Wayne State College Commencement To Feature Mike Flood As Speaker, May 6

WAYNE, Neb. (April 11, 2017) – Wayne State College will hold commencement for graduate and undergraduate students on Saturday, May 6. The graduate ceremony will be at 9:30 a.m. in Rice Auditorium and the undergraduate ceremony will be at 1 p.m. in the Willow Bowl, Wayne State’s historic outdoor amphitheater. President Marysz Rames will lead both ceremonies.
The graduate ceremony at 9:30 a.m. in Rice Auditorium will confer degrees on 88 students, awarding master’s degrees in education, business administration, organizational management, curriculum and instruction-instructional leadership, and educational specialist degrees.
The undergraduate ceremony will feature multiple awards honoring excellence among the college’s faculty, alumni and students. There are 422 students graduating with their bachelor’s degrees.
Honorable Mike Flood, former Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature, will deliver the commencement address for the undergraduate ceremony. Randall “Randy” A. Pedersen will receive the Alumni Achievement Award from the Wayne State Foundation during the ceremony.
Graduate Invocation: Jordan Holdsworth
Jordan Holdsworth of Carroll, Iowa, will deliver the invocation at the graduate commencement ceremony. He is graduating with a master of science in organizational management.
Holdsworth was a graduate assistant coach with the men’s basketball team at Wayne State.
He plans to pursue an administrative position in college athletics after graduation.
Graduate Speaker: Cassie Kitcheyan
Cassie Kitcheyan of Winnebago, Nebraska, will deliver the student address at the graduate commencement ceremony. She is graduating with a master of science in education in student affairs and college counseling. She is married to Wambli Dolezal, a graduate of Wayne State’s sport management program.
Kitcheyan serves as a Native American Studies instructor at Little Priest Tribal College in Winnebago. In addition to her work, she said she enjoys practicing her Native American culture by creating Native outfits and dancing at powwows with her family.
She plans to continue her work at Little Priest Tribal College teaching and advising in the Native American Studies program and to begin her doctoral studies in Adult and Higher Education at University of South Dakota.
Baccalaureate Invocation: Katie Hughes
Katie Hughes of Seward, Nebraska, will deliver the invocation at the undergraduate commencement ceremony. She is graduating with a double major in elementary education and K-12 special education. Hughes is engaged to Spencer Morris, a 2016 graduate of Wayne State.
Hughes was a standout volleyball player for Wayne State. Her athletic achievements include: three-time NSIC Fall All-Academic Team, two-time NCAA Division II Central Region All-Tournament Team, First-Team All-NSIC, NSIC Defensive Player of the Week, 2015 Honorary Captain of the Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska volleyball team, Presidential Scholarship Athlete, Dean’s List, and the NSIC Myles Brand All-Academic with Distinction Award. Hughes was also a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
After graduation, Hughes will work as a volleyball graduate assistant at Wayne State College and serve a Partners Program internship at Christian Student Fellowship.
Alumni Achievement Award: Randall A. Pedersen ’71
Randall “Randy” A. Pedersen will receive the Alumni Achievement Award from the Wayne State Foundation during the undergraduate commencement ceremony. He graduated from Wayne State College with a bachelor of science degree in business administration in 1971. He paid for his education by working construction during the summers and in his grandfather’s meat locker during the school year, while also helping on the family farm.
Pedersen worked as a financial planner immediately after graduation. He accepted a position as assistant store manager for Zales Jewelers in Omaha in 1972 and was selected as store manager to open a Zales store in a new mall in Grand Island. He purchased an existing jewelry store in Wayne in 1978, and changed the name to The Diamond Center. He expanded his business to a new location by remodeling an existing building on Main Street, and opened the new store in 2002, which included new jewelry lines and a full service florist shop, wine shop, gourmet foods, and other gifts. This new part of the business was named Flowers and Wine.
Since returning to his hometown of Wayne, Pedersen has been active in the community. He has served on the City Council and Planning Commission, served two terms as president of the Wayne Area Chamber of Commerce, was chair for the Business Improvement District on the reconstruction of Main Street, and is a member of Wayne Area Economic Development. He was Chamber Person of the Year in 2015 and also Small Business of the Year. Pedersen has served on the Providence Medical Center governing board, Little Red Hen Theatre Board, and is a member of Wayne Rotary Club.
He is active in the jewelry industry, serving several terms on the board and as president of the Nebraska, South Dakota Jewelers Association. He is a member of Retail Jewelers Organization, a jewelry buying group of more than 900 independent jewelers across the country, and served 30 years on the Merchandise Review Committee. He also has traveled to South Africa and Israel selecting diamonds for his customers.
Pedersen has committed his time, talents, and treasures to Wayne State College as a trustee and executive committee member of the Wayne State Foundation and past president of the Wayne State Foundation Executive Board. He is also a member of Cat Club, and is a great supporter of Wayne State College and the Wayne State Foundation. He received the Wayne State College Alumni Service Award in 2007 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a contributor in 2015.
Randy and his wife, Rozan, have a son, Joel, who is a wildlife biologist for the National Wild Turkey Federation in South Carolina. They also have two granddaughters; Bailey, a freshman at Clemson-because it’s too cold in Nebraska-and Emma, a freshman at Strom Thurmond High School.
Commencement Remarks: Honorable Mike Flood, Former Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature
Mike Flood will deliver the commencement address for the undergraduate ceremony. He works as a broadcaster and attorney in the state of Nebraska and is a former member of the Nebraska Legislature. He started Flood Communications in 1999 and now owns eight radio stations in Norfolk, Nebraska City, Beatrice, Fairbury and the state’s largest Spanish speaking radio station in Omaha.
Flood launched Norfolk’s first TV station in 2015, and has since added new television stations in Columbus and Beatrice. These radio and TV stations work together as a statewide media network called “News Channel Nebraska.”
He was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2005, and was subsequently elected Speaker of the Legislature in 2007. He continued in that role until the completion of his second term in 2012. Flood was the youngest and longest serving Speaker in Nebraska history.
Flood earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and his law degree from the University of Nebraska. He is currently of counsel at Norfolk’s oldest law firm, Jewell & Collins.
He and his wife, Mandi, live in Norfolk and have two children, Brenden, 10, and Blake, 7.

Wayne State College Recognizes Seven Retiring Faculty Members

Wayne State College is proud to recognize seven faculty members retiring at the conclusion of the 2016-17 academic year. Gerald Conway, associate professor of business, Dr. Kathleen Conway, professor of counseling, Dr. Meenakshi Dalal, professor of economics, Dr. Judith Lindberg, professor of family and consumer sciences, Dr. John Paxton, professor of business, Dr. Gretchen Ronnow, professor of English, and Dr. Catherine Rudin, professor of humanities, have a combined total of 216 years of teaching at Wayne State.

Gerald Conway
Gerald Conway began teaching at Wayne State College in 1975, with a hiatus from 1991 to 1997 to serve as a Nebraska legislator. He earned his master’s degree in business from Chadron State College in 1974 and his bachelor’s in business from University of South Dakota in 1973. Conway taught finance, law and international business.

Conway is a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and a former state senator. He served as chair of the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee; vice chair of Banking Commerce and Insurance; chair of the Intergovernmental Cooperation; and chair of the Special Committee on Economic Development while he was a member of the Nebraska Legislature.

He served as a member of the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees; Nebraska State Economic Forecasting Board; more than 25 years as chair of Wayne State’s Academic Policies Committee; and director of International Education.

“I am proud of my service related to teaching, representing us in the legislature (bringing to fruition the Gardner Business Building), serving on the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees and the state Economic Forecasting Board,” Conway said. “I am equally proud of my leadership as the long-term chair of the Academic Policies Committee and the Executive in Residence program. I am particularly proud of my role in international education. I was able to share my experiences of travel and education in a way that was life changing for more than 150 students within the first seven years. The program was built on the tenets of quality education, security of local faculty, and affordability for students.”

Dr. Kathleen Conway
Dr. Kathleen Conway began teaching at Wayne State College in 1981. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1986, her master’s degree from University of South Dakota in 1973, and her bachelor’s degree from University of South Dakota in 1969. Dr. Conway taught human services counseling, theories of counseling, professional identity and ethics, marriage and family counseling, organization and administration of counseling programs, peace studies and international studies.

During her time at Wayne State, she served as interim dean of graduate studies; interim Division Head of Education and Counseling; as a member of Faculty Senate; and as a faculty member for Nebraska Semester Abroad and Wayne State Semester Abroad programs.

