University of Nebraska at Kearney

At UNK, we thrive on collaboration. Turning individual strengths into collective triumphs and coming together for a bigger purpose. That’s the #PowerOfTheHerd.

[University of Nebraska at Kearney @UNKearney]

Gavyn Brauer still has the email.

Tucked away in his inbox is a message from freshman year, when a UNK faculty member called him out after he fell asleep in class. At the time, it felt like a stern reprimand. Today, it serves as a reminder of just how far he’s come.

As Brauer prepares to address his classmates as the student speaker during Friday’s summer commencement ceremony, he finds himself thinking about that moment.

“I’ve definitely come a long way,” he said. “I’ve changed a lot and grown so much in the past four-plus years.”

FULL STORY: https://t.co/DKOrH0yj5d

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[University of Nebraska at Kearney @UNKearney]

The UNK Alumni Association will recognize the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients Oct. 2-3 during homecoming festivities.

Congratulations to this year's honorees: Catherine Coleman Flowers, Daniel J. Kritenbrink, Dale W. O’Brien, Gary Person, Todd Parr and Sara Jane Ruggles.

𝙁𝙐𝙇𝙇 𝙎𝙏𝙊𝙍𝙔: https://t.co/0odHdJxnFu

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[University of Nebraska at Kearney @UNKearney]

Graduate and undergraduate degrees will be conferred for 182 summer graduates at UNK’s commencement exercises 10 a.m. Friday (July 31) at UNK’s Health and Sports Center.

For a full list of the candidates for degrees can be found at the link below⬇️

FULL LIST: https://t.co/VH0cNPQTPl

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[University of Nebraska at Kearney @UNKearney]

UNK’s Mortar Board chapter received two national honors recognizing its commitment to scholarship, leadership and service.

The Xi Phi Chapter earned the 2026 Gold Torch Award, presented to chapters that exemplify Mortar Board’s core values through outstanding programming and campus engagement. UNK is one of just 19 chapters nationwide to receive the recognition. The chapter also received the Outstanding Achievement Award for excellence in officer and adviser transition.

Established in 1988, UNK’s Xi Phi Chapter is part of the national Mortar Board honor society, which recognizes outstanding college seniors for scholarship, leadership and service. The UNK chapter included 22 students during the 2025-26 academic year and will welcome 27 members this fall.

“UNK’s Mortar Board chapter has built a reputation for excellence over many years, and it’s rewarding to see the members from the 2025-26 academic year continue that legacy,” said faculty adviser JP Rech, an assistant professor of health and physical education. “Receiving both the Gold Torch Award and Outstanding Achievement Award reflects the commitment these students have to serving the campus and leading by example. These awards highlight the impact our students are making, and I’m especially proud that our students are receiving the national recognition they have earned.”

Founded in 1918, Mortar Board has 236 chapters across the country. It is a certified member of the Association of College Honor Societies.

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[University of Nebraska at Kearney @UNKearney]

The Nebraska Sandhills have long defined the state’s natural landscape, stretching across nearly 20,000 square miles of grass-covered dunes shaped by resilient native plants and generations of stewardship.

Now, that same prairie character is taking root at the UNK.

UNK recently launched a landscaping initiative centered on native grasses, wildflowers and trees, creating a recognizable campus identity inspired by Nebraska’s natural heritage while reducing water use, maintenance demands and long-term costs.

“The goal is to have a UNK identity,” said Alex Zabel, grounds manager for UNK Facilities Management and Planning. “We want the landscaping and the feel to be the same throughout campus. This is an identifiable palette that lets people know they’re at UNK.”

FULL STORY: https://t.co/aChAppKCEz

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[University of Nebraska at Kearney @UNKearney]

Little Lopers 🏐

Had a great time the past two days with @UNKvolleyball at the VolleyKids camp!

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[University of Nebraska at Kearney @UNKearney]

Every Wednesday afternoon, the Peterson Senior Activity Center’s library transforms into something of a time machine.

Not the DeLorean that Marty McFly drives in the 1980s film “Back to the Future,” but one powered by passing around old photographs, singing Army cadences and sharing stories that have waited decades to be told.

For the past month, UNK counseling students Kyle Harshbarger and Mason Morhain have facilitated this reminiscence group for adults 50 and older as part of their practicum experience.

"Our group is a reminiscence therapeutic group for seniors that encourages our members to recall and talk about their positive memories and experiences throughout their lives."

