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 more than 100 nominations across 13 categories.
Student Organization of the Year
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The mission of this organization is to promote awareness of suicide prevention resources, as well as address the stigma around receiving mental health support. This is a delicate issue that the student organization navigates with compassion and care. The Out of the Darkness Campus Walk this spring included nearly 200 students, community members, faculty and staff.
New Student Organization of the Year
Upsilon Eta Upsilon Honor Society for Black Excellence
Students in this organization are eager to share their culture and experiences with the community. Despite being a new organization, they quickly expanded their outreach and collaborated with other organizations on various events, including the Black History Month celebration and a karaoke night. Upsilon Eta Upsilon also hosted an African Marketplace. These events were successful and attracted large crowds. Planning is already underway for their flagship event next semester. It will include authentic African food, henna artistry, games and much more. Established last fall, the organization initiated 21 new members this spring with an average GPA of 3.57.
Campus Diversity and Inclusion Award
International Food and Cultural Festival
More than 1,000 students, staff, faculty and Kearney community members came together last fall to celebrate diversity on campus. Organized by the International Student Association, this event features a variety of performances and cuisines from around the world, along with other activities.
Community Service Program of the Year
UNK Athletics Loper Stars Event
This event allowed individuals with disabilities and their families to engage with UNK student-athletes in a meaningful way while participating in physical activities at Cope Stadium. In total, 225 student-athletes participated. The event was led by the UNK Student-Athlete Advisory Committee in partnership with The Arc of Buffalo County.
Collaborative Program of the Year
Graduate School and Cultural Trip
In November, the Office for Intercultural Engagement and Leadership and TRIO Student Support Services organized a trip to Lincoln for 40 undergraduate students. This event provided students with an opportunity to connect with influential Nebraskans who can guide them through their post-graduation endeavors while also promoting graduate school opportunities through informative presentations and a campus tour. The students were able to meet with representatives from UNL Graduate Studies; tour the Governor’s Mansion and Capitol Building; learn from the Nebraska Commission on Latino-Americans; and enjoy “Coco” at the Lied Center.
Student Organization Philanthropy of the Year
Beta Men Conference
For more than a decade, this event has brought around 300 middle school students to campus annually to learn about the importance of education and leadership. It’s organized by the Sigma Lambda Beta fraternity, which also supports the community through an annual coat drive.
Student Organization Advisers of the Year
Chuck Rowling and Kelley Robinson
Rowling leads a successful Department of Political Science as a professor and chair while also advising the Pre-Law Society student organization. He ensures students develop practical skills in a variety of disciplines, exposes students to legal professions through “Breakfast with an Attorney” events each month, coordinates LSAT panels, organizes multiple field trips each semester to the Nebraska College of Law and engages students in research and experiential learning opportunities.
Robinson encourages students in the Residence Hall Association to stay focused on their goals and remain committed to making the UNK residence halls a great community. Because of her guidance, students return to leadership positions year after year. Robinson consistently addresses concerns promptly, ensuring students’ needs are met, and demonstrates effective event planning and program execution. She’s an exemplary role model for the campus community.
Student Organization Leader of the Year
Tatiana Moore
Moore was recognized for her exceptional leadership and contributions to the Graduate Student Association. Serving as one of the founding members, she played a pivotal role in establishing the organization by co-writing the bylaws and constitution. Her dedication and leadership in recruiting new members significantly expanded the organization’s presence on campus. She consistently demonstrates a proactive approach, readily undertaking projects and assisting fellow members.
Emerging Leader Award
Sayuli Lopez
As soon as she set foot on campus, Lopez was ready to leave her mark on UNK. With a passion for folkloric dance, she led the effort to reestablish a student dance group and became president of United in Dance within the Hispanic Student Association. She was quiet and reserved at first but is now beaming with confidence and dedication to this student organization. She choreographs the dances based on her consultations with performance groups around Nebraska and in Mexico as well as hours of research that she conducts in her free time. She has communicated with multiple folkloric groups across the U.S. and in Mexico who have graciously donated their dresses to the group so they can have traditional outfits for their performances. United in Dance has performed at the International Food Festival, TRIO Celebration and Women’s History Month celebration.
Transcending Leader Award
Lance Haberman
Haberman embodies the essence of the Transcending Leader Award through his relentless dedication and outstanding contributions to the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He has been instrumental in driving the chapter’s success across various operational areas, from social programming and philanthropic engagement to alumni relations, diversity, equity and inclusion and much more. His proactive approach and willingness to go the extra mile were evident when he played a pivotal role in recruiting a record number of participants to the Compass leadership development program in New Braunfels, Texas, and the many hours he volunteered to help sorority members and chapters relocate to Armstrong Hall.
Leadership Legacy Award
Shawn Peterson
Peterson is the embodiment of a true leader. Whether it is helping a colleague, brother, chapter or the entire community, he is always willing to lend a hand without expecting anything in return. Peterson serves as vice president of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and co-chair of the AFSP Out of the Darkness Campus Walk. He’s also an associate justice on Student Court and a member of the Black Student Association, International Student Association and First-Gen Lopers. He works as an assistant hall director on campus and will be a New Student Enrollment leader this summer. Through his leadership roles on campus, he has become a role model for many and has positively impacted so many students, staff and faculty members.
Student Employee of the Year
Lauryn Mullen
Mullen has served as a TRIO Student Support Services mentor the last two years, supporting first-generation students, Lopers with disabilities and those who meet the program’s income guidelines. She holds students accountable as they achieve their goals, helps them navigate challenges and effectively communicates with TRIO advisers about the progress and challenges each mentee experiences. Mullen is reliable and responsible and approaches each situation with professionalism. She also offers her time outside of mentoring to assist with office tasks such as event planning and student outreach.
Emerging Young Professional Award
Olivia Lawless
Lawless not only excels in her academic and extracurricular pursuits but also demonstrates a strong commitment to her professional development and the Kearney community. As president of Future Business Leaders of America, she has led the organization to unprecedented success, earning accolades at both the state and national levels, including a national championship in Emerging Business Issues and national runner-up in State of the Chapter. She uses her business knowledge while working part time at The Buckle as a buyer in the supplies department, utilizing data analytics and historical analysis to inform strategic decision-making. Her exemplary leadership, dedication to excellence and active involvement in campus and community initiatives signify the qualities of a young professional poised for success in the Kearney area after graduation.
PHOTOS BY ERIKA PRITCHARD, UNK COMMUNICATIONS
