Our May graduates in the Class of 2019 celebrated their academic accomplishments at Commencement and headed into our workforce. I congratulated our graduating seniors with a casual event called Desserts with the Dean. Hearing about their plans and memorable moments they had at the College of Business, I am confident they leave prepared to continue to challenge themselves, ask bold questions and lead the future of business. They join our more than 32,000 business alumni and I look forward to continuing to engage with them as part of our strong Nebraska Business community.
 
Summer brings a variety of opportunities for experiential learning and growth for our students. In addition to more than 1,400 students taking summer classes, many find internships for the summer. Our career coaches offered guidance in an article, Three Ways to Succeed in Your Internship, about gaining the most from internships by starting it off on the right foot. These tips also apply to a new job or involvement opportunity.
 
Some students take the summer to study abroad. Beyond the coursework and cultural competency a study abroad programs offer, our students can also complete an international internship to gain global business experience. For example, Ariel Zach, an international business major from Stanton, Nebraska, is studying abroad in Spain right now and interning with Strategic Metropolitan of Barcelona working on the city’s strategic plan. She is one of the more than 150 students studying abroad this summer and one of three who are blogging their experience for the college.
 
Summer is also a time to reflect on the past academic year and prepare for the start of a new one for students, faculty and staff. From academics and research to student development, Nebraska Business faculty and staff worked hard this year to make significant progress on our mission-focused strategic planning goals. We continue to drive discovery by expanding our portfolio of online graduate programs with the approval of the human resources management certificate. We sought to better facilitate the learning and transformation of our students by increasing the academic support available, including one-on-one tutoring. We advanced our engagement initiatives by hosting the inaugural Family Business Conference and expanding the offerings of Executive Education. These serve as highlights of the work being done to better serve our students and community, as well as strengthen our reputation for excellence.
 
Have a wonderful summer.
 
Dean Kathy Farrell Published: June 11, 2019