Alumni Association to present Student Leadership Awards May 8

The Nebraska Alumni Association will present leadership awards to four outstanding University of Nebraska-Lincoln students May 8 during the All-University Celebration and Salute to Alumni Achievement at the Nebraska Champions Club.

The Shane Osborn Award, named after the 1996 UNL graduate and former Navy lieutenant, goes to Mary Elizabeth Jacobson, a UNL senior from North Platte. Kyle Kellett, a UNL junior from Lincoln, is the recipient of the Vann Leadership Award, established by the late Howard Vann and his wife Judy. The Roy and Catherine Yaley Student Leadership Award, named in memory of a former alumni association president and his wife by their daughters, will be presented to Kori Underwood, a UNL junior from Minden.

Jacobson, an English and pre-law major, is a long-time Nebraska 4-H member who provides leadership, personal time and resources to help younger 4-H members. At UNL, she is a member of the Honors Program Student Advisory Board, University Symphony Orchestra, NU Connections and Chi Omega sorority and serves as a student government senator. She has participated in the Emerging Leaders Class, LeaderShape, University Ambassadors, Chancellor's Leadership Class, Nebraska at Oxford program and the Governor's Youth Advisory Council. The recipient of numerous scholarships and academic honors, she also has a 2008-2009 UCARE research grant.

Kellett, a history major, is one of the top Air Force ROTC cadets in the junior class. He serves as deputy physical fitness officer, field training preparation commander, dining-in and -out officer and member of the Honor Guard. Kellett is also a member of the Air Force ROTC basketball and football teams and leads college intramural teams in softball, soccer, broomball, basketball and football and has earned a Physical Fitness Ribbon. He supervises youth activities and coaches a youth softball team at the Campus Lutheran Center and volunteers for Memorial Stadium clean-up and security details. Kellett has received two Air Force ROTC Commendation awards.

Underwood is the secretary for the Student Alumni Association (now Scarlet Guard) executive committee, and the lone underclassman among the group's execs. She maintains a 3.8 grade-point average in the College of Arts and Sciences. Described by the group's adviser as one who "can always be counted on to follow through with her commitments," she shows dedication and enthusiasm and leads by example. Underwood also is house manager for Chi Omega sorority and treasurer for the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. In 2008 she studied abroad in Queretaro, Mexico. She also is a volunteer for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

Reservations for the All-University Celebration and Salute to Alumni Achievement may be made by calling the Nebraska Alumni Association, (888) 353-1874 or (402) 472-4217. The cost is $35 per person and the deadline for registrations is May 1.