Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 7, 2026

UNK Alumni Association

Tricia Danburg, [email protected]

308-698-5271

unkalumni.org/stay-informed/news

UNK Graduate Honored with CBT Distinguished Alumnus Award

KEARNEY – Jerry A. Catlett has been selected as the 2026 UNK College of Business and Technology Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient.

He will be honored at the 46th Annual Distinguished Alumni Awards luncheon on Friday, Oct. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Gala Room at the Regional Engagement Center, 2204 University Drive, Kearney. Tickets can be purchased at unkalumni.org/homecoming or by calling the UNK Alumni Association at 308-698-5271.

“Jerry Catlett embodies the values we strive to instill in our students through his leadership, integrity and commitment to service,” said Brooke Envick, dean of the UNK College of Business and Technology. “His success in community banking, dedication to the growth of Nebraska communities and continued investment in UNK make him an outstanding representative of our college and a deserving recipient of this honor.”

College of Business & Technology Distinguished Alumnus

Jerry A. Catlett (1982)

Jerry Catlett of Bruning, Nebraska, has built a distinguished career in community banking and financial leadership spanning more than four decades. He has been with Bruning Bank since 1993, helping guide the institution through significant growth and expansion. Under his leadership as president and chief operating officer, the bank has been recognized by American Banker as a Top Bank to Work For in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and has grown to become one of Nebraska’s largest state-chartered banks.

Prior to joining Bruning Bank, Catlett held leadership positions at United Nebraska Bank in Broken Bow and First Nebraska Bank in Arcadia. Throughout his career, he has focused on strategic planning, lending, operations and community banking, earning a reputation as a respected leader within Nebraska’s financial industry.

Catlett served as chairman of the Nebraska Bankers Association and Nebraska Bankers Insurance Services Company and later chaired the Banking Council for Blueprint Nebraska. He also served on the Graduate School of Banking Banker Advisory Board and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka Banker Advisory Council.

A dedicated supporter of higher education, Catlett serves on the UNK College of Business and Technology Dean’s Leadership Council and is a trustee of the University of Nebraska Foundation, where he serves on the finance committee. He and his wife, Jill, have supported the university through the Only in Nebraska campaign and other initiatives that advance student success.

His commitment to service also includes leadership roles with the Catholic Foundation of Southern Nebraska, the University of Nebraska LEAD Program Board and numerous local civic organizations. Closer to home, Catlett devoted 25 years to elected service on local town and school boards, including many years as mayor and board president. In 2003, he received the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Ike Friedman Community Leaders Award.

Catlett, an Ansley, Nebraska, native, earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Kearney State College in 1982 and later completed the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

To purchase tickets and see a complete list of weekend activities visit unkalumni.org/homecoming or contact the UNK Alumni Association at 308-698-5271.

2026 Homecoming Alumni Events

Friday, October 2

11:00 a.m.        Loper Gridiron Club Golf Tournament (Kearney Country Club)

11:30 a.m.        Distinguished Alumni Awards Luncheon (Regional Engagement Center, Gala Room)

2:30 p.m.         Chemistry Department’s Dr. Don Fox Lecture (Copeland Hall, Room 131)

3:30 p.m.         One Room, One Teacher Induction Ceremony (College of Education Atrium)

5:30 p.m.         Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet (Regional Engagement Center, Gala Room)

6:00 p.m.         UNK Volleyball vs. Northeastern State (Health & Sports Center)

Saturday, October 3

10:00 a.m.        Homecoming Parade (Downtown Kearney)
Noon                Loper Alumni Tailgate (Cope Stadium, Foster Field near Mantor Hall)

2:00 p.m.         UNK Football vs. Pittsburg State (Cope Stadium, Foster Field)

6:00 p.m.         ROTC Alumni Banquet (Younes Conference Center South)

A full schedule of events and ticket information can be found at unkalumni.org/homecoming and unk.edu/offices/student_life/homecoming.php.

