Midland University honors the past and looks to the future as part of 2018 Homecoming festivities. This fall, the institution recognizes 11 honorees and one distinguished family during award ceremonies in September.

On Friday, September 28th, Midland celebrates Warrior achievements during the Hall of Fame Inductee Banquet at Fremont Golf Club, with special recognitions including the Petrow Memorial Award and Bracker Outstanding Athlete Award.

The 2018 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees include Dr. Steve Bullock, Baseball, Class of ‘93; Valerie Reiman, Softball, Class of ‘04; Chris Strehle, Football, Class of ‘05 and Chase Manstedt, Track & Field, Class of ‘08.

Inductees are chosen by the Hall of Fame Selection Committee, selecting Warriors who have made exceptional contributions in athletics and have been out of their respective sports a minimum of 10 years.

During the ceremony, the Petrow Award, established in 1946 as a memorial to alumnus George “Babe” Petrow, will be presented to the outstanding all-around male athlete. This year’s Petrow Award goes to Ben Henry of Alpena, Michigan. A 2018 graduate, Ben was a four-year team captain and member of the inaugural men’s hockey team who helped to build the Midland program.

The Bracker Outstanding Athlete Award, established in 1975 in honor of the coaching legacy of Joanne Bracker, will be presented to the best all-around female athlete. This year’s Bracker Award goes to Joelle Overkamp of Papillion, Nebraska. A 2018 graduate, Joelle was a four-year member and key contributor to the Lady Warriors Basketball team. Joelle holds the fifth-best scoring record in Midland history.

On Sunday, September 30th, Midland University will hold the Alumni & Legacy Luncheon at Fremont Golf Club to recognize alumni who have attained significant achievements in their lives, professions, or communities. Recognitions during the event include awards for Alumni Achievement, Distinguished Young Alumni, Outstanding Young Alumni, and Distinguished Midland Family.

This year’s Alumni Achievement Award recipients include Dr. Colleen (Willert) Dilley, Class of ‘61 and Dr. Charlotte (Erickson) McConkie, Class of ‘61.

Both Dr. Dilley and Dr. McConkie earned their Bachelor of Science degrees from Midland University and both went on to receive their Doctorate of Medicine degrees from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1965.

The Distinguished Young Alumni Award recognizes an alumnus/alumna who has attained a high level of professional accomplishment or has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to public service or the community. This year’s Distinguished Young Alumni Award recipient is Alberto Varas, Class of ‘03.

The Outstanding Young Alumni Award recognizes an alumnus/alumna whose professional accomplishments, service to the community or the University has been exemplary. This year’s Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipient is Kristine (Spracklin) Roberts, Class of ‘07.

Midland will also recognize a family with a multi-generational commitment to the university. This award honors the institution’s academic heritage by recognizing a family with close and loving ties to the college as students, parents, professors, administrators, and friends.

This year’s Distinguished Midland Family Award goes to Dr. Caryl and Shirley Steyer Family. Dr. Caryl Steyer was a Professor Emeritus at Midland from 1961 - 1987. Several generations of the Steyer-Taylor family have attended Midland University throughout the years.

Individuals interested in attending the 2018 Alumni Awards ceremonies can access further details by clicking here.