UNK Student Affairs

11/13/2025

The account linked below through the UNK Foundation funds our Social Committee activities and prizes. Your donation helps us keep hosting fun events and making our division a great place to work!
https://givingday.unk.edu/organizations/divison-student-affairs

Rise and shine Lopers! It's Day 2 of and just under four hours of giving left to unlock challenges, complete contests, spread the word and so much more! And remember, with gifts totaling $75 or more you can get a limited-edition Loper cap!

Make a gift here ➡️ https://givingday.unk.edu/

11/07/2025

On Behalf of the Student Affairs Social Committee, I am pleased to announce that Sarah Mattson is the recipient for the November 2025 Golden Loper Award. Sarah serves as a Mental Health Practitioner in Counseling.

Please join us in congratulating Sarah on her well-deserved award!
The following nomination were submitted on Sarah’s behalf:
I would like to nominate Sarah Mattson for the outstanding student affairs professional award. Sarah’s passion for helping students is evident by her outstanding work with students in the Counseling Center. Sarah exhibits patience, kindness, and empathy both with students and her colleagues. Because she has worked for UNK for many years, she is also a knowledgeable resource for students, connecting them with resources on campus that will help them be successful. I view Sarah as a humble leader. Although she is quiet, she is the strong foundation that helps keep students and staff connected. She is also creative. She collaborated with disability services last year to launch a support group for neurodivergent students and has made several suggestions about how we can reach more students. She is always willing to help, without reservation, even when helping looks like going to the 7th floor of CTW during Blue and Gold showcase to talk with a student in distress. We are lucky to have her at UNK.

10/15/2025

On Behalf of the Student Affairs Social Committee, I am pleased to announce that Amber Gapp is the recipient for the October 2025 Golden Loper Award. Amber serves as the Office Coordinator in Student Engagement and Leadership Office. Please join us in congratulating Amber on her well-deserved award!

I would like to nominate Amber for recognition due to her exceptional dedication, support, and positive impact on our office environment here at the University of Nebraska Kearney.

As a new employee, adjusting to a new role and workplace can be overwhelming, but Amber has made that transition incredibly smooth for me. From day one, she has gone above and beyond to help me get acclimated—not only by answering my many questions (even when I’ve had to ask the same one more than once), but also by ensuring I had all the information I needed as quickly as possible. Her patience, kindness, and willingness to help at any moment truly stood out and made a lasting impression.

Amber brings an outgoing and uplifting energy to the office that motivates everyone around her. She creates a welcoming atmosphere that makes both staff and student workers feel valued and supported. Her ability to keep the office running smoothly, especially in collaboration with our student workers, is something that deserves recognition. She consistently puts in effort that often goes unnoticed, yet is critical to the day-to-day success of our team.

What sets Amber apart is not just her work ethic, but her character. She is kind, thoughtful, and always puts others first. She leads by example, offering encouragement, sharing a laugh when it's needed, and showing up every day with a commitment to making things better for everyone around her. She takes initiative, remains organized, and handles challenges with grace and professionalism.

Amber is more than just a coworker—she is a leader, a motivator, and a genuinely good person who makes a difference in our workplace every single day. I truly believe she deserves to be recognized for the incredible work she does and the positive impact she has on all of us.

09/15/2025

On Behalf of the Student Affairs Social Committee, I am pleased to announce that DJ Hardwick is the recipient for the September 2025 Golden Loper Award. DJ serves as the Assistant Director of Student and Family Transitions and Leadership in Student Engagement and Leadership. Please join us in congratulating DJ on his well-deserved award!
The following nomination were submitted on DJ’s behalf:
I am honored to nominate DJ Hardwick for the Golden Loper Award. While DJ is no stranger to Blue Gold Welcome and Orientation, this was his first year leading as professional staff—and he exceeded expectations in every way.
Under his leadership, DJ and his staff trained more than 30 Loper Leaders and executed one of the most successful Blue Gold Welcome events in UNK history. Orientation continually evolves with changes in higher education, student needs, and institutional priorities, and DJ demonstrated the ability to pivot seamlessly while keeping student success at the center. Attendance at all events was strong, and the success was due in large part to DJ’s excellent communication, organization, and vision.

