Nebraska Wesleyan University News https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/ en Scientist to examine virus impacts on immune systems https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu/news-center/scientist-examine-virus-impacts-immune-systems <span>Scientist to examine virus impacts on immune systems</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span>Dr. Lindsey Crawford, an assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), is making significant strides in understanding how viruses affect our immune system.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>Crawford will share her research and insight on processes that affect immune systems at Nebraska Wesleyan University’s annual Fetzer Lecture on Thursday, April 4.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>As a member of the Nebraska Center for Virology and the Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication, Dr. Crawford brings a wealth of expertise to her research.</span></p><p><span>Her work at the Crawford lab is dedicated to understanding how viruses infect stem cells. Her team hopes to address fundamental questions at the intersection of virology, immunology, and stem cell biology.</span></p><p><span>Dr. Crawford's research not only sheds light on how viruses manipulate host cells but also holds promise for developing targeted therapies against viral infections and advancing our understanding of immune system function.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>The lecture begins at 7 p.m. in Olin B Lecture Hall and is free and open to the public.</span></p><p><span>The Amos Fetzer and Alice Fetzer Memorial Lecture was established by Dr. W.R. Fetzer (’17) in memory of his parents. The lectureship is designed to bring to campus distinguished scholars in science, math, computer science, and the environment.</span></p></div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/campus-directory/kellan-heavican">Kellan Heavican</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-03-27T10:36:29-05:00" title="Wednesday, March 27, 2024 - 10:36am">Wed, 03/27/2024 - 10:36am</time> </span> Wed, 27 Mar 2024 15:36:29 +0000 Kellan Heavican 669821 at https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu NWU student finds fulfillment through Greek life, volunteerism https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu/news-center/nwu-student-finds-fulfillment-through-greek-life-volunteerism <span>NWU student finds fulfillment through Greek life, volunteerism</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span>Nebraska Wesleyan University sophomore Angelina Orent (’27) says she has an unwavering dedication to serving her community and campus.</span></p><p><span>“I believe in the power of service to bring positive change into the world,” says the social work major from Omaha, Neb.</span></p><p><span>Orent is actively involved in several organizations on campus.&nbsp; Some include captain of the NWU women’s swimming team, secretary of the Student Affairs Senate, a student ambassador and vice president of philanthropy for Delta Zeta sorority.</span></p><p><span>“Being a part of Greek Life has allowed me to make meaningful connections and friendships with members from different chapters,” she says. “These connections provide a supportive network of friends who share similar values and goals.”</span></p><p><span>Orent is just as active in the Lincoln community. She volunteers with five different organizations including Tabitha GracePoint, an assisted living facility not far from campus. “I love serving there because I get to work one-on-one with residents experiencing memory loss and form meaningful connections with them.”</span></p><p><span>She says Greek life and volunteerism can be fulfilling for students trying to get involved . "You have the chance to make a meaningful difference in the community, and you get to do it with others who want to make a similar impact.” &nbsp;</span></p><p><span>Orent says she plans to use her social work degree to continue to impact people she serves.</span></p></div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/campus-directory/kellan-heavican">Kellan Heavican</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-03-25T08:33:19-05:00" title="Monday, March 25, 2024 - 8:33am">Mon, 03/25/2024 - 8:33am</time> </span> Mon, 25 Mar 2024 13:33:19 +0000 Kellan Heavican 669817 at https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu Greek Week celebrates service, community at NWU https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu/news-center/greek-week-celebrates-service-community-nwu <span>Greek Week celebrates service, community at NWU </span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span>Nebraska Wesleyan University is buzzing with excitement for Greek Week. It brings together members of fraternities and sororities for a week-long celebration of service, community spirit and recruitment.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>Lead, Serve, Belong is the motto of NWU’s Greek community and are guiding principles for Greek life.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>“Greek life at NWU is incredibly uplifting and supportive of each other,” says Grace Barton (’25), vice president of community development with the Panhellenic Council – the governing body for sororities. “Students are less identified by their individual chapter and more so by the entirety of Greek life, which I think is unique to our campus and a reason I wanted to join a house.”&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>Barton says many Greek students are involved in other organizations or sports and also participate in philanthropy events. “We also serve through the work we do for our campus and community by making it a welcoming and inviting space for everyone, whether they are in Greek life or not.”&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>Throughout the week, Greek students are engaging in a myriad of events, which show their dedication to service, leadership and community. Some activities include study nights, boat racing and a community service day. &nbsp;</span></p><p><span>“While these events happen in one week, we live these principles out over the course of the school year,” says Braike Jones (’28), vice president of recruitment and membership development with the Interfraternity Council - the governing body for NWU fraternities. “There is a standard that we hold ourselves to.&nbsp; We want to push every member to grow and build each other up so we can be the best students we can be.”&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>Greek Week kicked off Monday, March 18 with a display of house banners and will conclude on March 25 with the annual lip sync competition.&nbsp;</span></p></div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/campus-directory/kellan-heavican">Kellan Heavican</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-03-20T09:46:44-05:00" title="Wednesday, March 20, 2024 - 9:46am">Wed, 03/20/2024 - 9:46am</time> </span> Wed, 20 Mar 2024 14:46:44 +0000 Kellan Heavican 669812 at https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu NWU’s MSW program receives accreditation https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu/news-center/nwus-msw-program-receives-accreditation <span>NWU’s MSW program receives accreditation </span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span>Nebraska Wesleyan University’s Master of Social Work program has been awarded accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>The accreditation indicates NWU’s program meets or exceeds standards of quality through a peer review accreditation process.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>“It's our way of being able to demonstrate that we have the seal of approval from the people who design what social work should be,” says Toni Jensen, MSW program director at NWU.</span></p><p><span>An accredited program means it has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals. “The law is very clear.&nbsp; You cannot be a licensed social worker without graduating from an accredited program. This means our students can become licensed as social workers in our state.”</span></p><p><span>Students can learn how to help their clients integrate the impacts of past or ongoing trauma within their lives. This trauma-conscious approach prepares students to pursue clinical licensure or practitioner certification.</span></p><p>The program is accredited until 2032 without condition.