Yohnk honored by Viterbo with distinguished award

Cornell native Dean Yohnk has been recognized with the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award at Viterbo University, as part of the graduating class of 1987. During his time as a student at Viterbo, Yohnk took part in more than two dozen theatre productions, serving as a writer and editor for the Lumen, and writing for the yearbook, singing with the concert choir, playing with the concert band and serving as a member of the President’s Council for three years.

After completing his doctoral degree in 1992, Yohnk returned to Viterbo, as an assistant professor, and chair of the theatre and musical theatre department.

During his time teaching, directing and designing theatre productions at Viterbo, Yohnk’s work was recognized with several honors, including the Burlington Northern Teaching Excellence Fellowship Award (1993), the CASE National Collegiate Outstanding Teaching Award (1995), the Viterbo Teacher of the Year Award (1998) and the Alliance for Wisconsin Theatre Education Service to Educational Theatre Award (2000).

“My passion for learning and creative expression is now stronger than ever, as I head into the next chapters of my life,” said the recently retired Yohnk.