Five students with areas of study in the College of Arts and Sciences are among twelve at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln who were awarded Student Luminary Awards for exceptional leadership and commitment to improving the campus and community.
The awards were announced during a reception on April 14. Those selected create a positive campus environment, advocate for change, demonstrate a significant and active commitment to inclusion, and model academic excellence inside and outside the classroom.
Each student was nominated by a faculty or staff member on campus.
Nathaniel Franz, a senior political science major from North Platte, Nebraska, was honored as a Student Luminary for his leadership and activism in his role as a Resident Assistant and various associations. He is an active member of of National Association for College and University Residence Halls (NACURH) and Residence Hall Association (RHA) and was elected as Director of Midwest Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (MACURH).
“Nathan has shown a level of leadership, maturity, and activism that is hard to compare with many students I have worked with throughout my past ten years as an advisor,” Jacob W. Sherry, nominator, said.
Osvaldo Palma Vargas, a senior sociology major from Grand Island, Nebraska, was honored as a Student Luminary for his passion for building an inclusive environment as a student worker and peer mentor in Nebraska College Preparatory Academy (NCPA).
“Osvaldo’s dedication to inclusion, work ethic, and commitment to other is what elevates him amount his peers,” Jenni Brost, nominator, said.
Madi Pfeiffer, a junior psychology and political science major from Aurora, Illinois, was honored as a Student Luminary for her commitments to creating a positive campus environment as an undergraduate REACH suicide prevention trainer and executive team member of the Out of the Darkness student organization.
“Madelyn leads with respect and dignity to create an environment where others feel welcomed, accepted, valued, and safe,” Jessica Wagner, nominator, said.
Christie Seyl, a senior psychology and biological sciences major from Overland Park, Kansas, was honored as a Student Luminary for her dedication to fostering inclusive communities on campus. She currently serves as the president of the Spectrum student organization and is a member of the UNL Honors program.
“Christie provides a home community, and support network for students at UNL through Spectrum,” Harrison Lloyd, nominator, said.
Chanasei Ziemann, a junior biological sciences and biochemistry major from Hickman, Nebraska, was honored as a Student Luminary for her passion and dedication to making others feel valued as a student member of the Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of People of Color.
“Chan shines as a student leader and is incredibly devoted to all that she gives her time, expertise, and talents towards,” Dr. Marianna Burks, nominator, said.
