Our students and alumni at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have incredible and impactful global experiences during their time on campus. This section features those who have been highlighted across campus in the last month for their accomplishments, experiences, and Nebraska career.
Discover some of our students’ and alumni accomplishments in sharing their culture, starting a nonprofit organization, and experiencing professional success around the world.
First Rwanda Night celebrated culture and “second home” at UNL
On Feb. 1, the Rwandan Student Association and AgShields hosted the first Rwanda Night celebration at UNL. Spearheaded by Rwandan scholars from the CASNR CUSP program, the night included dancing, singing, a traditional play, fashion and Rwandan food. Special guests for the night included the Ambassador of Rwanda Mathilde Mukantabana, Chancellor Green and his wife, members of the Nebraska National Guard, and more.
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International alumnus Suratman says UNL experience key to preparing him for future career as deputy vice chancellor
Mohd Nazip Suratman first came to UNL all the way from his home country of Malaysia in the mid-1990s to complete his Master of Science from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife. Suratman, now the deputy vice-chancellor for Research and Innovation at the Universiti Teknologi MARA in Malaysia, says “there is nothing more valuable than the experience I gained from completing my degree from UNL.” He credits the range of technical and professional courses available from what’s now the School of Natural Resources, and encourages students to remain motivated in postgraduate research.
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Husker experience, connections fuel Spethman to start a nonprofit organization and pursue her Master’s in the UK
During her time at UNL, alumna Anna Spethman made countless connections across campus and the local community with erh involvement in RSOs, UCARE research, volunteering, studying abroad and more. After funding cuts impacted her job as a refugee case manager at Catholic Social Services, Spethman continued to pursue her passion for international relations and humanitarian response by establishing the nonprofit organization Education Refuge alongside fellow Husker and founder, Jacob Manyang. Spethman currently serves as the organization’s Director of Operations and received the NAFUM Master’s Scholarship from the University of Manchester for her degree in international relations and development.
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Weekly Chinese Hour connects UNL students with China’s culture, history
Every Tuesday from Jan. 28 to April 21, topics like the vibrant Peking opera and tea culture are brought closer to home during Chinese Hour. From 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Chinese Hour, a weekly walk-in event, takes place in Oldfather Hall, Room 1126. Fulbright scholar and Chinese foreign language teaching assistant Yi Yu coordinates and hosts the event, aiming to create a well-rounded learning experience for all students.
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Blessing finds his place in Lincoln working on immigrant and refugee resettlement
Alumnus Ted Blessing was told that it would be difficult to find a career in refugee resettlement as programs nationwide faced budget cuts. Nevertheless, armed with college experience volunteering with a refugee resettlement organization and his education in global studies, political science, and human right and humanitarian aid—Blessing persisted. Now, he’s working as an Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator for Lutheran Family Services’ Refugee Resettlement and Support Program.
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Global Studies major allows Molnar to explore deep questions and gain hands-on experience
As a child of a counselor and a therapist, global studies major Chloe Molnar has always been interested in learning about the backgrounds of different people and how that shapes opinions and personality. For Molnar, the major allows her to explore deep questions about difference in perspectives or cultural implications, as well as gain hands-on experience in learning about the world.
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Buchnat scores Super Bowl experience in first NFL season
Most Huskers watched Super Bowl LIV crowded around a TV with family, friends and a heaping pile of snacks. For Ben Buchnat, the game was much more hands on. A 2019 University of Nebraska–Lincoln graduate, Buchnat served as a seasonal producer for the Kansas City Chiefs, chronicling the NFL team's first championship run in 50 years. On Super Bowl Sunday, the job carried him to the sidelines of Miami's Hard Rock Stadium as the Chiefs rolled to a 31-20 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
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To submit a student feature for the next edition of the Global Nebraska newsletter, please contact Courtney Van Hoosen in the Office of Global Strategies at cvanhoosen2@unl.edu.