The Graduate Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes the exemplary contributions of graduate students who support the teaching mission of the USD. The award, administered by the Graduate School, recognizes graduate students who have demonstrated excellence in teaching to undergraduate or graduate students at USD.

This year, two graduate students were honored based on the highest rankings in their respective categories. The first-place recipient received a $600 honorarium, while the second-place recipient earned a $400 honorarium. Both recipients were also nominated for the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award.

Bethany Larson: First-Place Recipient

Bethany Larson stands in a wintry field, wearing a green jacket and colorful scarf. She is smiling at the camera.

The first-place award went to Bethany Larson, a graduate teaching assistant in the Department of English. She has taught Composition I and is currently teaching Introduction to Literature.

"Teaching at any level provides the community with necessary growth and citizenship. I am incredibly grateful to be a member of this community with USD and am especially thankful to be awarded in my practice here,” said Larson. “This award emphasizes the importance of education to a society, and I plan on working to continue that impact in my next year at USD."

Larson, who is originally from Huron, South Dakota, completed her Bachelor of Education for English education at Black Hills State University in 2024 and is now pursuing her master’s in English, literary studies, with an emphasis in creative writing at USD.

Mariana Astete: Second-Place Recipient

Mariana Astete stands next to a painting in an art gallery. She is smiling at the camera.

Mariana Astete, a Master of Fine Arts candidate and an instructor of record in the Department of Art, was the second-place recipient of the award. Astete has taught Printmaking I and Drawing I and is currently teaching Introduction to Printmaking I.

"Receiving this teaching award is deeply meaningful to me, as it provides the opportunity to further support my own research and thesis development,” said Astete. “It allows me to continue building my knowledge in printmaking while seeking environments that encourage learning, teaching and instruction. This award reinforces my commitment to growing as both an artist and educator.”

Astete, who is originally from Santiago, Chile, is currently studying fine arts with a specialization in printmaking at USD. She recently completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Texas Permian Basin.

Both recipients have demonstrated remarkable dedication to their students and their fields, making lasting impacts on the academic community at USD.

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