&nbsp;</p></div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/campus-directory/kellan-heavican">Kellan Heavican</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-03-18T10:02:09-05:00" title="Monday, March 18, 2024 - 10:02am">Mon, 03/18/2024 - 10:02am</time> </span> Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:02:09 +0000 Kellan Heavican 669808 at https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu NWU student athletes inspire the next generation through baseball and softball clinics https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu/news-center/nwu-student-athletes-inspire-next-generation-through-baseball-and-softball <span> NWU student athletes inspire the next generation through baseball and softball clinics</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span>Student athletes from Nebraska Wesleyan University are teaching lessons of the game to the next generation.</span></p><p><span>Through a partnership with The Malone Center, a nonprofit that provides programs for underserved youth in the Lincoln community, members of NWU’s baseball and softball teams put on four clinics this winter.&nbsp; Students in kindergarten through eighth grade were taught to hit, pitch, and field ground balls and pop flies.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>“When I interacted with them, I saw the light in their eyes,” says Addi Duranski (’25), a left fielder on the softball team. </span>“<span>It seemed like it meant the world.”</span></p><p><span>“As college students, we may not realize the impression we leave on some of these kids,” says the biology major and psychology and chemistry double minor from Columbus, Neb. “Being a role model and having connections with them hopefully inspires them to take up college athletics one day.”</span></p><p><span>Jason English (’24), a first baseman from Phoenix, Ariz., says similar programs helped inspire him to become a baseball player. “I learned a love for the sport. Programs like this help introduce kids to something they may never have had the chance to experience.”</span></p><p><span>His passion for working with kids is why he’s studying to be a teacher and coach. “I'm a mixed American. Hopefully it shows them you can be a minority and progress through high school, into college and through life. I think that's done a lot for them.”</span></p><p><span>English says the biggest lesson might not even be about baseball. “It’s about impacting others. It's something I want to do for the rest of my life. Recognizing that everybody starts somewhere and knowing that it's okay to grow at your own pace.&nbsp; I love seeing this. It just fulfills me.”</span></p></div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/campus-directory/kellan-heavican">Kellan Heavican</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-03-13T13:06:10-05:00" title="Wednesday, March 13, 2024 - 1:06pm">Wed, 03/13/2024 - 1:06pm</time> </span> Wed, 13 Mar 2024 18:06:10 +0000 Kellan Heavican 667617 at https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu Latest art exhibition features celebration of vision https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu/news-center/latest-art-exhibition-features-celebration-vision <span>Latest art exhibition features celebration of vision</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span>Come On, Come Over is an invitational exhibition highlighting Elder Gallery as a nexus for artists in Lincoln, Nebraska and beyond. The philosophy of the gallery gives artists the ability to present the exhibition they envision. Artists model the exhibition process from start to finish for students to help show NWU's educational mission.&nbsp;The name Come On, Come Over is from the house party song of the same name by the late &nbsp;Jaco Pastorius.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>Featured artists: Aaron Joseph, Allison Woods, Amanda Smith, Angeles Cossio, Anthony Park Kascak, April White, Brad Krieger, Byron Anway, Casey Callahan, Cathy Patterson, Chad Michael Olsen, Dana Fritz, David F. Routon, Elijah Swanson, Eve Lanik, Gretchen Larsen, Hannah Demma, James Bockelman, Jared Circusbear Flores, Joelle Wellansa Sandfort, Jon Love, Joseph Holmes, Josh Johnson, Julia Leggent, Kate Gracie, Kimberley D' Adamo, Kinzee Hillis, Lana Miller, Larry Gawel, Laura Cobb, Lonna Huisingh, Laird Nygren, Madeline Cass, Margaret Elsener, Matthew Nolde, Michael Zimmerman, Nathan Murray, Peggy Gomez, Peter Pinnell, Quentin Fortney, Santiago Cal, Shawn Teseo Ballarin, Shelby Austin Tourney, and Susan Horn.</span></p></div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/campus-directory/kellan-heavican">Kellan Heavican</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-03-11T08:31:50-05:00" title="Monday, March 11, 2024 - 8:31am">Mon, 03/11/2024 - 8:31am</time> </span> Mon, 11 Mar 2024 13:31:50 +0000 Kellan Heavican 667611 at https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu Transformation: Corey Allmendinger's journey in mental health and corrections https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu/news-center/transformation-corey-allmendingers-journey-mental-health-and-corrections <span>Transformation: Corey Allmendinger's journey in mental health and corrections</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span>Corey Allmendinger (’24) is an example of what taking advantage of a second chance looks like.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>“I've struggled with addiction. I've been in recovery for 11 years now,” he says. “Most people who go into recovery realize, after three years, that they want to be a counselor. That’s what I wanted to do, and it could’ve been a lot different for me had I not turned my life around.”&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>Allmendinger's story is a testament to personal transformation, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive impact.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>He is a behavioral health practitioner supervisor at the Reception and Treatment Center for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services. Allmendinger supervises counselors and manages the residential treatment unit, providing support to 58 incarcerated individuals. He’s also enrolled in Nebraska Wesleyan University’s Master of Social Work program. And he interns with Methodist Hospital in Fremont.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>He says he wants to help provide inmates the skills to be able to make positive changes when they reenter the workforce. “I’ve known a lot of people who’ve struggled with mental health challenges, who’ve gone to prison, who’ve gotten out and then spiraled because they weren’t prepared to reenter society.”&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>Allmendinger says it can be a challenge to balance work and personal life with a daily commute from Fremont and eight children. “They're a motivator for me. My wife is also in recovery.&nbsp; Our kids have seen us at our lowest and they see us now. They help inspire me to push myself and do better.”</span></p><p><span>Allmendinger says he wants to leverage the skills he’s learned at NWU for something bigger: establish a residential treatment center outside of Fremont to serve individuals leaving incarceration. "The dream is to get a little piece of land right outside of Fremont, about five acres. We'll build a brand-new facility from the ground up." It will have residential services, co-occurring treatment beds, mental health respite beds, and transition planning to support successful reintegration into society.</span></p><p><span>"Being able to come into this environment and help individuals like that is just a rewarding thing. It's what I feel I'm called to do."</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p></div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/campus-directory/kellan-heavican">Kellan Heavican</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-02-28T10:39:48-06:00" title="Wednesday, February 28, 2024 - 10:39am">Wed, 02/28/2024 - 10:39am</time> </span> Wed, 28 Feb 2024 16:39:48 +0000 Kellan Heavican 667588 at https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu NWU unveils first of its kind innovation and entrepreneurship program https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu/news-center/nwu-unveils-first-its-kind-innovation-and-entrepreneurship-program <span>NWU unveils first of its kind innovation and entrepreneurship program </span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span>Nebraska Wesleyan University is launching the next generation of innovators through a new program that will help diversify the region’s economy and strengthen workforce development.