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The UNK Alumni Association provides opportunities for more than 61,000 graduates of the University of Nebraska at Kearney to connect with UNK and fellow alumni. Resources and opportunities for alumni can be found at unkalumni.org.

August 5, 2026

UNK Alumni Association

Tricia Danburg, [email protected]

308-698-5271

unkalumni.org/stay-informed/news

UNK Alumna Honored with Gary Thomas Music Award

KEARNEY – Angela K. (Suing) Wright has been selected as the 2026 UNK Gary Thomas Distinguished Music Alumna Award recipient.

She will be honored at the 46th Annual Distinguished Alumni Awards luncheon on Friday, Oct. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Gala Room at the Regional Engagement Center, 2204 University Drive, Kearney. Tickets can be purchased at unkalumni.org/homecoming or by calling the UNK Alumni Association at 308-698-5271.

“Angela Wright’s commitment to music education has positively influenced generations of students and fellow educators across Nebraska,” said Beth Mattingly, Ph.D., chair of the UNK Department of Music, Theatre and Dance. “Her leadership, service and dedication to excellence exemplify the impact that music educators can have in their schools, communities and profession. We are proud to recognize her achievements and celebrate her as one of our distinguished alumni.”

Gary Thomas Distinguished Music Alumna Award

Angela K. Wright (’99, M.A.E. ’05)

Wright has dedicated 27 years to music education, including the past 24 years as a K-5 music specialist with Kearney Public Schools. She began her teaching career as a K-12 vocal and instrumental instructor at Sumner-Eddyville-Miller Public Schools before joining Kearney Public Schools.

Known for her commitment to student learning and music advocacy, Wright currently serves as president of the Nebraska Music Education Association. Throughout her career, she has held numerous leadership positions within the organization, including elementary/general music chair and special ensembles coordinator. She has also presented workshops at state and regional conferences and served as a guest clinician for honor choirs and music festivals throughout Nebraska and neighboring states.

Wright’s influence extends beyond the classroom through her involvement with community arts organizations and music programs. She serves on the boards of the Kearney Concert Association and Handbell Musicians of America Area 8-Nebraska. She also directs the Platte River Children’s Chorale and several church choir and handbell ensembles in Kearney.

In addition to mentoring new teachers within Kearney Public Schools, Wright has worked closely with University of Nebraska at Kearney students as a cooperating teacher for teacher candidates and a mentor for elementary music methods students. In 2021, she was named Outstanding Educator for Kearney Public Schools.

While attending the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Wright participated in numerous musical ensembles, including the Nebraskats, marching band, concert band, wind ensemble, women’s chorus, university chorus and jazz rock ensemble. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music education in 1999 and later earned a master of arts in education in music education from UNK in 2005.

A native of Ogallala, Nebraska, Wright resides in Kearney.

Additional alumni award recipients will be announced through August 7.

To purchase tickets and see a complete list of weekend activities visit unkalumni.org/homecoming or contact the UNK Alumni Association at 308-698-5271.

2026 Homecoming Alumni Events

Friday, October 2

11:00 a.m.        Loper Gridiron Club Golf Tournament (Kearney Country Club)

11:30 a.m.        Distinguished Alumni Awards Luncheon (Regional Engagement Center, Gala Room)

2:30 p.m.         Chemistry Department’s Dr. Don Fox Lecture (Copeland Hall, Room 131)

3:30 p.m.         One Room, One Teacher Induction Ceremony (College of Education Atrium)

5:30 p.m.         Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet (Regional Engagement Center, Gala Room)

6:00 p.m.         UNK Volleyball vs. Northeastern State (Health & Sports Center)

Saturday, October 3

10:00 a.m.       Homecoming Parade (Downtown Kearney)
Noon                Loper Alumni Tailgate (Cope Stadium, Foster Field near Mantor Hall)

2:00 p.m.         UNK Football vs. Pittsburg State (Cope Stadium, Foster Field)

6:00 p.m.         ROTC Alumni Banquet (Younes Conference Center South)

A full schedule of events and ticket information can be found at unkalumni.org/homecoming and unk.edu/offices/student_life/homecoming.php.

