As the University of Nebraska–Lincoln celebrates its May 2025 commencement, CEHS is highlighting five graduates who share about their experiences in this Q-&-A:
Bryce Benes
Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management
Lincoln, Nebraska
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
It is a great honor to finally be recognized as a Husker, a long goal and dream come true.
As you think about graduating from Nebraska, please share any transformational moments. How did it help shape who you are or what you will do going forward?
In the early days of my studies, I appreciated how the staff and faculty welcomed me, especially since my transition of going to school way later in life than a traditional student, it definitely made the process easier.
Involvement and activities while on campus:
I worked full time at the University while completing my studies.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to stay in Lincoln, with my family, after moving around earlier in my career. Happy to stay home.
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to _______________."
Not having to do late night homework!
Was there anything that pleasantly surprised you about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or your experience here?
Overall, very pleasant, yet challenging.
Share a "thank you message" to someone who helped you throughout your time as a Husker.
Thank you to all the HRTM and ALEC faculty and staff who helped me along the way, and continue to do so for others!
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Morgan Burke
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Exercise and Health Sciences
Willow Lake, South Dakota
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Graduating from Nebraska represents how much I’ve grown as a person—academically, emotionally, and socially. It’s proof that I can set a long-term goal and follow through, even when it gets tough.
As you think about graduating from Nebraska, please share any transformational moments. How did it help shape who you are or what you will do going forward?
Teaching my first Chem 109 recitation was a turning point in my college experience. Standing in front of the classroom, I realized how much I had grown—not just in my understanding of the material, but in my ability to lead, communicate, and connect with others. It was the first time I saw myself not just as a student, but as someone who could inspire and support other students on their academic journeys. That experience helped me gain confidence in my voice, deepened my passion for science, and showed me the kind of impact I want to have in my future career.
Involvement and activities while on campus:
Chemistry Teaching Assistant
Plans (job, continuing education, internship, etc.) after graduation.
Following graduation, I’m excited to begin the next chapter of my journey at the UNMC College of Dentistry in Lincoln, Nebraska.
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to _______________."
After graduation, I am most looking forward to continuing my education, growing both personally and professionally, and taking one step closer to achieving my dream career.
Was there anything that pleasantly surprised you about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or your experience here?
I was pleasantly surprised that, even at a university with over 23,000 students, it’s still possible to build meaningful, personal connections with professors, advisors, and other faculty members.
Share a "thank you message" to someone who helped you throughout your time as a Husker.
Dear Raymond,
I just wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for all the guidance and support you’ve given me throughout my college journey. Your advice, encouragement, and willingness to help—whether I was figuring out class schedules or navigating big decisions—made such a difference in my experience.
I truly appreciate the time you took to listen, offer insight, and help me stay on track toward my goals. Your support has been a steady presence during both the challenging and exciting moments, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.
Thank you again for everything. I feel more prepared and confident moving forward, and I know your guidance played a big role in that.
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Michaela Lentsch
Master of Arts in Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design: Apparel Design specialization
Omaha, Nebraska
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
I am the first in my immediate family to earn a master's degree. I have worked very hard to learn new skills and knowledge within my field that will set me up for success in my career.
As you think about graduating from Nebraska, please share any transformational moments. How did it help shape who you are or what you will do going forward?
The studio classes I have taken provided me the space and tools to explore fashion design in new ways while also improving my sewing knowledge. An internship at a local clothing alterations business provided me the hands-on experience working on altering and repairing garments which was very valuable for my future career.
Involvement and activities while on campus:
Service learning project doing visual merchandising for Sapahn. Collaboration with Echo Collective to develop visual merchandising displays.
Plans (job, continuing education, internship, etc) after graduation. Include which city/state you will be living in.
I will be living and starting my career in Omaha, Nebraska after graduation. I have recently started an LLC alterations business that I will continue to grow along with working a job within the fashion industry.
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to _______________."
growing my clothing alterations business
Was there anything that pleasantly surprised you about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or your experience here?
I learned a lot of information and skills within my field that I didn't know I was going to need, and I am very thankful I was able to learn about them.
