Start Something

Emily Bledsoe

Emily Bledsoe, a senior management major from Blair, Nebraska, turned her passion for calligraphy into a business. She started out creating small signs for students in the dorms. After encouragement from a professor, Bledsoe took her business to the next level. She began crafting premium products such as wedding invitations, canvas and wood signs, and cups. Currently, she is working on a wall mural for a local beauty salon. “Classes in the College of Business helped me build my skills to learn how to run a business. I’ve learned what to do and what not to do to succeed,” she said. She also found a fondness in teaching and now teaches classes in calligraphy. Bledsoe hopes to someday open her own coffee shop on her parents’ pumpkin patch where she would teach agriculture education, painting and calligraphy classes. Bledsoe has Started Something.

UNL APICS Team

From hundreds of teams around the world, a team of four students from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business advanced to the APICS TFC Global Finals in San Antonio, Texas, October 15-17. After winning the district competition, they placed amongst the top 14 teams in the world. The team included senior supply chain management and analytics majors Ashley Blunk from Papillion, Nebraska; Brendan Milnamow from Wheaton, Illinois; Neal Winter from Norfolk, Nebraska; and second-year MBA student Joel Nino Bugayong from Atchison, Kansas. Dr. Scott Swenseth, associate professor of supply chain management and analytics and faculty advisor for the team, said, “Our team represented Nebraska well. Not only did the students compete at a high level with teams from around the world, their ability to understand and discuss materials presented in the professional sessions helped them realize that they are indeed ready to begin their careers.” Blunk, Bugayong, Milnamow and Winter have all Started Something.

Lindsey Spehn

The Omaha Jaycees named Lindsey Spehn ’12, a University of Nebraska–Lincoln MBA alumnus and senior consultant at Gallup, one of the 2017 Ten Outstanding Young Omahans (TOYO). Recognized for passion and dedication to improving the Omaha community through thoughtful action while excelling in her professional career, Spehn’s involvement with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln as a Department of Marketing Advisory Board member and member of the President’s Advisory Council contributed to her selection as a TOYO recipient. “With professional achievement and community leadership a core element of this award, my passion for leadership development and our local talent pipeline was a core piece of my application and interview,” she said. Spehn and her fellow honorees will celebrate this accomplishment at a banquet in February. Spehn has Started Something.

Aaron Docter

The Tire Review magazine Club 3633 inducted Aaron Docter ’16, in July. The club recognizes the next generation who shape the tire industry. A Firth, Nebraska, native, Docter is the owner and president of Pro Puller Tires, a company he founded. He designs new tires and travels to tractor pulls around the country to promote his company and deliver tires. “It takes hard work and late nights but the overall freedom to do things whenever I want is a reward above anything else. Running my own business puts a lot of responsibility and problem solving on my plate because I have to figure most things out as I go, but I love learning new things. It’s very fun and rewarding to be able to learn something different every day,” he said. Docter has Started Something.

Dan Clauson

LIMRA selected Dan Clauson ’11, who majored in finance and marketing, as one of the 25 Rising Stars of Innovation Under 40. Clauson works as the PremierCare sales desk manager at Pacific Life Insurance Company and earned the recognition by advancing innovation through the digitization of the industry. The Omaha, Nebraska, native said, “The financial services industry has been evolving to have a more digital presence in the market place. Much of what was done in the past, especially in the life insurance industry, was done via paper and pen. Some of the projects I have been working on help Pacific Life lead this industry in moving toward making everything more digital and efficient. I have worked on projects that incorporate the entire purchasing cycle from initial submission to final delivery of the policy.” Clauson has Started Something.

Ken Bauer

The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal recognized Ken Bauer ’83, as one of the 22 top financial executives in Minneapolis. Throughout his tenure as finance director at the Dakota County Community Development Agency, Bauer expanded the agency’s portfolio to $399 million in assets. The agency also received the Government Finance Officers Association Award for Excellence in financial reporting every year since 2002. However, Bauer didn’t always see himself as a business person. “After spending two years of college in architecture, I decided I was more like Frank Lloyd Wrong than Frank Lloyd Wright so I switched to a business major which proved to be a much better fit. I wanted to make a difference in whatever career I chose and being a CFO, working for an innovative leader like the CDA within the affordable housing industry, has been a very rewarding experience,” he said in The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. Bauer has Started Something.

Teaching and Learning Center

The new Teaching and Learning Center at the College of Business opens Wednesday, October 11, with two recent hires at the college leading the way – Dr. Tawnya Means, assistant dean and director, and Kate McCown, assistant director. The center offers workshops and events to support faculty in the classroom and help students develop academic skills and confidences. “As our center focuses on business faculty and students, we are excited to bring them together and bridge gaps that might be between them,” said Means. The center provides academic support to students so they can be successful in their classes and beyond college. McCown said, “College is such an investment for families, and we owe it to our students to provide them resources to help them be successful in the classroom.” Students, faculty and staff are invited to stop by their open house, October 11, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., in Howard L. Hawks Hall HLH 014. Means and McCown provide important leadership in the Teaching and Learning Center to help business faculty and students Start Something.

PBL Students

Ten College of Business students from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln took home 12 national awards and finished 11 times in the top ten for individual and team events at this year’s Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL) National Leadership Conference held in Anaheim, California. Trevor Lockard, a finance major from Lincoln, Nebraska, won both the macroeconomics and microeconomics competition. Students winning the emerging business issue team competition included: Brenna Backemeyer, a marketing and pre-cooperative education major from Elmwood, Nebraska, and Rose Wehrman, a management major from Kenesaw, Nebraska. Also, Kurt Cronican, an economic and finance major from Omaha, Nebraska, and Michaela Mapes, an economics major from Bennington, Nebraska, won the business decision making team event. Backemeyer, Cronican, Lockard, Mapes and Wehrman – along with the other College of Business students who competed – have Started Something.

Ann Pogrebitskiy - Global Immersion: Chile

Ann Pogrebitskiy, a sophomore actuarial science and finance major from Denver, Colorado, studied abroad May 14-June 4 in Santiago, Chile, as part of the College of Business Global Immersion program Chile: Business Hub of Latin America. She and her classmates interacted with local Chilean university students and learned essential finance concepts during the three-week trip. In her blog, she shares how she experienced a different culture and increased her global awareness. Progrebitskiy has Started Something.