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>“We want and need to be a part of the solution to the state’s brain drain issue,” says NWU President Darrin Good. “Our innovation and entrepreneurship program will prepare our students to be successful in the workforce and help them keep their talents in Nebraska, which is where the vast majority of our graduates stay.”&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>NWU’s location in the heart of the Silicon Prairie will provide students access to a network of innovators, entrepreneurs, and alumni who are seeking creative problems solvers. “They want our graduates who can attack problems with a multifaceted mindset that our curriculum intentionally fosters,” says Good.</span></p><p><span>The innovation and entrepreneurship major is the first of its kind in the state because it’s not exclusively tied to a university business program. Open to all students in any field of study, it’s designed to equip them with skills to refine ideas, start businesses, and tackle complex, societal issues.</span></p><p><span>“We often think about entrepreneurship and innovation as being solely in the domain of a business program,” said Assistant Professor of Political Science Zachary Baumann. “Our state and nation are constantly changing. Our students need to think about novel solutions to big problems that extend well beyond business alone and into the worlds of public policy, the arts, sustainability, biotechnology and so much more.”&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>The program is made possible by a $2 million gift from Lincoln business icon and NWU alumnus Philip Mullin (’65). He served in multiple roles with Garner Industries before purchasing the company in 1992 and transformed it into a world-class manufacturer.</span></p><p><span>“These are students who’d like to own their own business, but they don’t know where to start,” Mullin says. “Students who have a passion for this kind of thing—they’ll get the follow through, the help and advice they need to learn how to talk to a banker or go out and find a lawyer.”&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>The Philip S. Mullin Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program is designed to enhance the value of several focus areas:</span></p><ul><li><span>Business, marketing and sports</span></li><li><span>Creative design and the arts</span></li><li><span>Policy and justice</span></li><li><span>Science and technology&nbsp;</span></li><li><span>Sustainability and environment&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p><span>NWU has launched a search for its program director with entrepreneurial experience who can connect students to new insight and opportunities.</span></p><p><span>Classes will begin in fall of&nbsp;2024.&nbsp;</span></p><p><em><span>Additional background on Philip Mullin:&nbsp;</span></em></p><p><em><span>Mullin began working parttime at Garner Industries during college running a punch press.&nbsp; He returned in 1968 and began a distinguished 50-year career leading his company through periods of historic growth by investing in new services, including injection molding, the company expanded its scope to supporting manufacturers nationwide.</span></em></p><p><em><span>In 2001, Mullin was recognized as “Entrepreneur of the Year” by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Business Administration. In 2017, Garner Industries was recognized as the “Nebraska Manufacturer of the Year” by the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In 2019, Garner was recognized by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce as the “Lincoln Manufacturer of the Year,” and Mullin was inducted into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame.</span></em></p></div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/campus-directory/kellan-heavican">Kellan Heavican</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-02-21T08:40:59-06:00" title="Wednesday, February 21, 2024 - 8:40am">Wed, 02/21/2024 - 8:40am</time> </span> Wed, 21 Feb 2024 14:40:59 +0000 Kellan Heavican 667550 at https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu NWU contest helps reshape how business tackle complex problems https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu/news-center/nwu-contest-helps-reshape-how-business-tackle-complex-problems <span>NWU contest helps reshape how business tackle complex problems </span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span>Nebraska Wesleyan University’s problem-solving contest enables students from different fields of study to collaborate and assist businesses in addressing complex challenges.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>Jason Coyle (’96) is the chief auditor and chief risk officer with Mutual of Omaha. “One issue we regularly deal with is fraud within the supplemental insurance for Medicare that seniors receive. For example, provider fraud and medical equipment fraud.”</span></p><p><span>Coyle then pitched that problem to nearly 30 NWU students.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>They were paired in groups of five or six, had two hours to analyze data, identify problems and present a solution. Coyle says one problem was for a patient who was billed for an out-of-state ambulance ride that they never received. “We wanted to give students an opportunity to use real life data, come up with insights on a problem that we continue to try and solve at Mutual of Omaha.”</span></p><p><span>He says students in different fields of study would be able to approach the problem with different viewpoints, which then led to novel solutions.</span></p><p><span>“When we bring a group of folks together that have either a similar discipline or a similar background, we may not notice things that are obvious,” Coyle says. “We had accounting students, but then we also had some criminal justice students that paired well with students who study data science.” &nbsp;</span></p><p><span>Coyle says his company has implemented some of the solutions the students presented. “When they looked at different elements of the data from a different lens, that really helped. It gave us better perspective in regard to some theories that we were thinking about.”&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>Two other companies have enlisted NWU students to help solve problems and another contest is planned this spring.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>NWU’s problem-solving contest helped lay the groundwork for the new </span><a href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/innovation-and-entrepreneurship/innovation-and-entrepreneurship-degree"><span><strong>Philip S. Mullin Innovation and Entrepreneurship program</strong></span></a><span> that was recently announced.&nbsp;</span></p></div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/campus-directory/kellan-heavican">Kellan Heavican</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-02-19T13:15:59-06:00" title="Monday, February 19, 2024 - 1:15pm">Mon, 02/19/2024 - 1:15pm</time> </span> Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:15:59 +0000 Kellan Heavican 667547 at https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu NWU's accredited athletic training program celebrates 20 years https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu/news-center/nwus-accredited-athletic-training-program-celebrates-20-years <span>NWU's accredited athletic training program celebrates 20 years</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>As Nebraska Wesleyan University celebrates two decades of excellence with its athletic training program, it’s also looking toward the future. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“Celebrating 20 years of outstanding education has been a gratifying experience for everyone who’s contributed the program’s success,” says Samantha Wilson, athletic training program director. &nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) approved NWU’s offering of a new Master of Athletic Training, which will begin in the summer of 2025. The MAT is now required for professional certification as an athletic trainer.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Alumni and current athletic training students recently celebrated both milestones during the men’s and women’s basketball games at Snyder Arena. