KEARNEY – The UNK Division of Student Affairs presented the annual Applauding Excellence awards Wednesday during a ceremony in the Nebraskan Student Union Ponderosa Room.
Established in 2012, these awards celebrate the exceptional work of student leaders, organizations and advisers on campus. Applauding Excellence awards are presented to honorees nominated by UNK students, staff or faculty. This year, there were 111 nominations across 13 categories.
Student Organization of the Year
African Student Union
This student organization fosters community and shares African cultures through programming and outreach. They celebrate cultural traditions in meetings and events, such as preparing traditional cuisines, and recognize the academic achievements of members. Highlights include the ASU Gala, showcasing cultural dress, music and dances, and ASUx, a student-led event inspired by TEDx featuring associate professor Claude Louishomme, addressing Black excellence and promoting dialogue on diversity and inclusion. Through creativity and collaboration, ASU significantly impacts the UNK campus and community.
New Student Organization of the Year
Astronomy Club
This student organization has people reaching for the stars by hosting events for both students and the community. They’ve organized telescope viewings, including a special event for a seven-planet alignment, and hosted activities such as a movie critique, Christmas Study Night, Game Night, Space Arts and Craft Night, Build a Telescope event, Trivia Night and observations for International Astronomy Day. They have created a vibrant, active organization and are to be commended for their enthusiasm and efforts.
Community Empowerment Award
Women Are Problematic
This student organization is dedicated to empowering the community through advocacy, dialogue and action at UNK and in Kearney. They focus on educating about women’s issues and providing spaces for discussions on current events and social challenges, promoting critical thinking and leadership. Hot Takes & S’mores was a significant event that connected students and mentors to share insights on women’s experiences. These students contributed to civic engagement by assisting peers with vote-by-mail applications for the 2024 election. They partnered with the Lambda Theta Nu sorority to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and hosted a Kahoot Night to honor Latinx culture. Additionally, they collaborated with the Nebraska AIDS Project to collect menstrual products and food for those in need, addressing insecurity and highlighting the importance of basic human care. Their annual Fashion Show, themed “Women of the Past, Present and Future,” showcased influential women through fashion and storytelling. Their initiatives create inclusive platforms that amplify voices and inspire meaningful change.
Community Service Program of the Year
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee – Pen Pals with Park Elementary
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) organized this community service project by collaborating with Park Elementary first grade teacher Taylor Peters’ class for three months during the school year. UNK student-athletes exchanged letters with 17 elementary students, discussing various topics like sports, vacations, healthy eating and Halloween traditions. This correspondence fostered a relationship, highlighted by student-athletes receiving adorable artwork from the elementary students. In February, SAAC visited the school to read and play games with the first graders. This initiative strengthened ties with Park Elementary and was a fun way to get out into the community and give back. SAAC plans to continue this project with different elementary schools each year. The organization wants to create relationships with all of Kearney’s elementary schools.
Collaborative Program of the Year
Hispanic Student Association and United in Dance
These organizations partnered with UNK Enrollment Management, the College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Modern Languages, International Studies and Intercultural Engagement and Leadership to host the “All Sunshine Between Shadows” exhibit at Calvin T. Ryan Library. Featuring award-winning photojournalist Héctor Adolfo Quintanar Pérez, the exhibit explored themes like identity, migration and Afro-Mexican heritage through vivid photography. The event also included student interactions with the artist, enhancing cultural appreciation. The Hispanic Student Association and United in Dance facilitated discussions on cultural identity and representation, showcasing leadership and collaboration. “All Sunshine Between Shadows” not only showcased artistic merit but also exemplified meaningful collaboration and community engagement.
Student Organization Philanthropy of the Year
Delta Tau Delta – Date-A-Delt
This philanthropy event is a shining example of our dedication to giving back through charitable initiatives and community involvement. The annual auction and steak dinner attracts between 150 to 200 participants, with all proceeds supporting Breakthrough T1D and the Team Jack Foundation. This year, we proudly included the Team Jack Foundation in memory of Jack, acknowledging the significant impact he had on UNK and our fraternity members. This fraternity has worked diligently, reaching out to over 60 businesses for donations, creating more than 20 auction baskets and thoughtfully managing funds to maximize the event’s success, ensuring that every dollar raised goes toward these important causes.
