Ahead of May 2026 commencement later this week, CEHS is celebrating seven undergraduates who shared reflections on their time at UNL.
Hunter Anderson
Hastings, Nebraska
Community Health and Wellness
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Graduating from University of Nebraska–Lincoln means a lot more to me than just getting a degree, it represents everything I’ve put into these years. It’s early mornings, long workouts, tough classes, and pushing through when things weren’t easy. It’s where I’ve grown as a student, an athlete, and a person. Being from Nebraska, it’s also a sense of pride, this place helped shape me, and I’ll carry that with me into everything I do next.
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 transformational parts of my time at University of Nebraska–Lincoln has been the combination of hands on experience and mentorship I’ve been fortunate to have. Working as a teaching assistant for human physiology pushed me to truly understand the material and communicate it in a way that helps others, which built both my confidence and leadership skills. At the same time, working in a dental setting showed me the real impact of patient care and confirmed that dentistry is where I’m meant to be.
Another major influence has been my involvement in athletics and coaching. Competing in powerlifting and coaching wrestling taught me discipline, consistency, and how to lead by example. Those experiences challenged me physically and mentally, but more importantly, they showed me the value of investing in others and being part of something bigger than myself.
All of these experiences have shaped me into someone who is driven, service oriented, and committed to making a difference in people’s lives. They’ve ultimately led me to pursue dentistry, where I can combine my passion for health, relationships, and helping others every day."
Involvement and activities while on campus:
Nebraska Barbell Club, Nebraska Wrestling Training Center, Pre-Dental Club, UCARE Research Program (Chemistry Department), and Teaching Assistant for Physiology.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I will be continuing my education at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. I will remain in Lincoln, Nebraska, where I will begin my dental training and continue working toward a career in dentistry.
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to _______________."
After graduation, I am most looking forward to taking the next step into dental school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry and continuing to grow in a career where I can make a real impact on people’s health and confidence every day.
Share a "thank you message" to someone who helped you throughout your time as a Husker.
Kim, thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me during my time at Nebraska. Having you as my physiology professor made a lasting impact, not just in helping me understand the material, but in the way you challenged me to think deeper and push myself. Your passion for teaching and the way you genuinely cared about your students did not go unnoticed. You played a big role in building my confidence and preparing me for what’s next. I’m incredibly grateful for your support and guidance, and I’ll carry those lessons with me into dental school and beyond.
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Karli Crawford
Omaha, Nebraska
Communication Sciences and Disorders
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
During my time here, I’ve had the opportunity to pursue meaningful experiences, especially working with children and getting involved in research. These moments have shaped not only my academic path but also who I am as a person. I’ve loved my experience here so much that I’ve chosen to stay and pursue graduate school, which speaks to how impactful this community has been.
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 transformational experiences I had at UNL was being part of UCARE and joining the SCADD Lab. Getting hands-on experience in research was one of the best decisions I made as an undergraduate. It helped me grow academically and personally, and showed me how much I enjoy contributing to meaningful work. This experience ultimately shaped my decision of wanting to continue doing research in graduate school!
Involvement and activities while on campus:
UNL National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association, UNL Best Buddies, UNL Kappa Kappa Psi, UNL Unified
What are your plans after graduation?
I am staying at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to pursue my master’s in Speech-Language Pathology.
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to _______________."
After graduation, I am most looking forward to starting graduate school and working with clients right away.
Share a "thank you message" to someone who helped you throughout your time as a Husker.
I want to thank Dr. Ciara Ousley for being such an amazing mentor during my time at Nebraska. Joining the lab was one of the best decisions I made as an undergraduate, and her guidance and support played a huge role in my growth. She made research feel engaging and meaningful, and helped me build confidence in my abilities.
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Taylor Kirlin
Gretna, Nebraska
Elementary Education
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Graduating from Nebraska means taking the next step towards breaking the chain of poverty within my family. It means using my determination, work ethic, and resources to change the perspective outcome of my life. It also means chasing my dreams that once felt out of reach. Without the University's support, I wouldn't be the person I am today.
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 strong connections between professors and other students that I have made within the Education and Human Sciences College were not only there to celebrate my successes but were also there in times of struggle. College is never a walk in the park, no matter what you're studying, and it is important to have those people with you throughout your journey.
Involvement and activities while on campus:
Honors Program and Susan Buffet Scholar
What are your plans after graduation?
As I am continuing to pursue my education further in graduate school, I am also going to be working full time. Whether that be professionally substituting throughout multiple districts or signing a contract at an elementary school for the 2026-27 school year. I will be living back in the Gretna/Omaha, Nebraska area.
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to _______________."
After graduation, I am most looking forward to using the knowledge and resources that I've gathered throughout my college experience and using it for the rest of my professional career.
Share a "thank you message" to someone who helped you throughout your time as a Husker.
I just want to say thank you to my mom for not only supporting my throughout my entire life but throughout my time as a Husker. I wouldn't have been able to do it without you. You push me to be a better version of myself every day and you believe in me even when I don't have as much confidence. You've been a Husker fan since day one, despite being born in Iowa, and you cheered even louder the last four years.
