April Christensen

Senior April Christensen of Ruskin, Neb., daughter of Bruce and Cheryl Christensen, says she is extremely excited and honored to be this year’s Creigh Weyer Scholar. This highly-selective, post-graduate scholarship awarded by the Creigh Foundation is offered to Hastings College students who have outstanding leadership potential.

“The mentoring aspect of the Creigh Weyer program is going to be a great resource in the coming years,” April said. “This scholarship will not only help to fund my graduate school, but will also help me in the process of applying to graduate schools.”

Christensen is a double-major in piano performance and biology. Active in environmental initiatives both on campus and in the community, she plans to pursue a Master of Public Affairs degree and has an eventual goal of leadership in sound environmental practices and sustainability.  Among other activities, she has completed internships with the Alaska Conservation Foundation in rural Alaska and with the Center for Research on Invasive Species and Small Populations in Idaho.

“This honor really means a great deal to me as it affirms my decision to pursue a career in the world of environmental issues,” April said. “From the Student Environmental Action Coalition at Hastings College to internships in Idaho and Alaska, experiences throughout my life have continuously refined my career goals. It is a great honor to have the Creigh Weyer Scholarship committee choose to support my passion and the work I wish to do.”

The Creigh Weyer Scholarship offers up to $40,000 in grants to support graduate study in any field in the United States or overseas, as well as active mentoring, guidance and support from senior leaders in business, government and academia.

Creigh Weyer Scholars are selected on the following criteria:

• Demonstrated leadership potential,
• High probability of becoming a leader who will have a substantial impact on his or her community,
• Highest ethical standards and integrity,
• Strong communication skills, and
• Strong academic record with likely acceptance by a first-rate graduate school.

Other finalists for the Creigh Weyer Scholarship were:

• Megan Puckett, Lincoln, Neb., a major in biology and a minor in psychology, plans to pursue combined degrees in medicine and public health and a career in public health.
• Corey Reutlinger, Lexington, Neb., a major in pure and applied mathematics, plans to pursue a graduate degree in mathematics and a career in advanced research or college teaching.
• Lauren Slaughter, Hastings, Neb., a major in political science, plans to pursue a graduate degree in public and international affairs and social policy and a career in public policy, especially relating to underserved groups.
• Jacob Wardyn, Weeping Water, Neb., a biology major, plans to pursue a degree in medicine and a career as an anesthesiologist and community leader.