Sara Kluver

Biology major and Student Association President Sara Kluver, from Fairfield, Neb., is a 2010 Bronco Award winner and Hastings College Who’s Who honoree. She will be attending the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Dentistry in August.

“I’ve achieved everything and more here,” Sara said of her time at HC. “More than I ever expected to.”

Sara will cross the stage at Hastings College with her fiancé, fellow Who’s Who honoree and biology major Jeffrey Klug, of McCook, Neb., who is planning to attend the UNMC College of Medicine this August. They will be married this June in Hastings.

“I don’t think I could have chosen a better college to attend,” Sara said of HC. “I’ve been able to branch out and find other passions I didn’t know I had and learn more about myself and what I’m capable of. I’ve matured and grown as a person here.”

A Dean’s List student, Sara received the Evans Storer Scholarship and was a finalist for the Creigh Weyer Scholarship. She was secretary of the ALS Student Symposium, co-president of the Inter-Greek Council and president of the Tri-Beta Biology Honor Society.

As student body president, she served on numerous advisory councils and committees on campus, among them the Student Affairs Council, President’s Advisory Council, Residence Hall Council, the Election Committee and Senior Class Gift Committee. She participated in New Student Days, HC Choir and Habitat for Humanity. She was a member of Student Alumni Ambassadors, Ignite, Pre-Health Club, Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society, Alpha Chi Academic Honor Society, Alpha Omega Sorority and Student Focus Group.

“I really love being in a leadership role and knowing I can help people and have an impact. I can guarantee at a larger campus I don’t think I would have been able to climb into these leadership roles.”

Sara was a Homecoming finalist. She aided her fellow students as a biology tutor, and she volunteered for College View Assisted Living and First Presbyterian Bible School. She presented her original senior research at the National Academy of Sciences and the Tri-Beta District Convention.

As president, she worked to establish the popular program, HC Does Weekends, which organizes fun activities for students on campus each weekend. She also helped to increase Greek participation in service to the community.

“I always knew I wanted to go to dental school,” Sara said. “It will be difficult, but I think I’m ready for the challenge because of my work here at HC. All my classes have been challenging and have prepared me well to go on to dental school.”

Dr. Jessica Meeske, a pediatric dentist, public health advocate and member of the Hastings College Board of Trustees, has taken Sara under her wing and given her experience in her dental office in Hastings.

“Jessica has become a role model for me. I strive to become a lot like her,” Sara said. “I would like to see myself back in Hastings as a pediatric dentist, active in the community and an active church member.”

Dr. Meeske is the 2010 Hastings College Commencement speaker and recipient of the honorary Doctor of Science degree from Hastings College. Among her many achievements, Dr. Meeske has been recognized by the American Dental Association for Outstanding New Dentist Leadership, and she received the J.G. Elliott Award from the University of Nebraska Medical Center for improving dental health services for Nebraskans.