Visit the Chile blog.

John Pfeifer - Global Immersion: Spain

John Pfeifer, a junior finance major from Grand Island, Nebraska, studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain, as part of the College of Business Global Immersion program Husker Race of Spain. He studied June 3-16, learning about the culture, language and business practices that make Barcelona a truly unique city. In his blog, he talks about his experiences both in and out of the classroom, exploring the city and his weekend adventures. Pfeifer has Started Something.

Visit the Spain blog.

Marin Olson - Global Immersion: Italy

Marin Olson, a junior marketing major from Julesburg, Colorado, studied abroad June 11-July 7 in Italy as part of the College of Business Global Immersion program Italy: Analyzing Supply Chain Management Around the Amalfi Coast. She learned about the supply chain management systems in both Italian and multinational companies, toured Italian businesses, and went on excursions to places like Pompeii. In her blog, she discusses what it was like to go outside her comfort zone to see the world outside of Colorado and Nebraska. Olson has Started Something.

Visit the Italy blog.

Anne Greff - Global Immersion: England

Anne Greff, a junior economics major from Lincoln, Nebraska, is studying abroad July 16-August 12. She is one of 70 students participating in the 29th annual Nebraska at Oxford Program at the University of Oxford in England, the oldest university in the English-speaking world. In her blog, she writes about familiarizing herself with English culture and exploring new places with new friends. Greff has Started Something.

Visit the Nebraska at Oxford blog.

MBA Big Ten + Case Competition Team

MBA students Joel Bugayong from Atchison, Kansas; Kevin Busick of Wheeling, West Virginia; Sarah Goodrich of Austin, Texas; and Chad Kilpatrick of Omaha, Nebraska, traveled to Columbus, Ohio, to compete in the Big Ten + Case Competition. Hosted by The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, students had 24 hours to prepare a 25-minute presentation for Columbus-based company Integrated Building Products (IBP). After presenting their ideas for growth opportunities for the firm, they received constructive criticism from a panel of judges. Kilpatrick said, “It was a rewarding experience to compete against the best-of-the-best in the Big Ten. I am thankful I was able to represent the Nebraska College of Business.” Through this networking opportunity, Bugayong, Busick, Goodrich and Kilpatrick have Started Something.

Grant Suddarth and Mattie Fowler

During the Center for Entrepreneurship New Venture Competition, students from across the University of Nebraska–Lincoln presented their business ideas to compete for a $50,000 grand prize. With 44 presentations overall, the judges awarded Grant Suddarth, a sophomore agricultural economics major from York, Nebraska the top prize for his company called Terrace Ag. Mattie Fowler, an MBA student from Tucson, Arizona, received the second place award of $7,500 for her company called Sportspark. Dr. Sam Nelson, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and assistant professor of practice in management, increased the amount of smaller competitions leading up to the New Venture Competition and encouraged students to consult with center staff beforehand. “The entrepreneurship minor and our MBA course motivated undergraduates, master’s students, as well as, Ph.D. students to participate. The more we grow in all directions, better and more developed ideas rise to the surface,” Nelson said. The New Venture Competition provides students with the tools to Start Something.

Tonn Ostergard

The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce inducted Tonn Ostergard ’81 into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame. As president and CEO of Crete Carrier Corporation, he grew the company to operate in 48 states with more than 5,600 power units and 13,000 trailers. Ostergard also serves as a director of the American Trucking Association & Truckload Carriers and was past chair of the Nebraska Trucking Association. He and his wife, Holly ’80, chaired the College of Business Administration Campaign for Nebraska and were instrumental in fundraising for the college’s new building. With a family full of Nebraska alumni, he said, "We all feel very connected to the university. It played a big part in who we are." Ostergard has Started Something.

Tanner Wiles

Tanner Wiles ’10, who majored in economics, finance and management, co-founded Scissors & Scotch. With locations in Omaha, Des Moines and Denver, his business offers a combination of barbering and spa services while enjoying handcrafted cocktails. Entrepreneurmagazine named Scissors & Scotch one of the best entrepreneurial companies in 2016. The Gordon, Nebraska native said, "We pride ourselves in being entrepreneurial, being innovative and challenging the status quo. When building a business from scratch, you must have the mentality that you can take on anything. By having a diverse business education, it really provided me with a strong foundation for building and growing the business." Wiles has Started Something.

Reid Gahan

Reid Gahan, a sophomore economics major from Gretna, Nebraska, co-founded Ice Cream Bro, an on-campus, on-demand ice cream delivery service last year. He developed the idea through a class assignment and turned it into a business in less than three weeks. Anyone on campus can place orders for ice cream online and he delivers every Thursday between 8:30 p.m. and 2 a.m. He expanded his services to include packages such as a movie package, complete with popcorn and fulfilling orders for ice cream parties. Gahan said, “Through my innovation class, I became very interested in the startup world. Over the past year, we have experienced tremendous growth, and I have learned so much about running a business.” Gahan has Started Something.

Philip Stark

Senior economics major Philip Stark and his brother Benjamin, who is a freshman at Nebraska, created Stark Creations, a handcrafted knives business, in 2014 after learning woodworking skills from their grandfather. While Benjamin makes the custom knives, Philip applies his business knowledge to running the business – from managing sales, accounting, shipping products and more. These Lincoln, Nebraska natives made sales in more than 30 states and nine countries. “For a business like ours, we found social media, such as Instagram and Reddit, to be a perfect platform for building an audience for our products. A large portion of our sales are done directly on Instagram,” Philip said. “If you put in as much effort as you can, good things usually follow. One thing my classes have definitely taught me is the importance of hard work and seeking out guidance when you need it.” Philip and his brother Benjamin have Started Something.

Davielle Phillips

Davielle Phillips '16, a Chicago native, interns as a building and IT specialist for CBA and assists on multiple projects for the new CBA building. He is also earning a joint MBA and master of architecture from the university and plans to return to Chicago after graduation to eventually open his own business. “I’m passionate about making affordable housing and am inspired by redevelopment projects such as the Bancroft School in Kansas City that transforms a neighborhood in a positive way,” he said. “I knew I wanted to pursue an MBA because I needed to know both sides of this business so I could successfully market our work to negotiate business contracts.” Phillips will spend the spring semester studying abroad through a university program to explore the architecture of Copenhagen, Rotterdam and London. Utilizing his skills to impact the new CBA building, Phillips has Started Something.

