Alumni Archives - Page 3 of 22

Paths to service started at Hastings College

While at Hastings College, RuAnn (Ulmer) Root ‘86 was skeptical about her classes in writing, public speaking and nonprofit accounting — requirements for her Human Service Administration degree. “To be honest, I…

Talarico building resources for fine arts educators

After teaching K-6 vocal music in the Bellevue (Nebraska) Public Schools for 23 years, Cody Talarico ’99 is strengthening arts education across the state as the new fine arts education specialist with…

Woman of Steel: Sally Jurgensmier ’93

On her family farm, near Minden, Nebraska, artist Sally Jurgensmier ’93 uses a wire welder to transform cold scrap metal into wondrous, expressive sculptures that fill her farmyard and showroom: a giant…

Opportunities at Hastings College help Polacek ’22 pursue art therapy (video)

Since she was young, Josie Polacek, who graduated in May with distinction in psychology, knew she wanted to become a practicing art therapist and counselor. To do that, she knew she had…

Tippl aims to build community, support bars and restaurants

Four friends who met at Hastings College are living their dream of owning a business together — and helping their community while doing it. “We’ve always had the desire to start a…

Alumni come together after years apart to put on play

The play “Strong City” is full of Hastings College alumni. “We’re doing a sort of renegade reunion,” the writer of the play, Paige MJ Erickson ‘00, said, as the director and almost…

Starting up: Cermak mentors next generation of entrepreneurs

Levi Cermak ’18 has viewed life through an entrepreneurial lens for as long as he can remember. As a youngster, he sold candy bars and bookmarks to his friends and watched his…

Grefe ’05 redefines banking after 15+ years of service

As Kelly Grefe’s four year journey came to an end when he graduated from Hastings College in 2005, he had no idea where his career would take him. Now, after 15+ years…

Hall retires with record of helping students succeed

Brian Kloppenborg ’06 credits Hastings College math and computer science professor Dr. Mark Hall for saving his career. After graduating from Hastings College with a major in physics and minors in math…

Jensen to continue making sunshine into retirement

Dr. Byron Jensen, Professor of Music, is retiring from Hastings College after 19 years educating and inspiring students in Hastings, and 43 years after he first entered the world of music education.…

Success Category: Alumni