Applauding Excellence is a signature program, facilitated by the Office of Student Engagement and the Division of Student Affairs, which recognizes the exemplary work of successful student organizations, student leaders, programs, and advisors. The event also honors student employees who have been strong contributors to the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
Each spring, the Applauding Excellence Selection Committee receives and reviews nominations for the 11 different awards presented at the Applauding Excellence ceremony.
Applauding Excellence 2026
Awards Ceremony April 22, 2026 at 4:30 PM in the Ponderosa Room
Submit a Nomination
2026 Applauding Excellence Categories
This award will be given to the student organization that has demonstrated consistent flexibility, initiative, creativity and perseverance; has made a meaningful contribution to students, the University, and/or the surrounding community; and has organized activities, events and programs that have had a significant impact on the quality of campus life at UNK.
This award will be given to an organization new to the campus in the past three years that has demonstrated a progression of growth as indicated by their programming and membership; has fostered personal and professional excellence in its members, and has had an impact on the UNK community.
This award recognizes excellence outside of the classroom and is given to an individual or group that brings attention to or addresses a societal issue. The awardee will have worked to foster an environment on campus or in the community where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered.
The community service program that receives this award was sponsored by a UNK student organization that contributed to the broader mission of UNK and encouraged students to engage in service beyond this one experience.
This award recognizes a campus program, project, or event organized and completed through the collaborative efforts of two or more student groups or campus organizations. This award is based on the concept of encouraging student groups to seek out other organizations to achieve a common goal.
Philanthropy is defined as an effort to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to a good cause. This award is for an organization that exemplified philanthropy through charitable acts, monetary donations, or volunteering time, effort, or showing other forms of altruism.
The recipient of this award will be an individual who voluntarily serves as an advisor to a student organization while exemplifying UNK’s vision of leadership, service, and excellence.
This award will be given to a student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership within his or her organization. The criteria for selection includes quality of leadership, mutual respect among peers and administrators, dedication to the improvement of campus life, and the ability to promote leadership development at UNK.
This award recognizes a freshman or sophomore student who has excelled in their organization and has demonstrated true leadership qualities. The selection of the award is based on his/her involvement within their organization, leadership initiatives, and overall contribution to the UNK community.
This award recognizes a student who has taken the initiative and/or gone the extra mile to contribute to the success of UNK through his or her outstanding contributions within their organization. Going the extra mile is evident in their follow-through and willingness to help others. The winner of the award does not necessarily hold a leadership position within their organization but is an overall hard worker and is dedicated to the success of their group.
This award recognizes a student leader whose long-term dedication and commitment have made a positive impact on sustaining the visibility of a student organization. It is presented to a long-standing member of an organization that has left a positive mark on the group and at UNK.
The Kearney Young Professionals Network and Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce award is for a graduating UNK student who exemplifies campus and community leadership, involvement and embodies the qualities of a young professional. In addition, this award is for a UNK student who is interested in developing themselves personally and professionally as they build their career in the local community. This award is open to all students who plan to reside in the Kearney area after graduation.
This award recognizes the outstanding contributions of a UNK student employee. This award is given a UNK undergraduate who goes above and beyond as a student employee in their respective department and/or college.