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>NWU head athletic trainer </span><span>Jason Ensrud</span><span> says NWU has a proven track record of developing talented clinicians since the program began in the early 2000s. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“I take joy in watching high caliber students gain the experience to become successful young professionals, but also to see them take those skills into the real world and grow into thriving clinicians, community leaders, and create their own legacies.” </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>NWU is one of four accredited programs in Nebraska and is the only small institution to offer the degree.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p></div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/campus-directory/kellan-heavican">Kellan Heavican</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-02-13T12:53:27-06:00" title="Tuesday, February 13, 2024 - 12:53pm">Tue, 02/13/2024 - 12:53pm</time> </span> Tue, 13 Feb 2024 18:53:27 +0000 Kellan Heavican 667538 at https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu NWU professor strikes the right chord with Lincoln Symphony Orchestra https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu/news-center/nwu-professor-strikes-right-chord-lincoln-symphony-orchestra <span>NWU professor strikes the right chord with Lincoln Symphony Orchestra</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Joyce Besch still remembers singing and playing the piano as a child for anyone who would stand still long enough to hear her. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Then, came the fifth grade when her teacher challenged her to try a new instrument: the bassoon. “As an agreeable student, I said yes, and stuck with it.” </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>The hum of learning never faded away for Besch.&nbsp; The adjunct professor of bassoon instruction at Nebraska Wesleyan University has been the third bassoon/contrabassoon player&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>with Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra for 16 years.&nbsp;On Sunday, February 18, she will play with the symphony piccolo player in a Concerto for Piccolo and Contrabassoon in the Johnny Carson Theatre for two sold-out performances.</p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“While there is a lot of practice and preparation that goes into obtaining an orchestra job, there is also a great deal of lucky timing,” says Besch. “When I moved to Lincoln, I found out that there was a bassoon position open with the symphony. Since there are only three bassoonists with the group, it was a rare opportunity.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Lincoln Symphony Orchestra performs large masterworks at the Lied Center and smaller, family concerts at NWU’s O’Donnell Auditorium. Musicians practice on their own and then rehearse together 2-5 days before performances.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Besch says orchestra work is often supplemented by teaching. “Many of us like myself in the (Lincoln Symphony) Orchestra balance a full schedule of being a mom, practicing music, teaching, and playing with as many different music groups that will have us.” </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>From teaching at NWU to playing in the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra, her passion has hit all the right notes. “Some amazing opportunities have included Nebraska Chamber Players, The Nutcracker, and the Omaha Symphony,” Besch says. “It’s not impossible to have made these musical connections without having been a LSO member, but it would have taken a lot more work.” &nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p></div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/campus-directory/kellan-heavican">Kellan Heavican</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-02-09T08:37:10-06:00" title="Friday, February 9, 2024 - 8:37am">Fri, 02/09/2024 - 8:37am</time> </span> Fri, 09 Feb 2024 14:37:10 +0000 Kellan Heavican 667533 at https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu CHIP program sends NWU student athletes to Washington D.C. https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu/news-center/chip-program-sends-nwu-student-athletes-washington-dc <span>CHIP program sends NWU student athletes to Washington D.C. </span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>As members of the Nebraska Wesleyan University Men’s Soccer team, Zach Weis (’25) and Chance Hergott (’25) have spent hours on the pitch. This semester they traded cleats and uniforms for suits and ties as interns in our nation’s capital.&nbsp;</p> <p>“It’s been hard to wrap my head around the fact that I’m working the in the United States Capitol,” Hergott says. “People told me that you see the legislative news on TV, and now I’m there getting to make the news.”</p> <p>Weis and Hergott are among a group of Nebraska Wesleyan University students who earn college credits through the Capitol Hill Internship Program.&nbsp; One of the requirements of the program&nbsp;is landing a job or internship.</p> <p>Hergott is pursuing a business major with minors in economics and finance and didn’t anticipate that his internship would be immersed in politics.</p> <p>He says his experience in Nebraska Congressman Mike Flood’s office came full circle when he witnessed the intricacies of politics and policy. “I didn’t believe it until my second day when I sat in the gallery of the chamber and watched the proceedings on the House floor.&nbsp; It was hard to wrap my head around that.”</p> <p>Weis has an internship with a criminal defense firm and spends his time reviewing body camera footage, drafting legal documents and attending court.</p> <p>“It’s an awesome experience.&nbsp; I went in with one of the attorneys, and they called roll for people who needed attorneys.&nbsp; Lawyers were assigned different clients, quickly met them, entered a plea deal,” Weis says.&nbsp; “It was very unique to witness the prosecutor and defense working together to find something that worked for both sides.”</p> <p>Weis is double majoring is philosophy and religion and political science while minoring in criminal justice.&nbsp; He plans to apply to law school next year.</p></div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/campus-directory/kellan-heavican">Kellan Heavican</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-02-06T14:18:02-06:00" title="Tuesday, February 6, 2024 - 2:18pm">Tue, 02/06/2024 - 2:18pm</time> </span> Tue, 06 Feb 2024 20:18:02 +0000 Kellan Heavican 667485 at https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu NWU Honors Academy celebrates decades of success with re-accreditation https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu/news-center/nwu-honors-academy-celebrates-decades-success-re-accreditation <span>NWU Honors Academy celebrates decades of success with re-accreditation</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Nebraska Wesleyan University Honors Academy has secured re-accreditation for its dedication to providing high-quality dual credit programs.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“We provide strong, individualized support that recognizes the unique situations in every high school so that our teachers can focus on teaching, and our students can focus on learning,” says Director of Wesleyan Honors Academy Heather Zaruba.” </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Wesleyan Honors Academy has flourished since its origin in 1995 when it offered dual credits at one high school.&nbsp; NWU now provides 55 different courses to students at more than 80 Nebraska schools. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Zaruba says the growth reflects the academy’s mission to equip students with college credits and skills to thrive in higher education. “Many of my former dual-credit students have shared how much more prepared they were for college-level work than their peers on campus.” </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>NWU is the only Nebraska school to hold National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) accreditation </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>with a Concurrent Enrollment Program Endorsement<span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>. NWU will keep the achievement until 2030.