UNL Jeffrey S. Raikes School announces 2008 entering class

Thirty-seven high-achieving recent high school graduates have been accepted into the highly competitive and prestigious Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for fall 2008. This will be the first class entering with the school's new name. The University of Nebraska Board of Regents on June 13 approved the new school, formerly the J.D. Edwards Honors Program in Computer Science and Management.

The Raikes School will develop leaders for this era of expanding information technology and business globalization. Students live and learn in the Esther L. Kauffman Academic Residential Center located at the heart of the UNL campus. Students are selected for this innovative program based on high academic achievement, outstanding leadership experience, demonstrated interest in computer science and business, and career goals. Students receive scholarships valued at approximately $34,000 over four years that cover housing in the Kauffman Center and a full meal plan, and admission to the University Honors Program. Most receive other tuition scholarships available at the university for high-achieving scholars.

The program is a recognized leader in interdisciplinary computer science and business management education. It provides an education balanced in technology and management while developing professional skills in leadership, communications and collaboration. Graduates, who are the most highly sought-after in the field, create innovative technologies for business, manage technical development, lead and manage technologists, manage with technology-based processes, understand technology market opportunities, understand the strategic uses of technology, and bridge the gap between technology and business perspectives.

A list by hometown of selected students follows. The name of the student's high school is included in parentheses if it differs from the town's.

NEBRASKA

Adams: Nicholas Krieger (Freeman).

Bellevue: Nicholas Bigelow (East), Thomas Flynn (West), Kyle Tobin (West).

Carroll: Abigail Kenny (Wayne).

Lincoln: Matthew Blankenau (Southwest), Eric Clymer (Southeast), Matthew Munger (East), Jacob Piccolo (Pius X), Adam Pillard (East), Mark Pleskac (Pius X), Elizabeth Trainor (Lincoln High).

Omaha: Brian Cary (Millard West), Jeffrey Hicks (Westside), Kevin Kennedy (Central), Tobias Letak (Skutt), Charles Ries (Skutt), Bailey Stremlau (Skutt), Katherine Weander (Elkhorn).

Roca: Benjamin Origas (Lincoln College View).

Schuyler: Lauren Martin.

Scottsbluff: Daniel Shedd.

Seward: Jake Weber.

Valentine: Ethan Simmons.

Valley: Ryan Hansen (Millard North).

ELSEWHERE

Alta, Iowa: Christine Sand.

Berryton, Kan.: Cole Mickens (Shawnee Heights).

Berthoud, Colo.: Kyle Wurtz.

Blue Springs, Mo.: Julie Menez.

Leawood, Kan.: Phillip Baylog (Blue Valley North).

McKinney, Texas: Karen Madera.

Olathe, Kan.: Erica Lam (Olathe East).

Sioux Falls, S.D.: Callie Helms (Roosevelt).

Spearfish, S.D.: Paul Scheetz.

Vermillion, S.D.: William Kjelden.

Wamego, Kan.: Beth Neilsen.

Warrensburg, Mo.: Geoffry Sumter.