Nancy Paasch

Nancy Paasch '06, who majored in business administration, serves as a CBA Honors Academy mentor. As the chief administration officer at Sandhills Publishing, she was paired with a student to mentor based on common interests and career goals. Paasch quickly volunteered for the opportunity after it was presented during the Department of Management Advisory Board meeting this fall. “My first thought was I wish this program was around when I was in college,” she said. “Receiving insight from a professional in the workforce who has experienced what I was preparing for in college would have been helpful in setting goals and gaining an outside perspective on my future.” Through the mentor program, Paasch shares personal, educational and professional experiences to coach and impact a future leader. As an alumna, she understands the importance for business leaders to give back to the college and support the growth of students. Paasch has Started Something.

Business Students in Jacht Ad Lab

During the fall semester, seniors Caitlin Kunz, a management and marketing major from Stuart, Nebraska; Dalton Dey, a finance major from Gresham, Nebraska; and Daniel Woodworth, an economics major from Papillion, Nebraska, participated in the Jacht Ad Lab, the university’s student-run ad agency. Each of the business students held different positions including account executive, accountant and chief financial officer. Jacht gives an opportunity for students to get ahead in their careers by taking creative risks that push boundaries of the advertising industry. “Jacht gives CBA students the chance to work with people who are from different educational backgrounds in a real-world business setting. Since Jacht runs as a small business, it’s crucial to have some business-focused individuals on board,” Kunz said. Leveraging their business skills to Jacht, Kunz, Dey and Woodworth have Started Something.

Jordan Newsom

Jordan Newsom, a sophomore management major from Omaha, Nebraska, was elected president of the Iron N. The Iron N unites the student body to support Husker athletics and seeks to create the best home-field advantage for the university’s teams. “I am excited to serve as president because I have the opportunity to connect people behind one of Nebraska’s greatest aspects – athletics. There are many ways for students to get involved, and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together with our school spirit,” said Newsom. In addition to her new role, she is a member of the CBA Honors Academy and has had multiple opportunities to serve as a short-term missionary in Hong Kong. Newsom has Started Something and is ready to harness our collective Husker Power.

CBA Office of Undergraduate Programs

The CBA Office of Undergraduate Programs staff participated in CEDARS Holiday Adopt-a-Family program and fulfilled a wishlist for a family of seven. Wendy Hunt, academic advisor, coordinated the drive and delivered the gifts to CEDARS in mid-December. “A warm and special thank you to Wendy for her initiative to help us continue our annual tradition to adopt a CEDARS family for the holiday season in lieu of an office gift exchange,” said Dr. D’vee Buss, assistant dean for undergraduate programs. The staff in Career Services at CBA heard about their drive and joined in by donating more items on the family’s wishlist and gifts for CEDARS to deliver to others in need. By giving back to the Lincoln community, our staff continue to Start Something.

CBA Wellness Committee

The CBA Wellness Committee, comprised of several staff members from different areas of the college, hosted a Stress Free Break with cookies and refreshments for students, faculty and staff to take a moment to relax and recharge during Dead Week. More than 50 people attended and accepted the committee’s challenge to bring a hygiene item to donate to the university’s OpeN Shelf program. The program is a free service created to give university students a resource to meet their daily needs by offering hygiene products and food bank resources. “It was great to see so many people around CBA come together to support our students in this easy yet impactful way,” said Nes Vance, outreach support associate. “As CBA Wellness Committee members, we encourage seven elements of wellness within the college, and giving back to our community promotes multiple kinds of wellness.” The CBA Wellness Committee has Started Something.

Erin Burnette

Erin Burnette, director of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln CBA Honors Academy, believes in helping young Nebraskans discover their potential as leaders. By volunteering her time with Launch Leadership, she is able to use her skills to make an impact on Nebraska youth. Launch Leadership is a youth leadership development organization that helps middle and high school students learn more about themselves and how they can make a positive impact on their communities. It is a volunteer organization comprised of college students, professional educators and professionals from other walks of life. After moving to Nebraska in 2012, Burnette wanted to get involved in the community in a meaningful way. After discovering Launch Leadership through a Google search, Burnette was hooked and is now in her fifth year of volunteering with the program. There are also 11 CBA Honors Academy students currently on the Launch staff. “There is no doubt in my mind Launch Leadership has been the most formative part of our move to Nebraska,” she said. “It has given me the opportunity to use my skills, strengths and abilities to help young people realize their potential while also allowing me to serve alongside the most passionate and talented group of individuals who challenge me to be the best version of myself every day.” Burnette has Started Something.

Mark Snyder

Mark Snyder grew up in Kansas City, and after graduating college took a job with Black & Veatch, an engineering and construction company based in Overland Park, Kansas. In 2013, the company offered him an adventure he could not resist – relocating to South Africa as construction manager on the largest construction project in the southern hemisphere. Snyder embraces his new job, and oversees a team of professionals from five consulting companies. He also started a new challenge last year by enrolling in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln MBA program. "I had three criteria when choosing a program," said Snyder. "It had to be completely online and allow flexibility to adapt to changing workloads. It also had to be a reputable school. Finally, it had to have an international focus to support my goals. Nebraska offered the flexibility to complete assignments and exams around my work and family commitments." Snyder plans on completing his MBA degree next year and possibly working in another exotic location when his current project winds down. Snyder has Started Something while working halfway around the world.

Kara Lambrecht

Kara Lambrecht ’11, who majored in both international business and German, worked for Cerner Corporation in Kansas City as an analyst before her passion for international experience led her to the Berlin School of Economics and Law in the fall of 2014. There, she is close to completing a master of arts in international business consulting and strategic management. During her time in the program, she has worked as a student consultant on projects for both Deutsche Telekom AG (T-Mobile in the U.S.), and Sanofi, a French pharmaceutical company with headquarters in Berlin. “At Sanofi, I worked with a team in Vienna, Austria,” Lambrecht Lambrecht said. “We did market analysis for mergers and acquisitions and product extension strategies. We performed interviews on the streets in Vienna outside pharmacies, and I got to use my German all the time. It’s hard work but it’s amazing doing things I never imagined I’d be doing.” Lambrecht also married a native of Stralsund, Germany, and plans to continue to Start Something with an international business career in Germany after graduation.