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p></div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/campus-directory/kellan-heavican">Kellan Heavican</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-01-25T15:54:18-06:00" title="Thursday, January 25, 2024 - 3:54pm">Thu, 01/25/2024 - 3:54pm</time> </span> Thu, 25 Jan 2024 21:54:18 +0000 Kellan Heavican 667437 at https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu NWU Theatre opens its 2024 performance season https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu/news-center/nwu-theatre-opens-its-2024-performance-season <span>NWU Theatre opens its 2024 performance season </span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Nebraska Wesleyan University theatre students are ushering in the 2024 season with a pair of show-stopping performances.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><em>Romeo and Juliet </em>is<em> </em>directed by faculty member Anne McAlexander and will tell the greatest tragic love story ever known. “The students are bringing fresh and modern perspectives to a beloved and ageless bedrock of the theatrical tradition.” McAlexander says. “This production honors and respects Shakespeare’s beautiful language, while also infusing contemporary theatrical elements and approaches, making it enjoyable for long-time Shakespeare enthusiasts, and first-time viewers alike.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>There will be 8 performances including 6 different iterations of the cast, which will feature understudies and swings.&nbsp; “This is an incredibly unique learning experience for our students, and one that mirrors professional experiences, as well as for audiences that might like to attend more than one performance,” says McAlexander.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>The performances runs Jan. 25 through Feb. 4. Costume and sound design and original compositions have been created by NWU students and faculty. Lighting design is by Bentley Heydt, guest artist from New York City. Scenic design by guest artist Austin Mueck. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><em><span>The Hello Girls </span></em><span>musical tells the story of WWI female soldiers who returned home and were denied benefits, status and the recognition of the country they served. “Our telling of the story focuses on each person’s opportunity to make history by engaging, speaking out and serving our community and world,” says director Dr. Talea Bloch, assistant professor of musical theatre with NWU. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>The musical has a unique tie to Lincoln. These soldiers answered General John J. Pershing's call to serve in France - the 1890’s military science instructor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, for whom Pershing Auditorium was named.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Costume design by NWU faculty and scenic and lighting design by NWU alumni. The performances run Feb. 15 to Feb. 25. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Purchase tickets for both performances at the NWU Theatre Box Office or <strong><a href="https://nebraskawesleyan.csstix.com">online</a></strong>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p>See the entire spring <strong><a href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/theatre/current-season">performance schedule</a></strong>.&nbsp;</p></div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/campus-directory/kellan-heavican">Kellan Heavican</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-01-25T08:43:51-06:00" title="Thursday, January 25, 2024 - 8:43am">Thu, 01/25/2024 - 8:43am</time> </span> Thu, 25 Jan 2024 14:43:51 +0000 Kellan Heavican 667433 at https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu NWU releases fall 2023 academic honors list https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu/news-center/nwu-releases-fall-2023-academic-honors-list <span>NWU releases fall 2023 academic honors list</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Nebraska Wesleyan University&nbsp;has announced&nbsp;its 2023&nbsp;fall&nbsp;semester academic honors for students enrolled in traditional and adult undergraduate programs.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/sites/default/files/inline-files/fall_2023_traditional_undergraduate_academic_honors_list.pdf">Traditional undergraduates list</a></strong></p> <p>Students earning at least a 3.75 grade point average (on a 4.00 scale) while completing a full-time course load of at least 12 credit hours of graded work (pass/fail courses are not included) are eligible.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/sites/default/files/inline-files/fall_2023_adult_undergraduate_academic_honors_list.pdf">Adult undergraduates list</a></strong></p> <p>Undergraduate students earning at least a 3.75 grade point average while completing 6 or more hours of graded work (pass/fail courses are not included) are eligible.&nbsp;</p></div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/campus-directory/kellan-heavican">Kellan Heavican</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-01-24T11:22:52-06:00" title="Wednesday, January 24, 2024 - 11:22am">Wed, 01/24/2024 - 11:22am</time> </span> Wed, 24 Jan 2024 17:22:52 +0000 Kellan Heavican 667432 at https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu NWU students, staff receive diversity awards during MLK Day Celebration https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu/news-center/nwu-students-staff-receive-diversity-awards-during-mlk-day-celebration <span>NWU students, staff receive diversity awards during MLK Day Celebration </span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Nebraska Wesleyan University students, faculty and staff who champion diversity and inclusion have been recognized for their dedication to the campus community. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Advocate for Diversity Award<strong> </strong>honors individuals who raise awareness about a need, problem, or opportunity regarding issues of diversity and inclusion on campus. Winners should inspire others with their advocacy to ensure that all students, staff and faculty feel welcome, engaged, and empowered. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span><span><strong>Faculty Award</strong>: Dr. Angela McKinney</span></span> <ul> <li><span><span>McKinney’s nominator shared that she is the heart and soul of the Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (L-SAMP). Her enthusiasm for students helped inspire them to continue in the STEM field and helped almost 60 students to graduate from NWU. She is also the campus director for the HHMI IE3 grant for ‘Building institutional capacity for student belonging,’ a grant that focuses on neurodiversity and includes faculty and student workshops and a mentorship program. </span></span></li> </ul> </li> <li><span><span><strong>Staff Award</strong>: Raisa Gallegos</span></span> <ul> <li><span><span>Gallegos’s nominator said she has been raising awareness of food and resource insecurity on campus. She opened a&nbsp;food and hygiene pantry in her office in the Johnson Residence Hall. As a Prairie Wolf Pantry Board member, she created a partnership between the pantry and residential education staff to help increase the availability of resources.&nbsp; </span></span></li> </ul> </li> <li><span><span><strong>Student Award</strong>: Amarachi Chidi-Uneze</span></span> <ul> <li><span><span>Chidi-Uneze’s nominator shared that she is a reliable and confident student leader on campus. She is a representative of many diverse student organizations and is a peer assistant in the Residential Education program. She has a sensitive and inclusive approach to building community amongst her peers. She is an advocate for her peers.</span></span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Mary Butler Award recognizes a junior or senior in good academic standing who identifies as a student of color. Nominees should exude an enthusiasm to serve both the NWU and Lincoln communities and should be sensitive to and knowledgeable about campus needs. They demonstrate the ability to enrich the campus through extracurricular involvement. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span><span><strong>Award</strong>: Aliah Clarke</span></span> <ul> <li><span><span>Clarke’s nominator said Clarke’s commitment to the volleyball and track programs have contributed to their success and culture. &nbsp;She’s shown enthusiasm for serving NWU and local community through a pair of cancer awareness events.