KEARNEY – Two University of Nebraska at Kearney students are receiving national recognition for their campus involvement and impact on fraternity life.
Recent graduate Ean Luebbe and current student Gabriel Yochum were recently honored by their respective national organizations, earning awards that recognize members who stand out among fraternity chapters across the country for their commitment to academics, leadership and service.
Luebbe, a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, was one of 14 students selected for the J. Edward Zollinger Outstanding Senior Award. The award recognizes members who excel in scholarship, fraternity leadership, campus involvement and community service.
Originally from Columbus, Luebbe graduated summa cum laude from UNK in May with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences and a minor in biology.
During his time on campus, he served as a Chancellor’s Ambassador, New Student Enrollment leader and vice president of Greeks Advocating for Healthy Lifestyles. He was also involved in undergraduate research and the Mortar Board and Order of Omega honor societies while working as a certified pharmacy technician.
Within Sigma Phi Epsilon, Luebbe held multiple leadership positions, including freshman standards chairman, Balanced Man chairman, vice president of recruitment and chapter president. He participated in several national leadership programs and helped organize new initiatives focused on alumni relations, fundraising, philanthropy and member retention.
“Ean has not only contributed through his time and roles in SigEp, but also through his service and commitment to the chapter,” his nomination stated. “He is a natural leader who exemplifies our core values of virtue, diligence and brotherly love, and he is a brother to all members. He has set a culture and standard in the chapter that will have a lasting impact.”
The nomination also highlighted the mentorship he provided fellow members, noting that he helped guide the chapter with “strong execution and communication while maintaining a fun and caring environment.”
Luebbe will attend the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, pursuing a doctorate in pharmacy.
Yochum, a member of Phi Delta Theta, was recognized nationally as an Outstanding Junior of the Year, an award honoring fraternity members who demonstrate excellence in academics, campus involvement and chapter leadership.
A native of Holdrege majoring in PK-12 health and physical education, Yochum currently serves as chapter president for Phi Delta Theta after previously holding roles as philanthropy chair and recruitment chair. He is also a past attendee of the fraternity’s Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute.
According to Phi Delta Theta, Yochum quickly realized fraternity life represented more than a social experience.
“I could tell Phi Delt was more than just a fraternity,” he said. “It was a brotherhood built on friendship, leadership, accountability and becoming the best version of yourself.”
That mindset helped shape the way he approaches leadership opportunities within the organization.
His advice to future fraternity members is simple: “Take the opportunity seriously and get involved as much as you can. Phi Delt can give you lifelong friendships, leadership experience and memories you will never forget, but you get out of it what you put into it. Show up, be yourself and be willing to grow.”