EUGENE, Ore. – Two graduates of Bushnell University’s Class of 2026 were awarded the University’s most prestigious student awards during its Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony. The Dr. Kendall E. Burke Award, the University’s highest honor, was presented to Annika Poet, a Song Nai Rhee Honors Program scholar who graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.
The recipient of the Dr. Kendall E. Burke Award, determined through a vote by the student body and faculty of Bushnell University, is presented with a distinctive Bible during the Spring Commencement service. This award is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, served as a source of inspiration to both students and faculty, embodied high ideals of Christian character, and made significant contributions to the University’s mission. This distinguished honor was named in tribute to the late Dr. Kendall E. Burke’s wholehearted Christian service to the University.
Jacob Courtney was awarded the distinguished President’s Scholastic Award, graduating with a remarkable 4.40 grade point average (GPA), with 126 credits at Bushnell. Courtney received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.
The annual presentation of the President’s Scholastic Award recognizes the graduating senior at Bushnell University who has achieved the highest cumulative GPA, having successfully completed a minimum of 61 credit hours at the institution.