BHSU STUDENT MAGAZINE “PONDER” RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARDS

Since its inaugural issue in Spring 2024, the Black Hills State University student-run magazine “Ponder” has earned several prestigious awards. The publication has even garnered national recognition, receiving a National ADDY Award from the American Advertising Federation.  

Overseen by the BHSU Communications Department, "Ponder" showcases the talent of BHSU students who contribute stories, photographs, and designs to the magazine. The BHSU student staff of the magazine includes Editors in Chief Alec Butterfield and Noah Westergaard, Managing Editor Nathan Feller, and Copy Editor Taylor SanFilippo, as well as students Logan Bunney, Hunter Davis, Rae Hanzlik, Hayden Hill, Sierra Hopp, Brooke Lammle, Duncan Martin, Cole Marquez, Caleb Minor, Ellen Sheehy, Carly Smith, Maralee Rischling, Mario Rodriguez, Marika VanderWal, Alivia Weathers, and Julia Wilson.  

BHSU Professors Dr. Justin Bergh, Skott Chandler, Allen Morris, Desy Schoenewies, and Erin Sedra serve as faculty advisors.  

With its first publication, the magazine was named runner-up in the design category for the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication 2024 National Student Magazine Competition. Since then, "Ponder" has been awarded numerous accolades. In 2025, the magazine received 13 awards, including national recognition at the College Media Association David L. Adams Apple Awards. For their second issue, "Ponder" was awarded first place for Best Magazine and second place for Best Feature Photography in Division II. Ashley Beguin also received an Honorable Mention for Best Cover Design.  

“'Ponder' started as an ambitious idea in a small classroom, with a team of very talented student journalists, photographers, and graphic designers. To see it now recognized on a national level is surreal. These awards reflect the passion, talent, and relentless creativity of our student team. We’re proud to represent Black Hills State and show what’s possible when students come together,” said Westergaard. 

At the 2025 American Advertising Federation Black Hills (AAF Black Hills) American Advertising Awards Gala, the "Ponder" team received top honors. The editorial team earned “Best of Show,” for their second issue of the magazine, the highest accolade a student entry can earn. The team went on to take home a Gold ADDY Award in the American Advertising Awards District 8 competition, which included entries from Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. 

Following their win in the District 8 competition, "Ponder" progressed to the national stage of the American Advertising Awards, where the team secured a National ADDY Award. On June 6, it will be announced whether they have earned a Silver or Gold ADDY Award.  

“Climbing the three-tier competition is an extreme accomplishment as winning a National ADDY Award is statistically the most difficult creative award to receive,” said Amanda Dehart, the Director of Membership and Programs at the American Advertising Federation.  

“The awards are great, and we are certainly proud of them, but I think the most significant thing from our perspective is how many students are involved and how passionate they are about producing good work,” said Dr. Bergh. “When you do good, important work, results will come. We’re seeing that with national recognition, but also with the number of students that want to be a part of the 'Ponder' community.” 

In addition to numerous Gold ADDY Awards, Ponder received honors from the Northern Plains Collegiate Media Association Golden Leaf Awards.  

The full list of awards include:  

2025 College Media Association David L. Adams Apple Awards, Division II 

First Place: Best Magazine – National Award, "Ponder" Issue 2 

Second Place: Best Feature Photography – National Award, "Ponder" Issue 2 

Honorable Mention: Best Cover Design, "Ponder" Issue 2, Ashley Beguin 

2025 American Advertising Awards, Black Hills 

Best of Show, "Ponder" Issue 2 

Gold ADDY Award, "Ponder" Issue 1 

Gold ADDY Award, "Ponder" Issue 2 

Gold ADDY Award, "Ponder" Launch Party Invite, Noah Westergaard  

Gold ADDY Award, We’re Not Robots Photography Campaign, Alec Butterfield  

2025 American Advertising Awards, District 8 

Gold ADDY Award, "Ponder" Issue 2 

2025 Northern Plains Collegiate Media Association Golden Leaf Awards 

First Place: Best Feature Story, "Ponder" Issue 2, Alec Butterfield’s “Chasing Distance” 

Second Place: Best Feature Story, "Ponder" Issue 2, Nathan Feller’s “Student of Fire”  

2025 BHSU Student Volunteer Awards Celebration 

Board of Regents Award for Academic Excellence 

Outstanding New Student Organization 

The "Ponder" team is also excited to announce the launch of their third issue this spring.  

“In this issue, we’ve pushed the boundaries of what 'Ponder' can be, creatively, conceptually and culturally,” said Westergaard. “In issue three, we continue to evolve and to better reflect the vibrant range of voices, identities, and perspectives that define our region. It is our hope that these stories from around the Midwest surprise you, challenge you, and spark reflection or conversation. After all, that’s what 'Ponder' is here to do.” 

To find out more about "Ponder" Magazine and to see locations of where the magazine can be found, visit BHSUMedia.com/Ponder.