Tommie Brechbill, Michaela Mapes and Sam Stevenson

Sophomores Tommie Brechbill, an economics major from Stanton, Nebraska, Michaela Mapes, an economics and finance major from Bennington, Nebraska, and Sam Stevenson, an accounting and finance major from Omaha, Nebraska, took home top honors at the Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) National Leadership Conference in Atlanta, June 24-27. The team earned first place in financial services and third place in business decision making competitive events. Mapes said, “PBL gives you real-world experience in a wide variety of topics and allows you to meet individuals who share a passion for business. At the conferences, you can test your knowledge and receive feedback. Our team competed in testing and role play events. This means we took a test to qualify us for finals and then for finals were given a role play situation where we had to develop a plan of action.” Brechbill, Mapes and Stevenson – along with the other UNL business students who competed – have Started Something.

Brendan Batliner

Brendan Batliner, a sophomore computer science major and business minor in the Raikes School of Computer Science and Management, is currently participating in the Omaha-based Straight Shot program, a 90-day accelerator for technology startups. He started the web app Omnipointment, with Vinesh Kannan from the Illinois Institute of Technology, to enable teams to schedule their meetings more easily. "College students and many professionals are very busy," Batliner said. "A big inspiration for Omnipointment came from hearing how my classmates struggled to get together for group projects." In January, his company was named part of the Top 64 in the Startup Student Madness tournament competing for an invitation to South by Southwest (SXSW) Interactive. He said his business classes have helped him advance his startup. “It has certainly been helpful in exposing me to business concepts before I need to use them. For instance, taking an accounting class last semester has been amazing now that I'm responsible for Omnipointment's financials, and although I'm still learning a ton on the job, having the background to at least know what a lot of the terms mean is nice. I'm looking forward to my marketing class next semester, which will give me opportunities to reflect and learn more from our campus ambassadors program.” Batliner has Started Something.

Olivia DeRusse-Charlesworth

Olivia DeRusse-Charlesworth spent her summer as a New Student Enrollment (NSE) Orientation Leader, hosting incoming UNL students each day so they could meet with their academic advisor, set their class schedule and get ready for life on campus. The junior management major from Papillion, Nebraska, was one of seven College of Business Administration students selected to represent the university at NSE. “I was able to meet and make connections with so many people, and it was great knowing I played a role – big or small – in the Class of 2020’s collegiate experience,” DeRusse-Charlesworth said. “Specifically for the CBA Class of 2020, I hope they are taking advantage of all the opportunities outside of class, and I hope they take the initiative to visit office hours and build relationships with our faculty.” She is also involved in Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and Nebraska Human Resources Institute, volunteers in various service events such as Dance Marathon and competes in intramural sports. DeRusse-Charlesworth has Started Something.

J.K. Osiri

This July a new study abroad program hosted by the college starts in Spain and France. Students will spend four weeks abroad, first in Aix-en-Provence, France, before traveling to Barcelona, Spain, with the majority of the program in Valencia, Spain. An activity called the Husker Race enables students to explore some of the most important monuments in Valencia. “We are going to make student teams find some of the most historical, economic and socially significant places in the area. We give students maps and instructions, and they have to ask local residents in Spanish for directions. As they identify locations, they photograph them and video tape themselves speaking the language,” said Dr. John ‘J.K.’ Osiri, director of international business and associate professor of practice in management. Osiri partnered with a local company to provide a unique opportunity for his students: developing a business plan for Nievina, the flagship brand of Laboratorios Vigmar skin care and cosmetics company, to enter the U.S. market. Osiri and the inaugural class to France and Spain have Started Something.

Spain/France Study Abroad Program

Maddie Balfany

Last year, Maddie Balfany attended New Student Enrollment (NSE) where she enrolled for classes, learned more about the CBA community and met some of her new classmates. Now as a sophomore business administration major, she is welcoming the Class of 2020 as the NSE assistant for the CBA Office of Undergraduate Programs. The Lincoln, Nebraska, native interacts with the incoming freshmen as they receive academic advising and provides insight on the business student experience through a welcome presentation. “I love being able to share with them my student perspective and answer any of their questions based on my first-year experience,” Balfany said. The Scarlets Dance Team member is also involved in Chi Omega, Nebraska Human Resources Institute (NHRI) and CBA Ambassadors. Balfany has Started Something.

Tucker Krantz

Tucker Krantz, junior marketing and management major from Centennial, Colorado, serves as the vice president of professional development for the Sports Business Association. The new student organization provides networking, educational and employment opportunities to its members. “We have hosted speakers from the University of Nebraska Athletic Department, Opendorse, Hudl, IMG, the Lincoln Stars, the Arizona Cardinals, Sports Business Solutions and the Phoenix Coyotes,” said Krantz. In addition he is involved in the CBA Honors Academy, Omicron Delta Kappa and Delta Tau Delta, and interns with Hudl and the athletic department. “I was told the purpose of college was to develop your character and expand your worldview and to do that you must be exposed to a diverse range of people that are driven to better themselves. Over the past three years I have done just that through my membership in campus activities and work experience,” he said. Krantz has Started Something.

Sports Business Association

Julie Scroggs

Julie Scroggs, academic advisor in the Office of Undergraduate Programs, conceived a new way for CBA to celebrate its students – the Senior Sendoff. The Senior Sendoff will soon join the Back to School Bash as some of the college’s most endeared traditions. “Together the Back to School Bash and Senior Sendoff will bookend the academic year and will enable us to continue to welcome incoming freshmen and to celebrate and say goodbye to graduating seniors,” she said. “These events showcase the college’s commitment to and pride in our students.” She also advises the CBA Student Advisory Board and the Undergraduate Women in Business student organizations. Scroggs has Started Something.

Senior Sendoff Registration

Courtney Van Hoosen

Junior international business and French major Courtney Van Hoosen aspires to work in the foreign service in D.C. or a major government hub. She recognized the need to connect international business majors in the college as they prepare for their future careers. The Omaha, Nebraska native founded the Husker International Business Club, the latest recognized student organization at CBA, to host activities to enhance and complement the international business major. The club recently welcomed its first alumni speaker with international expertise with the help of its faculty advisor Dr. J.K. Osiri, director of the international business program and associate professor of practice in management. Van Hoosen has Started Something.

