Isaac Clausen, audiovisual technician, and Dr. Thomas Holm, department chair and professor of music, are the recipients of Northwestern College’s 2026 Inspirational Service Awards. Clausen was chosen as the staff recipient, while Holm received the faculty award during the college’s Celebration Banquet on May 4.
The awards recognize employees who go beyond excellence in their performance, have demonstrated a selfless commitment to service, and whose dedication to Christ is apparent in their daily work and interactions. A selection committee chose the winners from among candidates nominated by employees.
A 2018 Northwestern alumnus, Clausen joined the college’s AV department full time after graduation. Nominators described him as unflappable, always smiling and quietly efficient.
“He is as knowledgeable and talented as he is humble,” wrote one nominator. “Isaac is always kind, never critical. If a creative vision seems out of reach, he finds a way to make the technology work. Whether it requires extra research or learning an entirely new skill, Isaac does whatever it takes to bring an idea to life.”
“He’s explained technical equipment in a way that helps me understand while also not making me feel inadequate,” wrote another staff member. “He’s never made me feel like I’m asking too much. I enjoy working with someone whose expectations are higher than my own; he wants to make things easier and more efficient.”
Nominators commended Clausen for such volunteer work as handling AV needs for a weekend middle school retreat, assisting the Dutch American Heritage Museum with events, and helping at his church.
“What makes Isaac truly special isn’t just his technical know-how—it’s the heart he brings to it,” wrote a staff member. “I’ve never seen him frustrated or flustered, even in the most stressful situations.”
“Isaac is a model of faithfulness and humility,” said another nominator. “He does everything for Jesus, but he’s happy to do it in the background, often unnoticed.”
Holm, a member of Northwestern’s music faculty since 2000, directs vocal ensembles and teaches a wide variety of choral, vocal and music history courses. He also conducted the Sioux County Oratorio Chorus for 26 years.
“I have found him to be a rare example of a professional who balances high-level musical excellence with humility and grace,” said a nominator. “He is exceptionally respectful of his colleagues and serves as a natural anchor for the music department. He is always willing to lend a helping hand or offer support exactly where it is needed most.”
Holm has led tours of the A cappella Choir in Taiwan and several European countries, as well as across the U.S. He has also directed the Heritage Singers in operatic and madrigal performances.
“Having a colleague who balances a strong work ethic with a genuine servant’s heart makes a huge difference,” wrote a nominator. “Thomas cares about developing students not just as musicians, but as a ‘whole’ by encouraging them to use their talents to honor God and to serve others. His ability to weave his faith into his daily actions while remaining respectful and supportive of everyone around him is clearly leaving a lasting impression on our students, faculty and staff.”
The recipient of a doctoral degree in music from the University of Illinois, Holm also earned master’s degrees from the University of Alberta and the University of Idaho.
