Excellence Lives at McKendree
Springtime at McKendree is a special time. Our beautiful campus fully awakens, not only in the blooms that adorn every corner of campus, but also in and outside the classroom. We see countless examples of our students flourishing as they present their research and honors theses during our annual Academic Excellence Celebration in April. Our student-athletes shine as they wrap up their seasons or advance in tournaments. Theater students and members of our many bands and choirs take to the stage to wow the crowds after hours of rehearsing tirelessly.
And yes – we are filled with pride as we watch our seniors walk across the stage to receive their hard-earned diplomas during commencement.
During commencement, we often take the time to honor and celebrate those who have gone above and beyond – the Bearcats who embody excellence, leadership, and dedication in our campus community. Take a look at this year’s springtime award winners!
Zane Phillips: Winner of the Technos International Prize
Each year, McKendree awards one graduating senior with the prestigious Technos International Prize, on behalf of the Tanaka Ikueikai Educational Trust. This award is given to a senior for their outstanding academic achievements and for their commitment to the cause of international understanding. This year Zane Phillips, an international relations major from Chambersburg, Ill., was named the winner.
Trust. This award is given to a senior for their outstanding academic achievements
and for their commitment to the cause of international understanding. This year Zane
Phillips, an international relations major from Chambersburg, Ill., was named the
winner.Throughout his time at McKendree, Zane has been incredibly involved on campus. Here are only some of his accomplishments:
- A member of McKendree’s Honors Program
- A member of the men’s wrestling team
- Named Academic All-GLVC in 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24
- Named NWCA Scholar All-American in 2021-22 and 2024-25
- Secretary General of McKendree’s Model United Nations program for three years
- Inducted into Phi Eta Sigma, Pi Gamma Mu, and Pi Sigma Alpha honor societies
- Named Outstanding Student in the study of international relations
- A research assistant for Dr. Brian Frederking, aiding in analyzing resolutions passed by the United Nations Security Council and searching for references to international law
Even more impressively, Zane was also selected to participate in the highly competitive, yearlong paid Technos fellowship as an English language teaching assistant at Technos International College this upcoming fall in Tokyo, Japan. Only two students are selected for this unique opportunity each year!
With accolades like these, it’s easy to see why this international relations major was this year’s recipient of the Technos International Prize. Bravo, Zane!
Dr. Lauren K. Thompson: Winner of Both the UMC and Grandy Awards
If you’ve been at McKendree long enough, you’ll know that our campus is filled with knowledgeable, compassionate faculty members who share their zeal in their field and ensure that their students are on the right track in their college career. One of our most outstanding teachers, Dr. Lauren Thompson, is known across campus as a caring and enthusiastic associate professor of history. Because of her deep commitment to her students and the university, she won both the 2025 United Methodist Exemplary Teacher of the Year Award and the 2025 William Norman Grandy Faculty Award.
zeal in their field and ensure that their students are on the right track in their
college career. One of our most outstanding teachers, Dr. Lauren Thompson, is known
across campus as a caring and enthusiastic associate professor of history. Because
of her deep commitment to her students and the university, she won both Ever since she began teaching at McKendree in 2017, Dr. Thompson has made her mark here on campus and has accomplished quite a lot, including:
- Serving as co-coordinator for McKendree’s University 101 program
- Serving as a member of the College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Evaluation Committee
- Co-advising the university’s Black Student Organization (BSO) and acting as the faculty advisor for Phi Eta Sigma and Phi Alpha Theta honor societies
- Speaking for the Hett’s Distinguished Speaker Series in 2021
- Winning the Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award in 2019
- Publishing a book, Friendly Enemies: Soldier Fraternization Throughout the American Civil War (with a second book on the way!)
She isn’t just a knowledgeable faculty member at McKendree, but she is also greatly loved and respected by students, other members of the faculty, and staff. We’re proud of you, “LT”!
Doug Magnussen: Winner of the President’s Award for Professional Excellence
Just a few days after commencement, once the front lawn is tidied up and students return home for the summer, one last award is given to a hard-working staff member on campus. This year, Doug Magnussen, the technical director at the Hett, was the recipient of the President’s Award for Professional Excellence, which honors a staff member who shines as an ideal example of an ambassador of McKendree.
Doug has been known for his outstanding leadership, unwavering dedication, and the many contributions he has made to the McKendree campus community ever since he started working in 2006. He is the quiet force behind the curtain who makes all the magic on the Hett stage possible. He expertly manages each stage production and also supports our students, staff, and visiting artists. As President Dobbins said, this award was “well-deserved.” Congratulations, Doug!
