Our guiding principles call on every member of our community – including alumni – who have a stake in the success of the college to act. Alumni lead the future of business and strengthen our community through their engagement. They demonstrate how these principles are a part of what it means to be a Husker in business.

Challenge Yourself

“I challenge myself to make small changes that can have a big impact in both my personal and professional life. In 2020, I want to challenge myself to spend more quality time with people that bring me joy, so I’m trying to set up more intentional time with my friends and family"

-Aakriti Agrawal, ’16, data governance analyst, Ameritas

Be Inclusive

“Maybe I’m the last person you think would choose ‘Be Inclusive.’ I’m male, pale and stale. But the future of American business, the future of global business is not. We need all gender identifications, all sexual orientations, all races and religions to work harmoniously. Because that’s good business and because it’s the right thing to do.

“I’m happy to be part of Disney’s initiative to go beyond diversity, beyond inclusion into belonging so that if diversity is get them at the table and inclusion is make them feel comfortable about speaking up at the table, then belonging is that everyone is listened to and we don’t notice that they are from a different place than we might be. That’s where Nebraska, maybe ironically or maybe surprisingly, can be a national global leader when it comes to welcoming all types.”

-John Rood, ’87, senior vice president, marketing, Disney Channels Worldwide

Ask Bold Questions

“Never be afraid to voice your point of view to find out what’s possible. I’m on several boards where I’m the youngest in the room or the only woman, so I make an effort to ask the questions, ‘Why is it we’re doing it this way? Is there a better way?’ It’s important to continuously seek the most innovative or efficient ways to do big things.”

-Lindsey Eastwood Spehn, ’12, senior consultant, Gallup

Look to the Future

“[At the University of Nebraska Foundation,] we get to work with donors who have done so many amazing things in their careers. It’s amazing to see all that they’ve accomplished, and they’re now in a place in life where they can have a big impact with their philanthropy so that students can look ahead and think about the kind of person they want to be and the difference they want to make in the future.”

-Cameron Andreesen, ’08, director of development, University of Nebraska Foundation

Make It Matter

"First, at the end of the day we are all judged by results. We need to focus on the goal and drive actions for the team to achieve the goal. Second, most organizations spend a lot of time on activities that do not directly achieve on the goal. Both as individuals and organizations, we need to stay focused on the goal and only spend resources on driving the desired outcome”

-Ralph Castner, ’85, president, Rush Creek Advisors