“Wayne State College has been a great place to spend a professional life,” Conway said. “I have valued my teaching experiences and supportive colleagues and administrators who provided opportunities for personal and professional growth. I valued being able to think about ways to learn and teach, and I valued having those people in decision-making positions who seriously listened to them. I am particularly proud of offering an experimental class in peace studies that evolved into a general education opportunity for our students. I am proud of my persistence in raising the issues of shared governance. I valued the opportunities, the trust, in giving birth to the Wayne State Semester Abroad in Greece. I am proud to have had a role in the quality academic experience it involved and am thankful to have had the opportunity to share the growth students experienced.”

Dr. Meenakshi Dalal
Dr. Meenakshi Dalal came to Wayne State College in 1985 from Boston, Mass. She earned her Ph. D. in economics in 1984 and master’s degree in economics in 1974 from Northeastern University, Boston. She earned her bachelor of commerce (Honors) degree from Calcutta University, Calcutta in 1970.  Before coming to Wayne State, Dalal was an assistant professor at Northeastern University for five years. She taught various courses at WSC: macroeconomic and microeconomic theories, international economics, international business, global economics, economic development, money and banking, managerial economics for MBA, economic education courses, Neihardt Scholars Colloquium (Interdisciplinary Honors course) and other EPS courses.

Wayne State College granted Dalal two sabbatical leaves, which allowed her to do research as a visiting scholar at the Institute of East Asian Studies at University of California – Berkeley in 1996 and to spend a year as a visiting scholar at the Humphrey Institute, University of Minnesota, in Minneapolis. She also taught microeconomic theory, economic development and international economics at UC Berkeley, during 2001 and 2002 summer as a visiting professor.

Dalal served on the college’s Strategic Enrollment Planning Council; Faculty Senate; the Nebraska State College System Diversity Task Force; was a charter member and chair of the President’s Council for Diversity at Wayne State; served on the national board of the American Association of University Women as international director; and served on the board of the Nebraska Business and Economic Association, with a term as president of the board.

Dalal took two groups to India Study Tour programs in 2005 and 2012.  Wayne State College supported her field research on Rural Women’s Work in India in 1989.

“I have travelled a lot presenting papers in different countries and brought those diverse and multicultural perspectives to my students,” Dalal said. “I get emails or letters from my students when they see an article, or hear news about me. This brings me great joy to hear from them. I have taken students to professional conferences where they present, and it is a pleasure to see their academic and professional growth. I have worked diligently with the President’s Council for Diversity at WSC to open up the mind of my students and my colleagues. I have always enjoyed working with colleagues across the campus who keep their mind open and have unbiased discussion on various issues.”

After retirement, Dalal said she plans to write about her life’s journey for her children and grandchildren.

Dr. Judith Lindberg
Dr. Judith Lindberg began teaching at Wayne State College in 1995. She earned her Ph.D. in human environmental sciences, textile and apparel management, from University of Missouri-Columbia, and her master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Kansas State University. Lindberg taught fashion retailing, textiles, consumer economics, historic costume, and fitting and alteration.

Lindberg served as chair of the Technology and Applied Science Department; Scholarship, Honors, and Financial Aid Committee, including 2 years as chair; Rank and Professional Development Committee; adviser to Alpha Lambda Delta freshman honorary society for 20 years; adviser to Vogue Fashion Association; co-adviser to Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Professionals; and co-adviser to the Wayne State Interior Design Club.

“The best memories I have at Wayne State are working with the students: as they grow from year to year, as they return to let you know they are using information from classes, as they take on leadership responsibilities in the classroom and in student organizations,” Lindberg said. “I also have fond memories of working with and learning from a wide variety of faculty and staff.”

Dr. John Paxton
Dr. John Paxton began teaching at Wayne State College in 1978, with a hiatus to teach at Missouri State University from 1987 to 1992, when he returned to Wayne State to finish his teaching career. He earned his Ph.D. in management science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1988, his MBA from University of Oklahoma in 1977, and his bachelor’s degree from Northeastern State College (Oklahoma) in 1973. He taught business and business management.

Paxton is a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. In addition to teaching at Wayne State, he served as the director of the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) at the college, a center he founded and organized, which still exists and helps small businesses throughout northeast Nebraska.

“Probably my proudest achievements are the accomplishments of my students over the last 40 years,” Paxton said. “One has even graduated with a Ph.D. from Stanford and is now an Ivy League ‘endowed’ professor at Cornell; several are bank presidents, and so on. By far, my best memories are of my faculty colleagues, going back to former Wayne State president Dr. Lyle Seymour’s days, and my students stretching back over four decades. Professionally, both groups have given me a very rich life, and they have taught me far more than I taught them.”

Dr. Gretchen Ronnow
Dr. Gretchen Ronnow began teaching at Wayne State College in 1992. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Arizona, and her master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Utah State University. She taught American literature and composition.

During her Wayne State career, Ronnow served as the English program coordinator; was a member of the Graduate Council, General Education Committee, Faculty Senate, the President’s Athletic Advisory Council, the President’s Diversity Council, and the Online Assessment Advisory Committee; and she was adviser to WSC’s student chapter of NORML, the Native American Student Association, and Minorities Coming Together.

Ronnow was a Fulbright Foreign Scholar at the Barnaul State Pedagogical University (BSPU) in Siberia; received the Balsley-Whitmore Award, WSC Faculty Renewal Grant and several Instructional Improvement grants; and was a founding member of the WSC chapter of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

“WSC has been particularly supportive in helping me form an official ‘agreement’ between BSPU and WSC to facilitate educational and cultural exchanges between our students and professors; bring ‘visiting American minority scholars’ to campus to lecture on African-American and Native American art, politics, and culture; host a contingent of Russian Afghan war veterans; and host other Russian Fulbright visiting lecturers and scholars,” Ronnow said. “WSC has also been generous in its support of my travel to and presentations at conferences and seminars world- wide, and I hope such diversity of information and international perspective has benefitted my students!”

Dr. Catherine Rudin
Dr. Catherine Rudin began teaching at Wayne State College in 1986. She earned her Ph.D. in linguistics and Slavic studies from Indiana University, Bloomington, in 1982, her master’s in linguistics from Indiana University, Bloomington, in 1977, and her bachelor’s degree in linguistics from University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1975. She taught linguistics, languages, foreign language methods, and dance. She is also an avid international folk dancer. She performs and teaches Balkan singing and East European music and dance.

She has received major grants from: the International Research and Exchanges Board for travel and study in the Balkans, the National Science Foundation, Wenner-Gren Foundation, and the Jacobs Fund for Omaha-Ponca fieldwork, and from the National Science Foundation and National Endowment for the Humanities Documenting Endangered Languages program for her work compiling and maintaining the Digital Dictionary of Omaha and Ponca languages.

Rudin noted that she will miss students and colleagues but will still be pursuing many aspects of her work and research even though she is retiring from Wayne State.

Undergraduates
++August 2017 degree candidate
Minors/supplemental endorsements are in italics. Cities are in Nebraska unless otherwise noted.
Bachelor of Arts
Alliance: Adrian Alexsander Campos,  Music/Performance
Lindsay: Mikala Rose Farrier, English Writing and Literature, International Studies
Morse Bluff: Danielle Michelle Borer++, Human Service Counseling
Papillion: Marcus Andrew Knight, Music/Music Industry
Schuyler: Jaydn Michael Harding, Music/Music Industry, Business Administration
Valentine: Brandon Alan Ormesher++, Music/Music Industry, Business Administration
Wahoo: Patrick William Hancock, Computer Information Systems/Programmer-Analyst
Wakefield: Henrickson Ventura++, Music/Music Industry
West Point: Aryn Marie Smidt, Business Administration/Marketing
Spencer, Iowa: Courtney Ann Upah, Mass Communication/Journalism
Huntley, Ill.: Jennifer Lynn Konieczny++, Exercise Science, Spanish, Biology

