collaboration and service working to enhance the student experience, address community needs and create lasting positive change.
Winner: Community Mentors for Living Learning Communities
G.R.I.T (Growth, Resilience, Inspiration & Transformation) Award: honors a student who demonstrates perseverance, personal growth and a commitment to their goals despite facing challenges showcasing resilience, adaptability, and dedication to continuous improvement.
Winner: Maria Garcia-Moya
S.A.G.E. (Success in Academics & Gains in Education) Award: celebrates a student who demonstrates exceptional academic achievement and a passion for scholarly engagement through their dedication to learning and research.
Winner: Olivia Headley
Student Diversity & Inclusion Initiative Award: honors a student who actively promotes equity, inclusion and belonging within the UMR community.
Winner: Jillian Bettencourt
Student Leader Award: honors a student who exemplifies UMR’s values through leadership, initiative and active campus involvement through fostering community, supporting peers, and demonstrating intellectual and practical skills.
Winner: Cole Becker
Rochester Student Association Staff and Faculty winners:
Best Dressed Award: consistently the most fashionable
Winner: Dr. Shannon Anderson
Best Event of the Year Award: best programming not organized by a student group
Winner: Magi Blackmon, Residential Life
Apocalypse Survivor Award: most likely to live through an apocalypse scenario
Winner: Dr. Robert Erdmann
Inspirational Idol Award: who has made the biggest impact on you?
Winner: Sharonda Pugh
Calm, Cool, and Collected Award: chill, even in the toughest and most stressful of situations
Winner: Dr. Jennifer Wacek
Busy Bee Award: always seen running around campus
Winner: Brittany Brown