Howard L. Wieger's Nebraska Outstanding Wildlife Conservation Award
Kathy and Joel Sartore represent the ideal for the Howard L. Wieger's Award. It was originally designed for citizens who went the extra mile for conservation. Joel Sartore is perhaps most noted for being the Creator of the Photo Ark. As citizens, Kathy and Joel have purchased land in Sheridan County that is primarily pasture but has abundant marshland and lakes as well. This habitat is home to thousands of birds including Long-billed Curlews and many species of waterfowl. They have partnered with a father, daughter ranch team who share similar visions of conservation, to oversee the property. These purchases have further enhanced habitats for the Long-Billed Curlew and as Joel stated, "This is real conservation stuff." The land is in a trust so that it is maintained at its current level of use. This show of dedication to conservation alone would qualify the Sartores for the award. However, they have also purchased two small farms and pasture near Valparaiso that are also managed sustainably. Kathy and Joel have restored ponds and planted native grasses and wildflowers to provide habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. These personal acquisitions made by Kathy and Joel Sartore, for the betterment of conservation of plants and wildlife, is an outstanding commitment.
This prestigious award honors members of our community who have devoted their lives to conservation of wildlife and have inspired many others through their work and accomplishments.
Club Awards
Range Management Club
Trail Blazer Award
Josie Ivy
The Trail Blazer Award is given to an individual who has signifcantly contributed to the club during their first year of membership.
Trail Boss Award
Caitlin Copenhaver
The Trail Boss Award is given to an individual who has significantly contributed to the club throughout their membership by staying actively engaged, motivated others, and worked hard to prepare for competitions.
Wildlife Club
Merit Award
Caitlin Copenhaver
This award recognizes first-time officers or non-officers of the club who have been actively involved in activities.
Alumni Award
Elyse Watson
This award recognizes an alumni of both UNL and the Wildlife Club who has continued to assist the club and has become very accomplished in their field as a working professional.
Brian Smith Outstanding Student Award
Kara Kniep
This award, named in honor of UNL student Brian Smith, honors a member of the Wildlife Club in good standing who is a major in Fisheries and Wildlife or Environmental Studies and has been actively involved.
Ron Case Scholarship
Joseph Kouba
This award recognizes students in Fisheries and Wildlife who are active members of the club and meet a 3.0+ GPA level. This Scholarship supports students as they pursue their education while involved in leadership.
Ron Case Scholarship
Kara Kniep
School of Natural Resources Awards
Graduate Student Meritorious Award
Katherine Graham, Ph.D. Candidate
The Meritorious Graduate Student Award is given to honor our best students, recognizing academic achievements, research, teaching contributions, leadership accomplishments, service and personal qualities demonstrated during their tenure in the School of Natural Resources.
Postdoctoral Excellence Award
Carly Olson
This award recognizes a postdoctoral associate for exceptional work and service.
Staff Recognition Award
Bryan Leavitt
This award recognizes the positive contributions of a School of Natural Resources or Natural Resources Business Center (NRBC) staff member.
Faculty Inspiration Award
Judith Turk
This award is student nominated and recognizes faculty who inspire our students.
Early Career Faculty Award
Lindsey Chizinski
This award recognizes faculty who have impacted the School's mission within the first 6 years of their career at UNL.
Extended Service Faculty Award
Mark Burbach
This award recognizes faculty who have made a substantial impact on the School's mission over the course of their career at UNL.
Early Career Excellence Alumni Award
Alexa Davis
This award recognizes alumni who have graduated from UNL within the last 10 years and have shown a great impact in their career field.
Distinguished Service Alumni Award
Randy Stutheit
This award recognizes alumni who have made a substantial impact over the course of their career, and since graduating from UNL.
