Go Big Grad 2020

Claire Berman

HOMETOWN: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
MAJOR:  Psychology with minors in Sociology, Communication Studies, Global Studies

WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
Graduating from Nebraska means the culmination of four years of hard work, relationship building and growth! I feel so blessed that I can look back at my undergraduate experience and see that I had the fullest Husker experience I could have. 

INVOLVEMENTS:
New Student Enrollment Orientation Leader,  Student Alumni Association President,  Resident Assistant,  Pi Alpha Chi Sorority, CliftonStrengths Coach

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: 
I will be pursuing my M.S.Ed in Higher Education and Student Affairs at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Along with completing my coursework, I will be the Graduate Advisor for Sorority and Fraternity Life at IU.

After graduation, I am most looking forward to entering this new and exciting chapter of my life! 

The best thing about being a Husker is the community that I can always come home to. My UNL family will always be there to support me, even when my time as a student here has ended.

Claire Berman

Nichole Brady

HOMETOWN: Elkhorn, NE
MAJOR: Classical Languages

WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
Graduation is a bittersweet conclusion to the last four years of college. It brings the end of probably the best years of my life thus far but also, it signifies the exciting beginning of my career. 

INVOLVEMENTS:
Classics Club, Homerathon, Didaskalia, Eta Sigma Phi Honors Society, Oxford E-book Project

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: 
This summer I will begin a job as a claims investigator for Omaha National Insurance.

After graduation, I am most looking forward to my wedding in the Fall of 2020!  

The best thing about being a Husker is everything. I loved all my time here.

Nichole Brady

Matthew Meacham

HOMETOWN: Omaha, NE
MAJORS: Computer Science and Math with a minor in business. 

WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
The culmination of years of hard work, pursuit of knowledge, and exploration of my passions. It means I am well-prepared to take the first step into my career and my future.

INVOLVEMENTS:
The Innocents Society, Lincoln Volunteer Income Tax Assistance CoalitionInitializeUNLPi Kappa Alpha FraternityUNL Eagle Scout Association

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: 
I will start work as a Software Engineer at Palantir in Washington, D.C. 

After graduation, I am most looking forward to applying what I have learned over the course of four years to the everyday problems faced at my job. I am also looking forward to exploring more my interests I found in college: constraint processing and logic programming.

The best thing about being a Husker is the pride that we have in our University and state. There really is no place like Nebraska, and being a Husker reminds me that every day.

Matthew Meacham

Lauren McNeal

HOMETOWN: Kearney, NE
MAJORS: Political science, Spanish and psychology with minors in human rights and humanitarian affairs

WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
Graduating from Nebraska means graduating from the same University that my parents graduated from. They have been my biggest cheerleaders throughout college, and now we all have the same alma mater!

INVOLVEMENTS:
Cornhusker Marching Band, ASUN Senate, Steel Pan Club, Government Liaison Committee, Honors Program

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: 
I will attend Georgetown Law in Washington, D.C. in the fall of 2021. I will also be the International Relations Intern with the US Grains Council this summer in D.C.

After graduation, I am most looking forward to watching Husker games as an alumnus!

The best thing about being a Husker is the family that Nebraska gives its alumni. I can walk through any airport with a Husker sweatshirt and I will always get a "Go Big Red!"

Lauren McNeal

Taylor Kimbrough

HOMETOWN: Nevada, MO
MAJOR: Communication Studies with a minor in business

WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
I'm proud to be able to say I graduated from a Big Ten University and that I was able to conduct valuable research in the field of Communication Studies! 

INVOLVEMENTS:
Student Worker at the University Registrar, Husker Pantry, Dogs for Danielle

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: 
I will be continuing my education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln pursing my Masters in Higher Education Administration. I will also continue to work full time in the Registrar's Office as the Registrar Systems and Student Records Coordinator. 

After graduation, I am most looking forward to being able to tell my family I did it! #FirstGen

The best thing about being a Husker is knowing you are a part of a community that is passionate and supportive!

