Alumni Stories

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…

After internship at Texas, Jones back training Hastings College athletes
Hayden Jones’ mental and physical toughness was tested with days beginning at 4:00 a.m. for his Division I strength and conditioning internship. But he felt prepared tackling the long 12-hour days. Jones,…

Pregnancy inspires ’98 grad to pioneer new treatment for transplant patients
After watching patient after patient die following a bone marrow transplant, Dr. Shernan Holtan ’98, assistant professor of medicine in the division of hematology, oncology and transplantation at the University of Minnesota,…

Video: Burr ’02 Overcomes fears, helps others in rehabilitation practice
Dr. Shane Burr ’02 overcame his fear of failure as a student with the help of professors and friends that propelled him to success in the medical field at Grand Island hospital.
Irish Fellows alumna, artist returns to Ireland
Briget Heidmous began the 2017 holiday season by selling all of her belongings, devoting herself to minimalist living and purchasing a one-way ticket west. The 2013 Hastings College graduate set out to…
Gregory explores Cornish Celtic traditions with interdisciplinary lens
Situated on the southwest tip of England, the English county of Cornwall presents a beautiful, green landscape to its residents and visitors alike. The rugged coastline boasts fishing harbors, beaches, coves, cliffs…

Video: Smith ’07 finds right fit behind the camera
With experience both in front of and behind the camera during her time at Hastings College, Amber Smith was able to find the right fit and use her connections as an alumnus…
Muhs builds powerful future with Tesla
Situated in the middle of a of nearly barren Nevada landscape sits the makings for the biggest building in the world: Tesla’s Gigafactory 1. Even with more than 4.9 million square feet…

Video: Johnson ’97 makes relationships, caring for others a priority as he leads students and educators
Preparing daily for the unexpected and focusing more on the process than the results are some key mindsets that Eric Johnson ’97 utilizes in his role as Principal of Windsor Middle School in Windsor,…
Teacher turns to personal training with in-home health company
At first glance, Kristen Livingston’s lifestyle appears to take personal fitness to the extreme. The 1993 Hastings College graduate begins most days in the gym at 5:00 a.m. By the time “mid-morning”…

Video: Powell ’13 utilizes talent and consistency as a foundation for a career in music
As a music composition performance major, Mario Powell ’13 describes his role as Director of Music at Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church in Colorado Springs where leading rehearsals and choirs is only part…