Torchbearer Awards
The inaugural Torchbearer Awards Ceremony took place on Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026.
Purpose
UND and CEHD are committed to recognizing the accomplishments of individuals from diverse backgrounds, reflective of all degrees and programs within the college.
The Torchbearer Awards were established by the college and its Alumni Advisory Board (CAAB) to honor alumni and friends who exemplify the college’s core values through leadership, innovation, service, and mentorship.
The process of selecting awardees considers diversity across geography, academic disciplines and class year. Awards may be granted posthumously.
Award Categories
CEHD Torchbearer Emerging Leader Award
Recognizes early-career alumni (within 10 years of graduation) who demonstrate outstanding leadership and potential for significant impact.
CEHD Torchbearer Innovation and Community Impact Award
Honors individuals whose innovative work has made meaningful contributions to education and/or community well-being.
CEHD Torchbearer Mentorship Award
Celebrates those who have significantly influenced others through formal or informal mentorship, advancing the growth of students, professionals, or community members.
- Nominees must be graduates or former students of CEHD at the University of North Dakota.
- CEHD faculty and staff are not eligible until two years post-employment.
- Current members of the CEHD College Alumni Advisory Board are ineligible during their service.
- Posthumous nominations are allowed and will be thoughtfully considered.
Call for Nominations
Every year, the CEHD College Alumni Advisory Board puts out a call for nominations via CEHD newsletters, social media, and UND alumni channels. Alumni, faculty, staff, students, or community members can submit nominations. Self-nominations are encouraged.
Nomination Requirements
Please submit the following to nominate an individual for a Torchbearer Award:
- Nominee’s contact information
- Nominee’s resume or CV (if available)
- Statement of nomination (500–750 words) detailing qualifications, achievements, and relevance to award category
- Minimum of one (1) and maximum of three (3) letters of support
Deadline
All nominations must be submitted by November 15. Honorees will be recognized at the annual Torchbearer Awards in April.
Initial Screening
The CAAB Torchbearer Awards Recognition Subcommittee compiles all nominations into a matrix aligned with rubric criteria. College staff then ensures completeness and confirms eligibility.
Review Committee
The Recognition Subcommittee reviews nominations, applies the rubric and advances 2–3 finalists per category.
Approval
The finalist slate is submitted to the full CEHD College Alumni Advisory Board for discussion and vote in early January. Awardees will be notified by the Dean and announced publicly at the Torchbearer Awards in April.
| Criteria | Weight | Exemplary (5) | Proficient (3) | Emerging (1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demonstrated Impact in Category | 40% | Clear, sustained, transformational impact | Moderate, positive, ongoing efforts | Promising but limited |
| Leadership & Initiative | 20% | Takes initiative; influences systems | Participates in leadership; positive example | In early stages |
| Service to CEHD/UND/Community | 20% | Significant and consistent service | Occasional engagement | Limited or unclear |
| Diversity of Experience and Representation | 10% | Broadly represents UND/CEHD values and diversity | Somewhat representative | Limited |
| Letters of Support | 10% | Strong, specific, and multiple | General and positive | Few or vague |
Torchbearer Award Winners
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Erickson is the executive director of the Grand Forks Growth and Support Center, a non-profit agency that provides services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their homes, in the community and at the agency. She led the development and expansion of their Residential Support Services program and spearheaded the creation of the innovative Roots Program, designed to provide meaningful, person-centered engagement for participants with IDD.
Through her leadership, Erickson has expanded opportunities for individuals with IDD while creating a sustainable, inclusive, ethical organizational culture that uplifts staff and empowers clients to thrive.
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Yee Han Chu is UND’s academic support and fellowship opportunities coordinator. Since assuming her role in 2018, she has guided more than 80 students to nationally competitive scholarships, fellowships and grants, including from the National Science Foundation and the Fulbright Program. Her visionary approach to scholarship advising has transformed the academic trajectories of countless students and elevated UND’s national profile in the process.
Chu is also a founding member and the current treasurer of the North Dakota Fulbright Association Chapter, a mentor to new Fulbright Program advisors, a former member of the North Dakota Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and the former president of the North Dakota Association for Gifted Children.
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Waage served as the first president of the Fergus Falls Junior College (now the Minnesota State Community and Technical College) from 1960 to 1983. During his tenure, he oversaw the building of a new campus after losing available class space in a fire, created a college curriculum to rival that of a four-year college, and grew enrollment at the fledgling school. According to the Fergus Falls Daily Journal, 15,000 students had taken at least one course at the college during his tenure.
Waage, who passed away in 1985, is fondly remembered by his former students, faculty, and staff for his engagement, leadership, and vision, which helped build the college from the ground up.
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