Taylor Kimbrough

Guadalupe Esquivel

HOMETOWN: Grand Island, NE
MAJOR: Sociology, Spanish and Latin American studies with minors in political science, anthropology and ethnic studies

WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
As a first generation student, it means everything. I get to do this for my parents.

INVOLVEMENTS:
Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc., Cornhusker Speech, Mexican American Student Association, Sociology department teaching assistant

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: 
Civic engagement nonprofit work in Lincoln, NE.

After graduation, I am most looking forward to continuing to learn about what interests me, at my own pace.

The best thing about being a Husker is the warm community.

Guadalupe Esquivel

Don Agiro

HOMETOWN: Rusinga, Nyanza, Kenya
MAJOR: Actuarial Science 

WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
Coming in as an international student, I didn't imagine the possibility of ever finding a second place to call home... Nebraska is Home, UNL is my family :) 

INVOLVEMENTS:
NSE Orientation Leader, Resident Assistant, Intercultural Aide, Transfer Assistance Community Treasurer,  Actuarial Science Club Member

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: 
I am Currently Applying for jobs all over the Country, but crossing my fingers someone employs me at home (#Nebraska! #GBR!).

After graduation, I am most looking forward to to get a job and earn some work experience.

The best thing about being a Husker is being part of a family that cares.

Don Agiro

Olivia Maras

HOMETOWN: Blair, NE
MAJOR: Psychology with minors in English, criminal justice and criminology 

WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
Graduating from Nebraska means having the best, kindest, most supportive community to have my back. It means connections that will guide me throughout my whole life, and roots that will stay strong. 

INVOLVEMENTS:
Delta Gamma Fraternity, University Program Council, UNL Writing Center, Mortar Board Senior Honor Society

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: 
I am planning to take a year or two off after I graduate before applying to PhD or Masters programs, continuing my education in psychology. Where I will be living is to be determined! 

After graduation, I am most looking forward to having more free time to spend reading, writing, and progressing my art/drawing hobbies! 

The best thing about being a Husker is the impactful and lasting relationships I have built with fellow students, graduate students, and faculty.

Olivia Maras

Emily Madsen

HOMETOWN: Chicago, IL
MAJOR: Psychology with minors in history, women and gender studies, human rights and humanitarian affairs and sociology

WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
For me graduating means that all my hard work has paid off. It still does not feel real that my four years are ending but I gained a lifetime of memories from UNL. Graduating has definitely been a bittersweet moment for me.

INVOLVEMENTS:
Psi Chi President, Learning Community Peer Mentor, Nebraska Legends Peer Mentor, Campus Host  Research Assistant

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: 
I plan on getting a job here in Lincoln for a year or two before I go back to school to get my masters.

After graduation, I am most looking forward to starting my career and having more free time to reconnect with my hobbies.

The best thing about being a Husker is getting to meet so many amazing people here. There truly is no place like Nebraska.

Emily Madsen

Jesse Kruse

HOMETOWN: Hartington, NE
MAJOR: Physics and Math

WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
It means I have received a quality education from the top university in my home state. It means that as I move on to other opportunities, I am a representative of my state and the institution in which I was trained.

INVOLVEMENTS:
Society of Physics Students, Rocktavo, Undergraduate research in high energy physics, Undergraduate research in atomic, molecular, and optical physics, University Housing Resident Assistant

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: 
I will be attending the University of Colorado Boulder for my PhD in experimental physics working on improving trapped ion quantum computers. 

After graduation, I am most looking forward to the little break before grad school. I am excited to read some books I’ve been meaning to get to, go biking and swimming, and get some uninterrupted time in the lab.

The best thing about being a Husker is the amount of resources to help us succeed as students. There are so many faculty and staff there to help you achieve your goals no matter what they are. 

