On behalf of the Board of Regents, I am pleased to present a KUDOS Award to Ms. Eileen Jahn, Honors Program Outreach Coordinator at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
Eileen came to UNK as a student in August 1991 from Davenport, Nebraska. She was an Omaha World-Herald and Kearney Hub scholar and was part of the very first “UNK” freshman class. Eileen holds a B.A. in Music from UNK, Master of Music from Kansas State University, and K-12 Vocal/Instrumental Music teaching certification.
She says of her career path, “In many ways it chose me. Opportunities have come my way that have suited my abilities well and that I have enjoyed immensely.”
For 12 years, she served as an adjunct faculty member in UNK’s Department of Music & Performing Arts, directed the ‘Nebraskats’ show choir and taught voice lessons intermittently. In 2021 she began working as the Honors Program Outreach Coordinator. Her responsibilities include communicating with current and prospective Honors Program students; overseeing publicity and event planning; facilitating events such as the Omaha World-Herald/ Kearney Hub Scholars Day, Convocation, Awards Banquet and Senior Showcase; coordinating recruitment efforts; supervising Honors Envoys and student workers; and providing one-on-one support.
“I value the relationships with students, faculty, staff, administration, and alumni,” Eileen says. “The people are what make this job and this place precious to me.” Honors Program Director Angela Hollman praises Eileen, “She works every day to support students, an amazing asset to the Honors Program and the University, both are better with her here.”
Congratulations to Eileen Jahn, one talented, creative, caring person making an incredible difference. With Eileen are husband Mick; daughter and current UNK student Emma; son Heath; mother Ruth Oellerich (OLE-er-ick), and Aunt Jane Wehnew.