Bachelor of Science
Abie: Natasha Tryci Fuehrer, Secondary English Education
Adams: Gerrit Jeffrey VanEngen, Chemistry/Health Sciences
Ainsworth: Melissa Gayle Franklin, Life Sciences/Biology
Ainsworth: Shania Jo Nilson, Criminal Justice, Coaching
Albion: Brody David Kelley, Elementary Education
Alda: Alyssa Lynn Bolles, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education PK-3
Allen: Jacob Dean Oswald, Speech Communication/Organizational Leadership and Public Relations
Alliance: Rennie James Failor, Industrial Technology Education
Arlington: Courtney Jean Hurlbert, Psychology, Family Life Studies
Arlington: Nathan Jerald Neary, Political Science, English
Arlington: Kayla Renee Sullivan, Elementary Education, Special Education K-12
Ashland: Cash Campbell, Criminal Justice, Business Administration
Ashland: Leslie Anne Chudomelka, Chemistry/Health Sciences
Ashland: Preston Andrew Kelly, Computer Science
Aurora: Lurena Ann Bish, Life Sciences/Biology
Aurora: Tanner James Griffith, Chemistry/Health Sciences
Aurora: Allie LaNae Hakinson, Elementary Education, Reading/Writing PK-6
Aurora:  Nathan D. Hatch, Life Sciences/Biology
Aurora: Bethany Lyn Janzen++, Business Administration/International Business
Axtell: Benjamin Murray Walmsley, Computer Information Systems/Programmer-Analyst
Bancroft: Paige Nichole Browning, Elementary Education
Bancroft: Allison Lynn Russman, Criminal Justice, Sociology
Bassett: Marty Weyer Kreitman, Life Sciences/Biology, Earth Science
Beatrice: Halley Lorraine Keeney++, Human Service Counseling, Sociology
Beemer: Josi Lynn Bradfield, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education PK-3
Beemer: Samantha Ann Taylor, Mass Communication/Journalism, Electronic Media, Theatre
Bellevue: Molly Ann Kingsley, Art/Art K-12 Education, English as a Second Language
Bellevue: Sean Merton Needham++, Criminal Justice, Coaching
Bellevue: Morgan Irene Stough, Mass Communication/Electronic Media, Online Media
Bellevue: Amber Kristine Timerman, Elementary Education
Bellwood: Samantha Ann Jacobson, Special Education K-12
Bellwood: Kelsa Marie Didier-Mills, Life Sciences/Biology
Bertrand: Brian Benjamin Taute, Industrial Technology/Drafting, Planning and Design, Construction Management
Blair: Candace Marie Hutchson, Art/Studio Art
Blair: Daniel Robert Barber, History, Social Sciences
Blair: Amanda Christina Peleska, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education PK-3
Blair: Heidi Elizabeth Roth, Chemistry/Health Sciences, Biology
Bloomfield: Chet Levi Beckmann, Elementary Education, Coaching
Bloomfield: Christa Lynn Castle++, Human Service Counseling, Art
Bloomfield: Katlyn Anne Yunker++, , Human Service Counseling, Psychology, Art
Bow Valley: Shelby Ellen Wieseler, Life Sciences/Biology
Brainard: MaKayla Marie Kost, Criminal Justice, Sociology
Broken Bow: Elizabeth Ashley Griffith Berck, Interdisciplinary Studies-Event Management
Broken Bow: Kinsey Elizabeth Clark, Family/Consumer Sciences-Foods and Nutrition
Broken Bow: Jessica Nicole Holcomb, Criminal Justice, Pre-Law
Broken Bow: Katie Lyn Kirkpatrick, Exercise Science, Coaching
Broken Bow: David Lester Taylor III, Criminal Justice, Exercise Science
Butte: Tawny Marie Mohr, Early Childhood Inclusive Birth-Grade 3
Callaway: Levi Geoffrey Loper, Life Sciences/Biology
Carroll: George William Henderson, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems
Cedar Bluffs: Bailey Grace McGrath++, Business Administration/Marketing, Management
Cedar Rapids: Emily I. Droescher, Early Childhood Inclusive Birth-Grade 3, Special Education K-6
Central City: Jacob Mitchell Schuller, Special Education K-12, Elementary Education, Coaching
Central City: Trevor Matthew Schuller, Early Childhood
Central City: Thomas James Vanderheiden++, Art/Graphic Design
Ceresco: Dillon Lee Burklund++,  Industrial Technology/Safety Management
Ceresco: Taylor Ravae Hageman, Business Administration/Marketing
Columbus: Ashtin L. Alt, Life Sciences/Biology
Columbus: Richard William Bailly, Exercise Science
Columbus: Ian Baumgart, Business Administration/Marketing
Columbus: Kyle Joseph Bonk, Criminal Justice, Geography
Columbus: Kaitlyn Jeanne Brezina, Art/Studio Art
Columbus: Shana Elizabeth Chamberlain, Special Education K-12
Columbus: Aaron Timothy Christensen, , Business Administration/Management
Columbus: Cody Dean Gieseking, Business Administration/Finance
Columbus: Ashley Marie Johansen, Psychology, Sociology
Columbus: Jean K. Kiuntke++, Human Service Counseling
Columbus: Michael Edward Ksiazek, Mathematics Education, Coaching
Columbus: Riki M. Lesiak, Psychology, Sociology
Columbus: Jacob John Mausbach, , Art/Graphic Design
Columbus: Ryan J. Ohnoutka, Middle Grades Education 4-9
Columbus: Michael Grant Rusk II++, Exercise Science
Columbus: Jeremiah Thomas Salyard, Computer Information Systems/Networking
Columbus: Joshua Vincent Spenner, Industrial Technology/Construction Management
Creighton: Levi James Nielsen++, Industrial Technology/Construction Management, Safety Management
Crete: Alexis Marie Bruha, Early Childhood Inclusive Birth-Grade 3
Creighton: Carrie Anne Largen, Elementary Education, Math for Elementary Teachers, Reading/Writing PK-6
Creighton: Taylor Ann Mathis, Geography, Geospatial Technology
Creighton: Karissa Lauraine Rudloff, Elementary Education, English as a Second Language, Reading/Writing PK-6
Creighton: Abbey Claire Schwindt, Elementary Education
Creighton: Aaron A. Von Seggern++, Music/Vocal K-8 and 7-12 Education
Creston: Haley Rose Roelle++, Art/Graphic Design
Dakota City: Beth Ann Hubbard, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education PK-3, Reading/Writing PK-6
David City: Julia Rose Buskirk, Art/Graphic Design
David City: Samantha Jo Hascall, Secondary English Education
David City: Dakota Sandra Horacek, Secondary English Education
David City: Ashley Nicole Lacy, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Business Administration
David City: Jacob Scott Schwartz, Health and Physical Education PK-12
Dannebrog: Jacob Riley Greenough, Computer Information Systems/Web Analyst
Daykin: Drew Robert Endorf, Business Administration/Management
Eagle: Brandi Rose Benson, Elementary Education, Reading/Writing PK-6
Elgin: Andrew Francis Heithoff, Business Administration/Finance
Elgin: Madison Jo Voborny, Computer Information Systems/Networking, Web Analyst
Elkhorn: Brandon M. Fowler, Business Administration/Finance
Elwood: Ryan Marie Fiene, Life Sciences/Biology
Ewing: Tori Ann Thramer++, Human Service Counseling
Fort Calhoun: Christa Anne Conrad, Human Service Counseling
Fort Calhoun: Alec Ryan Willey, Sport Management
Fairbury: Cierra Katherine Beranek, Early Childhood Inclusive Birth-Grade 3, Reading/Writing PK-6
Fremont: Mynor D. Alvarado, Business Administration/Public Accounting
Fremont: Ryan Michael Batenhorst, Industrial Technology/Construction Management
Fremont: Alexandra Kristine Beeson, Art/Studio Art
Fremont: Ryan Jeffrey Collins, Sport Management
Fremont: Nathan Scott Griffen, Business Administration/Management
Fremont: Jade M. Jacobsen, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education PK-3
Fullerton: Jonathan Paul Stanczyk, Business Administration/Marketing, Merchandising and Design
Geneva: Kyle Logan Kremer, , Social Sciences Education, Coaching
Genoa: Megan Karolann Connelly, Elementary Education
Genoa: Brent William Parry, Industrial Technology/Construction Management, Business Administration
Gothenburg: Kaylee Jo Beyea, Chemistry/Health Sciences
Grand Island: Jacqueline Rae Christensen, Chemistry/Health Sciences
Grand Island: Grant Michael Harding, Geography, Geospatial Technology
Grand Island: Beau Benjamin Johnson, Business Administration/Finance
Grand Island: Erica Jean Pemberton++, Human Service Counseling
Grand Island: Blake Thomas Perez++, Sport Management, Business Administration
Gresham: Parker Lowell Anderson, Elementary Education
Gretna: Ryan Christopher Burns, Industrial Technology Education
Gretna: Timothy Sheppard Roberts++, Applied Human/Sport Physiology
Gretna: Kendra Lora Thornburg, Life Science/Respiratory Therapy, Geography
Hartington: Ross James Hegge++, Sport Management
Hartington: Adam J. Hochstein++, Business Administration/Management
Hartington: Brandon Michael Mainquist, Business Administration/Finance
Hartington: Brittany Marie Pfund, Music/Performance
Hartington: Alexis Ann Steffen, Business Administration/Marketing
Hastings: Kailey Marie Rader, Elementary Education, Special Education K-6
Hastings: Alyssa Rennae Hernandez-Schropp++, Exercise Science, Coaching
Holdrege: Connor Evan Bliss, Life Sciences/Biology
Hooper: Jacob Dale Mattes, Industrial Technology Education
Hoskins: Gatlin Lee Jensen, Criminal Justice, Sociology
Hoskins: Samantha Rose Ann Brandner++, Computer Information Systems/Web Analyst
Hoskins: Amy C. Fleer, Elementary Education, Special Education K-12
Howells: Jarrod Douglas Bazata, Industrial Technology Education
Howells: Kayla Rae Hegemann, Elementary Education
Humphrey: Corbin Dale Eisenmenger, Criminal Justice, Management Information Systems
Humphrey: Devan James Eisenmenger++, Business Administration/Human Resource Management
Humphrey: Alyssa Jean Frauendorfer, Industrial Technology/Drafting, Planning and Design, Construction Management
Humphrey: Alek Murphy, Exercise Science
Imperial: Bethany Alexis Sorensen Malmkar, Elementary Education, Coaching
Juniata: Justise Ann Brundage, Mass Communication/Journalism, Electronic Media
Kenesaw: Cole Douglas Harpham, Health and Physical Education PK-12, Coaching
Laurel: Madison Kathleen Metheny, Chemistry/Health Sciences
Laurel: Michael Aaron Olesen, Sport Management
Lincoln: Kak Ayaj++, Criminal Justice, Coaching
Lincoln: Megan Marie Otto, Art/Studio Art
Lincoln: Seth Glenn Peirce, Social Sciences Education
Lincoln: Tia Ileen Scheel, Criminal Justice, Sociology
Lincoln: Sean Tyler Schrotberger++, Exercise Science, Foods and Nutrition
Lincoln: Megan Marie Bell++, Human Service Counseling
Lincoln: Melissa Johnna Brady, Criminal Justice, Sociology
Lincoln: Rachel Bethany Brown, Human Service Counseling, Sociology
Linwood: Sarah Anne Eckstein, Life Sciences/Biology
Long Pine: Stephanie Michele Hempel, English Writing, Editing and Publishing
Lyons: Lindsay Ann Olsen, Human Service Counseling
Lyons: Brenna Michelle Wakeley, Business Administration/Finance
Madison: Alex Jon Kowalewski, Elementary Education, Coaching
Malcolm: Taylor Alexander Kopecky, Business Administration/Management, International Business, Geospatial Technology
Martinsburg: John Richard Stark, Criminal Justice, Business Administration
McLean: Austin John Gerdes++, Computer Information Systems/Networking
Mead: Jessica Ann Thomas, Elementary Education
Monroe: Brandon James Cowell++,  Industrial Technology/Safety Management
Mullen: Rachel Marie Hoesing, Human Service Counseling
Murray: Melissa Sue Beck, Life Sciences/Biology
Nebraska City: Hannah Renee Sleyster, Music/Vocal and Instrumental K-12 Education
Nehawka: Veronica Suzanne Lawrence, Life Sciences/Biology, Public Health
Neligh: Brook Ann Ingalls, Business Administration/Management
Neligh: Morgan Ann Ruterbories++, Mass Communication/Electronic Media, Online Media
Neligh: Trevor Marshall Wright, Health and Physical Education PK-12, Coaching
Niobrara: Jennifer Judith Crosley, Elementary Education, Reading/Writing PK-6
Norfolk: Alexis Judith Arlt, Elementary Education, Special Education K-12
Norfolk: Morgan Ann Benck, Business Administration/Human Resource Management
Norfolk: Brock Ben Bretschneider, Social Sciences Education
Norfolk: Stephanie Canchola++, Human Service Counseling
Norfolk: Rickey Eugene Eberhardt, , Psychology, Political Science
Norfolk: William Christian Ericksen++, Business Administration/Accounting
Norfolk: Megan Faith Gebhardt, Business Administration/Finance
Norfolk: Jaicee Catherine Heng, Special Education K-12
Norfolk: Jared James Keller, Business Administration/Management
Norfolk: Ryan Michael Kraenow, Criminal Justice, Biology
Norfolk: Lucas Caldwell Maggart, Sport Management
Norfolk: Patrick Edward Meuret, Applied Human/Sport Physiology
Norfolk: Hannah Noelle Meyer, Elementary Education, Special Education K-6
Norfolk: Chelsi Rae Oakland, Business Administration/Finance
Norfolk: Michael Dean Obermiller, Criminal Justice, Business Administration
Norfolk: Megan Mercedes Olson, Special Education K-12
Norfolk: Seth Alexander Pohlman++, Business Administration/Accounting
Norfolk: Jamie Lynne Schapmann, Business Administration/Management
North Bend: Nicholas Christopher Kloke, Business Administration/Agri-Business
Norfolk: Jacob Kent Steiner, Chemistry/Health Sciences
Norfolk: Abby Alicia Stewart, Chemistry/Health Sciences, Psychology
Norfolk: Daniel Stuckwisch, Life Sciences/Clinical Lab Science
Norfolk: Benjamin Edward Thomas++, Chemistry/Health Sciences, Biology
Norfolk: Jenna Marie Weber, Sport Management, Business Administration
North Bend: Mary Libbie Alderson, Chemistry/Health Sciences
North Platte: Ethan William Hanson++, Human Service Counseling, Psychology, Sociology
O’Neill: Jacob Anthony Miller++, Industrial Technology/Construction Management
O’Neill:  Elizabeth Noel Wallace, Speech Communication/Organizational Leadership and Public Relations
Oakland: Leigh Ann Blomenkamp McCartney, Special Education K-12
Omaha: Kelli Renee Bailey, Human Service Counseling, Criminal Justice, Sociology
Omaha: Alexandria Marie Bartels, Criminal Justice, Pre-Law, Sociology
Omaha: Laura Jane Bergeron, Elementary Education
Omaha: Kylon J. Betts, Industrial Technology/Construction Management
Omaha: Andrew John Betzelberger, Industrial Technology/Construction Management, Business Administration
Omaha: Natalie Jo Boyce++, Human Service Counseling
Omaha: Katelyn Sue Dennis, Life Sciences/Biology
Omaha: Grant Ryan Duin, Business Administration/Public Accounting
Omaha: Tyler John Dunn, Health and Physical Education PK-12, Coaching
Omaha: Shane Michael Finley, Criminal Justice, Geography
Omaha: Nicholas Raymond Fly, Criminal Justice, Public Administration
Omaha: Patrick Neil Freeman, Health and Physical Education PK-12
Omaha: Tyler M. Hakes++, Human Service Counseling, Criminal Justice
Omaha: Kira Christina Jo Hannon, Life Sciences/Biology, Psychology
Omaha: Jessica L. Hobza, Art/Graphic Design
Omaha: Olivia Crystal Hopson, Elementary Education Non-Certified
Omaha: Kristyn Rae Huelskamp, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education PK-3
Omaha: J. Scott Edward Jackson, Criminal Justice, Psychology
Omaha: Julie Nicole Mathis, Elementary Education, Reading/Writing PK-6
Omaha: Kevin Seamus McCarville, Business Administration/Management, Marketing
Omaha: Quintarius C. Morgan, Business Administration/Management
Omaha: Brittany Renee Nielsen, Elementary Education, Reading/Writing PK-6
Omaha: Alexandra Rae Opperman, Business Administration/Marketing
Oakland: Elizabeth Anne Pille, Human Service Counseling
Omaha: Hannah Elizabeth Rice, Elementary Education, English as a Second Language, Reading/Writing PK-6
Omaha: Adam J. Rockwell, Business Administration/Management
Omaha: Nicole Marie Scott, Elementary Education
Omaha: Thaddeus James Simpson, English Writing and Literature, Editing and Publishing
Omaha: Erin Christine Slattery, Speech Communication/Organizational Leadership and Public Relations, Social Sciences
Omaha: Dylan Vaughn Tolbert, Business Administration/Marketing, International Business, Speech Communication/Organizational Leadership and Public Relations
Omaha: Joseph Benjamin Torrez++, Sport Management, Coaching
Omaha: Jennifer Marie Zick++, Exercise Science
Ord: Devynne Marie Manceaux++, Human Service Counseling
Osmond: Frances A. Heiman, Family/Consumer Sciences Education
Osmond: Cody William Kralicek++, Mass Communication/Electronic Media
Osmond: Alison Lynn Schmit, Business Administration/Human Resource Management
Overton: Kathleen Sara-Jane Lessig, Chemistry/Health Sciences
Oxford: Jaelyn Cleora Lewis, Life Sciences/Biology
Oxford: Jennifer Rose Sladky, Early Childhood Inclusive Birth-Grade 3, Special Education K-6
Papillion: Briana Yvette Bates++, Human Service Counseling
Papillion: Alex Michael Kreft, Natural Science Education
Papillion: Christopher Aaron May, Business Administration/Finance
Papillion: Matthew Scott Melcher++, Exercise Science, Foods and Nutrition
Papillion: Jacob Wayne Stewart, English Education
Papillion: Jessica M. Wilson, Human Service Counseling
Pender: Sara Rose Munderloh, Early Childhood
Pierce: Zachery William Halsey, Mass Communication/Electronic Media, Theatre
Pilger: Garrett Edward Lampman++, Computer Science
Plainview: Taylor Ann Hampton,  Middle Grades Education 4-9
Plainview: Abby Nicole Krueger, Elementary Education, Coaching
Plainview: Madison Kay Novicki, Life Sciences/Biology
Plattsmouth: Andrea Leigh DeSimone, Special Education K-12, Reading/Writing PK-6
Plattsmouth: Taylor Nicole Gude, Special Education K-12Ponca: Nolan Michael Block++, Sport Management
Plattsmouth: Katelyn Patricia Harmel, Elementary Education, Reading/Writing PK-6
Plattsmouth: Sarah Catherine Warga, Chemistry/Health Sciences, Foods and Nutrition, Spanish
Pleasant Dale: Meghan L. Schildt, Life Sciences/Biology
Polk: Kelley Marie Robinson, English Writing and Literature, Speech Communication
Ponca: Tanner Alan Boyle, Industrial Technology/Construction Management
Randolph: Allison Danyel Backer, Business Administration/Office Administration, Human Resource Management
Randolph: Nicholas Joseph Schmit, Life Sciences/Biology
Randolph: Brenna Anne Thies, Early Childhood
Ravenna: Riley Gene Paitz, Computer Information Systems/Networking, Computer Science
Rising City: Micaela Mary Jean Kula, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology
Schuyler: Ariana Castanon++, Exercise Science, Public Health
Schuyler: Kelsey Ann Dirkschneider, Criminal Justice, Psychology
Schuyler: Kylie Elizabeth Goodrich, Chemistry/Health Sciences
Schuyler: Ashlie Rae Kluck, Special Education K-12
Scottsbluff: Caleb Christopher Hayden, Psychology, Speech Communication/Organizational Leadership and Public Relations
Seward: Katelyn Nicole Duff, Business Administration/Management, Human Resource Management
Seward: Katie L. Hughes, Elementary Education, Special Education/MMH K-12 Education
Seward: Mackenzie Reed Myers, Business Administration/Management
Seward: Emily Ann Siebrandt, Computer Science, Mathematics
Seward: Hayley Lyn Yelden++,  Criminal Justice, Human Service Counseling
Shelby: Maryssa Elizabeth Schleis, Chemistry/Health Sciences
Shelton: Corbin Lawrence Lehn, Exercise Science
Shickley: Hannah Rae Coy, Speech Communication/Organizational Leadership and Public Relations, International Studies
Sidney: Xina Alexandra Balandran, Art/Graphic Design
South Sioux City: Benny Corona, Business Administration/Management
South Sioux City: Andrea Gonzalez-Velazquez, Elementary Education, Reading/Writing PK-6
South Sioux City: Robyn Nicole Levine, English Writing and Literature, Mathematics, Editing and Publishing
South Sioux City: Michael J. Matney, Criminal Justice, Business Administration
Spalding: Steven James Bauer, Business Administration/Management
Spalding: Megan Marie Fielder, , Criminal Justice, Pre-Law
Springfield: Bryan Curtis Carlson++, Exercise Science
Springfield: Allison Jo Scholting, Family/Consumer Sciences Education
Stanton: Justin Lee Aaberg, , Social Sciences Education
Stanton: Olivia Madyson Domogalla, Special Education K-12
Stanton: Blake Jeffrey Heppner, Business Administration/Marketing, International Studies
Stanton: Amber Ann Mandl++, Human Service Counseling
Stanton: Eric Matthew McCarthy, Criminal Justice, Public Administration
Stanton: Derek Dean Pufahl++, English Writing, Journalism, Editing and Publishing
Stanton: Seth Joseph Weis, Business Administration/Finance
Stromsburg: Ross C. Eller, Math/Applied-Economics
Tekamah: Alex Michael Tomasiewicz, Computer Science
Tilden: Michaela Sue Grubb, Early Childhood Inclusive Birth-Grade 3, Reading/Writing PK-6
Tilden: Andrew M. Rautenberg, , Sport Management, Business Administration
Trenton: Allyson Marie Cole, Chemistry/Health Sciences
Trenton: Chelcee Elizabeth Hrnchir, Math/Applied-Computer Science
Valentine: Justin Gary Smith, Exercise Science, Coaching
Verdigre: Mariah Kay Leasure, Psychology, Sociology
Verdigre: Holly Victoria Spicer, Special Education K-12
Wakefield: Alexander Calderon++, Exercise Science
Wakefield: Miguel Gonzalez, Criminal Justice, Sociology
Wakefield: Lila J. Goos++, Human Service Counseling
Wakefield: Eduardo Salazar, Computer Science, Mathematics
Wakefield: Cleofes Sarmiento, Life Sciences/Biology
Wahoo: Payten Shadow Foster, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education PK-3, Reading/Writing PK-6
Wahoo: Morgan Alexis Talbert++, Applied Human/Sport Physiology
Wahoo: Amy Jo Widger, Art/Studio Art
Walthill: Mylisha Jayde Robinson, Business Administration/Office Administration, Human Resource Management
Waterbury: Shandra Marie Rooney++, Human Service Counseling
Waterloo: Michele Lee Hemphill, Criminal Justice, Environmental Studies
Wausa: Gavin Donald Friedrich, Business Administration/Accounting
Wausa: Madison Bailey Williams, Business Administration/Management
Waverly: Valerie Marie Hernandez, Applied Human/Sport Physiology
Wayne: Michaela Lynn Belt, Life Sciences/Biology
Wayne: Megan Marie Bessmer, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education PK-3
Wayne: Sydney Lynn Burke, Exercise Science
Wayne: McKenna JoLynn Gibson, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education PK-3
Wayne: Erica April Zach, Exercise Science, Foods and Nutrition
Wayne: Anna Knezevic++, Business Administration/Marketing, International Business
Wayne: Emily Ann Leeper, Psychology, Sociology, International Studies
Wayne: Joseph William Lenihan++, Sport Management
Wayne: Katie Lynn Loberg, Human Service Counseling
Wayne: Samantha Anne Long, Life Sciences/Clinical Lab Science, Chemistry/Health Sciences
Wayne: Tyler Jacob Poehlman, Criminal Justice, Sociology
Wayne: Marisa Kay Vawser, Business Administration/Office Administration
West Point: John William Eckmann, Computer Information Systems/Networking
West Point: Jordyn Elizabeth Knobbe, Art/Graphic Design, Online Media
West Point: Austin Michael Peatrowsky, Criminal Justice, Sociology
West Point: Tia Danielle Wolken, Business Administration/Accounting
Winnebago: Jessica Fawn Free, Family/Consumer Sciences-Foods and Nutrition
Winnebago: Shelly M. Roeber++, Human Service Counseling
Winside: Brittany Lee Janke, Chemistry/Health Sciences
Wisner: Abbi Gay Ebel++, Life Sciences/Biology
Wisner: Steven Paul Schutte, Chemistry/Health Sciences
Wisner: Erica Rose Styskal, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education PK-3
Wymore: Shaylee Dawn Crawford++, Human Service Counseling, Criminal Justice
Wymore: Kaitlyn Marie Shepardson, Early Childhood
Wynot: Zoey Anna Heimes, Special Education K-12
Wynot: Nathan John Wieseler, Life Sciences/Biology, Environmental Studies
York: Neivy Yanet Rodriguez, Business Administration/Human Resource Management