Jesse Kruse

Tate Kollar

HOMETOWN: Orlando, Florida
MAJOR: Communication Studies and philosophy with minors in English and ethnic studies

WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
I'm most thankful for the friends I made in college and the ways they helped me through my four years in Lincoln. I'm also excited to graduate from the same school as my mom!

INVOLVEMENTS:
Afrikan People's Union, Resident Assistant, Cru, Neihardt Hall Government

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: 
I'll be teaching English to language learners with Teach For America. 

After graduation, I am most looking forward to being able to celebrate at home with family and my dog. 

The best thing about being a Husker is being around people who care about my growth as a person.

Tate Kollar

Kaylee Robinson

HOMETOWN: Lincoln, NE
MAJOR: Psychology with minors in sociology, leadership and communications studies, women and gender studies and LGBTQ and sexuality studies

WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
Graduating from Nebraska means that I get to pursue the career that I want. I also get the opportunity to graduate from the same place that I saw my mom graduate from, and continue the Husker family legacy.

INVOLVEMENTS:
NHRI Leadership Mentoring, Phi Mu, PSYC 100 Teaching Assistant, National Residence Hall Honorary  UCARE

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: 
This summer I will be working with conferences here on campus. Then I hope to work within the mental health field here in Lincoln, NE.

After graduation, I am most looking forward to finding my career path.

The best thing about being a Husker is the community.

Kaylee Robinson

Olivia Munson

HOMETOWN: Columbus, NE
MAJOR: Psychology

WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
I am third generation graduate from UNL, so this is a special celebration for me and for my family. Being a forever Cornhusker is a connection that I will always have with my family and friends for the rest of our lifetime. 

INVOLVEMENTS:
University Ambassadors, Phi Mu, Student Alumni Association

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: 
I plan on moving out of NE and working in higher education and starting grad school after a gap year.

After graduation, I am most looking forward to maintaining the relationships that I have made while at the university and seeing where we all end up.

The best thing about being a Husker is  is the pride and support that comes from the term. Huskers are constantly showing how to work hard and lending a hand to help others in anyway possible.

Olivia Munson

Rebecca Fitzgarrald

HOMETOWN: Omaha, NE
MAJOR: Physics and Math

WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
Graduating from Nebraska means that I have been equipped with the skills that I need to succeed in the future. It means having a well-rounded education and the ability to work in collaboration with many different kinds of people.

INVOLVEMENTS:
UNL Navigators, Society of Physics Students, UNL Honors Program

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: 
I plan on attending graduate school at the University of Michigan to earn my Ph.D. as part of their Applied Physics program. I will be living in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

After graduation, I am most looking forward to being involved in research that can help advance physics knowledge and can lead to practical applications that may benefit people outside of the lab.

The best thing about being a Husker is knowing that I am part of a community that is so supportive, caring, and treats every individual like their story matters.

Rebecca Fitzgarrald

Erika Boohar

HOMETOWN: Overland Park, KS
MAJOR: Psychology and Spanish with minors in math and economics

WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
I feel very fortunate to be graduating from UNL. The exceptional education, innovative research, and dedication that every single professor and faculty member has towards their students' success are just a few of the reasons I've enjoyed my time here. 

INVOLVEMENTS:
The University Honors Program, Psy Chi International Honor Society, Undergraduate Psychology Organization

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: 
After graduation, I will remain in Lincoln to continue working in both the clinical and research fields. Ultimately, I plan to apply to graduate school in clinical psychology researching the interconnections of the familial environment and child maltreatment. 

After graduation, I am most looking forward to relaxing a bit! Throughout my undergraduate career, I have maintained a rigorous course, research, and workload, so it will be nice to take a few moments to reflect over the past four years. 

The best thing about being a Husker is all the opportunities the university provides. UNL encourages its students to following their interests, even if that means making their own club or creating their own research project, there will always be someone backing you. 

Erika Boohar

Sanat Bhandari

HOMETOWN: Lincoln, NE
MAJORS: Computer Science and Math

WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
Graduating from Nebraska entails that I’m prepared to step into the real world and assume more responsibilities. 