FULL STORY: https://t.co/hYb57ukV7L

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[University of Nebraska at Kearney @UNKearney]

For the Rauert family, UNK has never been just a college campus.

It’s a gathering place, a launch pad, a source of friendships and, perhaps most importantly, a second home.

Ask the family to describe their connection to UNK and a common theme quickly emerges.

“A home away from home,” said Jenna Rauert. Around a table inside the Nebraskan Student Union, heads nod in agreement.

For more than three decades, the university has been woven into the fabric of the Rauert family’s story.

FULL STORY: https://t.co/SmzwcJQ1nK

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[University of Nebraska at Kearney @UNKearney]

We 💙 K E A R N E Y

[University of Nebraska at Kearney @UNKearney]

Education never ends! 🍎☀️

Hear from UNK graduates Braelyn Verba and Gabby Grace on how their education prepared them for the teaching field, as well as the benefits of working at UNK's summer camp, Loper Launch!

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[University of Nebraska at Kearney @UNKearney]

We’ll see you soon @waynestcollege 🏈

50 days out from @UNK_Football season opener at Ron and Carol Cope Stadium!

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[University of Nebraska at Kearney @UNKearney]

Sara Bruner knows firsthand the impact healthcare workers have on patients and the growing need for those professionals, especially in rural Nebraska.

Originally from the tiny community of North Loup, she earned a bachelor’s degree from UNK and radiologic technology degree from Mary Lanning Healthcare, then spent nearly 17 years working in the field.

Now, she helps inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals. As coordinator of UNK’s Health Science Explorers program, Bruner works to develop a pipeline of healthcare providers in Nebraska, starting with students in seventh grade and continuing through professional school. She is responsible for programming that exposes students to career opportunities, internships, mentoring, learning community experiences, networking and professional development.

FULL STORY: https://t.co/9FJ2q7YsyU

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[University of Nebraska at Kearney @UNKearney]

Happy Birthday America! 🇺🇸

Happy 4th of July from all us here at UNK!

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[University of Nebraska at Kearney @UNKearney]

After serving as interim dean since August 2025, Megan Adkins has been selected dean of Graduate Studies and Academic Innovation at UNK.

The appointment is pending approval from the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.

“Megan brings significant experience in graduate education, online learning and academic innovation,” said Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Julie Shaffer. “Graduate education and online learning are important components of UNK’s mission, and her familiarity with the division and understanding of its priorities will help us continue expanding opportunities for students.”

FULL STORY: https://t.co/YNTBzlnD0C

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[University of Nebraska at Kearney @UNKearney]

Through a new partnership with the Mari Sandoz Society, significant portions of the organization’s archival collection have been transferred from Chadron State College to UNK’s Calvin T. Ryan Library, where they will be preserved, studied and made accessible to students, scholars and the public.

“We’re not moving a collection; we’re building a future,” said Shannon Smith, president of the Mari Sandoz Society.

FULL STORY: https://t.co/6vOS8JGcff

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[University of Nebraska at Kearney @UNKearney]

UNK’s @unkearneydelts fraternity is once again being recognized among the best collegiate chapters in North America.

UNK’s Theta Kappa Chapter will receive the Chapter Award of Distinction from the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), an honor recognizing fraternities that demonstrate excellence in operations, campus involvement, leadership and service while creating a positive fraternity experience.

“Being recognized with this prestigious award is far more than just a trophy and honor,” said Chapter President Dylan Pfeifer, a senior from Central City. “This represents our motto, ‘Committed to Lives of Excellence,’ as the men of Theta Kappa strive to be the best we can.”

FULL STORY: https://t.co/K5OcZOgS8K

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[University of Nebraska at Kearney @UNKearney]

A very happy Father’s Day to all the Loper Dads out there!

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[University of Nebraska at Kearney @UNKearney]

Ayami Sato is a legend, an inspiration, an expert at her job and a sweet soul. Star players Tyrese Haliburton and Caitlin Clark added another description to the long list: GOAT.

The attention was both surprising and emotional for Sato, a 2008 graduate of UNK.

“I was full of tears because they were so nice,” she said. “I do understand I’m one of the lucky ones. If you don’t get the opportunity to prove yourself, you won’t even be able to show people what you have. So many people in this world gave me opportunities, and I don’t take that for granted.”

“There are so many things that make you think you can’t,” she said. “I want people to think, ‘Maybe I can.’ No matter what other people say, if you want to try it, at least give it a shot. And it might just happen.”

FULL STORY: https://t.co/F1GiwGtIi1

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