Luke McDermott will graduate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on May 9, 2026 after majoring in Political Science, Economics, and History, as well as earning a Public Policy Analysis Certificate. Yet, this scholastic success is only part of his inspiring story. His achievements go well beyond the classroom, powered by intellectual passion and curiosity, and enriched with a wealth of extracurricular and experiential learning opportunities.
His dream of becoming a federal government lawyer helped determine his undergraduate goals. “This led me to work for many fascinating places as a college student, including the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature, Digital Legal History Lab (as a UCARE student), U.S. House of Representatives, Roosevelt Network, a labor union, an NGO in Ecuador, and more,” Luke said. “Many of these experiences would not have been possible without the support of nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships.”
Notably, Luke was awarded several highly prestigious honors, including the Truman Scholarship, Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship, Phi Beta Kappa Key into Public Service Scholarship, Reagan Civic Leaders Fellowship, and Victory Institute Congressional Internship. In his senior year, he was thankful to pay it forward by working in the Office of Undergraduate Research & Fellowships, where he assisted other UNL students in finding their own fellowship and research opportunities.
Looking back, Luke can see several transformative experiences that influenced and shaped his educational path. “Participating in the Digital Legal Research Lab for a year during my sophomore year with Dr. Jagodinsky and Dr. Thomas ignited my passion for legal history,” he said.
A research project on economic and social solidarity law in Ecuador proved life changing. “It helped me think about policy implementation and rule of law in other countries,” Luke said. “I was also a year-long intern with the AFSCME [American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees] Local in Nebraska, where I learned a lot more about the structure of labor adjudication, especially in the public sector.”
On campus, Luke has been active in ASUN Student Government, serving as External Vice President and Government Liaison Committee Chair. He participated in Student Court, Freshman Campus Leadership Associates, and FCLA Appointments. Additionally, he served as chair and vice chair of the Husker Vote Coalition and as treasurer of both Pi Sigma Alpha, the Political Science Honor Society, and Omicron Delta Epsilon, the Economics Honor Society. His student involvement also extended to the Public Policy Center, DC Professional Enrichment Academy, the National Forensic Association Lincoln-Douglas Debate, the University Conduct Board, the University Honors Program, and the French Club.
Luke credits his family's support for his success as a first-generation student. “I am thankful to have parents who were so supportive of my education and development. My mother and father [worked] every day with the goal to make education attainable and possible for me,” he said. “This serves not only as a model for hard work and dedication in my life, but a motivation to live up to and pay back all that has been poured into me.”
He is also grateful for mentor Jessie Herrmann, Director of Government Relations, who supported him during his time at Nebraska: “I met her in my sophomore year, and since then, she has been a continuous source of inspiration, guidance, and friendship.”
As commencement nears, Luke shares that he is incredibly proud of two fellow Nebraska graduates: Zein Saleh, for his “superior intellect, strong sense of self, and ability to be an amazing friend,” and Reem Ahmed, for her “ability to form community and advocate for the causes others will not.”
Luke grew up in Omaha and attended Millard North High School. Despite his busy academic schedule, he enjoys traveling, baking healthy treats, and watching Netflix with friends. Graduating from the University of Nebraska holds special meaning for him, as it will provide a “forever connection” to his home state.
After graduation, Luke plans to move to Washington, DC, to work as a plaintiff-side paralegal or in economic policy. He continues to be committed to a life of learning and service, sharing that he is already looking forward to “finding new intellectual communities outside of the classroom.”