INVOLVEMENTS:
Vice-President and now President of Tau Sigma National Honors Society, Lambda Chapter; UCARE stipend recipient for Summer 2018; Undergraduate Research Assistant for various labs since Fall 2017; Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for CSCE 156 and 311; 48-hour startup challenge by College of Business  

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: 
I plan to do my Ph.D. in Computer Science at UNL post graduation and so, I’m excited that I’ll be staying in Lincoln, NE. Go Huskers!

After graduation, I am most looking forward to starting my graduate program at Nebraska. 

The best thing about being a Husker is the sheer number of opportunities at every corner. From professors to networking events around, there are always opportunities to pursue everywhere.

Sanat Bhandari

Jared Yost

HOMETOWN: Lincoln, NE
MAJOR: Computer Science

WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
Earning a degree from Nebraska gives me pride to continue the tradition of other family members and represent our great state in the workforce. I'm excited to step into the real-world and make my own contributions to the incredible success stories of other Nebraska alumni.

INVOLVEMENTS:
Programming and Building the Future: Computer Science and Engineering Learning Community, University Suites Senate, Residence Hall Association, UNL Flying Club 

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: 
After graduation, I will be moving to Kansas City to become a full-time Software Engineer at Garmin! While at Garmin, I also hope to continue my education at UNL through an MBA.

After graduation, I am most looking forward to using the knowledge and experience I've gained throughout my undergraduate studies to have a positive impact on people across the state, country, and around the world.

The best thing about being a Husker is the feeling of a close-knit community while being spread out all over the globe. No matter the circumstances, past, present, and future Huskers are always there to support you and cheer you on.

Jared Yost

Rhiannon Cobb

HOMETOWN: Omaha, NE
MAJORS: Political Science and Global Studies with a minor in French

WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
It means having connections that will last for a lifetime and a community that will support me throughout every journey. 

INVOLVEMENTS:
ASUN, FCLA, Phi Mu, Out of the Darkness, Resident Assistant, Global Peer Mentor (ISSO)

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: 
I plan to work in Washington, D.C. working on foreign affairs - within the next year I will be applying to graduate schools and pursuing my masters in International Relations with a concentration in Security, Conflict, and Development. I should also hear back about Teaching English in France for the upcoming year hopefully soon! So plans can definitely change!

After graduation, I am most looking forward to using my degrees in the workplace and showing Nebraska spirit in D.C.!

The best thing about being a Husker is being a part of such a supportive community.

Rhiannon Cobb

Brooke Mott

HOMETOWN: Omaha, Nebraska
MAJOR: Fisheries and Wildlife and Classical Studies

WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
Graduating from Nebraska means moving on to a new stage of life and remembering to take all the good things with you.

INVOLVEMENTS:
Classics Club, Homerathon, CASNR Classics Crossover, UCARE

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: 
I want to start applying for Master's programs all across the US, hopefully somewhere new and exciting focused in ornithology.

After graduation, I am most looking forward to getting out there and finding my next step. I can't wait to start researching and exploring.

The best thing about being a Husker is knowing there's people there for you everywhere you turn always willing to support you.

Brooke Mott

Allissa Flynn

HOMETOWN: Valley, NE
MAJORS: Psychology and Biology

WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
Graduating from Nebraska means that I get to be apart of a long-standing tradition of our state. It marks the end of my journey here as an undergrad and the beginning of the next phase of my life. 

INVOLVEMENTS:
I am the President of the Biology Club, and I am a member of the UNL Honors Program and the Tri-Beta National Biological Honor Society. I work as a teaching assistant for the Fundamentals of Biology II Lab and as a research assistant in the Behavioral Neuropharmacology lab.

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: 
After graduation, I will be staying in Lincoln working in the health care field and continuing my research projects. I am also in the process of applying to Medical School. 

