For their support of students, 64 University of Nebraska–Lincoln employees received Family and Friends Recognition Awards. The award recognizes faculty and staff who have made a significant difference in students’ lives.
All nominations are submitted by parents, family and friends of students who include a short explanation of why this person was nominated. The nomination is anonymously shared with each recipient, and all recipients receive a certificate.
This recognition provides meaningful feedback to employees about their impact on students and highlights important work often overlooked by formal reward systems.
“Our faculty and staff play a pivotal role in supporting and inspiring students. It’s always encouraging to see that our students’ families took the time to show their appreciation for their impact on students," said Dee Dee Anderson, vice chancellor for Student Life. "Thank you to every recipient for making UNL a place that cares for every student."
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Life organized the annual recognition and the Teaching Council and the UNL Parent and Family Association co-sponsored it. This is the 38th year Nebraska faculty and staff have received this award.
The 2025-2026 recipients are listed below. Numbers in parentheses indicate the number of times a recipient has received the award. If no number is listed, the award is a first-time honor. For more information, contact Student Life at 402-472-3755.
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Animal Science
- Bryan Reiling (13)
- Brett White (3)
Agricultural Economics
- Rosalee Swartz (24)
Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communication
- Lindsay Hastings (6)
Engler Entrepreneurship Program
- Tom Field (8)
Entomology
- Georgina Bingham (2)
PGA Golf Management
- Joseph Canny (4)
School of Natural Resources
- Kenneth Pyle
College of Arts and Sciences
Biological Sciences
- Marianna Burks (10)
- Peter Angeletti (10)
Chemistry
- Jason Kautz (14)
- Leah Zohner (2)
Classics & Religious Studies
- Simon Wood (2)
English
- Rachael Shah
Global Integrative Studies
- Jim Benes
History
- Scott Stempson (6)
Mathematics
- Kevin Gonzales (9)
Physics and Astronomy
- Jean Marcel Ngoko Dijokap
Political Science
- Daniel Schaub
- Donald Beahm (4)
Psychology
- Jeff Stevens (2)
Sociology
- Crystal Edwards
College of Business
Business Advising & Student Engagement
- Kevin Sueper (2)
Business Honors Academy
- Becka Neary-DeLaPorte (2)
Center for Entrepreneurship
- Sam Nelson (8)
Clifton Strengths Institute
- Tim Hodges (4)
Management
- Elina Ibrayeva (6)
Marketing
- Natalie Chisam (2)
School of Accountancy
- Amanda Gonzales (3)
- Jill Trucke (2)
- Julie Uribe
College of Education and Human Sciences
Nutrition and Health Sciences
- Ajai Ammachathram (8)
- Linda Young (16)
Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education
- Kim Zetterman
College of Engineering
Dean’s Office
- Mikayla Cruickshank
Durham School of Architectural Engineering & Construction
- Matthew Barrows (3)
Mechanical and Materials Engineering
- Mohammad Razavi
- Qilin Guo
Recruitment & Outreach
- Olivia Munson
School of Computing
- Chris Bourke (4)
- Christopher Bohn (2)
Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts
Glenn Korff School of Music
- Scott Anderson (14)
- Emily Salgado (2)
- Doug Bush (7)
Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film
- Dan Novy (2)
College of Journalism and Mass Communications
Advising
- Alisa Smith
Broadcasting
- Rick Alloway (29)
Journalism
- Linda White
Sports Media & Communication
- Jason Stamm
College of Public Affairs and Community Service
School of Criminology & Criminal Justice
- Trisha Rhodes
Additional Units
Athletic Department
- Alyssa Czapla
- Fred Hoiberg
- Jay Terry
- Luca Virgilio
- Nate Loenser
- Padyn Borders
Center for Transformative Teaching
- Nate Pindell
Student Life
- Gretchen Hamilton
- Jodi Bergstrom (2)
- John Goldrich
- Jon Gayer
- Karen Wills (4)
- Pablo Rangel (3)
University Libraries
- Adara Vinal