Even with little time to pause, DJ and the Student Engagement and Leadership team transitioned immediately into coordinating the Loper Lot Party, further showcasing their commitment to creating a welcoming, vibrant student experience. Their efforts set the tone for student involvement and engagement at UNK, perfectly aligning with this year’s theme: Connect Here, Lead Everywhere.

Through Blue Gold Welcome, students connected with faculty, campus resources, and each other while participating in engaging activities such as the popular GooseChase scavenger hunt. Behind the scenes, DJ managed countless details, community partnerships, and campus collaborations—many of which go unnoticed, yet are critical to success.

DJ’s dedication, leadership, and tireless work ethic embody the spirit of the Golden Loper. He truly rolled out the red carpet for our students and ensured their UNK experience began with excitement, connection, and belonging.
DJ Hardwick is most deserving of the Golden Loper Award.

05/23/2025

Congratulations to exceptional staff receiving awards at the Student Affairs End of Year Celebration!

04/15/2025

On Behalf of the Student Affairs Social Committee, I am pleased to announce that Renae Zimmer is the recipient for the April 2025 Golden Loper Award. Renae serves as the Director of Student Engagement. Please join us in congratulating Renae on her well-deserved award!

The following nomination were submitted on Renae’s behalf:
Renae does an outstanding job leading and being committed to the students that she serves in a selflessness manner. As the Director of Student Engagement, Renae has consistently demonstrated not only exceptional dedication to her role but also unwavering willingness to go above and beyond when the need arises.

Renae excels in managing demands of her position, ensuring that students are supported, heard, and engaged in a meaningful way. Her passion for creating a positive and inclusive environment for students shines through every activity, meeting and interaction. Renae has had to fill in during staffing gaps and figure out ways to make things run efficiently. Her adaptability has been invaluable to our institution and the student engagement department, especially during challenging times. Renae's work ethic and determination to ensure nothing is overlooked are truly remarkable. She puts in countless hours, often beyond the standard workweek, to make sure that every event, initiative, and student interaction runs smoothly.

Renae's warm and approachable demeanor ensures that she is always available for both students and staff, creating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels valued. Whether it is helping a student with their concerns or offering support to a colleague, Renae’s dedication to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment is evident in everything she does.

03/05/2025

On Behalf of the Student Affairs Social Committee, I am pleased to announce that Dominic Johns is the recipient for the March 2025 Golden Loper Award. Dominic serves as the Adventure Programs Coordinator in the Campus Recreation. Please join us in congratulating Dominic on his well-deserved award!
The following nomination were submitted on Dominic’s behalf:
1ST Nomination: On Friday, February 21, at approximately 4:45 PM, a patron collapsed while running on the treadmill. Other patrons quickly assisted her off the machine, and without hesitation, Dom, alongside our student staff, swiftly responded to the emergency. Upon reaching the patron, Dom recognized the need for CPR and immediately began administering it. Meanwhile, other student staff members efficiently followed the established emergency action protocols at Campus Recreation.
While Dom may not seek recognition, his quick thinking and leadership were critical in saving a life that day. He demonstrated exceptional judgment and composure under pressure. Dom also provided clear instructions to the student staff, guiding them on additional actions needed, while the team stepped up and took initiative.
Without a doubt, Dom is highly deserving of this award, and his actions reflect not only his skill but his dedication to the well-being of others. I am incredibly proud of our entire staff for handling the situation so effectively, and I am especially grateful to Dom for his courage and selflessness in navigating such a daunting scenario. It is an honor to work with Dom, not only as a colleague but as a friend.

