![]() | "Hastings College and its liberal arts program provided me with the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities. From academics to athletics to student government to music, I was allowed to grow as an individual; intellectually, physically, spiritually - to explore all that HC had to offer. My career as a U.S. Astronaut requires that I possess a myriad of skills, that I be capable of performing an enormous variety of tasks. I truly believe my ability to perform these spaceflight endeavors is enhanced by the well-rounded educational experience I received while a Bronco! The focus and dedication of the faculty and staff are unsurpassed, and the small town atmosphere of Hastings creates a wonderful sense of family." Clayton C. Anderson '81 United States Astronaut, NASA Houston, TX |
![]() | "Hastings College helped me develop leadership and management skills with its vibrant student association and sororities. The music and art programs provided a special appreciation for the arts that I carry with me, even after I made significant career changes from elementary art teacher, to Army Officer, and finally to a U.S. Diplomat. My first experience outside the U.S. was a HC Interim trip to the (former) Soviet Union, Hungary and (former) Czechoslovakia. Since that trip I have visited over 100 countries with my job and as an adventure traveler with my husband, Mark. Hastings College gave me a well-rounded education that boosted me into a world full of opportunities." Jeanine Jackson '71 U.S. Ambassador to Burkina Faso |
![]() | "My education at Hastings College was very meaningful to me because Hastings is an institution that is there for the students, for education and for teaching. I certainly wouldn't trade the education that I had at Hastings for anything. I've been to 2-3 major universities, and I can assure you the quality of education at Hastings is top level. By being a private, church-related school, there is an element to your education that is important and not neglected, and that is the spiritual side of it. I believe very strongly in the value of education at Hastings." Dr. Tom Osborne '59 Athletic Director - University of Nebraska / former U.S. Congressman |
![]() | "The undergraduate liberal arts program at Hastings College provided an excellent foundation for me as I began to look ahead to my dental career. Small class sizes meant that I was forced to know and work with my classmates. Leadership opportunities provided me with experience on a modest scale, and in a low-risk environment. The faculty held high expectations, making me accountable for my academic outcomes. Professionalism was evident throughout the campus and there were plenty of excellent mentors willing to reach out and offer help to any student at any time. I was fortunate to have Dr. Fred Mattes as my advisor. Dr. Mattes was never one to allow his students to sign up for easy classes as a way of getting easy A’s. He would always insist that a “hard earned B would get you a lot farther in life,” and he was right. He also expected me to get involved in campus life as a way to enrich my academic experience." Dr. Jessica Meeske '91 |
![]() | "HC was the most rewarding experience of my life. It provided me the confidence and knowledge to tackle the tough social issues that our communities face every day. I truly believe my exposure to different cultures and ways of life at Hastings has equipped me with the tools to be successful in life." Michael B. Hancock '91 Denver City Council President Denver, CO |
![]() | "At Hastings College no one ever suggested that "girls don't do math" (unlike my experience in graduate school). As a result I felt comfortable about taking as many math and physics courses as were available together with getting a broad background in history, literature, economics, and German. My studying German was as a result of being encouraged early on to apply for a Fulbright grant for graduate study in Germany. My experience there whetted my appetite for travel and the atmosphere at Hastings College encouraged me to get involved in helping others less fortunate. This combination, for which I am grateful, has led to involvement in scores of great projects from the Philippines to Uruguay to Iraq." Dr. Mary Wheat Gray '59 Professor - American University Washington D.C. |
![]() | "My liberal arts education at Hastings College has been of great value to me for two specific reasons. First, it gave me flexibility in my professional development after I graduated. Specifically, once I decided to enter the world of management I was able to gain admittance to a University based graduate school even though my undergraduate studies at Hastings were in the biological sciences. The graduate school admissions staff told me they believed my exposure to a liberal arts curriculum gave me the background, and then the assurance, that I could handle advanced studies. Secondly, Hastings College taught me the importance of maintaining balance in my life. The smaller student body allowed me to be involved in student government, choir, madrigals and other activities. These activities, and the diverse academic curriculum, kept me engaged and stimulated. I still actively serve on community organizations and sing, knowing that I will benefit by being recharged and better able to cope with a challenging professional life."
Nebraska State Senator - District 35 |
![]() | "Hastings College had what I needed when I returned to Hastings. Although I did not qualify for the 22-plus program, it was gratifying to have that group on campus for support and encouragement. Myself, my sons and now my niece and nephew had or are experiencing all HC has to offer: small classes, individualized attention, great professors and good times. Hastings College is the best!" Rhonda Pauley '87 Owner/Partner - Pauley Group LLC Hastings, NE |
![]() | "Hastings College helped to foster my passions to learn and challenge. The liberal arts education gave me many opportunities, from exploring my interests in nature and fostering an appreciation for art and poetry to preparing me for my career after Hastings in education. The quality of the faculty was outstanding and included standouts in the academic world. They were committed to superior education and challenged my thinking. I left with an open mind to alternatives to preconceived notions and a willingness to question situations before me. The result is what I believe I am…a well-rounded individual with the ability to adapt to many environments." Francisco ‘Paco’ Diaz ‘93 Enterprise Bank & Trust Kansas City, MO |