Fairbanks, Ark.: Amy Rose Oates, Health and Physical Education PK-12
Artesia, Calif.: Alexander Scott Kline++, Exercise Science, Coaching
Phelan, Calif. :  Melanie Anne Alyea,  Mass Communication/Journalism
Phelan, Calif.:  Monique M. Alyea, , Applied Human/Sport Physiology
Los Angeles, Calif.: Rakeem Traven Williams++, Criminal Justice, Sociology
Denver, Colo.: Cody Stephen Jenkins, Criminal Justice, Public Administration
Littleton, Colo.: Rebecca Gayle Marie Clark, Family/Consumer Sciences-Interior Design, Business Administration
Loveland, Colo. Lauren Kae Davis, Mass Communication/Electronic Media, Speech Communication
Loveland, Colo.: Teague Gregory Wilkins McFadden, Business Administration/Management
Steamboat Springs, Colo.: Alexa Lynn Feeley, Art/Graphic Design
Sterling, Colo.: Wyatt Carl Nelson, Business Administration/Management
St. Petersburg, Flor.: Justin Patrick Pierre, Criminal Justice, English Writing
Belvidere, Ill. Anna Mitchell Martensen, Speech Communication/Communication Studies
Bourbonnais, Ill.: Mason T. Schweizer++, Mass Communication/Journalism
Arion, Iowa: Ryan James Coenen, Geography, History, Coaching
Bronson, Iowa: Morgan Ann Junge++, Criminal Justice, Sociology
Calumet, Iowa: Brice Owen Montgomery, Industrial Technology Education
Castana, Iowa: Jewel Ann Mann, Life Sciences/Biology
Cherokee, Iowa: Jenna Marie Wilkie, Criminal Justice, Sociology
Clarinda, Iowa: Lily Lam, Science Education
Council Bluffs, Iowa: Ryan Eugene Nightser, Mathematics Education
Danbury, Iowa: Nathan Michael Clausen, Industrial Technology Education
Danbury, Iowa: Todd Alexander Sherrill, Computer Science
Dunlap, Iowa: Melissa Jean Kroll, Applied Human/Sport Physiology, Coaching
Johnston, Iowa: Hannah Theresa White, Human Service Counseling, Criminal Justice
Lake View, Iowa: Kaylee Lynn Malasek++, Art/Graphic Design
Le Mars, Iowa: Ashtyn Leigh Klein, Elementary Education
Logan, Iowa: Erin Morgan Schramm, Interdisciplinary Studies-Child Life Studies
Hinton, Iowa: Jamie Marie Held, English Education
Kingsley, Iowa: Alexander William Barth, Business Administration/Professional Studies
Logan, Iowa: Kaitlyn Marie Cutler Dougherty, Math/Applied-Biology
Logan, Iowa: Kylie Erin Keller++, Interdisciplinary Studies-Child Advocacy Studies, Family Life Studies
Magnolia, Iowa: James Russell Branstetter, Geography, History, Geospatial Technology
Manning, Iowa: Brooke Lee Kahl, Secondary English Education, Special Education 7-12
Manning, Iowa: Cody Jens Kahl, Criminal Justice, Psychology
Mondamin, Iowa: Maxwell Jakob Honig++, Exercise Science, International Studies
Moville, Iowa: Cody James Clark, Sport Management
Moville, Iowa: Rachel Rae DeWitt, Early Childhood Inclusive Birth-Grade 3
Orange City, Iowa: Mitchel Eugene De Wit, Business Administration/Management
Persia, Iowa: Taylor Mae Grap++, Life Sciences/Biology
Pisgah, Iowa: Jeffrey Wayne Brown, Criminal Justice, Business Administration
Sioux City, Iowa: Marie Nicole Beamon, Elementary Education
Sioux City, Iowa: Laura Elizabeth Brockelsby, Elementary Education, Special Education K-12
Sioux City, Iowa: Shona Marie Campbell, Business Administration/Professional Studies
Sioux City, Iowa: Kelli Kay Cortez, Criminal Justice, Psychology
Sioux City, Iowa: Amber Ann Doran, Criminal Justice, Sociology
Sioux City, Iowa: Ashley Marie Myers, Applied Human/Sport Physiology, Coaching
Sioux City, Iowa: Amber Marie Nolen, Elementary Education
Sioux City, Iowa: Richard Thomas Shockley, Criminal Justice, Coaching
Sioux City, Iowa: Jenna Lee Terry, Elementary Education
Whiting, Iowa: Rebecca Margaret Hagemann, Human Service Counseling, Criminal Justice
Assaria, Kansas: Keenan Jacob Breen, Criminal Justice, Environmental Studies
Elk River, Minn.: Taryn Leilani Winter++, Speech Communication/Organizational Leadership and Public Relations
Randolph, Minn.: Nicholas Joseph McIntee, Exercise Science, Business Administration
South St. Paul, Minn.: Micheal David James Sparish++, Exercise Science
Gulfport, Miss.: Meredith Regan Carriere, Mass Communication/Electronic Media
Camdenton, Mo.: Darienne Leigh Pokorny, Business Administration/Public Accounting
Lake St. Louis, Mo.: Taylor Henry Held++, Art/Graphic Design
North Sioux City, S.D.: Alexandria Jade DenBeste, , Human Service Counseling
Watertown, S.D.: Dirk Rodrick Leadabrand, Human Service Counseling
Yankton, S.D.: Jessica LuAnn Hofer++, Exercise Science
Yankton, S.D.: Allyssa Marie Schroeder, , Mathematics Education
Ogden, Utah: Andrew Steven Mortimer++, Criminal Justice, Biology
Mukilteo, Wash.: Tate Elizabeth Woodard, Business Administration/Management
Windsor, Ontario, Canada: Robert Stewart Maclean St. Pierre, Criminal Justice, Pre-Law
Jeddah, Hijaz, Saudi Arabia: Maan A. Zaidan++, , Sociology, Philosophy

