Alumni Stories
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…
Video: Versatility serves Schuster ’16 well at e-commerce company
Tyler Schuster ’16 works in Omaha, Nebraska, as a senior copywriter for e-commerce company Spreetail. After changing his major sophomore year, Schuster focused on communication studies and journalism at Hastings College. The…
Video: Johnson ’03 finds success in physical therapy practice
Dr. Lara Johnson, a 2003 Hastings College graduate, owns a physical therapy practice in Boulder, Colorado, where she specializes in neuromuscular techniques. She majored in exercise science at Hastings College, but classes outside…
McKay ‘01 serves through Army, immunology
Dr. Jerome McKay is a soldier scientist, one of a small and highly specialized group within the U.S. Army, as well as an immunologist at one of the leading respiratory hospitals in…
Lundeen sculpts larger-than-life Stations of the Cross
Had George Lundeen ‘71 participated in a Stations of the Cross liturgy before he began producing bronze sculptures depicting along Jesus’ journey to the Crucifixion? “Heavens no!” said the internationally-acclaimed sculptor who…
A Fulbright in Greece: ‘Humanity’s purpose is universal’
Vague ideas about Greek hospitality, food and culture do not take long to solidify to a firm love for the country. My notions of Greek life at the start of my Fulbright…
In growth mode, Sojern opens building, looks to hire HC interns, grads
When it comes to digital advertising for the travel industry, it’s clear Sojern has its competitors beat. The Omaha-based company, which was founded 11 years ago by Gordon Whitten ’93, currently serves…
