Luther College junior receives 2025 Udall honor for her commitment to sustainability

The Udall Foundation has recognized Luther College junior Kenna McGee ’27 of Eldridge, Iowa, for her commitment to reducing Luther’s carbon footprint through sustainable practices at Dining Services.

Kenna McGee

McGee received an honorable mention for the Udall Undergraduate Scholarship, a national scholarship awarded to future leaders in environmental, Tribal public policy and health care fields. This year, 55 Udall Scholars were selected from among 381 candidates at 175 colleges and universities. McGee was among the additional 55 students to receive honorable mentions. She is the only college student from Iowa to be recognized by the Udall Foundation in 2025.

“I’m thrilled to see Kenna honored with this selection,” said Laura Peterson, professor of environmental studies at Luther. “In her work on campus as a food services sustainability intern, she has shown her capacity to lead and get things done.”

McGee is double majoring in economics and environmental studies with a minor in Spanish. She is actively involved with the Energy and Water Task Force, the Sustainable Foods Task Force, Campus Garden Revitalization, Citizens’ Climate Lobby and TRIO Student Support Services.

“The Udall Scholarship is incredibly competitive. My experience in the Caf was invaluable to my success in the application process,” McGee said. “As the dining services sustainability intern, I was given the green light to explore my interests, passions and specific initiatives that I felt particularly strongly about. One of my projects last spring was the implementation of a product named EndoCube, which changes the way that the thermometers in our walk-in coolers and freezers function, making them far more efficient.”

McGee selected for other awards and scholarships

In the spring, McGee received the Kuh Family “Positively Luther” Award. Established in 2015 by George D. Kuh ’68, Warren R. Kuh ’74 and Kristian R. Kuh ’97, the “Positively Luther” award is given each year to a student whose character, leadership and participation in co-curricular and other educationally purposeful activities enhance the quality of campus life.

“I’m honored to be selected for this award. I want to thank everyone, especially my mentors and classmates, who have supported me,” McGee said. “It’s rewarding to know that the projects I’m working on have practical benefits for the student body.”

McGee was also awarded a Steven Mark Anderson Scholarship for the 2025-26 academic year.

McGee develops diverse skills to be an effective leader

Out of the classroom, McGee worked as an assistant soccer coach at Decorah High School and a youth soccer coach for the Decorah United Soccer Club. In her free time, she provides translation services to help individuals navigate the U.S. citizenship process and volunteers at the Decorah Community Food Pantry.

“I like keeping myself busy,” McGee said. “I’ve been given so many opportunities to explore and pursue my passions here at Luther, and I’m just thankful to contribute and learn as much as I can.”

After graduation, McGee aspires to work as an environmental economist. She seeks to make a lasting impact on society, particularly through policies that promote sustainable, environmentally-friendly decisions.

“Kenna’s wide-ranging interests keep her busy outside the classroom, and by getting involved in a diverse set of activities, she is developing a skill set that is setting her up to be an effective changemaker and leader,” said Steve Holland, professor of economics and director of the Law and Values program at Luther. “Kenna has an unusual ability to reason through complex topics and communicate her ideas effectively. Kenna is also not afraid to cross disciplines, drawing upon her training in environmental studies, Spanish, agriculture and economics when necessary.”

McGee’s next project involves using hydroponic agriculture methods for growing food to serve in the Caf.

“I’m especially excited about the educational opportunities and access to locally sourced fresh food that hydroponic agriculture can offer on campus,” she said.

Learn More