2019 Young Alumni Medallion Recipients

The Young Alumni Medallion is presented each year to young alumni who exemplify the characteristics of a UJ liberal arts education, while also demonstrating lifelong learning, community service, and character. This year, on September 5 during Opening Convocation, two alumni were recognized:

Rob Hanna (‘08)

Rob is the Historic Sites Manager for the State Historical Society of North Dakota. He manages 25 state historic sites in southern North Dakota. He previously served as an Interpretive Coordinator at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and Fort Mandan, Washburn, N.D.

In his career so far, Rob has curated several exhibits and has organized events including the Whinestone Hill Education Day, Fort Mandan Winter/First Day Hike, and Explorer Days. He is a certified interpretive trainer and certified heritage interpreter.

Rob earned a B.A. in History and minors in Philosophy and German from UJ in 2008. He continued his education at Philipps-Universität in Marburg, Germany, where he studied history with an emphasis on European and American economic and social history. While in Germany, he also completed an internship at the Frankfurt Transit Museum.

In his free time, Rob serves a member of the Board of Director of the Bismarck Historical Society and is a social media volunteer for Preservation North Dakota.

Rob selected Dr. Brian Lang as his UJ faculty mentor, and had the opportunity to present him with a medal at the ceremony.

Ashley Barnhart (‘16)

Ashley is the Managing Director of Golf Operations at the Colorado Golf Association. In this role, she oversees the association’s statewide competitive events, Rules of Golf jurisdiction and education, junior golf programs, and the intern program.

While at UJ, Ashley was a two-time Academic All-American and member of the 2014-2015 NAIA National Championship qualifying women’s golf team. She was a College Fellow, a Representative Jimmie, and was recognized with the Outstanding Student Teacher Award. She graduated in 2016 with a B.A. in Elementary Education and a minor in Business Administration.

Ashley is a member of the National Federation of High School Coaches Association and the International Association of Golf Administrators. She is also the head coach of the freshman girls’ basketball team at Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch, CO.

Ashley selected Dustin Jensen as her UJ staff mentor, and had the opportunity to present him with a medal at the ceremony.