Graduates
++August 2017 graduate
Cities are in Nebraska unless otherwise noted.
Master of Business Administration
Creighton: Tiffany Lona Witt++, Business Administration
B.A., Wayne State College, 2009
Omaha:  Joseph M. Euteneuer, Business Administration/Education Option
B.S.B.A., University of Nebraska, Lincoln, 2004
B.S., Peru State College, Peru, 2011
Tilden: Kyleigh Jo Parham Lewis, Business Administration/Education Option
B.S., Wayne State College, 2013
M.S.E., Wayne State College, 2015
Whiting, Iowa: Allyson Ann Wagner, Business Administration
B.B.A., University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 2014
Pearland, Texas: Benjamin Onambele++, Business Administration
M.S., Technical University of Berlin, Germany, 1993
Ph.D., Technical University of Berlin, Germany, 1998
Sugar Land, Texas: Yanling Teng, Business Administration
B.S., Shenyang University, China, 1994
Master of Science in Education
Aurora: Bryce Anthony Quinn, Exercise Science
B.S., Wayne State College, 2015
Battle Creek: Curtis Randal Reese++, School Administration 7-12
B.S., Wayne State College, 2008
M.S., University of Nebraska, Kearney, 2015
Battle Creek: Brittney Elizabeth Finkral Swain++, , Counselor Education/Clinical Mental Health Counseling
B.S., Wayne State College, 2014
Blair: Robin Louise Lund Johnson++, School Administration PK-8
B.S.E., University of Nebraska, Lincoln, 1999
M.A., University of Nebraska, Lincoln, 2007
Cambridge: Trista Bonita Bridget Hutchings++, Ontario, Canada, Counselor Education/Clinical Mental Health Counseling
B.S., Peru State College, Peru, 2013
Central City: Cory Jacob Schweitzer++, School Administration 7-12
B.S., Wayne State College, 2011
Ceresco: Michelle Marie Hagemann Palensky++, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.A., Doane College, Crete, 2003, Elementary Education
Columbus: Braxton Grant Staack, School Administration 7-12
B.S., Wayne State College, 2013
Cordova: Ethan Kent Larsen, School Administration 7-12
B.A., Midland University, Fremont, 2011
Emerson: Samantha Lee Vraspir, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.A., Wayne State College, 2015, English Education
Ewing: Chase Elliott Funk, Exercise Science
B.S., Wayne State College, 2015
Fort Calhoun: Collin J. Mink, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.S.E., University of Nebraska, Omaha, 2014, Social Sciences Education
Hooper: Magdalena L. Willis Winterlin++, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.S., Wayne State College, 2005, Music Education
Lincoln: Sean Luke McClure++, Counselor Education/Clinical Mental Health Counseling
B.S., Wayne State College, 2014
Lyons: Wendy Y. Simpson++, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.S., Wayne State College, 2011, Early Childhood Education
McCook: Jayce Duane Dueland, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.S., Chadron State College, Chadron, 2009, Industrial Technology Education
B.S.E., Chadron State College, Chadron, 2011
Norfolk: Soshia Lynn Hollatz Bohn++, Counselor Education/Clinical Mental Health Counseling
B.S., Wayne State College, 2014
Norfolk: Mallory Dawn Millard++, Counselor Education/Clinical Mental Health Counseling
B.A., University of Nebraska, Lincoln, 2010
Octavia: Emily Jo Donoghue++, Counselor Education/Clinical Mental Health Counseling
B.S., Wayne State College, 2014
Omaha: Stephanie Rachelle Shiers, , Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.A., University of Nebraska, Lincoln, 2005, Reading Specialist PK-12
B.S., Wayne State College, 2013
Osmond: Jane Troyer Brummels, School Counseling PK-6 and 7-12
B.A.E., Wayne State College, 1987
M.S.E., Wayne State College, 1999
Plainview: Brandi Lee Alexander++, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.S., Peru State College, Peru, 2006, Elementary Education
Pierce: Samantha Jo Williams Hahn++, , Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.S., Wayne State College, 2010, Music Education
Schuyler: Cynthia A. Beebe, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership/
B.S.B.A., Midland University, Fremont, 1987, Business and Information Technology Education
Stanton:  Allison Rae Flood Aschoff++, Counselor Education/Clinical Mental Health Counseling
B.S., Wayne State College, 2014
Ulysses: Lindsey Ruthann Knutson++, School Counseling PK-6 and 7-12
B.S., Wayne State College, 2011
Wahoo: Stefanie Vanek Chvatal++, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.S., University of Nebraska, Lincoln, 1996, Elementary Education
Wayne:  Micaela Ann Hight, , Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.S., Wayne State College, 2011, Reading Specialist PK-12
Winnebago: Cassie Joy Kitcheyan, Counselor Education/Student Affairs and College Counseling
B.S.E., Haskell Indian Nations University, Lawrence, KS, 2008
Camarillo, Calif.: Sean FitzGerald Reeder, Exercise Science
B.S., Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 2013
Griswold, Iowa: Seth Douglas Lembke, , School Administration PK-12
B.A., Northwestern College, Orange City, IA, 2011
Moville, Iowa: Kristi Marie Harris, Counseling
B.S., Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 2014
Sioux City, Iowa: Heather Rachelle Hunwardsen++, , Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership/,
B.S., Wayne State College, 2014, Elementary Education
George, Iowa: Karl Curtis Fiedler++, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.S.E., Black Hills State University, Spearfish, SD, 2011, Industrial Technology Education
George, Iowa: Trev N. Fiedler, , Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.S.E., Black Hills State University, Spearfish, SD, 2013, Industrial Technology Education
Ida Grove, Iowa: Travis Philip Chizek, School Administration PK-12
B.A., Morningside College, Sioux City, IA, 2011
Moab, Utah: Daniel Tahoe Flahie, Exercise Science
B.S., Dakota State University, Madison, SD, 2015
Colbert, Wash.: Seth Mattison Heckel, Exercise Science
B.A., Midland University, Fremont, 2015