                                                                       ###

The UNK Alumni Association provides opportunities for more than 61,000 graduates of the University of Nebraska at Kearney to connect with UNK and fellow alumni. Resources and opportunities for alumni can be found at unkalumni.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 3, 2026

UNK Alumni Association

Tricia Danburg, [email protected]

308-698-5271

unkalumni.org/stay-informed/news

UNK Alumna Honored with Distinguished Educator Award

KEARNEY – Laurie (Budler) Anderson has been selected as the 2026 UNK College of Education Distinguished Educator of the Year.

She will be honored at the 46th Annual Distinguished Alumni Awards luncheon on Friday, Oct. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Gala Room at the Regional Engagement Center, 2204 University Drive, Kearney. Tickets can be purchased at unkalumni.org/homecoming or by calling the UNK Alumni Association at 308-698-5271.

“Laurie Anderson’s four decades of service in early childhood education reflect the very best of the teaching profession,” said Jesslyn Hollar, dean of the UNK College of Education. “Her unwavering commitment to her students, mentorship of future educators and leadership within her school and community have impacted generations of families. We are proud to recognize her dedication and the lasting difference she has made in the lives of young learners.”

College of Education Distinguished Educator of the Year
Laurie (Budler) Anderson (1985)

Laurie Anderson of Aurora, Nebraska, recently completed her 40th year as a kindergarten teacher at Aurora Public Schools, where she has spent her entire professional career nurturing and inspiring young learners.

Known for her dedication to early childhood education, Anderson has served as a mentor teacher for new educators, supervised practicum and student teachers and provided guidance to high school students considering careers in education. She has also been a leader in school improvement efforts, serving on continuous improvement committees, literacy initiatives and numerous programs that support students and families.

Anderson has been recognized throughout her career for her impact in the classroom and school community. Her honors include the Aurora Area Chamber & Development Educator of the Year Award, the William C. and Delight M. Eloe Inspirational Academic Leadership Award and Aurora Public Schools’ You Make the Difference Award.

Beyond the classroom, Anderson has been actively involved in educational and community organizations. She has presented at parent education programs, supported early childhood initiatives, served in leadership roles with professional education associations and volunteered with a variety of school and community projects focused on student success and family engagement.

A native of Bradshaw, Nebraska, Anderson earned a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education with a minor in early childhood education from Kearney State College in 1985.

Additional alumni award recipients will be announced through August 7.

To purchase tickets and see a complete list of weekend activities visit unkalumni.org/homecoming or contact the UNK Alumni Association at 308-698-5271.

2026 Homecoming Alumni Events

Friday, October 2

11:00 a.m.        Loper Gridiron Club Golf Tournament (Kearney Country Club)

11:30 a.m.        Distinguished Alumni Awards Luncheon (Regional Engagement Center, Gala Room)

2:30 p.m.         Chemistry Department’s Dr. Don Fox Lecture (Copeland Hall, Room 131)

3:30 p.m.         One Room, One Teacher Induction Ceremony (College of Education Atrium)

5:30 p.m.         Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet (Regional Engagement Center, Gala Room)

6:00 p.m.         UNK Volleyball vs. Northeastern State (Health & Sports Center)

Saturday, October 3

10:00 a.m.        Homecoming Parade (Downtown Kearney)

Noon                Loper Alumni Tailgate (Cope Stadium, Foster Field near Mantor Hall)

2:00 p.m.         UNK Football vs. Pittsburg State (Cope Stadium, Foster Field)

6:00 p.m.         ROTC Alumni Banquet (Younes Conference Center South)

A full schedule of events and ticket information can be found at unkalumni.org/homecoming and unk.edu/offices/student_life/homecoming.php.

