May 14, 2021
Trine University recognized the top male and female student-athletes in its Class of 2021 during the university’s Honors Day ceremony on May 6.
Jack Beakas (Auburn, Ind./DeKalb), a two-sport athlete, received the Robert L. Greim Award, and softball player Hannah Kampmann (St. Paul, Minn./Cretin Derham Hall) was honored with the Cheryl L. Coons Award. Honorees are selected by the coaching staff of Trine University based on athletic accomplishment, leadership, character, citizenship and scholarship.
Beakas competed for the Thunder men’s cross country and track and field teams, serving
as captain of both teams for two years. He helped lead the men’s track and field team
to the 2021 MIAA indoor and outdoor conference championships as a senior.
During his career, Beakas was a four-time Academic All-American, NCAA National Qualifier and three-time first team All-Region for cross country and track. He holds university records for the 8,000-meter race in cross country and the 5,000-meter race in track.
Beakas graduated with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and a minor in environmental engineering, maintaining a 3.968 grade point average.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure coaching Jack Beakas over the last four years,” said Zach Raber, head coach for cross country and associate head coach for track. “He came to Trine University as a young man who just needed the right environment and a bit of confidence to start seeing more athletic growth. With a tremendous amount of determination and willingness to prepare, he has become an absolute force on the cross-country course and the track.”
As a member of the softball team, Kampmann has been instrumental in the program’s
successes, leading the team twice to the NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament,
including an overall third place in the nation finish in 2019. During her time at
Trine, the Thunder have won three MIAA regular season championships, two regional
championships and two super regional championships.
Individually, Kampmann is the first Trine pitcher to pitch twice and earn wins in the NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament. She has been honored as MIAA Pitcher of the Year, First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Region, NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team and World Series All-Tournament Team.
Kampmann graduated with her bachelor’s degree in both sport management and marketing. She is currently completing her MBA, working 30 hours a week and competing on the softball team, while maintaining a 3.7 grade point average.
“Hannah has worked to represent the proud tradition of Trine softball,” said Trine softball Head Coach Don Danklefsen. “She has left a legacy that no other pitcher in school history can match. Her hard work and unselfishness will be what she leaves as her legacy.”
Last Updated: 05/14/2021
Area residents interested in launching or advancing their nursing career can learn more about Trine University’s associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs during a Friday, Jan. 16, event at Cameron Health.
Trine University’s Thunder Therapy Clinic, which provides pro-bono rehabilitation services to those in the Fort Wayne area with limited means, will offer occupational therapy beginning in January.
Trine University’s first Associate of Science and Master of Science in nursing graduates, along with physician assistant and surgical technology graduates, received a welcome to the healthcare field from the leader of Cameron Health, herself a longtime nurse, during the university’s fall Commencement on Dec. 12.