1UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA

STUDENT HONORS CONVOCATIONAPRIL 19, 2019

STRAUSS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

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CHANCELLOR’S WELCOME

Dear Honorees and Attendees,

Today we gather to recognize the accomplishments of

outstanding students. Honors Convocation is one of our

most valued traditions because it provides us an opportunity

to celebrate not just students’ academic achievements, but

also their contributions to our university and community. The

students we are honoring are Mavericks; independent thinkers

demonstrating excellence in scholarship and service.

The biographies on the following pages highlight

individuals, and we recognize their accomplishments

are shared with family, friends, faculty, and staff who

help make that excellence possible. Thank you to all

who provide such valuable support to our students.

Let me also congratulate the students we are recognizing today.

Your accomplishments speak to your determination, intelligence,

curiosity, and passion. Your work — today and in the future —

reflects on UNO, helping us build on our reputation as a leading

force in higher education, research, and community engagement.

My sincerest congratulations to all.

Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.

Chancellor

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CEREMONY

INTRODUCTION Christopher M. Kelly, Ph.D. President, UNO Faculty Senate

MASTER OF CEREMONIES B.J. Reed, Ph.D. Senior Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs

WELCOME Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. Chancellor

AWARDS Helen Hansen Outstanding Graduate Students Presented by Deborah Smith-Howell, Ph.D. Associate Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs Dean, Graduate Studies

Undergraduate Major Honorees Presented by college deans

Deans’ Awards Presented by college deans

SENIOR VICE CHANCELLOR AWARDS

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Presented by B.J. Reed, Ph.D. Senior Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs

Outstanding LeadershipPresented by B.J. Reed, Ph.D. Senior Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs

Outstanding Service LearningPresented by Deborah Smith-Howell, Ph.D. Associate Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs Dean, Graduate Studies

Outstanding Student AthletesPresented by Trev Alberts Vice Chancellor, Athletic Leadership and ManagementDirector, Intercollegiate Affairs

RECEPTION Refreshments served immediately following the ceremony in the Milo Bail Student Center Ballroom

HELEN HANSEN OUTSTANDING GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDSScholarships are awarded to graduate students who have completed at least 18 hours of graduate work, demonstrated excellence in performance, and have been admitted for candidacy with a grade point average of 3.75 and above.

With a focus in human health in biology, Maxwell Virus has been studying the world’s most common human brain parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. His research has focused on developing and testing combination drug treatments to alleviate chronic parasitic infection. He also instructs biology courses at the undergraduate level, introducing topics and lab techniques to help students develop a well-rounded understanding of biology. He has a genuine fascination with life itself, branching into realms of health, human behavior, language, and philosophy.

Robert Shute is a doctoral candidate obtaining his Ph.D. in exercise science. He currently works in the Exercise Physiology Lab and has been the course instructor for Optimizing Sports Performance. He received his master’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with majors in nutrition, exercise, health science and dietetics. Shute’s dissertation is on human gene response to three-weeks of training in cold and hot environmental temperatures. His research interests include environmental physiology, skeletal muscle physiology, and sports performance. After graduation, he will work at the University of Virginia as a post-doctoral fellow.

MAXWELL VIRUS Biology

ROBERT SHUTE Exercise Science

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Lukas Buchta Business Finance

Paige Connole Human Resource Management

Brianna Eisert International Business

Andrea Hardesty Legal Studies

Tiffany Hunter* Real Estate and Land Use Economics

Dominika Jedinak* Economics

Amy Kohlscheen Banking and Financial Markets

Caleb Moyer Investment Science & Portfolio Management

Emily Pawoll Accounting

Alison Raszler* Supply Chain Management

Christopher Winchester* Marketing and Entrepreneurship, Management

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

*Denotes Honors Student

Honorees selected by departments in which they are majoring must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.33. They are chosen on the basis of academic achievement in addition to their contributions to the university and the community.