&nbsp;She&nbsp;has also made an impact in young athletes in the Lincoln area through her work as a youth leader in volleyball summer camps and club tournaments. &nbsp;She is active in several campus organizations including being the president of the Black Student Union. </span></span></li> </ul> </li> </ul></div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/campus-directory/kellan-heavican">Kellan Heavican</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-01-22T10:22:03-06:00" title="Monday, January 22, 2024 - 10:22am">Mon, 01/22/2024 - 10:22am</time> </span> Mon, 22 Jan 2024 16:22:03 +0000 Kellan Heavican 667427 at https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu Curtis Lecture on Public Leadership hopes to inspire ripples of change https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu/news-center/curtis-lecture-public-leadership-hopes-inspire-ripples-change <span>Curtis Lecture on Public Leadership hopes to inspire ripples of change </span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>A group of local leaders will deliver this year’s Curtis Lecture on Public Leadership. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Their lecture, “How to Change the World – A conversation with Lincoln Leaders,” will outline how serving your community can create positive changes in society. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>The panel discussion will be in McDonald Auditorium on Monday, Feb 5, at 7 p.m. featuring: </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>o TJ McDowell (’94), chief of staff, Lincoln Mayor’s Office&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>o Adam Morfeld, founder and executive director of Civic Nebraska</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>o Lori Seibel, president, Community Health Endowment&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>o Maggie Stuckey-Ross, director of Lincoln Parks and Recreation</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Representatives from these groups,&nbsp;as well as other civic and nonprofit organizations, will&nbsp;be&nbsp;in the&nbsp;McDonald&nbsp;Theatre lobby&nbsp;at 6 p.m. Cookies will be served. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Curtis Lecture on Public Leadership&nbsp;is designed to engage Nebraska Wesleyan students with the challenges, opportunities, and need for leadership in a democratic society.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p></div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/campus-directory/kellan-heavican">Kellan Heavican</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-01-18T13:06:42-06:00" title="Thursday, January 18, 2024 - 1:06pm">Thu, 01/18/2024 - 1:06pm</time> </span> Thu, 18 Jan 2024 19:06:42 +0000 Kellan Heavican 667416 at https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu Nebraska Wesleyan Honors Festival showcases state’s top musical talent https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu/news-center/nebraska-wesleyan-honors-festival-showcases-states-top-musical-talent <span>Nebraska Wesleyan Honors Festival showcases state’s top musical talent</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Nebraska Wesleyan Honors Festival will draw the region’s most promising high school singers and instrumental performers during its annual concerts next month. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“</span></span></span></span><span><span>Our festival has a rich tradition of engaging highly accomplished guest conductors and composers who we bring to campus to work with the high school students,” says Josh Roach, director of instrumental activities and assistant professor of music at NWU. “This year, we are inviting two guests that are both conductors and composers. We are also splitting up the festival to take place over two </span></span><span><span>separate</span></span> <span><span>weekends, which allows us to do several new things.” </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>The honor choir, which will culminate on Friday ,Feb. 2, at 7 p.m. in the O’Donnell Auditorium, will include a guest choir for the first time; Bellevue West’s high school program.&nbsp; Students will have the opportunity to sing in a masterclass with NWU faculty, participate in a drum circle with Dr. Amy Spears and have a musical theater experience.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>The honor </span></span><span><span>bands</span></span><span><span> performance will take place on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 2:30 p.m. in O’Donnell Auditorium. The performance includes several inaugural milestones: two bands; </span></span><span><span>one based on student auditions, and the other based on nominations from high school band directors. The auditioned group will play side-by-side with the NWU Symphonic Band. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Director of Choirs and Associate Professor Music Tom Trenney says it’s rare for students to create music with composers whose music they play. “This a powerful experience.&nbsp; And being able to make music with students from other schools who are as talented and excited about choir as you is such a thrilling experience, particularly for those who come from smaller schools.” </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Both concerts are open to the public and tickets can be purchased at the door. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“The audience will be able to feel the passion and spirit of these young people uniting together to create something authentically beautiful.&nbsp; In a world that is so chaotic and divided, to see and hear this unity and harmony is uplifting and inspiring,” says Trenney.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p></div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/campus-directory/kellan-heavican">Kellan Heavican</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-01-17T09:43:04-06:00" title="Wednesday, January 17, 2024 - 9:43am">Wed, 01/17/2024 - 9:43am</time> </span> Wed, 17 Jan 2024 15:43:04 +0000 Kellan Heavican 667415 at https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu NWU is closed Friday, January 12, due to inclement weather https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu/news-center/nwu-closed-friday-january-12-due-inclement-weather <span>NWU is closed Friday, January 12, due to inclement weather</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Due to inclement weather, NWU will be closed t</span></span><span>oday<span>, January 12.&nbsp;</span>Blowing and drifting snow, additional accumulation and slick road conditions are expected through the morning. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>In-person classes are cancelled and will&nbsp;<strong>NOT</strong>&nbsp;move to a remote modality. All online classes, regardless of program, will take place as scheduled.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Employees are encouraged to work remotely if you have an NWU laptop or home computer.&nbsp;If you have questions, please contact your supervisor directly.&nbsp;Maintenance employees will be contacted by their lead supervisor who will provide work details and shift information.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>If you are on campus, please use extreme caution when using the campus sidewalks and parking lots.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Lincoln and Lancaster County </span></span><span>is<span> in a winter storm warning until 9 p.m.</span>&nbsp;today<span>.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>&nbsp;</span>A parking ban remains in effect, which means parking is not allowed on the even-numbered side of the street.&nbsp; <span>If you haven’t moved your vehicle, please do to allow for LTU to plow streets.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p></div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/campus-directory/kellan-heavican">Kellan Heavican</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-01-12T05:21:58-06:00" title="Friday, January 12, 2024 - 5:21am">Fri, 01/12/2024 - 5:21am</time> </span> Fri, 12 Jan 2024 11:21:58 +0000 Kellan Heavican 667411 at https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu Lenners wins A-R-C male scholar athlete of the year https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu/news-center/lenners-wins-r-c-male-scholar-athlete-year <span>Lenners wins A-R-C male scholar athlete of the year</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Nebraska Wesleyan University 's men’s track &amp; field student athlete, Garrett Lenners ‘23, has been selected as 2022-23 Duane Schroeder Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year, awarded by the American Rivers Conference.