Christopher Aumueller

Christopher Aumueller, MBA ’15, received top honors at the 2016 Pipeline Innovator of the Year event, a gala that drew 600 of the Midwest’s top entrepreneurial leaders to Kansas City. Aumueller, who is currently a doctoral student in the Department of Management, represented the university in the first-ever "university spotlight" portion of the Pipeline event. He joined student entrepreneurs from the University of Kansas, University of Missouri-Columbia and University of Washington in St. Louis in pitching their business ideas to the Innovator of the Year audience. His startup company Fanlete aims to be a one-stop shop for college sports news. Aumueller has Started Something.

Samuel McCarter

Samuel McCarter noticed a Facebook status post from his friend Travis Tagart about starting a new business. Intrigued by the idea, McCarter reached out and a year later the two now own and operate Foundations Progressive Learning Center, Inc., a new Montessori-style preschool daycare targeting families who might not have the income to enroll in most upscale daycares. McCarter is a senior business administration major at CBA and believes his new business venture will continue to succeed. "It's pretty exciting. We integrate our preschool with things like conscious discipline where we have child-led and play-based environment. The point is to let children pick what they are interested in and our teachers bring in their passions. We want kids to develop a love not only for writing or math or reading, but for learning in general," he said. McCarter plans on graduating in December of 2015 and hopes to open a second preschool location in Hickman, Nebraska, at the end of the year.

Foundations Progressive Learning Center, Inc.

Kurtis Charling

Kurtis Charling starts his career with Monsanto at the end of October and that's not all. He will graduate in December with his UNL College of Business Administration MBA degree and two patents to his name. The budding entrepreneur is one of the first residents in the Center for Entrepreneurship's Startup Studio where he has been encouraged to enter two national startup competitions which has reaped big rewards. Charling was one of 2,500 entrepreneurs who applied for the Forbes $1 Million Global Change the World Social Entrepreneurs Competition. His innovation for irrigation technology placed him in the top 50 and landed him an invite to the prestigious Forbes Under 30 Summit in Philadelphia, October 4-6. To add to the list, he also won $10,000 as a semifinalist for the Farm Bureau Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge on October 7. "The support I have received at CBA has made it possible for me to move my business ideas forward. It is truly an honor to be in the top 50 of the Forbes Changing the World competition and invited to attend the summit. This would not have been possible without the help and resources from the College of Business Administration," he said. Charling has Started Something.

Center for Entrepreneurship

To prepare students at UNL to take advantage of the variety of entrepreneurial accelerators and incubators in Lincoln, Nebraska, the Center for Entrepreneurship recently created the Startup Studio. Located in the former NU Tech building at 1320 Q Street, the center's Startup Studio is a pre-accelerator which provides UNL students a co-working and meeting space which encourages collaboration with other students as they move forward with their business. In addition, students using the Startup Studio will also have access to local business partners, entrepreneurs and faculty. The Startup Studio is just one of the many offerings of the center. It also hosts three business plan competitions each year which gives students the opportunity to pitch their ideas to the business community while competing for cash prizes to use as seed money. The Center for Entrepreneurship is creating startup people and has Started Something.

Center for Entrepreneurship

Sarah Barg

As a career coach in Career Services at CBA, Sarah Barg has the opportunity to prepare future business leaders for life after college in the real world. She also finds time to mentor students through EducationQuest, a nonprofit organization with a mission to improve access to higher education in Nebraska, and was awarded the Reaching Your Potential Mentor of the Year Award. Barg was nominated by Augusta Kamara, a senior management major from Lincoln, Nebraska, and Justice Wright, a freshman child, youth and family studies major also from Lincoln. "My schedule is pretty hectic but Sarah has been extremely helpful in locating resources for me, meeting with me on a regular basis, checking up on me to make sure everything is going great and just being there whenever I need her," Kamara said. Wright added, "Each day Sarah and I meet up, I feel as if I gained something each session. She gives me hope to not give up and I know if I'm having trouble, she will make sure I get the care I need." Barg has Started Something by helping others reach their potential.

Luke Stokebrand

Luke Stokebrand, a 2004 MBA graduate, has applied what he learned in his on-campus program to his position as director of marketing for Bill Luke Automotive, the No. 1 Chrysler Certified Dealer in the U.S. He is responsible for planning, refining and executing the marketing vision and strategy for both traditional and digital channels for the dealership which includes the use of Google AdWords to draw potential buyers to their location. Because of the success of their AdWords campaigns, Stokebrand and colleagues were recently the featured case study on the Google, Inc., website. "When I enrolled in the MBA program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, I expected a program that would equip me with the skills needed to succeed in the business world and that is exactly what I received at College of Business Administration. I listened to lectures from the top business minds in the world, collaborated with students from diverse backgrounds and most importantly gained a practical and relevant experience that continues to shape my career to this day," he said. Stokebrand has Started Something.

Watch the case study video featured on the Google, Inc., website: http://youtu.be/adzxmpuq56o

Mark Davis

As director of recruitment and an academic advisor for the Office of Undergraduate Programs, Mark Davis is often the first contact new students have with the UNL College of Business Administration. He guides students through the application process, helps them navigate the New Student Enrollment experience and offers them academic advice throughout their career. Davis also serves as the advisor for two recognized student organizations in the college – the CBA Student Ambassador Program and Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA). At the 2015 State Leadership Conference for Phi Beta Lambda, Davis was recognized as the Advisor of the Year. This honor is a testament to his passion for helping business students succeed in college and beyond. "As director of recruitment, there is a strong possibility I have contact with most students who enroll in the college. It is rewarding to watch and help students grow and succeed as they move forward to a life outside the college," he said. Davis has Started Something.

Watch his advice to new students as they enter CBA: bit.ly/UNLCBAMarkDavis

Kevin Thor

Kevin Thor, a senior management and communications studies double major from Stanton, Nebraska, is the national secretary for Phi Beta Lambda, the collegiate level of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). As national secretary, he represents the national association through campus visits and recruitment events and leads conferences including the National Leadership Conference. He has also had the opportunity to meet with senators and congressmen on Capitol Hill to promote career and technical student organizations. He plans to graduate in May 2016 and is applying for a Fulbright to teach English in Indonesia. Thor has Started Something.