UNDERGRADUATE MAJOR HONOREES

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Alana Alexander Sociology

Michaela Algya Religion

Rachel Ernst Geography

Thomas Feulner Chemistry (Medicinal Chemistry)

Emma Franklin* English

Denay Grund Geology

Zane Jensen* History

Deena Keilany Political Science

César Magaña Linares Latino/Latin American Studies

Isabella Lombardo Environmental Studies (Life Science)

Sarah McCarty Mathematics

Bailey Morley* Foreign Languages and Literature

Daniela Cortés Reyes Neuroscience

Samantha Sack Biotechnology (Molecular and Biomedical Biology)

Madison Stivers Psychology

Sean Watson* Biotechnology

Erin Wiebe* Philosophy

Liam Yourston Physics

Lauren Zimmerman International Studies

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Gabriela Amador Elementary Education

Elise Beal* Physical Education (Exercise Science)

Annie Catania Secondary Education (Physical Education)

Jessica Daugherty Public Health

Summer Dykstra Elementary Education, Special Education (Sign Language Interpreter)

Tammy Haberer Early Childhood Inclusive Education

Fabricio Hernandez Elementary Education

Sarah Jarosik Secondary Education

Matthew Mantanona Biomechanics

Sarah Maul Speech-Language Pathology

Mackenzie Schley Library Science

Kelly Seevers Athletic Training

Berkley Stanton Library Science

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COLLEGE OF INFORMATION SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

COLLEGE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

COLLEGE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE DIVISION OF CONTINUING STUDIES

UNL COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

*Denotes Honors Student

Tate Beller Aviation (Professional Flight)

Michelle Bondi Emergency Management

Imani Brown Emergency Management

Christopher Denny Gerontology

Powers Dicus* Aviation (Air Transport Administration)

Lauren Doehass Criminology and Criminal Justice

Cassandra Geiken Criminology and Criminal Justice

Roman Sanchez Ramirez Social Work

Byron Chao Electrical Engineering

Kelsey Heffner Civil Engineering

Jeremiah Ohlman Computer Engineering

Kelsey Stithem Architectural Engineering

Steven Strehle Construction Management

Samuel Underwood* Architectural Engineering

Samuel Dameron Multidisciplinary Studies (Fire Service Management)

Lyla El-Refaie Multidisciplinary Studies (Psychology)

John Focht Multidisciplinary Studies

Anthony Gonzales Multidisciplinary Studies (Sociology)

Margaret Harrison-Ward Multidisciplinary Studies (Library Science)

Kathryn Lade Multidisciplinary Studies (Political Science)

Molly Mortimer-Lamb Multidisciplinary Studies (General Administration)

Jesus Perez Multidisciplinary Studies (Information Technology)

Tyler Ratigan Multidisciplinary Studies (Healthcare Administration)

Kelli Schilken Multidisciplinary Studies (Non-Profit Administration)

Jaxon Teig Multidisciplinary Studies (Criminology and Criminal Justice)

Nate Brown Computer Science

Elisabeth Henderson Cybersecurity

Sneh Koul Bioinformatics

Logan Miller Management Information Systems

William Ramm IT Innovation

Elizabeth Bauman Communication Studies

Connor Beebe Studio Art (Graphic Design)

Michael Burns Theatre

Sophie Clark* Creative Writing

Jurge Cruz-Alvarez Journalism and Media Communication

Amanda DeFazio Studio Art (K-12 Certification)

Christa Goodwin Music

Schylar Junginger Music (Music Performance)

Alex Lunardi Music (Music Education)

Holly Tharnish Studio Art

Xin Wei Art History

COLLEGE OF COMMUNICATION, FINE ARTS AND MEDIA

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DEANS’ AWARDSAward recipients reflect a combination of outstanding scholastic achievement and leadership on campus and in the community. They are selected from the Undergraduate Major Honorees.

LAUREN DOEHASS College of Public Affairs and Community Service

Lauren Doehass graduated from Garden City Community College with an Associate of Science in psychology before transferring to UNO. In May 2019, she will receive her Bachelor of Science in criminology and criminal justice with a minor in psychology. She has been employed by the Transportation Security Administration for most of her college career and plans to join a federal law enforcement agency upon college graduation. She is most passionate about serving and protecting at-risk populations.

ELISABETH HENDERSON College of Information Science & Technology

Elisabeth Henderson is a cybersecurity major, and is minoring in criminology and criminal justice, and computer science. Henderson currently works at the Computer Science Learning Center as a tutor helping students better understand their programming related coursework. She also works with Dr. Bill Mahoney on creating an assembly language programming competition for university students. She is graduating in May 2019 and pursuing a career as a reverse engineer.

