BVU Celebrates Academic Achievement with Clifford A. Rae Awards and Sigma Beta Delta Recognition
These honors highlight the exceptional accomplishments of students in the Harold Walter Siebens School of Business and the School of Science.
At Buena Vista University (BVU), students experience a transformative education that blends academics, hands-on learning, and personalized support. Through close faculty mentorship, meaningful real-world experiences, and a culture that celebrates achievement, BVU empowers students to excel in their chosen fields and make an impact beyond campus. This commitment to academic excellence and student success is reflected in the achievements of BVU students across all disciplines.
This year, 18 BVU students have been named as recipients of the 2025 Clifford A. Rae Academic Achievement Award, one of the university’s most competitive academic honors. The annual awards, which can range up to $10,000, are presented to three academically high-performing BVU business and science students in each of their second, third, and fourth years of school.
These awards were created 14 years ago by two separate $750,000 endowments from the Siebens Foundation, established by Dr. Harold Walter Siebens. They are named after the longtime advisor and counsel to the Siebens Foundation, Clifford A. Rae.
The competitive program, which rewards business and science students who excel in their academic pursuits, is open to students who live in Iowa or adjacent states and meet certain financial need guidelines. Students may receive the award more than once during their time at BVU.
These awards often help students offset the personal costs associated with completing an internship or experiential learning initiative, providing them with opportunities they otherwise would not be able to experience.
The nine students who earned the award from the School of Science are:
Second-year winners: Lydia Wehrspann, a rehabilitation health sciences major from Jesup, Iowa; Ryan Smith, a math education major from Council Bluffs, Iowa; Alexis Feist, a biomedical sciences major from Elkhorn, Neb.
Third-year winners: Gabriel McCrea, a computer science major from Spencer, Iowa; Nathan Hillman, a computer science major from Battle Lake, Minn.; Nicco LaBryer, a computer science major from St. Joseph, Mo.
Fourth-year winners: Grace Fuhrman, a biomedical sciences major from Paullina, Iowa; Hayden Stout, an exercise science & kinesiology major from Boone, Iowa; Matthew Cummins, a biomedical sciences major from Storm Lake, Iowa.
The nine students who earned the award from the Harold Walter Siebens School of Business are:
Second-year winners: Cole Thomas, a business finance major from Correctionville, Iowa; Ryan Hosek, an agricultural business and agricultural science double-major from Traer, Iowa; Kael Miller, an accounting and business double-major from Cherokee, Iowa.
Third-year winners: Summer Prokop, an accounting and business finance double-major from Ponca, Neb.; Gavin Honkomp, a sport business major from Spencer, Iowa; Colton O'Hern, a sport business and marketing double-major from Manly, Iowa.
Fourth-year winners: Kristen Davis, an accounting, agricultural business, and management major from Havelock, Iowa; Ethan Hach, a management major from Alta, Iowa; Christian Voss, a sport business, marketing, and management major from Everly, Iowa
Adding to these achievements, Joshua Giefer earned a Sigma Beta Delta honor society scholarship, a prestigious honor that recognizes academic excellence in business studies on an international scale. Joshua was inducted into BVU’s chapter in Spring 2025 and was nominated for the award by BVU faculty representatives for the honor society. His accomplishment highlights the competitive achievements of BVU business students and beyond.
“I am honored to be chosen as a recipient of the Sigma Beta Delta scholarship! I am grateful for the BVU faculty who nominated and encouraged me to apply,” states Joshua. “The School of Business played a large part in my decision to attend BVU, and it continues to shape my college experience through my coursework and the opportunities it provides, especially with the career assistance.”
These awards and recognitions reflect BVU’s commitment to combining academic rigor with meaningful real-world experiences. Together, these honors celebrate the impact and strength of BVU’s academic excellence, particularly in the Harold Walter Siebens School of Business and the School of Science, where students continue to achieve at the highest levels.