Michael Shang

Michael Shang, a 2013 MBA graduate, created a startup business called Easy Transfer soon after receiving his degree. His experience as a Chinese student studying in the U.S., gave him the idea to develop a company that would simplify money transactions for fellow Chinese students. Easy Transfer is the first Chinese tuition management company of its kind, and over the past two years they have helped 3,000 users make payments totaling over 30 million dollars to American schools. Shang plans to take his business a step further by offering car rental, air fare, hotel booking and other related services. "Our vision is to offer the best service to simplify the life of Chinese students studying overseas," Shang said. Easy Transfer currently supports 300 universities in the U.S. Shang has Started Something.

Gus Gehlen

When Gus Gehlen received a waterproof shower speaker for his birthday, the water sport enthusiast had an idea for a life vest which could revolutionize the sports of waterskiing and waterboarding. He pitched his business idea for a life jacket with built-in waterproof speakers and a waterproof compartment for an electronic device at the recent UNL New Venture and Global New Venture competitions at EntrepreneuringDays@UNL, April 7-9. The senior business administration major from Eagan, Minnesota, impressed the judges and won the undergraduate division at both competitions. He walked away with $6,000 and invaluable feedback which will enable him to start his company, Bongo Watersports , after he graduates in May. Gehlen has Started Something.

Wally Ward

Wally Ward understood the value an MBA degree from a highly ranked program would have on his career trajectory. After much research, the mechanical engineer enrolled in the online MBA program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business Administration because of its outstanding reputation and flexibility of getting the same, quality education online as he would have received in person. In fact, he is certain his 2012 MBA degree was instrumental in helping him obtain his current position of senior facilities development engineer with ConocoPhillips in Anchorage, Alaska, because he has a better understanding of corporate strategy and the importance of project economics in this financially constrained world. Recently named Top 40 Under 40 in Alaska, Ward has Started Something.

Amy Schoch

Amy Schoch, a junior marketing major from Central City, Nebraska, has a passion for the music industry which led her to create the University of Nebraska–Lincoln chapter of the CMA EDU. This is the Country Music Association's college outreach and development program with the primary focus of educating college students on career opportunities within the music and entertainment industries. Through CMA EDU, she will connect with industry professionals and artists as she prepares for a career in artist and event management. Schoch has Started Something.

Lei Huang

Lei Huang, a Ph.D. candidate in management from Maanshan Anhui, China, had his paper on the "ethical voice" accepted by the Journal of Management. His research finds ethical leadership of both store-level managers and team supervisors encourages ethical voice of their employees which can have a positive effect on sales and customer service. He also discovered while top-level leaders help shape ethical climate, it is the work unit supervisors who influence ethical voice. Huang will graduate in May and has Started Something.

Meghan Ehrke

Meghan Ehrke, who graduated with a bachelor's in marketing in 2011, decided to start living her dream of owning a women's clothing store. In October, she opened Select Style, a boutique located in the College View neighborhood in Lincoln, Nebraska. Through the startup process, she has put her business knowledge into practice from writing a business plan to starting the accounting process to making marketing decisions. She said, "Through Select Style I am helping women find pieces of clothing that make them feel beautiful. I'm sincerely grateful for my well-rounded business education that prepared me to start my own business." Ehrke has Started Something.

Executive Insights

The departments of finance and accounting in the College of Business Administration hosted the inaugural Executive Insights with more than 130 students learning from leaders in accounting, finance and business on Thursday, February 5 at Memorial Stadium. The idea for the event came out of discussions last fall by the CBA Finance Advisory Board as a way for them to give back to the college community. They collaborated with the School of Accountancy and the CBA Dean's Advisory Board to add depth to the panels. "This was a unique opportunity for our students to learn more about their respective fields from leaders in accounting and finance and from CEOs running large organizations," said Dr. Kathleen Farrell, chair of the Department of Finance and State Farm Professor of Finance. We have Started Something.

Read about the inaugural Executive Insights

View Facebook photo album

Yijia Lin and Jifeng Yu

Dr. Yijia Lin, associate professor of finance, and Dr. Jifeng Yu, assistant professor of management, won the Patrick Brockett and Arnold Shapiro Actuarial Journal Award for the best risk management or insurance related article published in either the North American Actuarial Journal or the Variance. The article titled "Enterprise Risk Management: Strategic Antecedents, Risk Integration, and Performance" was published in 2012 in the North American Actuarial Journal. In addition, Lin accepted an invitation to serve as associate editor for the Journal of Risk and Insurance. Lin and Yu have Started Something.

The abstract to their article can be viewed at http://bit.ly/LinandYu

Scott Friend

Dr. Scott Friend, assistant professor of marketing, presented his research on "Absolute versus Relative Sales Failure" at the 2014 Summer Marketing Educators' Conference in San Francisco on August 1-3. An expert in business-to-business marketing, customer relationship marketing and sales management, he conducted this research with three others including Dr. Jeff Johnson, assistant professor of marketing at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, who received his Ph.D. in marketing at CBA in 2013. Friend has Started Something.

More information on the summer conference can be found at http://bit.ly/MktEducatorsConference

Jessica Hughes

Jessica Hughes, a junior management and Spanish major from Grand Island, Nebraska, started a study abroad experience through the help of the Gilman Scholarship. One of 12 University of Nebraska–Lincoln scholarship recipients, she studied Spanish at the Universidad Veritas in Costa Rica over the summer. Taking classes at CBA gave her the confidence to plan a study abroad experience, apply for the Gilman Scholarship and make this educational and cultural experience happen. Hughes has Started Something.

Discover more about the Gilman Scholarship at http://bit.ly/UNLGilman

Elizabeth Whitacre

Elizabeth Whitacre, a sophomore management and veterinary science major from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, started a Progressive Animal Welfare Rescue (PAWR) in Nebraska. PAWR is a no-kill, open admission, animal humane society offering programs like spay and neuter, tailored and service dog training, educational programs and financial assistance for low income owners. She always dreamed of operating an animal shelter and entrepreneurship classes helped her realize running her own business was more than possible. Whitacre has Started Something.

