Summer offers a welcome change of pace and time to consider what lies ahead. At Nebraska Business, the possibilities have been on full display as we welcomed more than 110 high school students to Howard L. Hawks Hall for summer programs and continue meeting future Huskers during New Student Enrollment. Their enthusiasm is a reminder that we are building a world-class college – one student, one experience and one opportunity at a time.
One of our newest opportunities is the financial planning option within the finance major, which became a CFP Board Registered Program in June. Beginning this fall, students can complete the education requirement for CFP® certification while earning their undergraduate degree, saving them time and money as they prepare for careers in financial planning, wealth management and related fields. With generous support from Schwab Advisor Services and the Charles Schwab Foundation, students will also benefit from stronger connections with alumni and leaders in the Registered Investment Advisor community.
This spring, leaders from Union Bank & Trust and CampusGuard, a Nelnet company, worked directly with students in our new Business Strategies capstone course to address real business challenges. Working alongside industry mentors throughout the semester, students developed recommendations that showcased the confidence, strategic thinking and communication skills that define a Nebraska Business education. As this capstone experience expands as part of our new undergraduate core curriculum, we are grateful to the alumni and business leaders who invest their time and expertise in preparing the next generation of business leaders.
Our students also represented Nebraska on an international stage. A team from the Nebraska Business Honors Academy earned first-place finishes in two categories at the International Business Ethics and Sustainability Case Competition in Los Angeles. Competing against 59 teams from 41 universities in seven countries, these Huskers developed a proposal that addressed the energy needs of data centers while expanding renewable energy access for tribal communities. Their success reflects their talent and commitment to solving complex challenges with purpose.
We also recognize two colleagues whose impact has shaped Nebraska for decades and will continue long after their retirements.
- John Anderson concluded 35 years of service to the university in May, including leadership that strengthened our college and community, and research that influenced others around the world.
- Gwen Combs also plans to retire in August after a remarkable 26-year career. Her innovative teaching, combined with a commitment to helping others thrive, made a real difference.
Whether you are enjoying time with family, traveling, reconnecting with fellow Huskers or simply taking in the longer summer days, I hope you recall the people and experiences that shaped your own Nebraska story. Thank you for remaining part of ours.
As we look ahead to the fall semester, we invite you to help welcome our newest Huskers by serving as a volunteer business consultant for the Business Battle. In just one hour a week for four weeks, you'll mentor a team of first-year students as they partner with a corporate sponsor and compete in their first college business competition. You can participate in person or via Zoom. Learn more and share your interest.
Together, we build business leaders like only Nebraska can.
Best,
Dean Kathy Farrell
