NRC Health named two University of Nebraska–Lincoln students, Nathan Netz and Conrad Shiu, as the recipients of the Rising Stars scholarship. Each received $2,000 to use toward tuition and fees during the spring semester. NRC Health started the scholarship program in 2011 to recognize students with an interest in business development, marketing and entrepreneurship.

“Healthcare has been innovating at a rapid pace over the last few years, driven in large part by technology. And that growth isn’t slowing down,” said Marc Coker, executive vice president of sales at NRC Health. “The industry needs bright, hardworking young people to bring fresh ideas to the table to keep that momentum going into the future and ultimately help improve the care experience for everyone. We’re excited to support Nathan and Conrad with this scholarship and give them a starting point to realize their full career potential.”

Netz, a junior finance and marketing major from Lincoln, Nebraska, maintains an active role at Nebraska in Farmhouse fraternity, the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship program and the Center for Sales Excellence at the College of Business. Netz credits Dr. Tom Field, the director of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship program, as being instrumental in not only his own, but many students’ lives in starting their own businesses and helping them grow their visions and ideas. After graduation, Netz plans to move to Wausa, Nebraska, and build and develop a hops farm, a market he sees potential for in the state.

“Attending Nebraska is truly a blessing – with such a welcoming and supportive staff, students want to learn and excel in what they do. I have many mentors in different organizations and teachers who have pushed me to become involved and it’s given me so many awesome opportunities to learn, network and grow,” said Netz. “When participating in different organizations on campus, it is a sacrifice of time. Time that could be spent relaxing or at a job, so being awarded the NRC Rising Stars scholarship is very much an affirmation that the work put in is worth it.”

Shiu, a senior accounting and marketing major from Omaha, Nebraska, attributes a great amount of his success to Dr. Sam Nelson and Samantha Kennelly. Nelson, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and assistant professor of practice in management mentored Shiu in the DREAMBIG Academy and played an instrumental role when Shiu chose a college. Kennelly, assistant director of the Clifton Strengths Institute, helped him channel his strengths as a Clifton Builder, igniting the path, which led to him accepting a position as an education consultant at Gallup. Working with Connie Rath, president of the Clifton Foundation, Shiu co-founded Builders Advisory, a program he describes as a hands-on consulting group of students in the Clifton Builders program. Shiu is also pursuing a professional selling certificate from the Nebraska Business Center for Sales Excellence.

“I think just trying to get involved and finding things you are passionate about allow you to put a lot of time into organizations. I have been lucky and found my niche in organizations and programs such as the Clifton Builders and met amazing people who made it fun and energizing to do things and get to know people,” said Shiu.

Both scholarship winners attended a dinner hosted by NRC Health on December 5. Their names now appear on the Rising Star Scholarship plaque – along with the recipients of the past – displayed in the Center for Sales Excellence in Howard L. Hawks Hall. Published: December 7, 2018