Community of Learning – South Sioux City
Blair: Cailyn Alysse Johnson, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.S., Wayne State College, 2014
Bridgeport: Julie Lynne Christensen++, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.A., Dana College, Blair, 2007
Columbus: Barbara Jean Hynek Halligan, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.S.E., University of Nebraska, Lincoln, 1988
Fremont: Morgan Kelly Smeal Mruz, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.A., Midland University, Fremont, 2011
Omaha: Trevor M. Merz, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.S.E.H.S., University of Nebraska, Lincoln, 2009
Orchard: Kalee Jo Schacht Michaelson, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.S., Wayne State College, 2014
Platte Center: Deena Muriel Kramer Bignell++, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.S., Wayne State College, 2011
South Sioux City: Donna Elizabeth Tindall, , Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.A., Cedarville University, Cedarville, OH, 1990
Glenwood, Iowa: Emily Jo Evans Owings++, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.A., Morningside College, Sioux City, IA, 2006
Pocahontas, Iowa: Carley LizBeth Denton, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.A., Northwestern College, Orange City, IA, 2008
Rock Rapids, Iowa: Jennifer Krista Stephens, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.S., Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 1989
Sioux City, Iowa: Brooke Lea Anderson Craig, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.S., Wayne State College, 2004
Sioux City, Iowa: Brittney Jean Foxhoven, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.S., Morningside College, Sioux City, IA, 2012
Sioux City, Iowa: Carrie Lynn Gilmore, , Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.S.E., University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 2009
Sioux City, Iowa: Cody James Jaminet, , Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.S., Morningside College, Sioux City, IA, 2007
Sioux City, Iowa: Denise Lee Jensen, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.A., University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, 2002
Sioux City, Iowa: Kelsey Ann Wyant Krohn, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.A., Buena Vista University, Storm Lake, IA, 2013
Sioux City, Iowa: Emily Ann Lindblom, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.A., Buena Vista University, Storm Lake, IA, 2013
Sioux City, Iowa: Kaitlyn Ann Marsh, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.A., University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, 2013
Sioux City, Iowa: Amy Katherine Ortmann, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.A., Buena Vista University, Storm Lake, IA, 2002
Sioux City, Iowa: Gina Renee Roost, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.A., Simpson College, Indianola, IA, 2005
Sioux City, Iowa: Hannah Jane Strand, , Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.A., University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 2009
Sioux City, Iowa: Alicia Marie Trobaugh, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.A., Buena Vista College, Storm Lake, IA, 2010
Sioux City, Iowa: Sherrie Lynn Whitlock, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.A., Briar Cliff College, Sioux City, IA, 1987
Spencer, Iowa: Jennie Marie Stevenson, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.A., Briar Cliff University, Sioux City, IA, 2006
Kansas City, Kansas: Kimberly Diane Bosch, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.S.E., Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 2010
Blue Springs, Mo.: Jacqueline Marlayne Kennedy, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.A., Park University, Parkville, MO, 2011
Elk Point, S.D.: Erin K Miltenberger, Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership
B.S., Wayne State College, 2013
Master of Science in Organizational Management
Cedar Falls, Iowa: Tanner Clay Cooke++, , Sport and Recreation Management
B.S., University of Dubuque, Dubuque, IA, 2015
Wayne: Billie Dawn Davie++, , Information Technology Management
B.S., Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, 2005
M.S.E., Wayne State College, 2012
Oakland, Calif.: Abdullah T. Sabir, Sport and Recreation Management
B.A., Benedictine College, Atchison, KS, 2015
Carroll, Iowa: Jordan David Holdsworth++, Sport and Recreation Management
B.S., Wayne State College, 2015
Elkader, Iowa: Kyle Matthew Wagner, Sport and Recreation Management
B.A., Loras College, Dubuque, IA, 2014
Hartford, S.D.: Seth John Wolles, , Sport and Recreation Management
B.A., Augustana University, Sioux Falls, S.D., 2015
Flower Mound, Texas: Hailie Marie Sample++, Sport and Recreation Management
B.S.B.A., University of Nebraska, Lincoln, 2015
Renton, Wash.: Stetson Charles Olson, , Sport and Recreation Management
B.S., Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN, 2014
Caracas, Distrito Capital, Venezuela: Richard Ferreira, Information Technology Management
B.S., Wayne State College, 2013
Education Specialist
Omaha: Shawn Joseph Hoppes++, School Administration/Educational Leadership
B.A.E., University of Nebraska, Kearney, 2001
M.E., Doane College, Crete, 2006
Oxford: Darren Cole Tobey++, School Administration/Educational Leadership
B.S., Peru State College, Peru, 2005
M.E., Chadron State College, Chadron, 2011
Plattsmouth: Mark Shannon Smith++, School Administration/Educational Leadership
B.S., Peru State College, Peru, 1987
M.S., University of Nebraska, Omaha, 2001
Seward: Scott A. Axt++, , School Administration/Educational Leadership
B.S.E., Chadron State College, Chadron, 1994
M.S.E., Chadron State College, Chadron, 2004
Tekamah: Daniel P. Gross++, , School Administration/Educational Leadership
B.A.E., Wayne State College, 1990
M.S.E., Wayne State College, 2000
Walthill: Lindsey M. Lanik Burback++, School Administration/Educational Leadership
B.S.E., Chadron State College, Chadron, 2005
M.E., Chadron State College, Chadron, 2014
Cherokee, Iowa: Wade Wiliam Riley++, School Administration/Educational Leadership
B.S., Wayne State College, 2009
M.S.E., Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, 2014

