KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney Alumni Association has selected five students as the 2026 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 an impact on the University of Nebraska at Kearney,” said Tricia Danburg, director of alumni engagement. “Their leadership, service and academic achievement reflect the very best of UNK.”
Elly Piper
Elly Piper of Norfolk will graduate in May with a biology degree with a health science emphasis. This fall, she’ll begin medical school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Kearney.
Piper was highly involved in academic and service organizations, including the Honors Program, Mortar Board, Kearney Health Opportunities Program, Gamma Phi Beta sorority and Alpha Epsilon Delta health professional honor society. She served as a resident assistant and volunteered in medical and community health settings. Piper also participated in a VAW Global Health Alliances medical outreach trip in Peru.
She’s currently employed at Kearney Regional Medical Center.
Riley Rose
Riley Rose of Murdock will graduate in May with degrees in psychology and criminal justice and minors in behavioral and mental health and public law with a pre-law emphasis. This fall, he’ll attend the Nebraska College of Law in Lincoln as a Public Interest Scholar.
Rose served as a Chancellor’s Ambassador and Thompson Scholars Learning Community peer mentor. He was also president of the Psychology Club and Psi Chi honor society and a member of the Honors Program, Mortar Board, Alpha Phi Sigma, Pre-Law Society, Sigma Xi and Undergraduate Research Fellows. In addition, he’s served Kearney and the surrounding communities as a basketball official for the Nebraska School Activities Association and as a clerk in the Buffalo County Public Defender’s Office.
Sam Schroeder
Sam Schroeder of Seward will graduate in May with a degree in political science and minors in public law and global peace and security. This fall, he’ll attend the Nebraska College of Law in Lincoln.
Schroeder served as student body president and student regent for two years, representing UNK students on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. He was also speaker of UNK Student Senate, president of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and executive vice president of the UNK Interfraternity Council. A member of the Honors Program and Order of Omega, Schroeder participated in undergraduate research and completed internships in government and law.
Marcus Utecht
Marcus Utecht of Blue Hill will graduate in December with a degree in elementary education. He’ll begin working toward a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction at UNK this summer and student teach at Kenwood Elementary in Kearney this fall.
Utecht has been active in the Honors Program and Teacher Education Advisory Council, and he participated in undergraduate research focused on supporting students who have experienced trauma. He holds leadership roles in Delta Tau Delta fraternity and has earned multiple academic honors. Utecht has gained extensive hands-on experience working in elementary classrooms and after-school programs.
Caleb Wiseman
Caleb Wiseman of Plattsmouth will graduate in May with a degree in 6-12 math education. This fall, he will teach eighth grade math at Plattsmouth Middle School and coach football and track at Plattsmouth High School.
Wiseman served as chief justice of UNK Student Court and was active in Student Senate, the Honors Program and Math Club. He worked as a resident assistant, math tutor and New Student Enrollment leader and volunteered through campus and community service organizations. Wiseman gained valuable skills through his field and student teaching experiences.