Student Organization Adviser of the Year
Rachel Silverman – Sport and Recreation Club
This adviser has the club raising funds for professional conferences, requiring members to present research or compete. This year, four students attended the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation Conference, achieving their highest score yet, thanks to her guidance. Additionally, she took three students to the Sport and Recreation Law Association annual conference, where one student won the undergraduate case cup competition. She promotes professionalism and encourages student involvement in campus and community activities.
Student Organization Student Leader of the Year
Nate Lilla – Residence Hall Association
This student leader has actively contributed to the Residence Hall Association (RHA) at UNK for three years, taking significant steps to enhance its visibility regionally and nationally. As the lead organizer of the Midwest Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls Regional Business Conference, he demonstrated strong leadership skills, building a dedicated team and effectively communicating with peers and administrators. He sought out sponsorships and opportunities for campus offices to showcase their programs, even securing the chancellor’s presence at the welcoming ceremony, a first for the region. Balancing his responsibilities with his vice president, he passionately advocates for RHA, fostering campus life improvement and earning respect for his leadership and commitment to continuous learning.
Emerging Leader of the Year
Emma Huggins
This sophomore became a vital member of The Carillon, the student-run literary magazine of Sigma Tau Delta. She took on significant editorial and managerial roles, designed the 2024 issue cover, and is now the vice president and editor-in-chief for 2025. To boost submissions, she organized successful events, including a tabling event and a giveaway, leading to increased magazine awareness and submission numbers. She is also revising the editor application process and has been featured in The Antelope student newspaper. Additionally, she actively supports Sigma Tau Delta outreach projects and proposed separating the vice president and editor-in-chief roles to enhance leadership opportunities for future members.
Transcending Leader of the Year
Macie Farber
This student exemplifies commitment and service, consistently going above and beyond to support both Alpha Phi and the wider UNK community. In her role as vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion, she successfully raised $17,961 for the Alpha Phi Foundation, surpassing previous targets and showcasing her talent for engaging and uniting the community. Currently, as vice president of finance and housing, she continues to assist others with both responsibility and grace, addressing challenges and ensuring seamless operations. Her friendly demeanor and readiness to help – whether it’s assisting with events, mentoring peers or being a positive influence on campus – truly make her a remarkable role model at UNK.
Leadership Legacy
Emma Bond
This student is a dedicated and compassionate senior, majoring in business administration with a marketing emphasis. She founded the UNK Climbing Club, serves as president of LPAC and is involved in Student Government, promoting sustainability through campus clean-up initiatives. The former homecoming queen has significantly impacted campus life and traditions, mentoring future leaders and fostering inclusivity. Her part-time work at CSS Farms complements her numerous contributions to UNK, and she is recognized for her unwavering dedication and leadership, leaving a lasting legacy at the university.
Student Employee of the Year
Brody Anker
This student demonstrates reliability, professionalism and a strong work ethic, handling sensitive records with care. He effectively manages multiple tasks with attention to detail and eagerly learns new skills, notably contributing to User Acceptance Testing for the new onboarding program, Project 921. His interpersonal skills make him an asset, as he is polite, dependable and helpful, maintaining professionalism even in challenging situations. He also brings dedication, a positive attitude and a fun energy to the office, participating in team activities and traditions.
Emerging Young Professional Award
Emma Bond
This student has demonstrated exceptional professional growth over the past three years and displayed an eagerness to learn and willingness to tackle any project. While balancing internship responsibilities, this student has successfully led multiple campus organizations, maintained academic excellence and actively contributed to the community through part-time employment and participation in local events. This student exhibits remarkable leadership qualities and is truly deserving of this award.
