Alumni Stories
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…
Lambie rises to top of cycling world
Two years ago, Ashton Lambie ‘13 set the record for the fastest bike ride across Kansas. Now, Lambie, with his orange handlebar mustache, is gripping the handlebars of another bike — one that…
Time to Revive the Real Politik Approach in the Russian-American Relations
By Dr. Oleg Kalinskiy, a 1998 graduate from Moscow, Russia Oleg Kalinskiy, PhD, JD, currently works as Director for Government Relations for Uralkali, the top Russian and global producer of potash mineral fertilizer. He…
Sociology grad reinvents public perception of animal control
When animal law enforcement officer and 2015 Hastings College Graduate Timothy Rice catches a pet owner without a leash, he doesn’t issue a ticket. Instead, he offers a lesson on the dangers…
API fellowship allows Case to help improve newsrooms
Emily Case ’14 hails from a small Nebraskan town with little diversity, yet she’s developed a passion for giving a voice to minority populations. “I feel like on the most basic level,…
Diffendaffer improves athletic safety, performance through biomechanical research
Alek Diffendaffer applies reflective markers to the major joints and anatomical landmarks of a baseball pitcher as 3D motion capture camera and high-tech software stand by to record the pitcher’s movements. Each…
Video: Taylor Samek ’16 finds career in law enforcement
Since he’s graduated 2016 alumnus Taylor Samek has used his experience interacting with the diverse student population at Hastings College to help him be more effective now as a deputy with the…
Talent Pool offers mentoring, internships
When business students jump into the Talent Pool, they are supported by local business and nonprofit leaders —including HC alumni—who serve as mentors and provide meaningful internships. This difference-making program is sponsored,…
Barnes garners diverse skillset from hands-on publishing
If Emilie Barnes ’17 was keeping a list of her steps to success in the publishing industry, it would be full of checkmarks. Complete an internship with a small press in Ireland?…