2ND Nomination: Dom has been working full-time for Campus Rec for less than a year but has made a huge impact in his time here. As the Adventure Programs Coordinator, he manages a diverse range of responsibilities, and his passion and dedication are evident. With his approachable nature, he is a go-to resource for his student staff, and a great co-worker who is always willing to help.
Dom handles the many different areas of his role with ease, and he consistently goes above and beyond. Whether it’s arriving early, staying late, or juggling multiple tasks, he ensures his programs run smoothly. He has a friendly, knowledgeable presence at the climbing wall that reflects through his work and student staff.
Dom is very deserving of this award for numerous reasons, but especially this spring semester. In addition to planning an outdoor adventure trip and running various programs at the wall, Dom still supports the department in any way he can. He has been a great help in helping intramurals move canoes back and forth for their Intramural Battleship event, he has also been very involved in supporting the climbing club and helping them with programming and other decision-making. Dom also played a vital role and demonstrated incredible leadership and composure during a life-threatening emergency at the Wellness Center this past month.
We are fortunate to have Dom on our team. His dedication, teamwork, and willingness to go above and beyond make him a great candidate for this award!

3rd Nomination: I recommend Dominic Johns. There is nothing more deserving than saving a life and Dom did not
falter. He did the best thing for a student in need without hesitation and set the stage for the best outcome for that student. I proudly nominate him for this award.

02/10/2025

On behalf of the Student Affairs Social Committee, I am pleased to announce that Quaid Anthony is the recipient for the February 2025 Golden Loper Award. Quaid serves as the Residence Hall Coordinator for CTW. Please join us in congratulating Quaid on his well-deserved award!

The following nomination was submitted on Quaid’s behalf:
Quaid is taking the lead at our regional housing association on DEI efforts and did a phenomenal job representing UNK this past week at a conference. He is assisting with hosting a student leadership experience for the regional housing association to assist students in developing those leadership skills that are so necessary for their on-going development. He has jumped into the work we do in Residence Life and is very much valued for all the attention he puts into his students and staff! He often bakes treats for his colleagues and is a valued member of the Student Affairs team.

12/10/2024

On Behalf of the Student Affairs Social Committee, I am pleased to announce that Alex Goracke is the recipient for the December 2024 Golden Loper Award. Alex serves as the Senior Residence Hall Coordinator. Please join us in congratulating Alex on his well-deserved award!
The following nomination were submitted on Alex’s behalf:
Alex stepped up to be our Senior Residence Hall Coordinator this past year and has been with the Res Life department in various roles for seven years. He has found great ways to connect with our upperclass students in his new position by hosting cart nights where he and his team walk around with goodies and have intentional conversations to help students feel that belongingness that is important for retention. Working with fraternity and sorority life is new to Alex and he has jumped in to get to know the community. He works with their office and their leaders to make it a seemless environment. Alex works with athletes on campus to help them with their leadership in a volunteer capacity to give back to UNK and the students that are enrolled here. He has stepped up to help with RA Selection this year so his supervisor can dedicate more time to a leadership conference we are hosting this spring. His dedication to UNK is unmatched and I'd like to ensure he gets recognized for his contributions.

11/06/2024

On Behalf of the Student Affairs Social Committee, I am pleased to announce that Gaby Montanez is the recipient for the November 2024 Golden Loper Award. Gaby serves as an Office Associate in Student Health. Please join us in congratulating Gaby on her well-deserved award!
The following nomination were submitted on Gaby’s behalf:

*I am writing to nominate Gaby Montanez for the Golden Loper Award. Since joining Student Health, Gaby has been a breath of fresh air. She has easily integrated into her role here and has added so much benefit for Student Health and our team.
A co-worker recently described her as "a bouquet of flowers," which perfectly describes her warmth, kindness and positive demeanor. Gaby always maintains a cheerful and composed attitude, even while juggling 100 tasks! I love that she treats each student that walks through our door with kindness and empathy.
We are incredibly fortunate to have Gaby on our team, it is such a pleasure and joy to work alongside her. I wholeheartedly believe she embodies the spirit of the Golden Loper Award!
*Gaby is a perfect representation of someone deserving of the Golden Loper award. She is frequently the students' first and last contact within our Student Health office as they come in for their appointments. Gaby is friendly, positive, and uplifting to everyone she encounters, students and co-workers alike. When she is not behind the front desk, our office just doesn't feel the same. Gaby seems to be the perfect blend of professionalism with light-hearted engagement. We truly appreciate all the little things she does to keep our office running smoothly while maintaining such a wonderful work environment.
*Gaby is a bright shining light in our office. Her joyful spirit and warm compassionate presence is a welcoming force for our students when they come to our office feeling ill or unsure. Her go getter drive is a thing to behold and she gets things done. She has mad computer skills and has jumped right in to command her position with grace and efficiency. She is warm welcoming and helpful to our students and brings such a wonderful positive vibe to our whole office. We love Gaby and are grateful for her every single day.

10/10/2024

On Behalf of the Student Affairs Social Committee, I am pleased to announce that Christna Stevens is the recipient for the October 2024 Golden Loper Award. Christina serves as A TRiO Advisor in the Loper Success Hub. Please join us in congratulating Christina on her well-deserved award!
The following nomination were submitted on Christina’s behalf:

Christina Stevens, TRIO-SSS Advisor, has been and continues to be a shining reflection of a “Golden Loper” and is well deserving of this award!
Christina began working as Office Associate for the Disability Services for Students office managing the DSS testing center and supervising student workers in the TRIO-SSS computer lab in February 2022. She recently transitioned into a new role as TRIO-SSS Advisor and shortly thereafter transitioned to the new TRIO-SSS office space in the Loper Success Hub. Christina has been amazingly helpful in this move offering a constant willingness to lend a hand whenever or wherever it’s been needed.

She assists both staff and students with technology whether it’s port hook-ups, downloading needed software, managing our WEPA printer, or a myriad of other technology issues that have needed attention. She has saved us many calls to the UNK Helpdesk with her hands-on knowledge and has had a positive “can-do” attitude when managing challenges and has always been quick to offer possible solutions or ideas on how to work around them.

She has consistently exuded a “serve the student” mindset along with going the extra mile to impact students and staff. Her choice to be transparent regarding utilizing campus services has been a tremendous benefit to UNK students. Christina has always been very welcoming and friendly to the students she’s worked with and is passionate about promoting disability awareness on our campus. During this transition period, she has stepped up to help our new DSS Office Associate become acclimated to her new role all while transitioning into a new role herself.

As a TRIO-SSS Advisor and Foundation for Learning instructor, Christina is also a strong advocate for first generation and low-income students and has welcomed the opportunity to meet with returning students in her new role as their advisor and also with new students introducing herself and explaining the benefits of participating in the TRIO-SSS program. Christina began her graduate studies last spring and continues to do so. She goes above and beyond for students and her colleagues!

10/10/2024

On Behalf of the Student Affairs Social Committee, I am pleased to announce that Halla Paschold is the recipient for the September 2024 Golden Loper Award. Halla serves as the Residence Hall Coordinator (Mantor, Randall and Mens). Please join us in congratulating Halla on her well-deserved award!

The following nomination were submitted on Halla’s behalf:

I would like to nominate Halla Paschold. Halla worked tirelessly through RA training and opening weekend while helping bring a building that had recently undergone renovation back online. She spent hours talking with students about the laundry facilities not being ready, assisted in getting furniture placed back in the rooms and communicated to the team about the various concerns needing addressed for the students as we worked to get the building pieced back together. She spent many days on call for the institution over the early arrival and opening period to assist the Resident Assistant team with questions and concerns. The water main break impacted her building over the opening week and she worked with her team to connect with the 150 students impacted in Randall Hall. We didn't have one complaint from the students about the situation and I attribute that to Halla going above and beyond to ensure the students needs were being met. Halla wrote some amazing lesson plans for the upcoming semester and helped keep our summer conference experience positive for our guests. She has done a lot for the students here at UNK and the division of Student Affairs.