CHRISTOPHER WINCHESTER College of Business Administration

Christopher Winchester is studying entrepreneurship and management, and marketing. His research includes organizational behavior, management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. He also is an event and wedding planner, and is on the marketing team at Mutual of Omaha-Midtown Crossing. He is completing his BSBA in business administration and plans to earn an MBA and Ph.D. in organizational behavior.

MICHAEL BURNS College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media

Michael Burns graduated magna cum laude with a BA in theatre in December 2018. He has appeared in many UNO theatre productions, including Dracula, Shakespeare’s Dog, Marat/Sade, and The Clearing. He has also worked at SNAP! Productions, Omaha Community Playhouse and Benson Theatre. He is currently in The Woodsman at the Bluebarn Theatre and in Digital Moxie Studios short film, Chit. He recently won an International 1st Place award for his radio drama, A Dark Night in Arkham, and an Award of Excellence for his Haunted Heartland teaser.

GABRIELA AMADOR College of Education

Gabriela Amador is receiving her BS in Elementary Education with an endorsement in English as a Second Language, and majoring in Foreign Languages and Literature with a concentration in Spanish. She was a part of the Teacher Education Diversity Organization, the Thompson Learning Community, and was a student ambassador for UNO. She was honored with the Outstanding Service Learning Student Award, and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship as an English Teaching Assistant in Spain for the 2019-2020 school year.

DEENA KEILANY College of Arts and Sciences

Deena Keilany is a senior majoring in political science with a concentration in law and the courts. Her minors are in philosophy and leadership and public policy. She is currently a legislative aide at the Nebraska State Legislature and will begin her legal education in the fall of 2019. Motivated by her desire to live a fulfilling life marked by positive change, she hopes to one day put her legal education to use as a public servant dedicated to the betterment of her community.

SAMUEL UNDERWOODUNL College of Engineering

Samuel Underwood has devoted himself to the field of architectural acoustics and noise control to ensure that the public can find a restorative peace and quiet within their homes, hospitals, and offices, and also immerse themselves in the concert halls of the world. After graduating he will spend time working as a consultant, then return to school to pursue a doctorate degree and become a professor of architectural engineering.

JOHN FOCHT College of Public Affairs and Community Service Division of Continuing Studies

John Focht is receiving his BMS with a minor in international studies, and a concentration in criminology and criminal justice. He has been a police officer in Council Bluffs, IA for over two decades, and has been a detective in the Vice Unit for the past 14 years. He is currently assigned to the FBI Crimes Against Children task force, where he primarily works prostitution and human trafficking cases.

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SENIOR VICE CHANCELLOR OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AWARD

SENIOR VICE CHANCELLOR OUTSTANDING UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT AWARDThis award is given based on a combination of outstanding scholastic achievement and demonstrated leadership on campus and in the community. The recipients are selected by the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs from the Deans’ Award recipients.

GABRIELA AMADORCollege of Education

Gabriela Amador is receiving her BS in Elementary Education with an endorsement in English as a Second Language, and majoring in Foreign Languages and Literature with a concentration in Spanish. She was a part of the Teacher Education Diversity Organization, the Thompson Learning Community, and was a student ambassador for UNO. She was honored with the Outstanding Service Learning Student Award, and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship as an English Teaching Assistant in Spain for the 2019-2020 school year.

The Senior Vice Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Leadership recognizes an undergraduate student who has demonstrated exemplary leadership through campus organizations and community volunteer work in addition to scholarly achievement.

CHRISTOPHER WINCHESTERCollege of Business Administration

Christopher Winchester is studying entrepreneurship and management, and marketing. His research includes organizational behavior, management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. He also is an event and wedding planner, and is on the marketing team at Mutual of Omaha-Midtown Crossing. He is completing his BSBA in business administration and plans to earn an MBA and Ph.D. in organizational behavior.

SAMUEL UNDERWOODUNL College of Engineering

Samuel Underwood has devoted himself to the field of architectural acoustics and noise control to ensure that the public can find a restorative peace and quiet within their homes, hospitals, and offices, and also immerse themselves in the concert halls of the world. After graduating he will spend time working as a consultant, then return to school to pursue a doctorate degree and become a professor of architectural engineering.

