Founded in 2010, the UNO Young Alumni Academy is an eight-month professional development program designed for alumni 40 and younger. Nearly 450 alumni have completed the academy. The award-winning program is free for participants.
Members of the UNO Young Alumni Academy:
• Experience unique networking opportunities
• Develop stronger connections to each other and with UNO
• Meet University and University of Nebraska Foundation leaders
• Hone leadership and professional development skills
• Learn more about the UNO Alumni Association’s programs and benefits
• Have an opportunity to take the CliftonStrengths Assessment and engage with a certified Gallup CliftonStrengths Coach
• Discover how to become engaged with the future of UNO
Thank you for your interest in applying for the UNO Young Alumni Academy. Applications for the 13th UNO Young Alumni Academy are now closed. Applications for the Class of 2025 will open in the summer of 2024.
UNO Young Alumni Academy Class of 2024
Victoria Arrowsmith, Vetter Health Services; Mandi Backhaus, The Lerner Company; Alex Bauer, JPalm Hairdressing; Brian Beard, PRC; Sharon Bell, Bellevue Public Schools; Breanne Beutler, Fiserv; Victoria Biodrowski, The Waldinger Corporation; Ellie Brecht, University of Nebraska Foundation; Joshua Clark, IP Pathways; Nancy De Santiago, Nebraska Medicine; Claire DeCoster, Senior Market Sales; Catarina Diego Francisco, UNMC; Tamara Dwyer, City of Omaha; Baylee Eberhart, UNO; Grace Gustafson, Hurrdat; Jared Hall, 3am Luxury; Marina Hand, UNO; Hamza Haqqi, Ed.D., Learnza, LLC; Morgan Hermanek, Community Health Endowment of Lincoln; Jenna Ingram, FORVIS LLP; Austin Kernan, Orion Advisor Solutions; Margaret "Maggie" Koenig, Alvine Engineering; Josie Kratzenstein, Planit Inc.; John Kritenbrink, Novozymes; Daniel Kuchar, Nebraska Business Development Center; Tylynda Lewis, Metropolitan Community College; Karissa Madrigal, Methodist College; Osiris Marquez, Midwest Laboratories; Melissa Martikainen, United States Department of Veteran Affairs; Alan Mauricio Martinez Davalos, UNO Nebraska Business Development Center; Emily Montoya, CommonSpirit Health; Grace Newton, Lee & Associates; Stephanie Niverson, Nebraska Alliance of Child Advocacy Centers; Iyinfoluwa Oni, Lindsay; Marco Ortiz, American National Bank; Caitlin Osborn, UNO; Erin Pearson, Children's Hospital & Medical Center - Omaha; Nathan Peters, Ease; Maddie Peterson, UNMC; Sarah Rausch, encompas; Jordyn Ready, CSW, Executive Leadership Committee for the Alzheimer’s Association; Karishma Reddy, The International Council for Refugees and Immigrants; Jesse Short, Blend; Hannah Sims Tangeman, Iowa Western Community College and Heartland Family Service; Alecia Steed; QLI and Busy Vegan; Megan Thibodeaux, Department of Defense; Delaney Vaccaro Bednar, UNO; Hannah Velehradsky, Bellevue University; Austin Voigtman, Hancock Dana; Hannah Woodward; Department of Health and Human Services
2023–2024 UNO Young Alumni Academy Sessions
Sessions are held 6:00–8:00 p.m. at locations on and off campus. Young Alumni Academy members are required to attend all sessions.
September 14, 2023: UNO Young Alumni Academy Class of 2024 Social
October 19, 2023: Welcome with Regent Elizabeth O'Connor and Gallup Strengths Workshop
November 2, 2023: University of Nebraska Foundation/UNO Executive Leadership
December 2023 (date TBD): UNO Biomechanics Lab Tour
January 11, 2024: Meet the Chancellor
February 2024 (date TBD): Alumni Night on the Court
March 7, 2024: Alumni Month of Service
April 4, 2024: UNO Young Alumni Academy Class of 2024 Graduation
For more information about the Young Alumni Academy, contact Nathan Hankenson, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement, at 402-502-3330 or nathan.hankenson@unoalumni.org.
Past Academy Members
Nearly 450 alumni have participated in the UNO Young Alumni Academy.
PAST ACADEMY MEMBERS