Waukon High School graduate Delaney Nagel among Lux Service Award winners at UNI ...

The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) in Cedar Falls has named three of this year’s graduating seniors as recipients of the prestigious 2025 Lux Service Award. The announcement was made during the university’s annual Student Leadership Awards ceremony Tuesday night, April 15.

Presented by the UNI Dean of Students office, the Lux Service Award is the highest honor recognizing exceptional service among graduating seniors. Recipients of the award have demonstrated outstanding leadership and a commitment to leaving a lasting legacy on campus. To be eligible, students must have held leadership roles in at least two student organizations. The Lux Service Award is the official University seal; it illustrates a burning lamp of knowledge and the Latin word Lux, meaning light. It is conferred in the spirit of keeping the light of service to others burning brightly at the University of Northern Iowa.

Among this year’s three Lux Service Award winners is Delaney Nagel (center in photo at right), a 2021 graduate of Waukon High School and the daughter of Craig and Shawn Nagel of Waukon. She is a triple major in accounting, management information systems and business analytics and has also been active in student groups such as Women in Business and the Accounting Club. She says holding leadership positions in these groups has allowed her to grow immensely in confidence. In every role, she has encouraged underclassmen to pursue leadership positions to ensure these student organizations continue to thrive.

“One of my core beliefs is the importance of recognizing and uplifting others,” shared Nagel. “Throughout my time at UNI, I have made it a priority to celebrate the big and small successes of those around me. By simply giving words of encouragement and affirmation, this has helped develop a supportive environment in the student organizations that I have been a part of. I hope to have created a space where executive team members and general members alike feel valued and inspired to take on leadership roles.”

Two other UNI graduating seniors joined Nagel in being honored with the Lux Service Award this year. Lizbeth Montalvo (left in above photo), a political communication and Spanish major from Des Moines, is a first-generation college student involved in programs such as summer orientation, Jump Start Scholars and as a Panther Ambassador. Montalvo also served as president of Northern Iowa Student Government, where she advocated for students at the Iowa Statehouse. Samantha Robinson (right in above photo) is a communication sciences and disorders major from Cedar Rapids who has been involved with UNI Dance Marathon and also participated in clinical and research experiences that she feels have prepared her for a future of providing patient-centered care.

The Lux Service Award was one of several honors presented at the Student Leadership Awards ceremony. More information about all award recipients is available at studentleadershipawards.uni.edu. Submitted photo.