KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney Alumni Association has selected four Outstanding Senior Award recipients.
The honor recognizes seniors for excellence in scholarship and leadership, as well as involvement and dedication to UNK and the Kearney community. Students were selected by a panel of UNK alumni.
“Each of these students has made tremendous contributions to the university,” said Tricia Danburg, director of alumni engagement. “They are not only outstanding seniors, but also outstanding individuals.”
Samuel Buss of Tecumseh graduates in May with a degree in applied health sciences and minors in chemistry and finance, with a pharmacy emphasis. He will attend pharmacy school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center this fall.
During his time at UNK, Samuel was in the Kearney Health Opportunities Program and Thompson Scholars Learning Community. He served as director of communications and vice president of Delta Tau Delta fraternity and vice president of administration and vice president of scholarship on the Interfraternity Council. A 2022 National Delta Tau Delta Kershner Scholar, Samuel was also active in Mortar Board, Order of Omega, Kearney Skills for Success and the UNK Men’s Project. He was a chemistry and biology tutor and a pharmacy technician at Medicap Pharmacy.
Talera Kinsey of Gering graduates in May with a degree in 6-12 mathematics education. This fall, she will be teaching math at Gering High School while pursuing a master’s degree in STEM education through UNK.
Talera was active in the Teachers Scholars Academy, Phi Eta Sigma, Math Club and Honors Program. A dean’s list honoree and recipient of the 2023 UNK Rising Leader Award, she also served as a resident assistant and assistant hall director, as well as a math tutor for the Teachers Scholars Academy and private math tutor.
Ryan Sims of Columbus graduates in May with a degree in K-12 music education. He will be the director of bands at Columbus Middle School this fall.
During his time at UNK, Ryan was the drum line section leader for the Pride of the Plains Marching Band, rhythm section leader for the Jazz/Rock Ensemble and president of the Wind Ensemble. He also served as the director of collegiate members for the Nebraska Music Educators Association (NMEA) and president of the UNK chapter of the National Association for Music Education. Additionally, Ryan participated in the Nebraska Intercollegiate Band, NMEA collegiate recital and College Band Directors National Association Regional Intercollegiate Band. Ryan was active in the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and Teachers Scholars Academy. He served as a music tutor, drum line and percussion instructor and substitute teacher.
Megan Wallman of Syracuse graduates in May with degrees in health sciences and business administration. She will be enrolled at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and University of Nebraska at Omaha this fall in a dual master’s program, pursuing a master’s in public health and master’s in business administration.
At UNK, Megan was a Chancellor’s Ambassador, New Student Enrollment leader, Public Health Early Admissions Student Track Scholar and Ron and Carol Cope Leadership Program Scholar. She was also involved in Mortar Board, Order of Omega, Phi Eta Sigma, Alpha Phi sorority and Future Business Leaders of America. A dean’s list honoree, Megan participated in the National Student Exchange with Bridgewater State University, completed an internship with the Nebraska Future Business Leaders of America and worked at Schrock Medical Clinic in Kearney and Linden View Assisted Living in Syracuse.