                                                                     ###

The UNK Alumni Association provides opportunities for more than 61,000 graduates of the University of Nebraska at Kearney to connect with UNK and fellow alumni. Resources and opportunities for alumni can be found at unkalumni.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 30, 2026

UNK Alumni Association

Tricia Danburg, [email protected]

308-698-5271

unkalumni.org/stay-informed/news

UNK Graduate Honored with Distinguished Chemistry Alumna Award

KEARNEY – Jia (Grace) Wei has been selected as the 2026 Dr. Donald E. Fox Distinguished Chemistry Alumna. Wei will give her lecture on Friday, Oct. 2, at 2:30 p.m. in Copeland Hall, Room 131. The lecture is open to the public.

She will be honored at the 46^th Annual Distinguished Alumni Awards luncheon on Friday, Oct. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Gala Room at the Regional Engagement Center, 2204 University Drive, Kearney. Tickets can be purchased at unkalumni.org/homecoming or by calling the UNK Alumni Association at 308-698-5271.

“Grace Wei’s professional accomplishments demonstrate the value of a chemistry education combined with strong leadership and a commitment to excellence,” said Frank Kovacs, Ph.D., interim chair of the UNK Department of Chemistry. “Her work advancing product quality, regulatory compliance and animal health has had a meaningful impact on the industry. We are proud to recognize her achievements and celebrate the example she sets for current and future UNK students.”

Dr. Donald E. Fox Distinguished Chemistry Alumna Award

Jia (Grace) Wei (2005)

Wei serves as vice president of quality and regulatory affairs at Nova-Tech in Grand Island, Nebraska, where she leads technical development and regulatory compliance for the manufacturing of animal health products. A native of Dalian, China, and a graduate of Cambridge High School, she has built a distinguished career spanning more than two decades in the pharmaceutical industry.

Since joining Nova-Tech in 2005, Wei has advanced through a series of leadership roles in quality control, quality assurance and regulatory affairs. As vice president of quality and regulatory affairs, she oversees quality assurance and quality control operations, directs regulatory compliance efforts and serves as a strategic liaison with regulatory agencies. Her leadership has contributed to multiple product approvals and successful inspections while helping ensure the safety and effectiveness of animal health products.

Wei’s expertise includes quality management systems, regulatory strategy, product development and manufacturing compliance. Throughout her career, she has helped translate complex regulatory requirements into practical solutions that support both innovation and patient and animal safety.

She has been recognized with Nova-Tech’s Science Cape Award and was a member of Leadership Tomorrow Class 24. She is also a volunteer for the Heartland United Way and the Nebraska State Fair.

Wei earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry with an emphasis in molecular biology from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2005. She later completed a Master of Business Management with a specialization in finance and a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. During her time at UNK, she was involved in international and multicultural student organizations and worked as a laboratory assistant in the chemistry department.

Additional alumni award recipients will be announced through August 7.

To purchase tickets and see a complete list of weekend activities visit unkalumni.org/homecoming or contact the UNK Alumni Association at 308-698-5271.

2026 Homecoming Alumni Events

Friday, October 2

11:00 a.m.        Loper Gridiron Club Golf Tournament (Kearney Country Club)

11:30 a.m.        Distinguished Alumni Awards Luncheon (Regional Engagement Center, Gala Room)

2:30 p.m.         Chemistry Department’s Dr. Don Fox Lecture (Copeland Hall, Room 131)

3:30 p.m.         One Room, One Teacher Induction Ceremony (College of Education Atrium)

5:30 p.m.         Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet (Regional Engagement Center, Gala Room)

6:00 p.m.         UNK Volleyball vs. Northeastern State (Health & Sports Center)

Saturday, October 3

10:00 a.m.        Homecoming Parade (Downtown Kearney)
Noon               Loper Alumni Tailgate (Cope Stadium, Foster Field near Mantor Hall)

2:00 p.m.         UNK Football vs. Pittsburg State (Cope Stadium, Foster Field)

6:00 p.m.         ROTC Alumni Banquet (Younes Conference Center South)

A full schedule of events and ticket information can be found at unkalumni.org/homecoming and unk.edu/offices/student_life/homecoming.php.

