Our Stories

Women’s wrestling, literature fuel Fuller’s passion
As Amy Fuller, a sophomore English major from Gilbert, Arizona, finished her college search, she focused on three must-haves: 1. A college with strong academics, 2. A college focused on students’ success

Marketing classes gave Jagels the confidence to succeed at Burlington Capital
Burlington Capital is a leading investment management firm that creates and pursues innovative business ventures through its experience, knowledge and relationships in the areas of real estate and international agribusiness. According to

Liberal arts education prepared Mills for career in social media marketing
The prevalence of social media marketing in today’s society has produced job opportunities in a brand-new industry, one that Hastings College alumnus Casey Mills ‘08 has taken advantage of. Though his college

Akotaobi aims to grow concepts of equity, diversity and inclusion
After graduating from Hastings College in 2006, Uzo Akotaobi had no idea where he would go. He just knew he needed a job in human resources where he could devote his career

Zadina takes on Black Oak for a second summer
While studying business administration and marketing, Hastings College senior Kelsie Zadina found herself interning at Black Oak Builders in Lincoln, Nebraska, for a second summer this year. As a teenager, Zadina, who

Selfless mindset helps Mertens ‘15 bring new businesses to life
While many young professionals spend their lives chasing their own dreams, for one Hastings College alumnus, the dream is to help other people make their dreams a reality. Isaac Mertens, a 2015

Krause launches PassTime app to help others connect through recreation
After graduating from Hastings College in 2015 with a degree in business administration, Brandon Krause began the process of transforming an idea into a reality: helping connect people looking for a pickup

While finishing college career, Sesay developing skincare line to honor her heritage
Hastings College senior Mariama Sesay has always loved practicing skincare because when she looked around at her family, they all had flawless skin at any age. She said she dreamt of making

Buck follows inspiration to teach music
“Alright class, can I have you sing these notes for me?” Hastings College music education major Allisa Buck asks high school students in a music classroom at Harvard Public School in Harvard,

Music by McConnell featured on NET Television series
Because NET Television’s “What If…” series is a project that celebrates creativity, Mike Tobias, the show’s producer and host, wanted to include original music by Nebraskans as part of every episode. The

Through volunteering, Cox presented with real-world opportunities as a first-year student
In the summer of 2020, Hastings College first-year student Jeremiah Cox wanted to write an article about George Floyd’s death for his local newspaper in Chaska, Minnesota. When looking for resources, Cox

Sissoko launches coffee business while finishing college career
The coffee business started in a dorm room in Wyoming for Hastings College senior Sidy Sissoko. Sissoko, attending a community college at the time, and his roommate experimented with roasting coffee beans

Perdunn ‘04 protects power system by working in cybersecurity with OPPD
A man of many talents, Michael Perdunn ’04 worked in customer service, marketing and project management before landing a dream job that fits with his passions. He protects the Omaha Public Power

Burke ‘17 starts educational career in the midst of COVID-19, helps students succeed
When starting her career in a high school this fall, Melissa Burke ‘17 wasn’t expecting her job to be fully online. The Hastings College psychology and health administration graduate works as a

Morten wins Big Idea Hastings, opens Lemon & Co. Juicery
In 2019, Hastings College graduate Chelsey Morten ’16/MAT ’18 submitted an idea to Big Idea Hastings. Big Idea is modeled after the show “Shark Tank,” and Morten built a pitch for Lemon

Bronco Buddies adapts to connect with elementary students through pen pal program
Bronco Buddies, started a year ago by education major Michaela Bailey, seeks to connect students at Lincoln Elementary School in Hastings with college student mentors. Last year, student athletes would visit and