Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 30, 2025

UNK Alumni Association

Tricia Danburg, [email protected]

308-698-5271

UNK Alumni Association 2025 Outstanding Seniors Selected

KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney Alumni Association has selected five 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 have made tremendous contributions to the University,” said Tricia Danburg, director of alumni engagement. “They are not only outstanding seniors, but also outstanding individuals.”

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

 2025 Outstanding Senior Award Recipients

Kelsey Cordes, Waverly, daughter of Jeff and Toni Cordes. Kelsey graduates in May with a degree in exercise science and a minor in nutrition. She will attend the University of Nebraska Medical Center this fall to pursue a degree in medical nutrition.

During her time at UNK, Kelsey was a member of the softball team and served as a coordinator for the Chancellor’s Ambassadors. She served as the director of health and wellness and a committee chair for Alpha Phi Sorority, was an undergraduate research fellow, and served on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Greeks Advocating for Healthy Lifestyles and Circle K. Additionally, Kelsey was active in the Phi Eta Sigma and Mortar Board honor societies. She is a currently nutrition tech at Kearney Regional Medical Center.

Katie Lytle, Omaha, daughter of Cherie and Craig Lytle. Katie will graduate in May with a degree in chemistry education grades 7-12. Following graduation, she will be an educational leadership consultant for Alpha Phi International.

At UNK, Katie served as a coordinator for the Chancellor’s Ambassadors and held several leadership roles for Alpha Phi Sorority, including chapter president. She was also active in Order of Omega, Mortar Board, Chemistry Club, National Panhellenic Council, the honors program, Sigma Xi Scientific Honor Society and Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. Katie was a new student enrollment leader, chemistry lab teaching assistant, an undergraduate researcher, and a chemistry tutor.

Bethany Rother, Weskan, Kansas, daughter of Mike and Amy Rother. Bethany graduates in May with degrees in studio art and theater, with an emphasis in acting and directing. She also earned her pilot’s licenses while attending UNK. Bethany will be pursuing a career in aviation and flight instruction following graduation.

During her time at UNK, Bethany was active in theater productions and served as the homecoming co-chair for the Loper Programming and Activities Council. She was active in the Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority, Women in Aviation, 99’s Aviation Club, Honors Student Advisory Board, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Fraternity, Alpha Psi Omega Theater Honor Society and Alpha Eta Rho-Kappa Nu Aviation Fraternity. Bethany was a campus tour guide and currently works as a pilot for Trego Dugan Aviation.

Delaney Tracy, Gibbon, daughter of Dave and Deb Tracy. Delaney will graduate in May with a degree in history and a minor in accounting. She will be enrolled in the University of Nebraska at Kearney this fall in the history master’s program and has accepted a graduate assistantship with the UNK History Department.

While at UNK, Delaney participated in undergraduate research, served as president of Phi Alpha Theta-Pi Nu Chapter, was active in Phi Eta Sigma and was on the Dean’s List. She was the recipient of the 2024 Wagner Family Writing Award. She has worked for the UNK Chancellor’s Office and Trails & Rails Museum in Kearney and completed an internship with the Department of Veterans Affairs. She volunteers as a Find-A-Grave photographer.

Jon Willis, Omaha, son of Kathryn Lofgren and Josh Willis. Jon graduates in May with a degree in sports communication and a minor in journalism. Following graduation, Jon will be working on-air at KRVN in the news and sports departments.

At UNK, Jon served as the sports director for KLPR Radio and the sports editor for The Antelope Newspaper. His efforts earned multiple awards, including the 2024 Intercollegiate Broadcasting Systems award for best sports update, 2024 International Student Broadcasting Championship finalist recognition for play-by-play, 2022 Nebraska Broadcasters Association award for best play-by-play, and numerous Golden Leaf awards. Jon has worked as a play-by-play broadcaster for the North Platte Plainsmen and Duluth Huskies and currently works for KRVN.

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The UNK Alumni Association provides opportunities for more than 58,000 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.