Awards & Honors

Recognizing campus partners, students and Student Life staff.

Awards & Honors

Aerial view of a plaza with a fountain, surrounding trees, and scattered pedestrians.

Annual Student Life Awards

Each year, the Division of Student Life recognizes students, faculty, staff and campus partners whose leadership, service and commitment strengthen the NEBRASKA experience. These awards celebrate individuals who make a meaningful difference through their dedication to student success, campus community and the principles that guide Student Life.

Student Luminary Awards

The Student Luminary Awards recognize undergraduate and graduate students whose leadership, service and academic commitment make a meaningful difference at NEBRASKA. Honorees are students who strengthen the campus or community through their actions and inspire others through their dedication to making a positive impact.

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Vice Chancellor’s Pinnacle Award for Student Leadership

The Vice Chancellor’s Pinnacle Award for Student Leadership honors a student whose leadership, integrity and service have created a lasting impact on the campus community. This award recognizes transformational student leadership that brings people together, strengthens the student experience and leaves a meaningful legacy at NEBRASKA.

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James V. Griesen Exemplary Service to Student Awards

The James V. Griesen Exemplary Service to Student Awards recognize faculty, staff and administrators who demonstrate extraordinary and sustained service to NEBRASKA students. Honorees are individuals whose work, care and commitment have made a lasting difference in the student experience.

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Staff Honors and Recognition

Student Life staff are regularly recognized across the university and beyond for their leadership, innovation, service and professional excellence. These honors reflect the talent and dedication of staff members who help create supportive environments, meaningful experiences and lasting impact for Huskers.

July 25, 2026

Morgan McConnell

Election as Staff Senate Vice President for Internal Affairs

Morgan McConnell was recently elected by the Staff Senate to serve as Vice President for Internal Affairs for the 2026-27 academic year. We are proud of Morgan for her advocacy for staff members across the university and for her willingness to take on this additional leadership role as Vice President. Her work in Staff Senate helps to further represent the mission and values of Student Life.

September 11, 2025

Allie Woolworth

Admission into the 25-26 cohort of the Nebraska Alumni Association Young Alumni Academy

The Young Alumni Academy is an in-person program that helps alumni stay connected to the university. It offers professional development, networking with other alumni, opportunities to meet university leaders, and behind-the-scenes access to campus initiatives. It’s impactful because it supports alumni in their personal and professional growth while keeping them engaged with UNL. It’s also valuable for staff to be involved, since it strengthens relationships with graduates and shows our commitment to helping them succeed after their time at UNL.

September 4, 2025

Veronica Riepe

NASPA Region IV-W Distinguished Service Award

The NASPA Region IV-W Distinguished Service Award is presented to a NASPA member who has provided volunteer service to the association via leadership roles at the state, regional, national and international levels; has progressed from entry-level to senior-level leadership roles within NASPA volunteer leadership experiences; has been involved in multiple branches (regions, knowledge communities, divisions and groups) of the association; and has significantly impacted NASPA as an association through their volunteer service.