UNI honors recipients of 2026 Student Leadership Awards

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The University of Northern Iowa honored student accomplishments and service at its annual Student Leadership Awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 14. Each year, the event highlights students and organizations whose leadership and dedication have positively influenced both the campus and the broader community.

Awards presented by the Office of the Dean of Students included the Dr. Sue Follon Scholarship, the Beverly Funk Barnes Student Excellence Award, the Outstanding Student Leaders Award and the Servant Leadership Award.

Three students were selected as recipients of the Dr. Sue Follon Scholarship this year: Adalia "Addie" Keith, Emily McNamara and Cali Prochaska. The scholarship recognizes individuals who have demonstrated strong leadership during their time at UNI and show continued potential to lead. Keith, a Spanish teaching and social work major, has been actively involved in Panther Welcome and Welcome Week, served as president of Connecting Alumni to Students (CATS), and supported local high school students as a TRIO advisor in the Waterloo community. McNamara, a family services and psychology major, has made a meaningful impact through her work with the UNI Aquatics Program, helping children build confidence and learn essential water safety skills. Prochaska, a kinesiology: exercise science and psychology major, exemplifies leadership through her involvement with the U.S. Paralympic Swimming National Team.

Hailey Rydberg, an elementary education major from Red Oak, Iowa, received this year's Beverly Funk Barnes Student Excellence Award. The award honors students who bring value to UNI through their passion, creativity and commitment. In her roles as Alpha Xi Delta's philanthropy director and vice president of philanthropy, Rydberg organized service initiatives and events that united students in support of children and families in the foster care system.