CSC Health Professions Students Recognized at Banquet
Chadron State College Students majoring in Health Professions were recognized at an annual banquet April 13 at Country Kitchen. CSC graduate and Physician Assistant Ian Ahrens spoke at the event. He shared his experiences from professional school which included trying to keep up with courses during the pandemic and transferring when the out-of-state school he was attending voluntarily withdrew from being accredited.
Kaitlyn Johnson, of Alliance, in Nursing, will attend UNMC West.
Local Students Graduate from UNK
Graduate and undergraduate degrees were conferred for 667 spring graduates at University of Nebraska at Kearney commencement exercises on May 19 at UNK’s Health and Sports Center.
Darian Wilson, of Alliance, graduated with a Bachelor’s of Education in English Education and Theatre Education, and was recognized as Summa Cum Laude. Jennifer Lauder, of Alliance, received a Master of Education in Learning, Design and Technology.
UNK Awards Academic Scholarships to Incoming Freshmen
More than 2,500 University of Nebraska at Kearney academic merit and leadership scholarships have been granted to 2023 graduates from Nebraska and out-of-state high schools. The total value of the awards is $13.5 million yearly.
UNK awards more than $28 million in scholarships and grants each year. The average scholarship awarded to freshmen at UNK is $10,267, and 87% of all freshmen receive scholarships and/or grants.
Maribel Carrillo, Annaka Digmann, and Abraham Gomez, of Alliance, and Catherine Bryner, Taren Hunter and Lawrence Miller, of Hemingford received the Board of Regents Scholarship, the most prestigious award granted by UNK. It is a full-tuition scholarship of more than $26,000. Kaigan McBride, of Alliance, received the Distinguished Scholar Scholarship, which provided $3,000 annually toward tuition. Peyton Kindred, of Alliance, and Rylie Wright, of Hemingford received the Loper Achievement Scholarship, which provided $2,000 annually toward tuition. Evan Hadden, of Alliance, received the Nebraska Career Scholarship, awarded to Nebraska students enrolled in health care, engineering, mathematics, computer information systems, pre-veterinary medicine, communication disorders, biology, chemistry, exercise science, industrial technology and psychology degree programs. Valued at $40,000 over four years.
Area Students Graduate from UNMC
Diplomas and certificates were conferred on 971 University of Nebraska Medical Center students during ceremonies held May 4 in Lincoln, Norfolk and Kearney and May 6 in Omaha and Lincoln.
“The pandemic experience drives home the message, for once and for all of the crucial role of science, and medicine and public health,” UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, said. “It makes clear that we need the talent, courage and empathy of health care professionals as well as the dedication of our research scientists, medical ethicists and so many others.”
Dr. Gold praised “the incredible ability to partner with almost every component of our community to confront seemingly endless complex problems and see something innovative, do something helpful, something that might have been previously missed or just assumed.”
He spoke of “the magical combination of care and caring” in health care.
“Each of you are now called to serve, always building upon a foundation of your professional values, always knowing that there is a team around you — others who are dedicated and steeled in this journey with you. Clinical care is a team sport. Research is a team sport. Public health is a team sport.
“Each of you are now a critical part of such a team.”
Sarah Troester, of Alliance, graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing. Shelbi Mills, of Alliance, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. Margaret Menke, of Alliance, graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy.
Waldron Graduates from Hastings College
Hastings College held its 137th Commencement on Saturday, May 13, 2023. During the ceremony, the College awarded degrees to 211 undergraduates and seven Master of Arts in Teaching graduates. Graduates represented 19 states and 13 countries.
Sydnie Waldron, of Alliance, graduated with a Bachelors in Business Administration and High Distinction in Studio/Digital Art.
Nebraska Awards Record 3,753 Degrees in May Ceremonies
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln conferred a record 3,753 degrees during commencement exercises May 19 and 20.
The 3,669 graduates are from 59 countries; 47 states, the District of Columbia and Guam; and more than 240 Nebraska communities.
The Bob Devaney Sports Center hosted a ceremony for students earning graduate and professional degrees May 19; Memorial Stadium hosted a ceremony for undergraduates May 20; and the Lied Center for Performing Arts hosted a ceremony for law graduates May 20.
Chancellor Ronnie Green, who plans to retire at the end of June, delivered the keynote addresses during the graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremonies. JoAnn Martin, former CEO of Ameritas and longtime university supporter, posthumously received the 2023 Nebraska Builder Award during the undergraduate ceremony. Bob Kerrey, former Nebraska governor and former U.S. senator for Nebraska, received an honorary Doctor of Law during the ceremony. Nebraska Supreme Court Justice Stephanie F. Stacy spoke to the law graduates.
Following is a list of area graduates, listed alphabetically by hometown, with their college(s) and degree(s).
Alliance: Callan Jacob Ackerman, College of Business, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Alliance: Sophia Mishael Collett-Walker, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Bachelor of Science in Animal Science.
Hemingford: Luke Christopher Cullan, College of Business, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Hemingford: Cade Waylon Payne, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics.
Baker Named to Honors List
Joel Baker of Alliance was named to Concordia University Nebraska’s honors list for the Spring 2023 semester.
Concordia University, Nebraska named 223 students to its honors list for the Spring 2023 semester. Students who earn a 3.90 GPA or higher while also completing at least 12 credit hours qualify for the honors list.
Foults Named to President’s List
Ryan Foults of Alliance has been named to Southern New Hampshire University’s Winter 2023 President’s List. The winter terms run from January to May.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.