I want to give a shoutout to both Reagan Reiter and Claire Kelly. You guys have been my best friends throughout college and I loved every second of every class we had together (yes, even the hard ones). I'm so happy for you guys and I love seeing us live out our dreams. Never stop being yourselves, I love you two!
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Makenzie Kruse
Lincoln, Nebraska
Communication Sciences and Disorders
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Graduating from Nebraska makes me feel so incredibly proud. Being from Lincoln and graduating from Nebraska is such a special feeling. Both of my parents graduated from UNL as well, so being able to follow in their footsteps feels like a full-circle moment! I am beyond blessed and grateful for the past 4 years here.
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?
As an undergraduate student, I was fortunate to become part of the SCADD Lab, a research lab focused on supporting individuals with autism and developmental disabilities in developing their social communication skills. I have truly learned so much through my time in this lab. I have grown as a student, a researcher, and an individual as a whole. I have formed so many new relationships and have been able to learn from an incredible mentor, Ciara Ousley. I will carry the skills and experiences I gained from this lab with me into graduate school and throughout my future career.
Involvement and activities while on campus:
Nebraska Student Speech-Language and Hearing Association, SCADD Lab, Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority (Alumnae Relations Director & Fundraising Director), Rho Gamma Recruitment Counselor
What are your plans after graduation?
I will move to Omaha, Nebraska and attend the University of Nebraska-Omaha to get my Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to _______________."
Being able to meaningfully contribute to my career field!
Share a "thank you message" to someone who helped you throughout your time as a Husker.
I would like to thank my parents! They have been my biggest cheerleaders throughout my entire life, but especially these past 4 years. They make me feel as though I can accomplish anything and I would not be where I am today without their love and support.
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Abby Lutjeharms
Lincoln, Nebraska
Communication Sciences and Disorders
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Graduating from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is a full-circle moment for me. I grew up in Lincoln as a Husker fan, and both of my parents went here, so it means a lot to carry that tradition forward. I’m incredibly thankful for my experience at UNL!
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?
Working as a research assistant in the Learning Lab for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities under Dr. Susan Loveall-Hague for the past three years has been the most transformative experience of my time at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Through this role, I developed a deeper understanding of working with individuals with diverse needs, strengthened my research and communication skills, and gained hands-on experience that confirmed my passion for this field. It’s something I will never forget, and it has played a major role in shaping who I am today and preparing me for my future career as a clinician.
Involvement and activities while on campus:
UCARE Recipient, Research Assistant in the UNL Learning Lab for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Key member of the National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association at UNL
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I will be continuing my education at UNL to pursue my Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to _______________."
Starting grad school here in Lincoln!
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Emma Smith
Waverly, Nebraska
Communication Sciences and Disorders
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Graduating from Nebraska represents recognizing the growth, experiences and people who have shaped me into who I am today.
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 transformational experiences while at Nebraska has been my time as a research assistant in Dr. Susan Loveall's research lab, The Learning Lab for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Through my three years in the lab I have grown through experiences in conducting research, working with participants and presenting my findings. This experience has allowed me to develop a deeper passion for my field, speech-language pathology. I have had opportunities to work and learn from other researchers across the country as I developed professional collaboration skills. I am so grateful for my time in this lab and to have learned from Dr. Loveall. She has been truly the best mentor and I am so thankful for the opportunities she has helped me pursue as a student researcher.
Involvement and activities while on campus:
Research Assistant: Learning Lab for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Teaching Assistant: Human Physiology, Member and former Executive Team for the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association's UNL Chapter, Honors Ambassador and former Honors Peer Mentor: University Honors Program.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I will continue my education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as I pursue my Master's in Speech-Language Pathology.
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to _______________."
After graduation, I am most forward to continuing my educational and professional development as I pursue my master's degree while staying here at UNL.
Share a "thank you message" to someone who helped you throughout your time as a Husker.
I would like to thank Dr. Kim Hansen. Dr. Hansen was my professor for Human Physiology and I later became her Teaching Assistant (TA). Learning from Dr. Hansen has been such a great opportunity as I not only gained knowledge in physiology content but also mentorship that shaped how I approach working with others. I am so thankful to work with a professor who cares so much about each of their students. Thank you Dr. Hansen!
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Sarah Wallingford
Ashland, Nebraska
Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Graduating from Nebraska is an honor! I grew up coming to the university as a kid and it was always a dream to come here and join the Husker family.
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?
Living in the Abel dorms freshman year helped to transform my life! The relationships that I built with the people there have helped to broaden my outlook on life and have made me a better person. Living on my own also taught me a lot about how to be independent!
Involvement and activities while on campus:
Student desk worker at Henzlik Hall
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be a 4th grade teacher at Pyrtle Elementary in Lincoln, Nebraska. I am looking forward to starting my teaching career and having my own classroom!
Share a "thank you message" to someone who helped you throughout your time as a Husker.
I want to say thank you to Tricia Gray for her kindness and grace as a professor during a semester that was tough for me! I'm so proud of Grace Flynn for her continued effort through the education program! She is an amazing classmate and future educator!
College of Education and Human Sciences
Nutrition and Health Sciences
Special Education and Communication Disorders
Teaching, Learning & Teacher Education
