The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s December commencement will be held virtually on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 9 a.m. CST.
“Go Big Grad: A Husker Graduation Celebration” can be streamed at https://commencement.unl.edu.
In celebration, we introduce you to some of our December grads:
Jalaya Daye
Major: Studio Art (painting)
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
What was it like having your final semesters in a global pandemic? What will you remember about this time?
It gave me the time to get comfortable creating art without much feedback available. What I’ll remember most about this time are the masks, the isolation and missed opportunities and activities.
What will your lasting memory be of your time in the Hixson-Lied College?
Walking the halls of Hixson will be a lasting memory of mine. It was filled with a lot of familiarity. I shared many of my classes with the same people.
Who is someone that you would like to thank and why?
I’d like to thank my mother, of course, she has always encouraged me to go for what I’m passionate about.
What advice would you give to future students in the Hixson-Lied College to make the most of their experience?
To the future students in the Hixson-Lied College, make the art you want to make, don’t wait to do what you want just to satisfy your teachers.
What are your future plans?
In the future I plan to go on working in an art-related job, and also continue to pursue my art career.
Malin Hayden
Major: Theatre Directing/Management and Theatre Performance
Hometown: Papillion, Nebraska
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Graduating from Nebraska means that I am pursuing a career that makes me happy while being able to watch my sister go through high school in Omaha.
What was it like having your final semesters in a global pandemic? What will you remember about this time?
My semesters in the pandemic have reinforced new ways to create. It’s about being thankful for what you got, and how to cultivate what you can still achieve.
What will your lasting memory be of your time in the Hixson-Lied College?
One of my favorite memories in the Hixson-Lied College was getting the first ever “Theatrix Choice Award.” I whole-heartily did not expect to receive anything. Yet, my friend Lauren made a lovely speech that made us cry upon realizing I was the one receiving the honor. The amount of support from my peers that night was jaw-dropping.
Who is someone that you would like to thank and why?
I would love to thank Ciera Pieters. She has been my rock the last four years. From strangers, to friends, roommates, and now considered as family. I don’t know what post-graduation would be like without her.
What are your future plans?
As of right now, I am moving back to Omaha to save on money. However, I am currently working on a virtual show with the Augusta Jr. Players called “The Lydia Project” to have young artist create pieces inspired by cancer patient/survivor stories.
Alyssa May
Major: Studio Art (ceramics)
Hometown: Raymore, Missouri
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
This means moving into a new stage of life.
What was it like having your final semesters in a global pandemic? What will you remember about this time?
This semester was crazy. It was fast and we didn't have a lot of time, but this meant that I had to take advantage of every moment I had.
What will your lasting memory be of your time in the Hixson-Lied College?
Late nights in the studios with my best friends and participating in the Clay Club Sale, and of course bowling and kickball.
Who is someone that you would like to thank and why?
I’d like to thank my parents for supporting me and allowing me to pursue my dreams.
What are your future plans?
I plan to move back to Kansas City, Missouri, and attend a residency or set up a studio and start developing my work.
Read more about our graduates at https://go.unl.edu/fpagrad.