                                                                         ###

The UNK Alumni Association provides opportunities for more than 61,000 graduates of the University of Nebraska at Kearney to connect with UNK and fellow alumni. Resources and opportunities for alumni can be found at unkalumni.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 28, 2026

UNK Alumni Association

Tricia Danburg, [email protected]

308-698-5271

unkalumni.org/stay-informed/news/

UNK Alumni Honored During Homecoming Festivities October 2-3

KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney Alumni Association will honor alumni award recipients during the University of Nebraska at Kearney Homecoming festivities Oct. 2-3.

The 2026 UNK Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Awards will be presented to Catherine Coleman Flowers (MA 2015), Daniel J. Kritenbrink (1991), Dale W. O’Brien (1974), Todd Parr (1993) and Gary Person (1977). The Distinguished Young Alumna Award will be presented to Sara Jane Ruggles (MA 2019).

The 46^th Annual Distinguished Alumni Awards will be given out during a luncheon on Friday, Oct. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Gala Room at the Regional Engagement Center, 2204 University Drive, Kearney. Tickets may be purchased at unkalumni.org/homecoming or by calling the UNK Alumni Association at 308-698-5271.

The Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet begins at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2, in the Gala Room at the Regional Engagement Center with a social hour. A dinner follows at 6:15 p.m. with five former student-athletes and one coach being inducted into the UNK Athletic Hall of Fame. To purchase a ticket for the Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet, visit unkalumni.org/homecoming. Information on the inductees will be announced on lopers.com. 

On Saturday, Oct. 3, the day kicks off with the annual homecoming parade in downtown Kearney at 10:00 a.m. Following the parade, alumni and community members are invited to attend the free Loper Alumni Tailgate, at Cope Stadium, near Mantor Hall, starting at noon. The tailgate area will be open until the 2:00 p.m. UNK football game kickoff against Pittsburg State.

To purchase tickets and see a complete list of weekend activities, contact the UNK Alumni Association at 308-698-5271 or visit unkalumni.org/homecoming.

“These individuals represent excellence in action,” said Tricia Danburg, director of alumni engagement. “Their achievements reflect the strength of a UNK education and the lasting impact Lopers make in their communities and professions.”

Distinguished Alumni Awards

Catherine Coleman Flowers (MA 2015)

Catherine Coleman Flowers of Huntsville, Alabama, is the founder and CEO of the Center for Rural Enterprise and Environmental Justice and a nationally recognized advocate for environmental justice and rural communities. Through her work, she has brought national attention to the intersection of poverty, public health and environmental inequities, helping shape policy discussions on wastewater infrastructure and climate resilience.

Flowers is a MacArthur Fellowship recipient, often referred to as the “Genius Grant” award, and has been recognized among TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. In 2025, she received the TIME Earth Award for her leadership in advancing environmental solutions and elevating the voices of underserved communities. Her work has also earned recognition from Forbes, which named her to its 50 Over 50 and Global Leaders in Sustainability lists.

In addition to leading the Center for Rural Enterprise and Environmental Justice, Flowers serves on the boards of several organizations, including the Natural Resources Defense Council and The Climate Reality Project. She has also previously served as a practitioner in residence at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment.

An award-winning author, Flowers wrote “Waste: One Woman’s Fight Against America’s Dirty Secret” and “Holy Ground: On Activism, Environmental Justice, and Finding Hope.” Her work has been featured by major national media outlets, including The New York Times, The New Yorker and 60 Minutes.

Flowers earned her Master of Arts in history from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2015.

