Several Foresters from various departments were recognized for their academic achievements over the course of the 2025-2026 academic year.
Matthew Nasir and Ellen Batty | 22 April 2026
As Huntington University rapidly approaches the conclusion of the 2025-2026 academic year, it is important to look back and recognize the outstanding academic achievements of Foresters of diverse skill sets and disciplines.
Indeed, this year, Foresters have been recognized on campus, in the community, and at prestigious national conventions for their academic excellence in the classroom and beyond. Based on these accomplishments, one thing is clear: HU’s stellar students have been working diligently this year. Whether in the lab, the library, the studio, or on stage, they have consistently put their best foot forward and have been recognized accordingly.
Gwen Martin receives the first Donna Underwood English Scholarship, as presented by the award’s namesake, Mrs. Donna Underwood.
Gwen Martin, a senior English student, received the first Donna Underwood English Scholarship for her accomplishments and leadership within the English Department. Unaware of such an opportunity, Martin was initially “confused” by the award. However, upon meeting the scholarship’s namesake, Mrs. Donna Underwood, Martin came to understand the scholarship’s purpose and was honored to receive it: “It felt like recognition for all of the hard work I’d done as well as my passion for English literature and writing.” In addition to the Donna Underwood English Scholarship, Martin received the English & Modern Language Department Award during Forester Night. After graduation, Martin looks forward to using her passion for literature to “continue learning and growing to honor God in the future.”
Abigail Ensinger, recipient of the 2025 S.G. Whittle Johnston Memorial Award, accepts a commemorative plaque from Dr. Tim Smith, advisor for the award-winning research paper.
Abigail Ensinger, a junior history student, was asked by Dr. Jeffrey Webb to share a discussion in his office on a seemingly random day. Based on this unexpected request, Ensinger was initially “really scared [to be] in trouble for something,” but the surprise she was to receive was a positive one. Shortly after reaching the History Department’s office space, Ensinger was presented the 2025 S.G. Whittle Johnston Memorial Award by Dr. Webb, accompanied by Dr. Tim Smith and Professor Tyler Herber. The S.G. Whittle Johnston Memorial Award is given annually to the author of a research paper written in the Department of History and Political Science. Ensinger’s research highlighted the culpability of the Great Powers, especially the United States, in destabilizing Cambodia, thus allowing the to-be genocidal Khmer Rouge regime to gain control over the country. In Ensinger’s words, “[The] main takeaway from my research process was that Great Powers should take responsibility for their actions.” Winning the Johnston Memorial Award has strengthened Ensinger’s confidence in her high-level scholarship, affirming her goal of pursuing graduate-level studies.
Senior Forester Michal Staff and Purdue PhD Student Ellie Joll in Huntington’s Ware Greenhouse
Michal Staff, a senior pre-med biology student, conducted high-level research on a pressing ecological issue: the effect of drought on the survival and performance of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive species gaining national attention for its extensive presence across the Eastern United States. Staff was offered a unique opportunity to collaborate with Ellie Joll, a PhD candidate in the Forestry Department at Purdue University, and duly made the most of it. Reflecting on the research process with Joll, Staff commented, “[Working] with Ellie and … other Purdue students made the research feel like an adventure. It wasn’t just collecting insects; it was learning, laughing, and exploring together.” Based on her research, Staff wants to share two important observations about spotted lanternflies: First, “they’re planthoppers, so if you get too close, they’ll either hop onto you or jump away.” Additionally, despite the diligent efforts of researchers like Staff, Joll, and numerous professional ecologists, entomologists, and agricultural researchers to slow the spread of the invasive species, “the reality is that in the next 3–5 years they’ll probably continue to expand. They lay so many egg masses, and without a natural predator here, they’re extremely hard to control.” Staff was able to present her research to diverse audiences, including representatives of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), fellow HU biology students, as well as the wider campus and community. This was also personally impactful for Staff, who has gained confidence in her ability to contribute to science as she progresses toward her future career in the medical field.
Foresters are recognized at the competitive Fort Wayne Regional ADDY Awards for their excellence in advertising, design, illustration, marketing, and media production.
Foresters also represented HU well at the Fort Wayne Regional AdFed American Advertising (ADDY) Awards, earning 18 individual awards and Best in Show honors overall. Among this group of talented winners was the Fall 2025 Intro to Animation Class, which brought home a silver award for their stop-motion animation titled “Circus Mayhem.” This high-achieving group, despite being composed mostly of first-year students, competed with professional advertising agencies, as well as local freelancers and students, for the award. Freshman Aaron Benny shared regarding the recognition, “We didn’t expect [our animation] to win against the many other worthy competitors, but it did, and that surprised us. It gave the entire class the motivation to become better at [our] craft.”
Last, but certainly not least, Foresters have excelled on the stage through various performances and productions, including Concerto, Troupe, A Journey in Jazz, Arsenic and Old Lace, and, most recently, Witness for the Prosecution, among others.
Witness for the Prosecution’s cast poses for a picture.
Though these stories certainly do not represent a composite view of Huntington University Foresters’ impressive accomplishments during the 2025-2026 academic year, they nevertheless provide a glimpse into the academic opportunities students have made the most of. Behind each of these accomplishments is an implicit recognition of the discipline, the doubt, the setbacks, and the successes writ large in each student’s journey. Ultimately, though these students’ “moments in the sun” were certainly gratifying, their true rewards were contained in the journeys themselves.
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