December 21, 2014

Governor-elect outlines graduates' opportunities

Nearly 1,500 degrees awarded during December commencement exercises

Nick Banks reacts after the newest class of UNL graduates moved their tassels on their mortarboards during undergraduate commencement exercises Dec. 20 at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Nearly 1,500 students earn degrees during UNL ceremonies on Dec. 19 and 20.
Craig Chandler | University Communications

Craig Chandler | University Communications
Nick Banks reacts after the newest class of UNL graduates moved their tassels on their mortarboards during undergraduate commencement exercises Dec. 20 at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Nearly 1,500 students earn degrees during UNL ceremonies on Dec. 19 and 20.

UNL awarded nearly 1,500 graduate and undergraduate degrees Dec. 19 and 20 during commencement exercises at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

A full list of graduates is available by clicking here.

Pete Ricketts, governor-elect of Nebraska, delivered the address at the bachelor’s degree ceremony on Dec. 20. Ricketts, who takes office Jan. 8, spoke for about 10 minutes, discussing the history of Nebraska and the opportunities available to college graduates.

“You have tremendous opportunities,” Ricketts said. “You have earned a fantastic education at the University of Nebraska.”

He encouraged graduates to think beyond earning a big pay check and focus on giving back to their communities — wherever they may be.

“I want to challenge you to be involved,” Ricketts said. “We need people like you in local communities providing love and support.”

In a new commencement feature, UNL saluted graduating military veterans and students receiving ROTC commissions. Those graduates who qualified wore a special red, white and blue honor cord as part of commencement regalia. The cords are offered free, with funding provided by the University of Nebraska Alumni Association’s ROTC and military affiliate. The cords will be offered at future UNL commencement activities. For more information, go to http://go.unl.edu/0i40.

In other ceremonies, Daniel G. Linzell, Voelte-Keegan Professor and Chair of the UNL Department of Civil Engineering, delivered the address at the graduate and professional degrees ceremonies; and John M. Gerrard, judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska, addressed law graduates. Both ceremonies were Dec. 19.

In addition, three cadets in the UNL Reserve Officer Training Corps received military commissions in ceremonies in the auditorium of the Nebraska Union.

Allison K. Daharsh of Lincoln and Aaron K.Voeller of Papillion were commissioned second lieutenants in the Air Force. James G. Brown of Lincoln was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps.

Governor-elect Pete Ricketts delivers the commencement address.
Craig Chandler | University Communications
Governor-elect Pete Ricketts delivers the commencement address.
Husker Kenny Bell takes a group selfie with their phone for a group of fans in the row behind him during the procession.
Craig Chandler | University Communications
Husker Kenny Bell takes a group selfie with their phone for a group of fans in the row behind him during the procession.
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Craig Chandler | University Communications
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources graduate Christopher Behrns shows off his greenhouse mortarboard to Mike Carlson before commencement on Dec. 20.
Craig Chandler | University Communications
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources graduate Christopher Behrns shows off his greenhouse mortarboard to Mike Carlson before commencement on Dec. 20.
Taylor Wagner gets a hug following UNL's Dec. 20 commencement exercises.
Craig Chandler | University Communications
Taylor Wagner gets a hug following UNL's Dec. 20 commencement exercises.