For more information about PAWR, visit http://bit.ly/PAWRNebraska

Justin Kyser

Justin Kyser, a senior management major from Beatrice, Nebraska, combined his passion for aviation and entrepreneurial spirit to start Kyser Aviation on May 5, 2014. A licensed pilot, his business will provide low-level, high quality aerial photographs and videos using unmanned aerial vehicles. Each session will include shots from four different angles and is ideal for realtors, contractors, advertising firms, etc. to use on websites, brochures and much more. His system is more economical than a full size piloted aircraft such as a helicopter. Kyser has Started Something.

To discover more about Kyser Aviation, visit http://bit.ly/KyserAviation

Viet Duc Nguyen

Viet Duc Nguyen, a finance Ph.D. student from Lincoln, Nebraska, was selected as a Society of Actuaries' James C. Hickman Scholar for 2014-2015. This program was established to increase the number of academic actuaries who hold a Ph.D. with an actuarial designation and intend to pursue a career in academics in the United States or Canada. He was one of five scholars selected for the upcoming year and will receive a $20,000 stipend which may be renewed up to four times. His professional goal is to be on the faculty at a major research institution where he plans to continue his research in option markets and corporate finance. Nguyen has Started Something.

To learn more about the SOA Hickman Scholar program, visit http://bit.ly/HickmanScholar

Peter Harms

Dr. Peter Harms, assistant professor of management, presented his research at the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology annual meeting May 15-17 at Honolulu, Hawaii. At the conference he gave three presentations on the potential problems of using data collected online, the degree to which leadership styles are influenced by "dark personality" traits and using implicit techniques to improve the measurement of leadership. His research on the link between narcissism and leadership quality has been cited in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and Huffington Post. Harms has Started Something.

Read more about narcissism and leadership quality at: http://bit.ly/PDHarmsStudy

LaDonna Thornton

Dr. LaDonna Thornton, assistant professor of management in supply chain management, won a 2014-15 Nebraska Layman Award. This prestigious university award from the University of Nebraska Foundation provides funding for projects that will enhance her ability to obtain external support for research. She was one of 20 award winners for 2014-15 and is the third CBA faculty member to earn this award since 2008-09. Her research interests include employee performance measures within the supply chain and the advancement of logistics systems in developing countries. Thornton has Started Something.

For more information on the Layman Award, visit http://bit.ly/LaymanAward

Ali Abramson

Ali Abramson graduated with a marketing degree and management minor. The best decision this Gothenburg, Nebraska, native made at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln was majoring in business. While at CBA, she gained confidence in her skills and abilities while stepping outside her comfort zone.

"Although I have taken several memorable courses the last four years, Dr. Gwendolyn Combs' diversity management class stands out because it pushed me to look at situations from a different perspective. I learned the importance of diversity and inclusion in organizations and how companies can utilize these differences to create a sustainable advantage. I want to strive to create a more cohesive work environment because of this class," she said.

Ali plans to travel in Africa over the summer doing ministry work. Once she returns to the states, she will relocate to Texas to pursue a career in human resources management. Congratulations Ali!

Nate Dederman

Nate Dederman graduated with business administration and pre-optometry degrees. A future eye doctor, the Albuquerque, New Mexico, native has been accepted into the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. While most people pursue a degree in science if they plan to go into the medical field, Nate realized having a business background would be beneficial to him once he opens his private practice.

"My ultimate career goal is to have a private practice and be able to use my business knowledge to run a successful business. Taking classes in CBA has given me the opportunity to learn about all aspects of business. Being required to take accounting, finance, economics, management and marketing on top of my desired major provided me with a wide breadth of business knowledge that I couldn't get anywhere else," he said.

Congratulations Nate and good luck in optometry school!

Chris Spanel

Chris Spanel from Lincoln, Nebraska, graduated with a finance degree. He accepted a position with Credit Suisse in Chicago as an investment banking analyst for one of the world's leading banks. Chris understood the importance of using CBA resources and networking when he was searching for an internship.

"The finance faculty at CBA were extremely helpful in planning my four years in CBA. I learned about career paths in the field of finance from them which gave me an edge. Career Services at CBA was most beneficial in helping me edit my resume and gain connections in my field of interest. They also taught me how to navigate LinkedIn so I could reach out to alumni working in investment banking which helped me get an internship and later a full-time job," he said.

Congratulations Chris and best of luck with your career!

Margo Berends

Margo Berends graduated with economics and political science degrees. The Aurora, Colorado, native arrived on campus and made the most of her college experience. Margo won the prestigious 2013 Outstanding Leadership Award because of her involvement on campus. She plans to teach English in Toulouse, France, after graduation and will eventually pursue a career and masters degree in international development policy.

"My study abroad experiences at Oxford and West Africa and my internship with the Institute of International Education in Washington D.C. were some of the most influential and enlightening experiences I had at UNL. Initially I was very nervous, uncertain and scared to do all three but pushing the envelope of my comfort zone is something I haven't regretted," she said.

Congratulations Margo and good luck in France!

Linda Ruchala

Dr. Linda Ruchala, associate professor of accountancy, was featured by the Institute of Management Accountants for her inventive incorporation of their materials in her graduate seminar in managerial accounting class. This resource gives students real-life experience at synthesizing and analyzing information like they will be required to do on the job. Students in teams of three utilize these journal articles, webinars, case studies and research to complete multiple assignments together including leading a three-hour seminar session to teach a topic area to their fellow classmates. In the second semester of teaching the course, her students have developed creative and innovative ways to present information. Ruchala has Started Something.

Read the full feature on Ruchala's graduate seminar. Link to: http://bit.ly/1mFhsno

Eric Thompson

Dr. Eric Thompson, associate professor of economics and director of the Bureau of Business Research, has launched several initiatives and reports to measure the condition of the Nebraska economy. These reports provide insightful data on economic conditions as a general service to individuals and businesses in the state. Some of these include the Survey of Nebraska Businesses, the Economic and Tax Revenue Impact of Coal Industry Activity in Nebraska and the monthly Leading Economic Indicator. He also released the final report of the Tax Modernization Study with Baird Family Professor of Economics John Anderson. Thompson has Started Something.