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Lenners graduated with a 3.76 cumulative grade-point average and majored in biology. &nbsp;He was a six-time All-American and named A-R-C All-Conference on nine occasions and holds five Nebraska Wesleyan school records.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“<span>The camaraderie I built with my teammates is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life. For four years, I practiced alongside some of the most astounding men and women I have ever met, my 800-meter teammates specifically were the ones that I created my most fond memories with,” says Lenners.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Lenners picked up A-R-C All-Academic Team honors on three occasions (2021, 2022, 2023). He was also named to the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team in 2022 and 2023. Lenners earned the prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship in 2023.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“</span></span></span><span><span><span>During my career, I have been blessed to work with many outstanding scholar-athletes who have achieved academically and athletically at very high levels,” says former NWU Track and Field Coach Ted Bulling. “I can say however that Garrett Lenners has combined leadership skills, academic success and athletic prowess in a way that puts him at the very top of that list.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Nebraska Wesleyan University Associate Professor of Biology Cindy Marolf says, “Garrett is an excellent student academically and did very well in my course. He has strong critical thinking and communication skills.” </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Lenners&nbsp;was voted A-R-C Scholar-Athlete off the Year by the leagues’ faculty athletic representatives on Tuesday, January 9. It is the highest honor handed out by the A-R-C.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“Through all the awards, records, and accolades I earned during my track career, none are more important to me than the friendships I made. It is this camaraderie which has made the greatest impact on my life,” says Lenners.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p></div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/campus-directory/kellan-heavican">Kellan Heavican</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-01-09T13:16:54-06:00" title="Tuesday, January 9, 2024 - 1:16pm">Tue, 01/09/2024 - 1:16pm</time> </span> Tue, 09 Jan 2024 19:16:54 +0000 Kellan Heavican 667394 at https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu NWU closed Tuesday, January 9, due to inclement weather https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu/news-center/nwu-closed-tuesday-january-9-due-inclement-weather <span>NWU closed Tuesday, January 9, due to inclement weather</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Due to inclement weather, NWU will be closed t</span></span><span>oday<span>, January 8.&nbsp;</span>Blowing and driving snow, additional accumulation and slick road conditions are expected through the morning.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>In-person classes are cancelled and will&nbsp;<strong>NOT</strong>&nbsp;move to a remote modality. All online classes, regardless of program, will take place as scheduled.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Employees are encouraged to work remotely if you have a NWU laptop or home computer.&nbsp;If you have questions, please contact your supervisor directly.&nbsp;Maintenance employees will be contacted by their lead supervisor who will provide work details and shift information.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Some student services will continue to operate.&nbsp; They include:&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Sodexo Dining – normal hours, &nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Weary Center open recreation -&nbsp;12pm-6pm (</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>athletic practices may occur&nbsp;during&nbsp;open recreation time), l</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>ibrary services - Noon to 3pm.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>If you are on campus, please use extreme caution when using the campus sidewalks and parking lots.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Lincoln and Lancaster County </span></span><span>is<span> in a winter storm warning until </span>noon today<span>.&nbsp; </span>An additional two inches and strong<span> wind gusts</span> are expected<span>. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>A parking ban remains in effect, which means parking is not allowed on the even-numbered side of the street.&nbsp; <span>If you haven’t moved your vehicle, please do to allow for LTU to plow streets. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p></div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/campus-directory/kellan-heavican">Kellan Heavican</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-01-09T05:55:57-06:00" title="Tuesday, January 9, 2024 - 5:55am">Tue, 01/09/2024 - 5:55am</time> </span> Tue, 09 Jan 2024 11:55:57 +0000 Kellan Heavican 667393 at https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu NWU closed Monday, January 8, due to winter weather https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu/news-center/nwu-closed-monday-january-8-due-winter-weather <span>NWU closed Monday, January 8, due to winter weather</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Due to inclement weather that is in the forecast, NWU will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 8.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>In-person classes are cancelled and will&nbsp;<strong>NOT</strong>&nbsp;move to a remote modality. All online classes, regardless of program, will take place as scheduled.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Employees are encouraged to work remotely if you have a NWU laptop or home computer.&nbsp;If you have questions, please contact your supervisor directly.&nbsp;Maintenance employees will be contacted by their lead supervisor who will provide work details and shift information.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Some student services will continue to operate.&nbsp; They include:&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Sodexo Dining – normal hours,&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Weary Center open recreation -&nbsp;12pm-6pm (</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>athletic practices may occur&nbsp;during&nbsp;open recreation time), and l</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>ibrary services - Noon to 3pm.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>If you are on campus, please use extreme caution when using the campus sidewalks and parking lots.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Lincoln and Lancaster County will be in a winter storm warning from 6am Monday, January 8th&nbsp;until Tuesday at 12pm.&nbsp; Snow accumulations could reach 6-9 inches with significant wind gusts. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Please continue to watch your email for further announcements including any potential information on parking bans.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Stay safe.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p></div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/campus-directory/kellan-heavican">Kellan Heavican</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-01-07T20:18:24-06:00" title="Sunday, January 7, 2024 - 8:18pm">Sun, 01/07/2024 - 8:18pm</time> </span> Mon, 08 Jan 2024 02:18:24 +0000 Kellan Heavican 667391 at https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu By chance or by intention? How one Lincoln neighborhood houses a NWU twist https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu/news-center/chance-or-intention-how-one-lincoln-neighborhood-houses-nwu-twist <span>By chance or by intention? How one Lincoln neighborhood houses a NWU twist</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Coaches are known for logging many miles––sometimes thousands of miles––to find the right player for their team.