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.