Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 22, 2026

UNK Alumni Association

Tricia Danburg, [email protected]

308-698-5271

UNK Alumni Association 2026 Outstanding Seniors Selected

KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney Alumni Association has selected five students as the 2026 Outstanding Senior Award recipients.

The honor recognizes seniors for excellence in scholarship and leadership, as well as involvement and dedication to UNK and the Kearney community. Students were selected by a panel of UNK alumni.

“Each of these students has made an impact on the University of Nebraska at Kearney,” said Tricia Danburg, director of alumni engagement. “Their leadership, service and academic achievement reflect the very best of UNK.”

For questions or more information, contact Tricia Danburg at 308-698-5271 or [email protected].

2026 Outstanding Senior Award Recipients

Elly Piper of Norfolk will graduate in May with a pre-medical health science (comprehensive biology) degree. This fall, Piper will begin classes at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Kearney campus.

During her time at UNK, Piper was highly involved in academic and service organizations, including the Honors Program, Mortar Board and Alpha Epsilon Delta health professional honor society. She served as a resident assistant, and was active in Gamma Phi Beta sorority, the Kearney Health Opportunities Program (KHOP), and volunteered in medical and community health settings. Piper also completed a Volunteers Around the World global health internship in Peru and is currently employed at Kearney Regional Medical Center.

Riley Rose of Murdock will graduate in May with degrees in psychology and criminal justice, with minors in behavioral and mental health and public law, and a pre-law emphasis. This fall, Rose will attend the University of Nebraska College of Law as a Public Interest Scholar.

At UNK, Rose served as president of the Psychology Club and Psi Chi, as a Chancellor’s Ambassador, and as a Thompson Scholars Learning Community peer mentor. He was also a member of Mortar Board, Alpha Phi Sigma, the Pre-Law Society, Sigma Xi, the Honors Program, and the Undergraduate Research Fellows program. In addition, he has served Kearney and the surrounding communities as a basketball official for the Nebraska School Activities Association and as a clerk in the Buffalo County Public Defender’s Office. 

Sam Schroeder of Garland will graduate in May with a degree in political science and minors in public law and global peace and security. He will enroll this fall at the University of Nebraska College of Law.

Schroeder served as student body president and student regent, representing UNK students on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. He was also speaker of the UNK Student Senate, president of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and executive vice president of the UNK Interfraternity Council. A member of the Honors Program and Order of Omega, Schroeder participated in undergraduate research and completed internships in government and law.

Marcus Utecht of Blue Hill will graduate in December with a degree in elementary education. This summer, Utecht will begin working toward a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction at UNK and will student teach at Kenwood Elementary in Kearney this fall.

While at UNK, Utecht has been active in the Honors Program and the Teacher Education Advisory Council and participated in undergraduate research focused on supporting students with trauma. He holds leadership roles in Delta Tau Delta fraternity and earned multiple academic honors. Utecht has gained extensive hands-on experience working in elementary classrooms and after-school programs.

Caleb Wiseman of Plattsmouth will graduate in May with a degree in mathematics grades 6-12. This fall, he will teach eighth grade math at Plattsmouth Middle School and coach football and track at Plattsmouth High School.

At UNK, Wiseman served as chief justice of the UNK Student Court and was active in Student Senate, the Honors Program and the Math Club. He worked as a resident assistant, mathematics tutor and New Student Enrollment leader, and volunteered through campus and community service organizations. Wiseman gained valuable skills through his field and student teaching experiences.

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