UNL honors Graff, Thorson with student leadership awards

Twenty University of Nebraska-Lincoln students were honored with Student Affairs' annual Student Leadership Awards this spring. Stephanie Graff of Omaha and Eric Thorson of Eagan, Minn., received 2007-08 Outstanding Student Leadership Awards, and 18 others were honored as semifinalists for the award by Juan Franco, vice chancellor for student affairs.

The honors are given annually to one female and one male student who meet criteria for the honor and have the most notable leadership contributions at UNL. The awards recognize outstanding leadership in academics, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, and involvement. The recipients receive a scholarship worth approximately the cost of resident tuition during their senior year at the university (approximately $5,500).

Graff is president of Chi Omega sorority, an active member of the Navigators, a member of the University Honors Program, a past president for Phi Eta Sigma honors fraternity, and a Justin Smith Morrill Scholar. She volunteered with the Big Event, is a counselor, pre-teen project member and the foundation development project chairperson for the Nebraska Human Resources Institute. She is a peer educator and coordinator of Husker Choices, and a member of the Student Alumni Association Board of Directors, member of Order of Omega, and a New Student Enrollment orientation leader.

Thorson is president of the Residence Hall Association and president of Chi Phi fraternity. He is a representative for the Student Affairs Advisory Council, the Pepsi Events Fund committee, Downtown Lincoln Association planning committee, Midwest Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls, and NU Directions committee. He has volunteered with the Big Event, the "Feed My Starving Children Soup Kitchen," and assisted with the North Bottoms Neighborhood Association.

Other semifinalists and finalists are listed below, by hometown. The four finalists each received a book scholarship for up to $500 for the next academic year.

NEBRASKA

Bellwood: Ryan Hassebrook.

Exeter: Kenton Moore.

Herman: Maggie Kulmann.

Kearney: Megan Black (finalist), Shannon Killion.

Kimball: Kyle Perry.

Lincoln: Carlos Lopez (finalist), Emily Zimmer (finalist).

Nebraska City: Kathryn Farris.

Omaha: Evan Luxon, Michael Moses, Alisha O'Malley.

Stuart: Katie Madsen.

York: Amanda Schnell.

ELSEWHERE

Alma, Mo.: Frederick D. Hertwig.

Canton, S.D.: Adam Morfeld (finalist).

Delmont, S.D.: Dustin Will.

Saint Joseph, Mo.: Heather Mitchell.