Ann Spilker honored by Concordia University's science department

2018 Apr 27

Ann Spilker of Ashland, Neb. was recognized for exceptional work and contribution to the science department at the 17th annual Department of Natural Sciences awards banquet on Wednesday, April 18.

Ten students and graduating seniors were honored at the banquet. Kara Weishaar, Concordia alumna from 2015 who is now in her third year of medical school at the University of Nebraska-Medical Center, also shared some remarks on her experiences at Concordia and UNMC.

"We are blessed to have outstanding students in our science programs at Concordia," said Robert Hermann, Chair of the Department of Natural Sciences. "The science faculty are so proud of the things that all our students achieve that we can't help talking about them and celebrating them, and this science banquet is a chance to celebrate everyone's accomplishments throughout the year together."

The Natural Sciences Scholarship, funded by current and emeriti faculty, is awarded to outstanding returning seniors in a natural science program. This year's recipients were Josiah McAllister, Nathanael Patron and Erin Rowland.

Josiah McAllister received the Golden Scalpel award as the top student in Gross Anatomy, Concordia's human cadaver dissection course.

Elizabeth Bergdolt was recognized as the outstanding freshman in chemistry for her superior first-year performances in chemistry with Abby Lyons as an honorable mention.

The department also recognized outstanding lab assistants for the year. These included Courtney Jurgens, Erin Rowland and Ann Spilker in biology, Mason Koeritz and Clara Rich in chemistry, and Luke Ericson in physics.