CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The University of Northern Iowa has named two recipients of the 2026 Lux Service Award, the highest honor given by the Division of Student Life recognizing graduating seniors for exceptional service. The announcement was made during the university’s annual Student Leadership Awards ceremony on April 14.

These recipients stand out because of their outstanding leadership and a commitment to leaving a lasting legacy on campus. To qualify for the award, students must have held leadership roles in at least two student organizations.

• Lane Kruger, a marketing management and interactive digital studies major with an entrepreneurship minor, has been active in many organizations within the Wilson College of Business. From helping recruit prospective business students through campus tours to giving talks to high school students on entrepreneurship, the Mason City, Iowa native has proven himself as a leader and mentor. He was even selected to represent the Wilson College of Business on an academic and cultural business delegation to Dianji University in Shanghai, China.
  
  “More than anything, I hope my lasting impression is a culture where students feel empowered to step up, support each other and take ownership of the spaces they are part of,” said Kruger. “If future students walk into these organizations and feel welcomed, motivated, and confident enough to lead, then I know the impact of my time at UNI will continue well beyond me.”

• Anya Lovstuen, a social work major with minors in mental health, family studies and child welfare has showcased her leadership skills through a variety of student organizations and on-campus employment. This Decorah native has played on the Women’s Rugby Team, recruiting new members through her position as a Cat Crew leader and creating a culture of kindness and openness for all. She has also volunteered for numerous organizations including UNI’s Panther Pantry, the Salvation Army and Black Hawk County Health and Human Services.
  
  “I hope that all of the connections and communities I had a part in helping build continue to provide support to members of the UNI community and that they are able to grow and extend that strong sense of community and joy to more and more people as I did in my time at UNI,” she said.

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.