Daniel J. Kritenbrink (1991)

Daniel J. Kritenbrink of Falls Church, Virginia, is a partner at The Asia Group, a strategic advisory firm focused on helping companies excel across Asia. A former career U.S. diplomat, Kritenbrink served more than 30 years as a Foreign Service Officer and played a leading role in shaping U.S. policy and engagement throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Most recently, he served as assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs from 2021 to 2025, overseeing U.S. diplomatic efforts across one of the world’s most strategically important regions and helping to strengthen alliances with Japan and South Korea, expand partnerships across Southeast Asia and the Pacific, and manage the United States’ complex relationship with China.

Previously, Kritenbrink served as U.S. ambassador to Vietnam from 2017 to 2021, where he deepened economic, security, and people-to-people ties. During his tenure, the United States and Vietnam expanded cooperation in trade, regional security, education, and legacy of war issues, while reaching several historic diplomatic milestones.

His diplomatic career also included service as senior director for Asian affairs at the National Security Council, deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, and assignments in Japan, China, Kuwait and Washington, D.C.

An Ashland, Nebraska native, Kritenbrink earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 1991 and a Master of Arts from the University of Virginia in 1993.

Dale W. O’Brien (1974)

Dale W. O’Brien of Omaha, Nebraska, built a distinguished career in theater, entertainment and advertising, performing in regional productions, national touring companies and commercial campaigns throughout the country. A graduate of North Platte St. Patrick’s High School, O’Brien earned a bachelor’s degree in speech and theater from Kearney State College in 1974 before receiving a master’s degree in theater from the University of Arkansas.

O’Brien spent more than 25 years as the spokesperson for Godfather’s Pizza, serving as the recognizable voice and face of the company’s national marketing efforts. In addition to appearing in radio and television advertisements, he co-wrote and co-produced campaigns that helped promote the brand across the United States.

Before joining Godfather’s Pizza, O’Brien enjoyed a successful career as a professional actor. His work included children’s theater, dinner theater, opera, summer stock productions, off-Broadway and touring Broadway musicals, television appearances and regional and national commercials. He also wrote and directed theatrical productions, including Union Stories, a one-woman play performed at Kansas City’s historic Union Station, and authored the script for the station’s tour guides.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, O’Brien has dedicated significant time to community service. He supported numerous charitable organizations through his work with Godfather’s Pizza and has promoted literacy by reading to elementary school students throughout the Omaha metro area for decades. Upon his retirement, he donated more than 130 children’s books to two Bellevue elementary schools, furthering his commitment to young readers and education.

Todd Parr (1993)

Todd Parr of Gibbon, Nebraska, has built a career in the insurance industry, serving as general manager of West Nebraska Claims Service, the state’s largest independent adjusting firm. During his more than 30 years in the profession, he has held leadership positions with several insurance organizations and helped expand West Nebraska Claims Service’s reach across Nebraska, all while earning several advanced industry designations.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Parr devoted countless hours to serving his community through youth sports and athletics. As president of the Gibbon Ball Association, he helped revitalize and grow local youth programs, increasing participation and expanding opportunities for young athletes throughout the region. He also coached youth and competitive softball teams for several years. Parr’s contributions to youth sports earned him the Kearney Hub Freedom Award for Sports in 2014.

A former wrestling official, Parr was twice named Official of the Year by the Nebraska State Wrestling Coaches Association. He later transitioned into leadership roles, serving for 16 years as the Nebraska School Activities Association’s wrestling supervisor of officials, where he has overseen the recruitment, training and evaluation of officials across the state. Through his mentorship and leadership, he has helped strengthen officiating standards and supported the recruitment and development of hundreds of wrestling officials.

His service to wrestling has been recognized with two Nebraska State Wrestling Coaches Association Distinguished Service Awards. Parr serves as the treasurer of the Nebraska High School Officials Association board of directors.

A graduate of Clearwater High School, Parr earned a bachelor’s degree in social sciences education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 1993.

