May 13, 2025
Trine University recognized its Distinguished Students for the Class of 2025 during its annual Honors Ceremony.
The university also presented the Robert B. Stewart Award, given to the undergraduate student who most clearly exemplifies the traditions and values of Trine University through achievement in scholarship, leadership and citizenship.
The ceremony took place May 2 in the Keith E. Busse/Steel Dynamics Inc. Athletic and Recreation Center.
Robert B. Stewart Award
Morgan Walz, a Hudson, Indiana, student who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in biology along with minors in chemistry and psychology, received the Robert B. Stewart Award in addition to being named the Distinguished Student from the Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences.
Walz maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average throughout her career at Trine. While at the university, she conducted undergraduate research on the effects of synthetic food dyes on heart cells, which explored the link between lifestyle and health.
She actively contributed to campus life as a member of the Health Science Association, the Psychology Club and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Off campus, she volunteered at St. Martin’s and Matthew 25 healthcare clinics.
She will attend Indiana University School of Medicine in the fall, where she will continue her journey toward a healthcare career.
College of Graduate and Professional Studies
Alexis Young, from Garrett, Indiana, was the College of Graduate and Professional Studies Distinguished Student.
Young graduated with her Bachelor of Science in psychology and a certificate in organizational leadership. She maintained a 3.95 grade point average, earned President’s List honors every semester, and is a member of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society.
Throughout her time at Trine, she balanced the demands of working full-time as a customer service representative at State Farm in Huntertown while excelling in her studies. She plans a future career in human resources.
She also volunteers with Jennifer’s Harbor, a sanctuary for women and children affected by domestic violence.
Allen School of Engineering and Computing
Alyssa Keptner, a Midland, Michigan, student who graduated with a chemical engineering degree and a chemistry minor, received the Distinguished Student Award for the Allen School of Engineering and Computing.
Keptner maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout her undergraduate career and was named the Outstanding Chemical Engineering Student Award after both her second and third years at Trine.
During her time at Trine, Keptner conducted undergraduate research on optimizing biofuel production from Cyclotella cryptica. She earned first place for her research at the American Institute of Chemical Engineers regional conference in 2024 and subsequently presented her findings at their national meeting.
She completed internships and cooperative education at corporations including DuPont and Elanco, where she implemented process improvements that resulted in significant efficiency gains and cost savings.
She was captain of Trine’s women’s lacrosse team, earning recognition both on and off the field, and an active participant in Omega Chi Epsilon, the Chemical Engineering Honor Society.
Franks School of Education
Kennedy Outwater, a Bronson, Michigan, student who graduated with a degree in elementary education/special education, was named the Distinguished Student for the Franks School of Education.
Outwater earned a perfect 4.0 GPA and earned President's List and the MIAA Academic Honor Roll every semester during her four years at Trine.
She was a varsity women's tennis team member and team captain, as well as a volunteer teacher for Junior Achievement. She was a Theta Phi Alpha member and the Big Man on Campus chair, leading the drive for more than $52,000 for breast cancer. She demonstrates a passion for both teamwork and community engagement.
Jannen School of Arts and Sciences
Jake Doyle, a Marengo, Illinois, student who graduated with degrees in mathematics and chemical engineering, was the Distinguished Student from the Jannen School of Arts and Sciences.
Doyle earned an overall GPA of 3.89. In his math courses, he earned a GPA of 3.91, with coursework including 13 upper-level mathematics classes, significantly exceeding the department’s requirements.
He has been involved with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers at Trine and served as captain of Chemical Engineering Jeopardy and Chem Esports. He was also the captain of the League of Legends esports team, which won second place in ECAC competition in 2021 and 2022 and placed first in the fall of 2024.
Ketner School of Business
Joshua Maier of Fenton, Michigan, was the Distinguished Student for the Ketner School of Business.
Maier earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in sport management, maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout his time at Trine. He earned summa cum laude, Gold Key and Chi Alpha Sigma honors.
He competed on the cross country and track teams and served as a work-study student. He was part of Trine University’s National Collegiate Sports Sales Competition team, finishing third in the virtual round and 10th on the national stage in Atlanta.
He was active with Christian Campus House as a small group leader and with the Sport Management Club in various roles.
As a result of his outstanding work with the Detroit Pistons during his sport management capstone project, Maier joined the Detroit Pistons sales team after graduation.
Trine University has received a $100,000 contribution from Honda toward its new John and Mary Pellegrino Student Design and Training Center (Pellegrino Center).
Trine University has received approval from the Indiana State Board of Nursing to offer its Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program at its Brooks College of Health Professions facility.
J. Chris Carroll, Ph.D., PE, a distinguished educator and experienced academic leader, will join Trine University as dean of its Allen School of Engineering and Computing, effective July 1.