Simon Highsmith (’25), a sociology major from Centennial, Co., is the winner of this year’s Dean B. Stewart Award for Courage.
Highsmith has been chosen as the 2024 recipient for their courage in overcoming adversity and determination to finish their degree despite a debilitating medical condition.
Their nominator says that Highsmith has already faced significant challenges in life. As a trans student, Highsmith has spent significant time educating classmates about their identity. In 2022, they contracted COVID-19, which triggered an autoimmune disease causing a physical disability that has made walking difficult. The disease will soon require them to use a wheelchair.
“Simon is energetic, passionate, and fully engaged in educating their professors and classmates on the rights of persons with disabilities,” their nominator says. “I am very proud of Simon and can't wait to see them graduate and become a voice for change.”
Highsmith says that teaching is their passion, and they will fight for their future. “Some people may not understand or interact with disabled individuals,” they say. “It’s been rewarding because helping people understand those with disabilities could one day lead to a better future for everyone in the disabled community.”
The award is named after Dean Stewart (’62) in recognition of his work to reconnect members of Phi Kappa Tau in their post-college lives while he was suffering from a progressively disabling neurological disease.
Other Student Life award winners include:
- Kenneth R. Holder Memorial Award: Jenna Miller (’24) - This award is presented to a graduating senior who has overcome significant challenges in attaining a baccalaureate degree at Nebraska Wesleyan University.
- Unsung Hero: Jahrran Paces (’24) - The Unsung Hero Award is given to a person who is a major contributor to their respective team or the athletic department, while often going unrecognized for their efforts.