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UNO Celebrates Student Excellence at 2026 Honors Convocation

The annual ceremony celebrates academic excellence, leadership, research, and service across campus.

  • published: 2026/04/28
  • contact: Sam Peshek - Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu
A university official in academic regalia shakes hands with a smiling student holding a UNO-branded award folder on stage during a formal honors ceremony, with U.S. and Nebraska flags in the background.

University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Phil He, Ph.D., congratulates an honoree at the 2026 Student Honors Convocation. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) recognized its high-achieving students during the 2026 Student Honors Convocation, an annual tradition spotlighting Mavericks who lead in the classroom and beyond.

➡️ What’s new: Held April 24 at the Strauss Performing Arts Center, the ceremony honored undergraduate and graduate students for academic excellence, leadership, research, and community impact.

💡 Why it matters: Honorees pair strong academics with real-world impact, with work reflecting the university’s commitment to student success, community engagement, and research that improves lives locally and globally.

🔎 Zoom in: Top honors include:

  • Helen Hansen Outstanding Graduate Student Award: Grace Gunderson and John Ursino
  • Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence: Isabelle Vargas
  • Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Student Leadership: Daniela Martha-Palma
  • Chancellor's Award for Outstanding Service Learning: Isabella Frederick
  • Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research or Creative Activity: Sarah Nakamura
  • Outstanding Student Athletes: Jackson Scott Burrus and Emily Karmazin

📣 What’s next: View a complete list of honorees on the Academic Affairs website.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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