After graduation, I am most looking forward to getting the chance to work in the field that I have been preparing and studying for over the past four years!

The best thing about being a Husker is all of the opportunities that students have to get involved and grow as well as the support network that is there to help people achieve their professional and personal goals.

Alyssa Flynn

David Weed

HOMETOWN: Maineville, Ohio
MAJORS: Geography and Political Science with a minor in Aerospace Studies

WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
Graduating from Nebraska means achieving a life long dream of graduating from college and entering a new chapter of my life filled with Nebraska Alum reaching out to help me along the way.

INVOLVEMENTS:
Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corp, New Student Enrollment - Orientation Leader, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Interfraternity Council, The Big Event

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: 
After graduation, I will head down to Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma to become an Air Force pilot. 

After graduation, I am most looking forward to becoming an Air Force pilot. That has always been my dream.

The best thing about being a Husker is proudly wearing the Nebraska "N".

David Weed

Fatima Barragan-Herrera

HOMETOWN: Grand Island, Nebraska
MAJOR: Mathematics with minors in Statistics, Spanish and Ethnic Studies

WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
Extensive happiness for me and my parents as they see their first-gen Latina daughter accomplish something her parents did not have the opportunity to do. 

INVOLVEMENTS:
Define American Chapter @UNL, Math Club, Study Abroad - Argentina, Internship with Institutional Effectiveness & Analytics at UNL

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: 
After graduation, I will be preparing myself for graduate school!!

After graduation, I am most looking forward to not having any more late nights and focusing on my health and career. 

The best thing about being a Husker is the opportunities to connect and grow.

Fatima Barragan-Herrera

Christina Berger

HOMETOWN: Lincoln, NE
MAJOR: Psychology with a minor in education

WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
Graduating from Nebraska means that I receive my diploma with the confidence and support I need to actually pursue my dream career. 

INVOLVEMENTS:
DEFY, Out of the Darkness, Psychology 100 Teaching Assistant, Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, Homecoming Court 

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: 
I will be living in Elkhorn and using my time to apply to EdS and PhD programs across the midwest and east coast for School Psychology. 

After graduation, I am most looking forward to finding out who I am and how I will spend my time when I am no longer a student. 

Chrstina Berger

August McClenahan

HOMETOWN: Firth, NE
MAJORS: Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Math

WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
Graduating from Nebraska means I was able to forge my own path and create a story unique to myself. 

INVOLVEMENTS:
Resident Assistant in The Village, President of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, President of Pi Tau Sigma Mechanical Engineering Honor Society, Teaching Assistant for Engineering 200 and Engineering 400, Baking the BEST chocolate chip cookies in my dorm :)

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: 
I will be working as an aerospace engineering in Los Angeles, California after school. I am honored to work on projects that help push the human race forward!

After graduation, I am most looking forward to buying a car! I didn't have a car in college and I am ready to get one again!

The best thing about being a Husker is being able to make your own college experience! 

August McClenahan

Gauri Ramesh

HOMETOWN: Omaha, NE
MAJOR: Computer Science with minors in math and business

WHAT DOES GRADUATING FROM NEBRASKA MEAN TO YOU?
Graduating from Nebraska means I have the tools, the skills, and the connections that I need to start my career in technology, and memories I'll cherish for the rest of my life. Attending Nebraska helped me develop a passion for technology and the community and the way those two areas intersect. The faculty, staff, and students provided me a support and foundation I couldn't have gotten anywhere else, and I know I'll be proud to be a Husker anywhere I go. 

INVOLVEMENTS:
Raikes School of Computer Science and Management, UNL Mortar Board - Black Masque Chapter, Computing for All Club, Chancellor's Commission on the Status of Women

PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: 
Software Engineer at Microsoft, Seattle, WA.

After graduation, I am most looking forward to meeting new people and making an impact in the technology field.

The best thing about being a Husker is the people around you lift you up and help you achieve things you never thought you could.

Gauri Ramesh