SCHOLARSHIP HONORS
Based on the student’s cumulative GPA at the end of the semester prior to their semester of graduation.
High Honors in the Major – 12 hours of honors courses and complete a junior/senior honors project.
Honors in the Major – 6 hours of honors courses and complete a junior/senior honors project.
Scholar in the Major – complete a junior/senior honors project
JOHN G. NEIHARDT SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The John G. Neihardt Scholars Program provides special academic and scholarship opportunities for outstanding students enrolling at Wayne State College.
Each year the Scholarship Council selects a limited number from the qualified applicants to participate in the program, which offers special classes, colloquia, and advisement.
Students accepted into the program, who maintain their eligibility, are awarded a four-year scholarship for tuition
up to 128 total credit hours, eight semesters of room waiver, and an annual stipend of $500.
John G. Neihardt Scholars
Laura Jane Bergeron, Summa cum Laude with High Honors in the Major Elementary Education
James Russell Branstetter, Summa cum Laude with High Honors in the Major Geography
Brock Ben Bretschneider, Magna cum Laude with High Honors in the Major Social Sciences Education
Emily Ann Leeper, Summa cum Laude with High Honors in the Majors Psychology and Sociology
Kailey Marie Rader, Summa cum Laude with High Honors in the Majors Elementary Education
and Special Education K-6
Abby Alicia Stewart, Magna cum Laude with Honors in the Majors Chemistry/Health Sciences and Psychology
Shelby Ellen Wieseler, Magna cum Laude with High Honors in the Major Life Sciences/Biology

