When Luke McDermott graduates from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln on May 9, he will leave campus with an impressive academic résumé, but his story extends far beyond the classroom.
With triple majors in political science, economics and history, and a certificate in public policy analysis, McDermott also made the most of experiential learning opportunities that shaped both his education and his future.
From the start, McDermott set his sights on a career as a federal government attorney, a goal that guided his undergraduate choices and opened doors to experiences beyond his expectations.
“This led me to work for many fascinating places as a college student, including the Nebraska Legislature, Digital Legal History Lab (as a UCARE student), U.S. House of Representatives, Roosevelt Network, a labor union, an NGO in Ecuador and more,” McDermott said. “Many of these experiences would not have been possible without the support of nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships.”
His dedication and leadership earned him some of the nation’s most prestigious honors, including the Truman Scholarship, the Obama‑Chesky Voyager Scholarship, the Phi Beta Kappa Key into Public Service Scholarship, the Reagan Civic Leaders Fellowship and the Victory Institute Congressional Internship. During his senior year, McDermott found a way to give back, working in UNL’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships to help other students discover research and fellowship opportunities of their own.
Looking back, McDermott can see several transformative experiences that influenced and shaped his educational path.
“Participating in the Digital Legal Research Lab for a year during my sophomore year with Dr. Jagodinsky and Dr. Thomas ignited my passion for legal history,” he said.
A research project on economic and social solidarity law in Ecuador also proved life changing.
“It helped me think about policy implementation and rule of law in other countries,” McDermott said. “I was also a year-long intern with the AFSCME [American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees] Local in Nebraska, where I learned a lot more about the structure of labor adjudication, especially in the public sector.”
On campus, McDermott has been active in ASUN Student Government, serving as external vice president and government liaison committee chair. He participated in Student Court, Freshman Campus Leadership Associates, and FCLA appointments. Additionally, he served as chair and vice chair of the Husker Vote Coalition and as treasurer of both Pi Sigma Alpha, the political science honor society, and Omicron Delta Epsilon, the economics honor society. His student involvement also extended to the Public Policy Center, D.C. Professional Enrichment Academy, the National Forensic Association Lincoln-Douglas Debate, the University Conduct Board, University Honors Program and French Club.
McDermott credited his family's support for his success as a first-generation student.
“I am thankful to have parents who were so supportive of my education and development. My mother and father worked every day with the goal to make education attainable and possible for me,” McDermott said. “This serves not only as a model for hard work and dedication in my life, but a motivation to live up to and pay back all that has been poured into me.”
He is also grateful for mentor Jessie Herrmann, director of government relations in the Office of the Chancellor, who supported him during his time at Nebraska.
“I met her in my sophomore year, and since then, she has been a continuous source of inspiration, guidance and friendship," he said.
As commencement nears, McDermott shared that he is incredibly proud of two fellow Nebraska graduates: Zein Saleh, for his “superior intellect, strong sense of self, and ability to be an amazing friend,” and Reem Ahmed, for her “ability to form community and advocate for the causes others will not.”
McDermott grew up in Omaha and attended Millard North High School. Graduating from the University of Nebraska holds special meaning for him, as it will provide a “forever connection” to his home state.
After graduation, McDermott plans to move to Washington, D.C., to work as a plaintiff-side paralegal or in economic policy.
