Celebrating Excellence: 16 Graduating Seniors Shine with University Honors Program Awards

Sixteen graduating seniors have been honored in the University Honors Program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. All of them graduated in May 2024, and they stood out among over 200 Honors graduates this year.

The Outstanding Honors Leadership Award was bestowed on two remarkable students: Rowan Havranek from Ravenna and Hannah Scholen from Minneapolis. This award highlights graduates who have made a significant impact through their leadership in the Honors Program.

Each year, the Honors Program collaborates with various undergraduate colleges in Nebraska to choose an Outstanding Honors Graduate from each college. This year, eight students earned this recognition due to their involvement and contributions to both the Honors Program and their colleges. Additionally, four students were acknowledged for their leadership within student organizations like Honors Ambassadors and the Honors Program Student Advisory Board.

Three graduates received the Honors Resilience Award. This award celebrates students who have faced challenges and achieved high academic and personal success.

Here’s a snapshot of the awardees by hometown:

• Kennard: Joshua Miller, biological sciences, Outstanding Honors Peer Mentor.

• Lincoln:

  • Elizabeth Herbin, history, Honors Resilience Award.
  • Zachary Kozak, computer science, Outstanding Honors Graduate: College of Engineering.
  • Hayley Moree, biological sciences, Outstanding Honors Peer Mentor Leader.
  • Emily Stoner, advertising and public relations and sports media and communication, Outstanding Honors Graduate: College of Journalism and Mass Communications.

• Omaha:

  • Kayli Pham, speech-language pathology, Outstanding Honors Graduate: College of Education and Human Sciences.
  • Carmela Rigatuso, criminology and criminal justice, Outstanding Honors Graduate: UNO College of Public Affairs and Community Service.

• Papillion: Ruthi Zielinski, physics and mathematics, Honors Resilience Award.

• Ravenna: Rowan Havranek, English, Outstanding Honors Leadership Award and Outstanding Honors Graduate: College of Arts and Sciences.

• Raymond: Connor Nichols, computer science, Honors Resilience Award.

• Los Angeles, California: Claire Klein, insect science, Outstanding Honors Graduate: College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

• Thornton, Colorado: Isabella Lucero, psychology, Outstanding Honors Ambassador.

• Courtland, Kansas: Carolina Barraza, accounting, Outstanding Honors Graduate: College of Business.

• Minneapolis, Minnesota: Hannah Scholen, political science and Spanish, Outstanding Honors Leadership Award.

• Sioux Falls, South Dakota: Alyssa Nielsen, biological sciences and Spanish, Outstanding Honors Program Student Advisory Board Member.

• League City, Texas: Nathaniel Brown, music, Outstanding Honors Graduate: Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts.

New Insights

Leadership in academic programs fosters a sense of belonging and community, crucial for student success. According to a recent survey by the National Student Affairs Association, 70% of students report feeling more engaged when they participate in leadership opportunities.

Social media buzz around these awards shows that students are celebrating each other’s achievements, creating a supportive atmosphere online. Many took to platforms like Twitter and Instagram to share their joy and pride in their peers. This kind of community reinforcement plays a vital role, especially during stressful times like graduation.

The stories of resilience among students highlight a broader trend of overcoming challenges in education. In recent years, universities have seen an increase in reported mental health issues among students. Programs that support resilience not only enhance academic performance but also better prepare students for the workforce.

Recognizing these students’ contributions may inspire others to engage more deeply in their academic communities, leading to stronger, more connected campuses.

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