Write a "thank you message" to someone who helped you throughout your time as a Husker.
I would like to thank Dr. Starkey and Dr. Jorgensen for their guidance, knowledge, and support in teaching me throughout my Master's degree. Thank you to my family, boyfriend, and friends for their continuous support, encouragement, and love.
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Serena Petersen
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Special Education (K-6)
Edina, Minnesota
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Graduating from Nebraska is extremely bittersweet for me! These last couple of years at UNL have been the best years of my life full of growth, amazing memories, and incredible people that I will cherish forever!
As you think about graduating from Nebraska, please share any transformational moments. How did it help shape who you are or what you will do going forward?
I have been so lucky to have countless amazing moments at UNL however there are a few that stick out to me. I studied abroad in Costa Rica where we compared the education systems between the United States and Costa Rica. I also got the opportunity to take classes with John Maag and Sue Kemp who have taught me so much about special education and have made my experience at UNL so special.
Plans (job, continuing education, internship, etc.) after graduation.
After I graduate I am moving back to Minnesota to start my teaching career! I will be a special education teacher in Edina Public Schools!
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to _______________."
After graduation, I am most looking forward to having my own classroom and starting my career.
Was there anything that pleasantly surprised you about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or your experience here?
I honestly never thought I would fall in love with Nebraska and the city of Lincoln as much as I have. The people I have met here have changed my life for the better and I am forever grateful for them! This place has become a second home to me and although I am moving back to Minnesota, a big piece of my heart will always be in Lincoln. GBR forever!!
Share a "thank you message" to someone who helped you throughout your time as a Husker.
Thank you to all of my professors for teaching me everything I know and for guiding me. Thank you to Lincoln Public Schools for teaching me all I know about education and teaching. Thank you to my friends for being my home away from home and giving me a family in Lincoln. Lastly, thank you to my family for supporting me, loving me, and cheering me on from Minnesota!
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Alexis Jones
Clinical Doctorate in Audiology
Okanogan, Washington
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
I’m proud to be a Husker, and graduating from UNL means more to me than just earning a degree. It represents four years of dedication, hard work, and personal growth—experiences I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. It also means becoming part of a lifelong community that I will always cherish. A piece of my heart will forever be in Lincoln, Nebraska. Go Big Red!
As you think about graduating from Nebraska, please share any transformational moments. How did it help shape who you are or what you will do going forward?
One of the most meaningful and transformational experiences I’ve had was serving as the graduate assistant for the Nebraska Hearing Aid Banks. This program provides hearing aids at no cost or a reduced cost to qualifying Nebraskan adults and children. Being part of that mission was incredibly fulfilling. Receiving personal letters from individuals whose lives were impacted by our work is something I will never forget. This experience has profoundly shaped me as a clinician, teaching me how to collaborate with both patients and the community to provide accessible, compassionate hearing healthcare.
Involvement and activities while on campus:
Student Academy of Audiology
Plans (job, continuing education, internship, etc) after graduation.
After graduation I will be starting my first job as a clinical audiologist in Kalispell, Montana.
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to _______________."
starting my career as a clinical audiologist in the beautiful state of Montana.
Was there anything that pleasantly surprised you about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or your experience here?
I never expected to find a true ‘home away from home,’ but that’s exactly what I found at UNL. After moving over 1,500 miles away from my family, I was incredibly grateful to be welcomed into such a supportive and kind community. I’ve built friendships and created memories here that I will carry with me for a lifetime.
Share a "thank you message" to someone who helped you throughout your time as a Husker.
Dear Dr. Stacie Ray, I want to sincerely thank you for the support, encouragement, and guidance you’ve shown me these past few years. Whether it was through your words of wisdom, your willingness to listen, or the belief you had in me when I needed it most, your presence made a meaningful difference in my journey. Your support helped me grow not only as a student, but also as a person. I’m truly grateful for everything you’ve done, and I will carry the lessons and kindness you shared with me long after graduation.
College of Education and Human Sciences
Nutrition and Health Sciences
Special Education and Communication Disorders
Textiles, Merchandising & Fashion Design
