Left, Julian Perez Ventura, Marissa Schmidt, Emelyn Escalante

2018 UNO Alumni Scholars

The 2018 UNO Alumni Association Scholarships have been awarded to three high school graduates. The three $2,500/year scholarships are awarded to those who have demonstrated leadership and involvement during high school. The scholarships are renewable for up to four years total.

Emelyn C. Escalante

Emelyn graduated from Bellevue West High School. She was actively involved in Student Council, Latino Leaders, Key Club, Senior Senate and Diversity Club. She also volunteered frequently in her community with organizations including Hillcrest Health, the Rehab VolunTeen Program, Heartland Hope Mission, the Red Cross Blood Drive and many other organizations and programs. She will major in neuroscience at UNO.

“I could not be any more ecstatic to be taking on this wild ride that is being a first-generation college student, at the University of Nebraska Omaha.”

Marissa Schmidt

Marissa is from Crofton, Nebraska, and graduated from Crofton High School. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Future Farmers of America, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. She also participated in Concert Band, Competitive Marching band and several other activities. Her community volunteerism included roadside cleanup, paper recycling and Mercy Meals. She will pursue a degree in pre-medicine at UNO.

“The academic support UNO offers will keep me on track, and having a college degree will enable me to pursue the service career of my dreams.”

Julian Perez Ventura

Julian graduated from West Point-Beemer High School. During high school, Julian was involved in Band, Pep Band, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Art Club and National Honor Society. He also was a writer for Norfolk Daily News 20 Below. Julian volunteered with his youth group and their semi-monthly donation drives, bell-ringing, and local blood drives. He is planning to major in business administration at UNO.

“Learning is very important to me, and I am committed to my academics while planning to be involved in organizations on campus like Student Government.”