Summa cum Laude
Based on the student’s cumulative GPA at the end of the semester prior to their semester of graduation. Cumulative grade point average between 3.90 to 4.00

Justin Lee Aaberg
Alexis Judith Arlt
Allison Danyel Backer
Alexandria Marie Bartels
Marie Nicole Beamon
Laura Jane Bergeron
Josi Lynn Bradfield
James Russell Branstetter
Jennifer Judith Crosley
Andrea Leigh DeSimone
Emily I. Droescher
Grant Ryan Duin
Abbi Gay Ebel++
Payten Shadow Foster
Alyssa Jean Frauendorfer
Natasha Tryci Fuehrer
Megan Faith Gebhardt
Michaela Sue Grubb
Taylor Nicole Gude
Katelyn Patricia Harmel
Jaicee Catherine Heng
Chelcee Elizabeth Hrnchir
Beth Ann Hubbard
Kristyn Rae Huelskamp
Katie L. Hughes
Bethany Lyn Janzen++
Ashtyn Leigh Klein
Dirk Rodrick Leadabrand
Emily Ann Leeper
Jaelyn Cleora Lewis
Bethany Alexis Sorensen Malmkar
Amber Marie Nolen
Seth Glenn Peirce
Darienne Leigh Pokorny
Kailey Marie Rader
Heidi Elizabeth Roth
Karissa Lauraine Rudloff
Eduardo Salazar
Steven Paul Schutte
Nicole Marie Scott
Emily Ann Siebrandt
Hannah Renee Sleyster
Jenna Lee Terry

Magna cum Laude
Based on the student’s cumulative GPA at the end of the semester prior to their semester of graduation.
Cumulative grade point average between 3.80 to 3.89
Xina Alexandra Balandran
Cierra Katherine Beranek
Megan Marie Bessmer
Kaylee Jo Beyea
Melissa Johnna Brady
Brock Ben Bretschneider
Laura Elizabeth Brockelsby
Rachel Bethany Brown
Shana Elizabeth Chamberlain
Jacqueline Rae Christensen
Kelsa Marie Didier-Mills
Kaitlyn Marie Cutler Dougherty
Corbin Dale Eisenmenger
Amy C. Fleer
Nicholas Raymond Fly
Austin John Gerdes++
McKenna JoLynn Gibson
Kylie Elizabeth Goodrich
Allie LaNae Hakinson
Samantha Jo Hascall
Courtney Jean Hurlbert
Brittany Lee Janke
Brooke Lee Kahl
Molly Ann Kingsley
Jennifer Lynn Konieczny++
Abby Nicole Krueger
Taylor Ann Mathis
Leigh Ann Blomenkamp McCartney
Patrick Edward Meuret
Brittany Renee Nielsen
Ryan Eugene Nightser
Jacob Dean Oswald
Erica Jean Pemberton++
Hannah Elizabeth Ric
Shelly M. Roeber++
Jeremiah Thomas Salyard
Meghan L. Schildt
Alison Lynn Schmit
Jennifer Rose Sladky
Erin Christine Slattery
Aryn Marie Smidt
Abby Alicia Stewart
Erica Rose Styskal
Kayla Renee Sullivan
Jessica Ann Thomas
Kendra Lora Thornburg
Madison Jo Voborny
Aaron A. Von Seggern++
Elizabeth Noel Wallace
Shelby Ellen Wieseler

cum Laude
Based on the student’s cumulative GPA at the end of the semester prior to their semester of graduation.
Cumulative grade point average between 3.70 to 3.79
Brandi Rose Benson
Connor Evan Bliss
Nathan Michael Clausen
Allyson Marie Cole
Megan Karolann Connelly
Hannah Rae Coy
Mikala Rose Farrier
Andrea Gonzalez-Velazquez
Tanner James Griffith
Taylor Ann Hampton
Jamie Marie Held
Candace Marie Hutchson
Beau Benjamin Johnson
Kylie Erin Keller++
Carrie Anne Largen
Mariah Kay Leasure
Corbin Lawrence Lehn
Joseph William Lenihan++
Katie Lynn Loberg
Levi Geoffrey Loper
Hannah Noelle Meyer
Brice Owen Montgomery
Michael Dean Obermiller
Megan Mercedes Olson
Brent William Parry
Mason T. Schweizer++
Holly Victoria Spicer
Jonathan Paul Stanczyk
Morgan Irene Stough
Amber Kristine Timerman
Gerrit Jeffrey VanEngen
Nathan John Wieseler
Taryn Leilani Winter++
Honorable Mention
Based on the student’s cumulative GPA at the end of the semester prior to their semester of graduation.
Cumulative grade point average between 3.50 to 3.69.
Mary Libbie Alderson
Daniel Robert Barber
Ian Baumgart
Jarrod Douglas Bazata
Chet Levi Beckmann
Alexandra Kristine Beeson
Alyssa Lynn Bolles
Kyle Joseph Bonk
Samantha Rose Ann Brandner++
Paige Nichole Browning
Sydney Lynn Burke
Shona Marie Campbell
Rebecca Gayle Marie Clark
Kelli Kay Cortez
Brandon James Cowell++
Rachel Rae DeWitt
Olivia Madyson Domogalla
Sarah Anne Eckstein
Rennie James Failor
Cody Dean Gieseking
Patrick William Hancock
Jaydn Michael Harding
Zoey Anna Heimes
Jessica LuAnn Hofer++
Samantha Ann Jacobson
Gatlin Lee Jensen
Preston Andrew Kelly
Alexander Scott Kline++
Ashlie Rae Kluck
Taylor Alexander Kopecky
Ryan Michael Kraenow
Marty Weyer Kreitman
Melissa Jean Kroll
Michael Edward Ksiazek
Robyn Nicole Levine
Anna Mitchell Martensen
Jacob Dale Mattes
Jacob John Mausbach
Eric Matthew McCarthy
Tawny Marie Mohr
Amy Rose Oates
Lindsay Ann Olsen
Megan Marie Otto
Amanda Christina Peleska
Seth Alexander Pohlman++
Cleofes Sarmiento
Maryssa Elizabeth Schleis
Nicholas Joseph Schmit
Allison Jo Scholting
Erin Morgan Schramm
Allyssa Marie Schroeder
Sean Tyler Schrotberger++
Jacob Scott Schwartz
Thaddeus James Simpson
Daniel Stuckwisch
Morgan Alexis Talbert++
Brian Benjamin Taute
Alex Michael Tomasiewicz
Brenna Michelle Wakeley
Madison Bailey Williams
Jessica M. Wilson
Hayley Lyn Yelden++
Erica April Zach
Jennifer Marie Zick++
HONORS PROGRAM STUDENTS
Justin Lee Aaberg, Summa cum Laude with Honors in the Major Social Sciences Education
Colloquium Advisor: Dr. Randy Bertolas
Xina Alexandra Balandran, Magna cum Laude with Scholar in the Major Art/Graphic Design
Colloquium Advisor: Joshua Piersanti
Alexandria Marie Bartels, Summa cum Laude with Scholar in the Major Criminal Justice
Colloquium Advisor: Dr. Lisa Wanek
Lurena Ann Bish, High Honors in the Major Life Sciences/Biology
Colloquium Advisor: Dr. Douglas Christensen
Kaitlyn Marie Cutler Dougherty, Magna cum Laude with Scholar in the Major Math/Applied-Biology
Colloquium Advisor: Dr. Barbara Hayford
Corbin Dale Eisenmenger, Magna cum Laude with High Honors in the Major Criminal Justice
Colloquium Advisor: Dr. Lisa Wanek
Samantha Jo Hascall, Magna cum Laude with High Honors in the Major Secondary English Education
Colloquium Advisor: Dr. William Alexander
Bethany Lyn Janzen++, Summa cum Laude with Honors in the Major Business Administration/International
Business Studies
Colloquium Advisor: Dr. Meenakshi Dalal
Kyle Logan Kremer, Scholar in the Major Social Sciences Education
Colloquium Advisor: Dr. Randy Bertolas
Robyn Nicole Levine, Honorable Mention with High Honors in the Major English Writing & Literature
Colloquium Advisor: Dr. Stephanie Marcellus
Taylor Ann Mathis, Magna cum Laude with Scholar in the Major Geography
Colloquium Advisor: Dr. Randy Bertolas
Wayne State College, a leading, public four-year college in northeast Nebraska, is a proud member of the Nebraska State College System.
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Wayne State College, a leading, public four-year college in northeast Nebraska, is a proud member of the Nebraska State College System.
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