2025 ‘Making a Difference’ awards NUNM students, faculty, staff who enrich community

SGA-led event celebrates individuals for their contributions and dedication.

On March 14, the annual Making a Difference Ball brought the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) community together to honor the contributions and inspiring leadership of its students, faculty and staff.  

Attendees gathered at The Evergreen event space throughout the evening to share in one another’s personal, academic and professional achievements.

Stacy Rempel, president of NUNM’s Student Government Association (SGA), said the event was organized to celebrate individuals who have made an impact on the NUNM community.

Their committee had received over one hundred different nominations for various awards in the weeks leading up to the event, she said, recognizing individuals for their excellence, innovation, and community engagement across a variety of categories including research, development and teaching.

“It was incredible to read all the kind words people had to say about fellow colleagues, staff, and faculty,” said Rempel, a student in the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program. “This community is wonderful, and we are all so grateful to be part of it.” 

This year’s semiformal “Black and White” event follows the 2024 Make a Difference Ball, which had a masquerade theme.

“NUNM is more than a school; it is a community that thrives on support, passion, and a shared commitment to making a difference in the world,” said Rempel in her introduction at the event. “It is the people—our students, faculty, and staff—who bring this mission to life every day.”  

The student and faculty/staff award recipients nominated by their NUNM community members, are: 

Navigator Mentorship Award 

Someone who has actively mentored and guided others, fostering growth and connection within the community. Through their commitment, they have become a trusted source of wisdom and support for peers, newcomers, and colleagues. 

  • Student: D’Asia Gholar 
  • Faculty/Staff: Nicole McGee 

Excellence in Leadership Award 

Someone who has been an organizer, an initiator, or has otherwise shown that they have grown or developed as a leader. 

  • Student: Stacy Rempel 
  • Faculty/Staff: Dr. Anna Peterson 

Tender Heart Award 

Someone who shows great compassion or demonstrates a gentleness or sensitivity that inspires others or just makes being here a lot easier or better. 

  • Student: Kiana Lotfollahzadeh 
  • Faculty/Staff: Dr. Eden Everson 

Outstanding Club Award 

This award recognizes a club that has significantly engaged the NUNM student body through impactful meetings and events, enriching the academic and community experience. Their dedication fosters connection, learning, and growth beyond the classroom. 

  • Craniosacral Club 

Vision for Change Award 

Someone who cultivates an environment where each community member feels valued and included, recognizing and addressing gaps in accessibility and advocacy to drive change in the NUNM community. 

  • Student: LaDaisy Turner 
  • Faculty/Staff: Brandt Stickley 

Helping Hand 

An individual, who every time something is needed, they seem to be there, making sure it gets done. 

  • Student: Samantha Jensen 

Benedict Lust 

An enthusiastic person who embodies the principles of Naturopathic medicine.  

  • Student: Miquella Young 
  • Faculty/Staff: Dr. Nancy Scarlett 

Excellence in Research 

Someone who has worked tirelessly to advance the research base of our medicine. 

  • Student: Payton Follestad  
  • Faculty/Staff: Dr. Ryan Wexler 

Food as Medicine 

Someone who has passionately advanced the study and practice of nutrition in our community.  

  • Student: Kimberly Shocket 
  • Faculty/Staff: Ian Rubin 

Hua Tuoa 

Named for a famous physician, Qigong practitioner, and surgeon, from the time period of the Han Dynasty, this award is given to the person who embodies Chinese Medicine in their own life as well as a Chinese Medicine practitioner and/or scholar.  

  • Faculty/Staff: Dr. Ken Glowacki 
  • Faculty/Staff: Jiayang Li 

Lifetime Achievement 

For that community member who is literally part of NUNM history. Someone who has opened new ground and opportunities for NUNM and its students, staff and faculty.

  • Faculty/Staff: Dr. Bracey Dangerfield 

Photographs courtesy of Christina Fong, NUNM Store Assistant Manager