Submitted Photo University of Mary President Monsignor James Shea presents Audra Savelkoul with her Outstanding Senior Award. At right are Janel Eckroth of the University of Mary Alumni Association and Michael Mortenson, director of Alumni Relationships at Mary.

BISMARCK — Audra Savelkoul, a social work and Catholic studies double major from Lansford, is the 2026 University of Mary Alumni Association Outstanding Senior Award winner. University of Mary President Monsignor James Shea presented Savekoul with the prestigious award Saturday, April 25, prior to University of Mary’s commencement ceremony.

Seeking to serve youth and families in crisis according to Catholic social teaching, Savelkoul interned with the Police Youth Bureau and Juvenile Court and worked three summers in a clinic serving developmentally and educationally delayed young people, according to university information. She volunteers with numerous initiatives serving people on the margins as well as pro-life causes, and her testimony before the North Dakota Legislature was key to including a nursery within the new women’s prison.

Savelkoul has been active in the Emerging Leaders Academy, Dawson Society, String Ensemble and the Gregorian Scholar Honors program. After graduation, she plans to serve as a social worker and pursue graduate studies in the same field.

“Audra is the kind of student who quietly but consistently leads through integrity, initiative and a deep sense of purpose,” said Katie Krukenberg, associate professor and Social Work Program director at the University of Mary. “She has intentionally integrated her faith with her professional formation, including her studies at the University of Mary’s Rome campus, where she deepened her understanding of the church and her vocation.”

“Selecting the Outstanding Senior each year is both a joy and a challenge for the Alumni Association, because the caliber of nominees is so high,” said Michael Mortenson, director of Alumni Relations. “We are incredibly proud of all those considered for this honor. Audra Savelkoul rose to the top because of the remarkable way she integrates faith, academic excellence and servant leadership. Her work with vulnerable youth and families, her advocacy at the state level, and her commitment to living out Catholic social teaching reflect the very best of a University of Mary education.”