For more information on the BBR, link to: BBR website

Chris Tuggle

Dr. Chris Tuggle, assistant professor of management, started research on engagement in meetings or classrooms called People Turn Around. The idea is those who need to use their phone during a meeting or class will turn around so their back is to the group. Then others in attendance know those people are unable to comment at that time. This tests how engaged people are in meetings and if the dynamic of group meetings is changed by it. People Turn Around builds upon the research Tuggle has done on corporate board composition and effectiveness. Tuggle has Started Something.

Theresa Welbourne

Dr. Theresa Welbourne, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and the FirsTier Banks Professor of Business, was named as one of SURVEY Magazine's 2014 Top Technology Trendsetters in its March 2014 issue. She is a national research leader on the subject of harnessing energy in the workplace and owns her own startup company, eePulse, Inc. She was recognized for her demonstrated leadership and steward of the technology she uses to make leadership research meaningful to others. Welbourne and her eePulse team are changing the way performance management is done so employee engagement, performance and overall organizational success increases. Welbourne has Started Something.

To read the entire feature on Welbourne, view SURVEY Magazine's issue online. Link to: http://bit.ly/1dW6rhM

Ella Wirtz

Ella Wirtz, a UNL MBA graduate, established her technology startup Boutique Window. This software allows retailers to showcase pictures of in-store merchandise to all the online networks their shoppers are already visiting at one time. They recently released an iPhone app to help retailers manage their Boutique Window. Nationwide shoppers are responding favorably to the online marketing tool, and retailers are seeing increased engagement on Facebook and foot traffic through their doors. Wirtz now pays it forward and shares her experience at events like Startup Lincoln and Ladies Who Launch, a networking group to help connect female entrepreneurs based in Lincoln, Neb. Wirtz has Started Something.

Learn more about Boutique Window: http://bit.ly/1itVaXU

Eddie Brown

Eddie Brown, marketing graduate originally from Chicago, created a new band "The 402." The former lead singer for the popular D*Funk band for the last 10 years, Brown has turned his passion for singing, dancing and engaging a crowd into a business opportunity. The 402, which specializes in a variety of popular songs from yesterday and today, has already played numerous performances in eastern Nebraska and Iowa. From a TeamMate mentee as a child to owning his own insurance company to now living his passion of entertaining the masses, his path exemplifies how our graduates aren't afraid to Start Something.

Learn more about The 402 and their upcoming performances: Facebook page or The 402 band website

Asawar Sajid

Asawar Sajid, a graduate accounting student, is helping his friend Summayia Khan, a licensed esthetician, open The Fizz Shop on April 12. The specialty store sells organic soaps and skincare products. Sajid, who is from Lincoln, Neb., is the store's accountant. He hopes consumers will enjoy using their fragrant organic products that do not contain any animal fat, sodium lauryl sulfate, or preservatives. The Fizz Shop is located in Calvert Place Mall on 48th and Calvert streets in Lincoln. Sajid has Started Something.

Read the Daily Nebraskan feature on The Fizz Shop: http://bit.ly/1kHIQ6A

Ridge Kiley

Ridge Kiley, marketing graduate and former Husker wrester from Eagle Grove, Iowa, started his own business Unrivaled Sports Performance (USP) athletic training facility. Kiley, who is legally blind in his right eye from a childhood accident, overcame adversity to compete and excel in wrestling and, upon graduation, open his own gym where he is a mixed martial arts coach. His gym's debut on the local competitive mixed martial arts scene was a success with a 7-1 record and a championship belt. Kiley has Started Something.

Learn more about Unrivaled Sports Performance: http://bit.ly/1el6sGA

Quaid Edwards

Quaid Edwards, a senior management major from Papillion, Neb., auditioned for American Idol in Omaha and earned one of 212 tickets to Hollywood. He impressed judges Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban with his work ethic and raw talent and was a unanimous choice to advance to Hollywood. Edwards has Started Something.

Watch his audition here: http://bit.ly/1bvEOZq

Tyler Mancuso

Tyler Mancuso, a senior actuarial science major from Omaha, Neb., produced a one-man, a cappella video of Bastille's song Pompeii, currently 10th on the Billboard Top 100. He recorded nine vocal parts, pieced the video together and uploaded it to YouTube on Jan. 29. In a week it had nearly 222,000 views and caught the attention of Ellen DeGeneres and MSN. Mancuso has Started Something.

Watch his YouTube video here: http://bit.ly/1lBqwgu

Melissa Dragoo

Melissa Dragoo, a junior supply chain management major from Scottsdale, Ariz., is a two-time world champion in cowboy mounted shooting. Considered the fastest growing equestrian sport in the nation, mounted contestants compete in this timed event using two .45 caliber single action revolvers to shoot at 10 targets. She will start teaching cowboy mounted shooting in Nebraska and has joined the UNL rodeo club. Dragoo has Started Something.

Watch this segment on cowboy mounted shooting featuring Dragoo: http://bit.ly/1is95cZ

Sam Adams, Zach Stull and Sierra Allen

Seniors Sam Adams, an economics and finance major from Omaha, Neb.; Sierra Allen, a marketing major from Vermillion, S.D.; and Zach Stull, a business administration major from Omaha, Neb., started a new student organization called Students Consulting for Nonprofit Organizations. It is a national organization of undergraduate student led consulting groups dedicated to developing communities through pro-bono engagements with local nonprofits. Their first client is St. Monica's, a behavioral health treatment organization in Lincoln dedicated to serving women.

Master of Arts in Business with a Specialization in Intercollegiate Athletics Administration

Be a champion by earning an Master of Arts in Business with a specialization in intercollegiate athletics administration begins this fall and draws heavily from the more widely known MBA program. The goal of the program is to educate top graduates who will become professionals in athletics administration. Graduates of the program will have knowledge of general business issues, an understanding of collegiate and professional sports business concerns and an internship work experience in sports administration. The program includes 10 courses in addition to the intership for a total of 36 credit hours.

For more information call our graduate programs office at (402) 472-2338.

Master of Arts in Business with a Specialization in Business Administration

The Master of Arts in Business with a specialization in business administration begins this fall and is an accelerated, on-campus program targeted to recent graduates of undergraduate programs and is similar in curriculum to the more widely known MBA. The one-year program is cohort-based, meaning students start and stay together in the program through graduation allowing them the opportunity to form lasting business and professional relationships.

For more information call our graduate programs office at (402) 472-2338.