By MARY CHVATAL
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – It’s one of the oldest and most prestigious organizations at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
Selected through a competitive application process, Chancellor’s Ambassadors serve as official hosts for high-profile UNK events, welcoming visitors and building connections across the campus community.
The role is rooted in tradition, dating back to 1980, when then-President Brendan McDonald formed a group of 12 student ambassadors to support campus events and represent Kearney State College.
“The success of this past year has been the result of many people contributing many hours of energy and creativity to our many activities,” McDonald wrote in spring 1981, following the school’s 75th anniversary celebration. “The Ambassadors were certainly very prominent on the campus and in all of the important activities.”
Chosen for their campus involvement, academic excellence, leadership ability and communication skills, Chancellor’s Ambassadors are known to be some of the most well-rounded students on campus.
“They’re so active,” said Eileen Jahn, campus events and projects coordinator in the Office of the Chancellor. “They’re involved, getting good grades and, overall, very personable. As a former student ambassador at UNK, it’s been fun to see how we’re the same but different. We all came to UNK for a sense of belonging and have found it within the multitude of organizations.”
Ambassadors play a key part in a variety of campus events and celebrations, including commencement, convocation, ribbon-cuttings, visits from elected officials, dignitaries and special guests and other gatherings hosted by the chancellor.
The 18 undergraduate students selected for the current academic year represent a wide range of backgrounds, majors and campus involvement, allowing them to share a unique perspective with UNK supporters and guests.
Brodie Mitchell, a junior from Cambridge, added Chancellor’s Ambassador to a growing list of campus organizations he’s involved in, such as Kearney Health Opportunities Program, Delta Tau Delta fraternity, Health Science Ambassadors and Interfraternity Council.
“UNK has been a big part of my educational journey, and I’m proud to showcase that in a professional manner,” he said. “It’s been a great way to give back to the university that’s already given me so much.”
Through the organization, students polish their interpersonal skills and develop connections with one another and the university leaders, alumni and guests they engage with. Their responsibilities begin at a summer retreat where participants learn about the history of UNK, tour campus facilities and discuss professional etiquette. Each student receives a matching suit to ensure they put their best foot forward.
Like Mitchell, senior Elizabeth Morrow is also part of numerous campus organizations. She joined Chancellor’s Ambassadors to further expand that involvement and continue developing her leadership skills.
“It’s honestly a great way to immerse yourself fully into UNK,” the Grand Island native said. “I’ve learned how to be a leader and representative of UNK in a variety of aspects while being pushed out of my comfort zone and connecting with UNK students.”
While the primary role of Chancellor’s Ambassadors is to assist with events and serve UNK, the experience also prepares them for life after college. Along the way, they interact with individuals who can help shape their professional paths.
Kelsey Nunnenkamp, a junior from Elkhorn, appreciates this opportunity to engage with people across the university system and beyond.
“I’ve been able to meet a lot of great people and donors across Kearney, get involved in the greater campus community and take time to appreciate all that the faculty and staff do for us students,” she said. “I highly recommend other students see this side of campus and try to build the connections that will ultimately carry over on the other side of graduation.”
Jahn, proud to see the continuous thread of dedicated students over the decades, points to events like the upcoming investiture of Chancellor Neal Schnoor as an example of their hard work. Scheduled for Friday in the Health and Sports Center, the public ceremony marks the official installation of UNK’s 10th leader.
As they help host the event, the Ambassadors continue a long-standing tradition of service and representation during the university’s most significant moments.
It’s a role that’s been recognized since the program’s earliest days.
“You are one of the best public relations activities of Kearney State,” President McDonald wrote to the inaugural group.
UNK Chancellor’s Ambassadors
Jonathan Schardt of Grand Island – coordinator
Jon Burklund of North Platte
Maray Campuzano Saenz of Burlington, Colorado
Ean Luebbe of Columbus
Brodie Mitchell of Cambridge
Elizabeth Morrow of Grand Island
Carter Moss of Plattsmouth
Emma Nolan of York
Kelsey Nunnenkamp of Elkhorn
Cassidy Patterson of Lincoln
Taylor Paul of Grand Island
John Placke of St. Libory
Luke Przymus of Columbus
Jenna Rauert of Wood River
Mason Roberts of Columbus
Riley Rose of Murdock
Caleb Rother of Granbury, Texas
Jacob Stegman of Grand Island
