Three from CEHS recognized with Women of Courage, Character, and Commitment Awards

05 Apr 2024    

Two graduate students and a faculty member from the College of Education and Human Sciences were among the 15 individuals presented with 2024 Women of Courage, Character, and Commitment Awards by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Gender and Sexuality Center.

 Sarah Eaton, a doctoral student in nutrition, Thandie Ncube, a master’s student in student affairs administration, and Loukia Sarroub, Marvin C. and Jane N. Nore Professor and department chair in Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education, were each honored with the award at a celebration in March. 

Eaton, a native of San Lorenzo, California, was nominated after facing a life-threatening illness – severe hyperemesis gravidarum – during pregnancy. Despite the setbacks from the illness, she is now the mother of twin daughters while continuing her full-time commitment as a Ph.D. student. Eaton also contributes to an increased awareness of women who struggle with hyperemesis gravidarum, and mentors young girls as part of a youth group at a local church. 

“Being acknowledged as a Woman of Courage, Character, and Commitment validates that my beliefs resonate with others,” Eaton said. “It illustrates that even amidst inevitable hardship, there’s the potential to transform adversity into opportunities for positive growth and change.” 

Ncube, a native of Kwekwe, Zimbabwe, was nominated for being a hard-working, caring and kind mother, student and friend. She is dedicated to helping Husker students through her work at the Gender and Sexuality Center. Her nominators pointed to her tireless work ethic, who is balancing raising a small child with pursuing her master’s. 

“Courage, character and commitment are not merely words, but principles I live by,” Ncube said. “My unwavering dedication to advocating for others and pushing through limitations and uncertainty motivate me to make a difference in my community. Though it is a huge honor to receive the Women of Courage, Character, and Commitment Award from the Gender and Sexuality Center, it is salient to remember that these facets do not exist in isolation. I continue to persevere because of the network of women around me; who nurture, support and encourage me to continue on despite any adversity I have faced.” 

Sarroub was nominated for her commitment to education and outstanding mentoring of women in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education. She has nominated several women from the department for important college and university awards, and has appointed, nominated or included women for leadership positions within the department, college and university. The nominator also noted that Sarroub has frequently stepped in to help international graduate students with difficult issues find the support they needed. 

“It’s an honor to be nominated and selected for this campus and Lincoln communities award, which focuses on the positive impacts women make via professional, personal, mentoring, or peer relationships,” Sarroub said. “This award is meaningful for me because it also affirms the key value of intersectional understandings in all social systems within which we work and live. It is rewarding and humbling to be among this year’s women awardees who are ‘championing change.’” 

The Women of Courage, Character, and Commitment Awards are presented annually to recognize women from the UNL campus and Lincoln communities who have made positive impacts through professional, personal, mentoring, or peer relationships. See the full list of 2024 honorees at https://gsc.unl.edu/women-courage-character-and-commitment.