Alumni Stories
Nilsen benefits her community in more ways than one
Lottie (Fryer) Nilsen, a 1995 Hastings College graduate, was awarded the James H Nobil Professional Achievement Award for her actions with The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County in Boca Raton,…
Alumnus advocates for Nebraska’s children
JohnCarl Denkovich ends every email with these words from 19th century social reformer and orator Frederick Douglass: “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken [adults].” The quotation is…
Schlichtman works with gaming company to normalize the hospital experience
Austin Schlichtman began his career as a child life specialist which, interestingly enough, led him to write a children’s book to help explain death before switching roles to work with The Bungie…
From two to twenty nine: The artist, the elm and the educator
It was an elm, wizened by years, roots below grown deep and weighty in Hastings College soil, branches wide above offering shady embrace, and it greeted all—students, alumni, families—from its post at…
Hastings College graduates work behind scenes to keep Omaha Symphony moving
The Omaha Symphony produces 40 concerts a season, and it’s made possible in part thanks to three Hastings College graduates who work behind the scenes. Diane (Knapp) Coffin ‘86, Jennifer (Gray) Kreitz-Couch…
‘A professor, a father, a friend,’ Bohmfalk set to retire
Dr. John Bohmfalk has a special knack for adding heart to the rather analytical world of biochemistry. His joyful, compassionate temperament, enthusiastic teaching style and occasional eccentricities have helped decades of Hastings…
Darling ’03 helps others find joy in giving
You might think that Matt Darling ‘03, vice president of donor services at the Omaha Community Foundation, works exclusively with CEO’s, business executives and other members of the “top 1 percent.” But…
In retirement, Phelps to answer new old question
Doug Phelps, a 1981 and 1989 (MAT) Hastings College graduate and an associate professor of Teacher Education, is retiring after 17 years at the College. At HC, he taught science methods courses…
Video: Diffendaffer ’12 uses 3D motion capture to analyze athletic performance
Hastings College graduate Alek Diffendaffer ’12 uses 3D motion capture to analyze athletic performance for injury prevention. He majored in exercise science at Hastings College and said his classes gave him the…
As Wigert set to retire, students reflect on ‘one of nicest professors on campus’
As a professor, pastor, counselor, coach, father and husband, Dr. Lee R. Wigert might be the exact definition of a man who wears many hats — or maybe he just wears the…
Hastings College grad explores art with an environmental message
At her studio in the trendy Benson neighborhood of north Omaha, Nebraska, artist Jess Benjamin creates large-scale ceramic sculptures that reflect her rural roots and convey a subtle message about water depletion…
Video: Bernero ’17 finds success as a trust associate
Natalie Bernero, a 2017 Hastings College graduate, works as a trust associate for First Western Trust in Denver, Colorado. She said personal relationships with her professors helped her excel in the difficult…
Flaxbeard one of four in Red Cross pilot Campus LEAD program
Helene Flaxbeard, a 2013 Hastings College graduate, is a member of the Red Cross’s Campus Leadership, Education and Development (LEAD) program — a rotational program designed to recruit and develop recent graduate…
Video: Hemje ’10, first generation college student, finds success as family physician
Dr. Mackenzie Hemje, a 2010 Hastings College graduate, is a family physician in Hastings, Nebraska. He chose Hastings College because he could play a sport, be involved in other activities and excel…
Through teaching and learning, Heflebower strives to make an impact
Dr. Tammy Heflebower’s interest in teaching was sparked at a young age. She started her career in a traditional classroom but now runs Inspire Consulting, a company specializing in organizational and educational…
Matousek ’18 learns from different cultures on missions trip
Allison Matousek, a 2018 sports and recreational management graduate, is getting out of her comfort zone and letting things happen as they come. Matousek has always loved kids. In high school, she…