Gary Person (1977)

Gary Person of North Platte, Nebraska, has dedicated nearly five decades to advancing economic development and community growth across the state. He currently serves as president and CEO of the North Platte Area Chamber and Development Corporation.

Since joining the organization in 2015, Person has helped oversee significant industrial, commercial and housing projects while supporting record growth in construction activity, retail sales and housing development. During his tenure, North Platte earned statewide recognition as both the Governor’s Economic Development Community of the Year and Nebraska Diplomats Community of the Year.

Previously, Person served as city manager of Sidney for 16 years and as the community’s economic development director for more than two decades. His career also included leadership positions with the Governor’s Office, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and the newspaper industry.

A longtime leader in civic and professional organizations, Person is a past president of the Nebraska Economic Developers Association and the Nebraska Junior Chamber of Commerce. In 2024, he was appointed regional co-chair of the One Nebraska Mid-Plains Region initiative, a statewide effort focused on economic growth and community development.

His contributions have earned numerous honors, including the Nebraska Economic Developers Association Professional of the Year Award, Outstanding Young Nebraskan of the Year recognition and the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority Housing Champion Award. In 2014, he testified before a congressional subcommittee on rural job creation and economic development strategies.

A graduate of Banner County High School, Person earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Kearney State College in 1977.

Distinguished Young Alumna Award

Sara Jane Ruggles (MA 2019)

Sara Jane Ruggles of Post Falls, Idaho, is a public historian, oral historian and adjunct professor whose innovative work has helped create a new model for preserving personal stories at the end of life and enhancing person-centered palliative care.

After earning her Master of Arts in history from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2019, Ruggles developed and implemented the discipline of Restorative Public History while working with Auburn Crest Hospice in northern Idaho. This innovative approach adapts public history practices to support patients and families in clinical settings as a supplemental non-medical intervention in patient care. Through this work, she established the nation’s first public history program within a clinical care setting. She has helped more than 150 families preserve the life stories of their loved ones while helping care teams see their patients as storied individuals.  

Her innovative work has earned national and international recognition, leading to collaborations with the University of Luxembourg, the National Council on Public History and other academic and professional organizations. Ruggles has presented and lectured on public history, oral history and end-of-life care throughout the United States and Europe, helping advance conversations about the role of storytelling in health care and community wellbeing.

Ruggles also serves as an adjunct professor of oral history at Eastern Washington University and has taught history at North Idaho College. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in palliative care through the University of Maryland.

Additional alumni award recipients will be announced through August 7.

2026 Homecoming Alumni Events

Friday, October 2

11:00 a.m.        Loper Gridiron Club Golf Tournament (Kearney Country Club)

11:30 a.m.        Distinguished Alumni Awards Luncheon (Regional Engagement Center, Gala Room)

2:30 p.m.         Chemistry Department’s Dr. Don Fox Lecture (Copeland Hall, Room 131)

3:30 p.m.         One Room, One Teacher Induction Ceremony (College of Education Atrium)

5:30 p.m.         Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet (Regional Engagement Center, Gala Room)

6:00 p.m.         UNK Volleyball vs. Northeastern State (Health & Sports Center)

Saturday, October 3

10:00 a.m.        Homecoming Parade (Downtown Kearney)
Noon               Loper Alumni Tailgate (Cope Stadium, Foster Field near Mantor Hall)

2:00 p.m.         UNK Football vs. Pittsburg State (Cope Stadium, Foster Field)

6:00 p.m.         ROTC Alumni Banquet (Younes Conference Center South)

A full schedule of events and ticket information can be found at unkalumni.org/homecoming and unk.edu/offices/student_life/homecoming.

                                                                         ### 

The UNK Alumni Association provides opportunities for more than 61,000 graduates of the University of Nebraska at Kearney to connect with UNK and fellow alumni. Resources and opportunities for alumni can be found at unkalumni.org.