Two things are at the center of all things Terry Arvie, ’21, does – family and music. Graduating with his undergraduate degree last December, he ended on a high note with a newly released single, “Best Days,” with his sibling singing group, The Arvies.

“Being in church my whole life, music is what I’ve always known. I come from a musical family. All my aunts and uncles either sing or play some type of instrument,” Arvie said. “I’m glad to finally share this song with the world. There is a feeling of accomplishment and pride.”

Originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, Arvie moved to Omaha, Nebraska, more than 15 years ago, leaving behind extended family. “Being 15 hours away from your family can be tough at first. You’re out here in a city of a state where it’s only you and your family, so as we’ve grown, those bonds formed and took shape to become even deeper,” he said. “My family definitely means a whole lot to me.”

Arvie and his siblings, Ra’Daniel (a management major at Nebraska), Jennifer, Taylor and Abigail, formed a group to share their traditional and contemporary gospel sound. After three years of work, they released their first single, “Best Days,” available on Amazon Music, Apple Music, Google Play, Spotify and Tidal.

“The pandemic slowed down the process, but now it’s out,” said Terry, who wrote the song and helped produce it. “We create music that strives to uplift and encourage people, whether they are age 6 or 86. Our unique sound stems from its collection of bright and dark timbre which creates an interesting, harmonic contrast.”

Though normally sticking to instruments, Terry sings the first lines of the song.

“We thought it would be great to have him sing on this song since he wrote it. We also pushed him because he has a nice voice,” Ra’Daniel said.

The brothers also push each other academically at the College of Business.

“Terry and I have often occupied the same spaces since my birth. Places that he and I aren’t together are actually weird to me. Being at the same school is helpful. He is able to provide firsthand insight,” said Ra’Daniel.

Having Ra’Daniel around keeps Terry, who is currently in the MPA program, motivated as well.

“Iron sharpens iron. It’s good when you have somebody around you who is also striving and progressing and trying to be the best they can be because it motivates you to keep going as well. As the older brother, I can’t let myself be shown up,” Terry said.

Terry also helped build community by serving as the president of the university’s chapter of National Association for Black Accountants (NABA) last year.

“NABA was progressing toward making a group that feels connected and more like a family, but also bettering its members, which by that I mean you feel comfortable to talk to us and hang out,” said Terry.

Aside from the professional aspects of his major, Terry sees accounting as a way to give back to both his community and family.

“I want to help the people around me and build generational wealth using accounting. I can help my family save money being their accountant. I can also help my church reach its financial goals in a more efficient and effective way,” he said.

Securing a position at Lutz Financial while still an undergraduate student, Arvie plans to start after graduating with his MPA.

“I have enjoyed my time at the university. Every day wasn’t easy, but I am better because of my experience at Nebraska. I have grown professionally and made meaningful connections with professors, students and event guest speakers,” he said.