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>For Nebraska Wesleyan University’s football and volleyball coaches, they only traveled 2.6 miles from campus to Dawson Creek Drive to find three athletes who live five houses apart.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“I wonder if there is any other college that has student athletes who go to the same school from the same block,” says Quin Keller, a fifth-year senior football player. “That’s kind of cool.”&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Located in Northeast Lincoln, Dawson Creek Drive has produced successful athletes including Keller, Owen Anthony, a dual sport athlete in football and track and field, and sophomore volleyball player Reagan Holle.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“I remember seeing Quinn and Reagan’s older brother shooting hoops and being active together,” says Anthony.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“I would join, too,” says Holle.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>As Keller reflects on growing up on Dawson Creek Drive and his collegiate career, he says one thing stands out. “We were part of a community where we grew up, and now we are part of something bigger as student athletes. We will always share those two things.”&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Holle says NWU has a similar community just like her neighborhood. “You get to know everyone. When you pass someone on campus, you see a familiar face.”&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>When you go down Dawson Creek Drive, you might see a few other familiar NWU faces. Holle’s brother, Logan, is an alumnus. Keller’s dad is the football coach.&nbsp; His brothers also attended NWU and played football.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>The next time coaches recruit for their teams, they might mistake Dawson Creek Drive for Prairie Wolf Parkway.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p></div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/campus-directory/kellan-heavican">Kellan Heavican</a></span> <span><time datetime="2023-12-21T10:13:10-06:00" title="Thursday, December 21, 2023 - 10:13am">Thu, 12/21/2023 - 10:13am</time> </span> Thu, 21 Dec 2023 16:13:10 +0000 Kellan Heavican 667379 at https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu Lenners named finalist for A-R-C Male Scholar Athlete of the Year https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu/news-center/lenners-named-finalist-r-c-male-scholar-athlete-year <span>Lenners named finalist for A-R-C Male Scholar Athlete of the Year</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Nebraska Wesleyan University 's men’s track &amp; field student athlete, Garrett Lenners ‘23, &nbsp;has been named a finalist for the 2022-23 Duane Schroeder Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year, handed out by the American Rivers Conference.</p> <p>Lenners, of Adams, Neb., had a successful career at Nebraska Wesleyan University, both on and off the track. He was a six-time All-American and competed in several outdoor and indoor track events, most notably in the 800 meters and 4x400 relays.</p> <p>&nbsp;"He has combined leadership skills, academic success, and athletic prowess in a way that puts him at the very top of the list," says Ted Bulling, retired director of track &amp; field / cross country at NWU.</p> <p>Lenners finished with a 3.76 GPA while majoring in biology. His academic achievements include three consecutive years on the A-R-C All-Academic Team and selection to the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team in 2022 and 2023.&nbsp;He was awarded the prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship in 2023, demonstrating his commitment to both athletic and academic success.</p> <p>Cindy Marolf, associate professor of biology, acknowledged his extraordinary talents, saying, "Garrett is an excellent student academically. He has strong critical thinking and communication skills."<br> <br> He has actively participated in a variety of volunteer programs, including Tabitha Meals on Wheels, which provides access to proper nutrition for older adults and allows those with disabilities to remain safely at home. His interest in medicine led him to work as an EMT ambulance operator at Midwest Medical and volunteer as a first aid&nbsp;responder&nbsp;at the 2019 Bike MS Nebraska Event.&nbsp;</p> <p>Lenners&nbsp;was also an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).</p></div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/campus-directory/kellan-heavican">Kellan Heavican</a></span> <span><time datetime="2023-12-21T09:59:18-06:00" title="Thursday, December 21, 2023 - 9:59am">Thu, 12/21/2023 - 9:59am</time> </span> Thu, 21 Dec 2023 15:59:18 +0000 Kellan Heavican 667378 at https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu NWU grad student, refugee inspired to change American justice system https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/about-nwu/news-center/nwu-grad-student-refugee-inspired-change-american-justice-system <span>NWU grad student, refugee inspired to change American justice system</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Rae Sallae was very young when she knew she wanted to pursue the American Dream.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Her family fled a totalitarian regime in Northern Iraq when she was 6 years old.&nbsp;They didn’t speak English.&nbsp;They didn’t know anyone in the U.S.. They started over. “We were here, and I just remember the barriers and the struggles that we faced.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>But, she says, that’s when her passion for advocating for others was born. “We had people who reached out, helped and guided us to a way that made the American life possible.”&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Sallae says she faced barriers growing up. “I saw so many people close to me who were treated unfairly because of their background, their economic status and that put me in this frustrated mindset because it came down to the color of their skin or how much money they made.”&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>She decided she needed to use her passion to make a change.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Kurdish-American refugee enrolled at Nebraska Wesleyan University and received a Bachelor of Social Work. She is working in the juvenile justice system helping provide resources for youth. “Being a single mom, I realized we need to do better for our children.&nbsp; Most of what I saw in my work were children of color that were at a major disadvantage.”&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <div alt="Rae Sallae and her son. " data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;link_url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;link_url_target&quot;:0,&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;ckeditor_250px_wide&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;file&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6fa0d02a-85eb-4a9a-b6a4-d6748ce07116" data-langcode="en" title="Rae Sallae and her son. " class="align-right embedded-entity" data-ckeditor-style="ckeditor_250px_wide"> <a href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/sites/default/files/inline-files/img_3583.jpg"><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/sites/default/files/styles/ckeditor_250px_wide/public/inline-files/img_3583.jpg?itok=UIWJNiFx" alt="Rae Sallae and her son. " title="Rae Sallae and her son. " class="img-responsive"> </a> </div> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Sallae says she needed to do more, and went back to NWU, this time pursuing her Master of Business of Administration. “I need to be in a position to help influence or make that change. I started to think about what would work best for that, the knowledge and background that it would take to make that happen.”&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>This spring her family—who didn’t know if they’d escape Iraq—will watch Sallae receive her second degree from NWU.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“That’s pretty life changing if you ask me,” she says.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/campus-directory/kellan-heavican">Kellan Heavican</a></span> <span><time datetime="2023-12-20T15:00:38-06:00" title="Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - 3:00pm">Wed, 12/20/2023 - 3:00pm</time> </span> Wed, 20 Dec 2023 21:00:38 +0000 Kellan Heavican 667377 at https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu