Presented by the Gender and Sexuality Center, this award annually recognizes individuals from our campus who have made positive impacts though professional, personal, mentoring, or peer relationships.
Honorees receive a free ticket to a special celebration event at which they will be recognized and presented with the award.
Nominate a 2026 Honoree
All members of the UNL community are invited to nominate a student, staff, or faculty member who has made a positive impact in your life through professional, personal, mentoring, or peer relationships.
Nominations are sought of individuals in as many different fields and roles as possible.
Nominator should prepare to provide examples describing the individual's personal COURAGE, CHARACTER, and COMMITMENT.
Nominations are due by 5 p.m. February 1, 2026.
Award Celebration
March 4, 2026
An evening social event to recognize women in the UNL community who made positive impacts through professional, personal, mentoring, or peer relationships.
Students, staff, and faculty will be publicly recognized with the annual Courage, Character, and Commitment Awards.
The Celebration
March 4, 2026
5:30 to 7 p.m.
Willa Cather Dining Complex, Red Cloud A
Who should attend
- Honorees and their families, friends, and guests
- Nominators
Attire
Business casual attire is appropriate for this event.
Program
5:30 to 6 p.m.
Check in and Social
6 to 7 p.m.
Ceremony
Parking
Limited metered street parking available along R Street.
Visit the UNL Parking website for details about 17th & R Parking Garage and other parking options.
2025 Honorees
STUDENTS
- Madie Beasley | junior, Classical and Religious Studies, CAS
- Katie Bogen | graduate student, Psychology, Graduate Studies
- Elizabeth Herbin | senior, History, CAS
- Laila Doyle | junior, Nutritional Sciences, CEHS
- Ritu Jadwani | graduate student, Merchandising, Graduate Studies
STAFF
- Alexis Blasko | student leadership coordinator, Housing Learning Communities
- Morgan Green McConnell | assistant director, Housing Residence Life
- Cassie Roth | assistant director, Housing Residence Life
- Kerra Russell | senior associate director, Office of Academic Success & Intercultural Services (OASIS)
- Lynnette Sallinger | Administrative Coordinator, Center for Academic Success and Transition (CAST)
FACULTY
- Stefanie Pearlman | associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion, College of Law
- Ann Marie Pollard | associate professor, Theatre, Johnny Carson School of Theatre & Film
- Jamilla Teixeira | assistant professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Scott Engineering Center
2024 Honorees
STUDENTS
- Carley Conover | senior, Biological System Engineering, COE
- Sarah Eaton | graduate student, Nutrition, Graduate Studies
- Hannah Johnson | senior, Psychology, CAS
- Katie Mowat | graduate student, Engineering, Graduate Studies
- Thandeka Ncube | graduate student, Education Administration, Graduate Studies
STAFF
- Letty Garcia | assistant director, Office of Academic Success and Intercultural Services (OASIS)
- Jerri Harner | executive specialist to the vice chancellor of diversity and inclusion, Office of Diversity and Inclusion
- Jenessa Jarvis | advocate, Center for Advocacy Response and Education (CARE)
- Mary Kavan | assistant facilities manager, Housing Facilities Custodial
- Barbara Woodhead | director, Services for Students with Disabilities
FACULTY
- Dr. Anne Duncan | associate professor, Classics and Religious Studies, CAS
- Dr. Lisa Kort-Butler | professor, Sociology, CAS
- Dr. Nicole Iverson | associate professor, Biological Systems Engineering, COE
- Dr. Loukia Sarroub | professor, Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education, CEHS
- Dr. Wendy Smith | director, Center for Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science