Our Stories
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
COVID-19 can’t stop Wiegert from helping non-profit raise $10,000 during summer internship
Hastings College senior Kara Wiegert interned for the Central Nebraska Council on Alcoholism and Addictions (CNCAA) through AmeriCorps this past summer. This was the third summer Wiegert worked for CNCAA, and she
Kalinskiy thinks of Hastings College skills after winning Russian competition
In early September, Dr. Oleg Kalinskiy ‘98 was named one of the 106 winners of the all-Russia competition, Leaders of Russia. The competition, held for the third time, is designed to help
Through clerkship, Sisson ‘19 applies tangible skills in law school
During his sophomore year at Hastings College, Marc Sisson ‘19 interned for the Nebraska Attorney General’s office in constituent services. Now in law school, he returned to the same office this past
Wiegert combines agribusiness, accounting in internship with CPI
Emily Wiegert, an agribusiness major with minors in accounting and economics, combined her study areas to find success at her summer internship. The Hastings College senior utilized her skills as an accountant
Fisher learns to ‘trust the process’ in internship, academic career
After Hastings College MAT student Cole Fisher ‘19 landed an internship with the University of Minnesota athletic staff in February, he thought he’d observe coaches, work with athletes and get hands-on experience.