OUTSTANDING SERVICE LEARNING AWARD

OUTSTANDING STUDENT ATHLETE AWARDS

This award is presented to students who have made outstanding contributions to the community as a part of their academic study.

Honorees are selected on the basis of academic and athletic achievement in addition to their contributions to the university and community.

KABAO LORCollege of Education

Kabao Lor graduated from UNO with a Bachelor of Science in education in May 2018 and will graduate with her Master of Science in speech-language pathology in May 2020. Her areas of interest in the field of speech-language pathology include cognition, expressive and receptive language, and swallowing. Lor is a graduate research assistant at Boys Town National Research Hospital and is also an active volunteer with organizations such as UNO NSSLHA/Collegiate Sertoma and OPS inclusion club C.R.E.W.

NATALIE MOSTEKCollege of Arts and Sciences

Natalie A. Mostek is graduating in May 2018 with a BS in chemistry with a concentration in medicinal chemistry. She is a member of UNO’s softball team, received the Muscle Mav award in 2018, and was named UNO’s Strength and Conditioning Female Athlete of the Year. Her volunteer service includes Mighty Mavs, Girls Inc., and Habitat for Humanity. Her pharmaceutical research at UNMC’s College of Pharmacy focuses on synthesizing compounds for opioid alternatives and novel drugs for malaria and Zika virus prevention.

LUKAS BUCHTACollege of Business Administration

Lukas Buchta is from Zlin, Czech Republic and came to the United States to play hockey after graduating from high school. He chose to play at UNO because he believed it was the right place for him. Off the ice, he is working on his bachelor’s in business administration concentrating in finance, banking, and portfolio management while also working on his MBA.

BRADLEY CARLSONCollege of Arts and Sciences

Bradley Carlson will graduate in May with a BS in biology. He is currently working at Hitchcock Nature Center’s Insect Club at Glacier Creek to survey the insect populations there, and teaches undergraduates how to identify them. He plans on studying at either the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or the University of Florida to earn his MS and Ph.D. in entomology. He enjoys volunteering at Henry Doorly Zoo and walking dogs at the Midlands Humane Society.

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University of Nebraska at Omaha Administration Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., Chancellor B.J. Reed, Ph.D., Senior Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs Doug Ewald, M.A., Vice Chancellor, Business, Finance and Business Development Dan Shipp, Ed.D., Vice Chancellor for Student Success Trev Alberts, Vice Chancellor, Athletic Leadership and Management; Director of Intercollegiate Athletics

The Colleges David Boocker, Ph.D., Dean, College of Arts and Sciences Nancy A. Edick, Ed.D., Dean, College of Education Louis Pol, Ph.D., Dean, College of Business Administration John Bartle, Ph.D., Dean, College of Public Affairs and Community Service Hesham Ali, Ph.D., Dean, College of Information Science & Technology Michael Hilt, Ph.D., Dean, College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media Deborah Smith-Howell, Ph.D., Associate Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs; Dean, Graduate Studies David Richards, M.A., M.L.I.S., Dean, Criss Library

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Academic Programs Lance C. Pérez, Ph.D., Dean, College of Engineering

University of Nebraska Board of Regents Timothy Clare, J.D. Robert Schafer, J.D. Howard Hawks, M.B.A. Paul Kenney Jim Pillen, D.V.M. Bob Phares Elizabeth O’Connor, J.D. Barbara Weitz

Student Regents University of Nebraska at Omaha, Aya Yousuf University of Nebraska at Kearney, Nicole Kent University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Emily Johnson University of Nebraska Medical Center, Keith Ozanne

University of Nebraska Administration Hank M. Bounds, Ph.D., President Susan M. Fritz, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Provost Chris Kabourek, M.B.A., Vice President, Business and Finance; CFO James P. Pottorff, Vice President and General Counsel

Special thanks to: Faculty Marshals: Melissa Cast-Brede, Ph.D. and Jeremy C. Baguyos M.M. Reader: Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado, Ph.D.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha will be taking pictures at this event for use in advertising and other promotional materials, whether in print, electronic, or other media.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, relation, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. UNO is an AA/EEO/ADA institution. For questions, accommodations or assistance please call/contact the Title IX/ADA/504 Coordinator (phone: 402.554.3490 or TTY 402.554.2978) or the Accessibility Services Center (phone: 402.554.2872).

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