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Bernard Goes the Distance for Haiti

November 9, 2018
Bernard Goes the Distance for Haiti
Quincey Bernard develops entrepreneurial and leadership skills through a variety of the college’s distinctive programs.
Traveling more than 2,000 miles from home to attend college, Quincey Bernard set out to achieve his dream of becoming an entrepreneur. Bernard’s vision of one day returning home to help revitalize the economy of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, plays out today as an international business major at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.  

“I always wanted to study business and be an entrepreneur just like my parents. I chose Nebraska because of their distinctive international business program offerings, which I couldn’t find anywhere else,” Bernard said.

Since joining the College of Business, Bernard attempts to seize every opportunity to engage with companies, build on his strengths and expand his global views. Conversations with the Clifton Strengths Institute led to Bernard becoming a Clifton Builder, an entrepreneurial-driven strengths program which gives him the chance to make connections and fill his network with like-minded students.

Quincey Bernard (center) with fellow students at a teak farm in Panama.
Quincey Bernard (center in blue) with fellow students at a teak farm in Panama.
Bernard’s commitment to international business and success in his academics led to his selection as an Allan Noddle International Business Distinguished Scholar. Through the scholar program, he traveled to Panama to help a company create a plan to export their products to the United States. His time there proved valuable, as he remains in contact with both the CEO of the company and the ambassador of Panama.

“Their industry is growing very fast and has huge potential, so we spent a semester researching that, cold calling companies and acquiring a feel for what the real business world is like. I am very grateful for having the opportunity to experience that,” Bernard said, who also spent this summer studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain.

His experiences at Nebraska are preparing him to start his own business and bring foreign investment back into Haiti. He also wants to boost tourism and other sectors, as well as tap into the mining industry in the country.

“No matter the business, it has to be located in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, because it is my home, and I feel I have a duty to go back and help out any way possible. Using my network and experience, one day I will return and implement what I have learned to help the country get back on track toward a prosperous economy.”