Innocents Society Thirteen Outstanding Juniors Selected for 2013–2014 Membership in Innocents Society

Carl Post Carl Post, son of Julie Poykko-Post of Lincoln and Greg and Sherla Post of Lincoln, is a biochemistry major, with the intent of attending medical school. He is executive of family relations with the student-run nonprofit LisaMom Foundation, a member of the UNL Drumline, a UCARE member, and a member of the UNL Enactus Club. Carl will also be a research intern at the UNL Department of Virology or at UNMC this summer. He is a Regents Scholar, a member of the UNL Honors Program, and is on the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s List.

Lindsay Connely Lindsay Connely, daughter of Tom and Colleen Connely of Kearney, is a speech pathology major with an education minor. She is the vice president of risk management for Alpha Phi sorority and a family representative for Dance Marathon. Lindsay is also a member of the UNL National Student Speech- Language Hearing Association, Greek Ambassadors, Cather Circle, and Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity. She volunteers at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital and is traveling to Africa this summer to work in an orphanage. Lindsay is employed by Volleyball Club Nebraska as a coach for 15-year-old athletes.

Sarah Cast Sarah Cast, daughter of Wayne and Lisa Cast of Princeton, MO, is an actuarial science major. She is treasurer of Delta Gamma sorority, the recording secretary for ASUN, a co-chair of the College of Business Administration Student Advisory Board, and a member of the UNL Actuarial Science Club. Sarah is also an actuarial intern at Lincoln Benefit Life and will be interning at Allstate this summer in their property and casualty department. She is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honor Society, a National Collegiate Scholar, and is on the College of Business Administration Dean’s List.

Adam Salistean Adam Salistean, son of John and Kim Salistean of Lincoln, is an economics and finance double major. He is the alumni relations executive of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, a fundraising executive for UNL Dance Marathon, and a member of the Nebraska Human Resources Institute. Adam studied abroad last summer at Oxford University in England. He is also an intern at Smith-Hayes Financial Services, a member of the University’s premiere a cappella group “The Bathtub Dogs,” and is in the UNL Jazz Orchestra. Adam is a member of the business honors fraternity Beta Gamma Sigma, and is on the College of Business Administration Dean’s List.

Patricia Malinowski Patricia Malinowski, daughter of Eric and Margie Malinowski of St. Louis, MO, is a biochemistry major. She is president of Chi Omega sorority, president of Husker Choices, treasurer of Nebraska Students Against Modern-day Slavery, and a member of the UNL Pre-Pharmacy Club. Patricia is also involved in the UNL chapter of the American Red Cross and is a volunteer at St. Elizabeth’s Regional Medical Center. She is a member of the W.E.B. Dubois National Honors Society and is on the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Dean’s List.

Colby Argo Colby Argo, son of Doug and Janet Argo of Liberty, is a pre-medicine student with majors in biological sciences and political science and a minor in biochemistry. He is involved with the Navigators as a Bible study leader and member of the student leadership team, president of Honors Peer Mentoring, and a founding member of Biology Ambassadors and Mentors. He is also a member of the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Scholars Society and Scarlet Guard. A Regents Scholar on the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s List, Colby works in a plant pathology lab on campus and intends to take his second field course at Cedar Point Biological Station this summer.

Ellen Muehling Ellen Muehling, daughter of Brad and Linda Muehling of Lincoln, is an international business, global studies, psychology, and Latin American studies quadruple major. She serves as a board member for Campus NightLife, is a Cultural Ambassador, is involved with the UNL Navigators, and has studied abroad in Florence, Italy. Ellen works as an Honors Program student adviser, an Honors Program teaching assistant, and a UNL Events assistant. She is also a UNL Regents Scholar, is active in the UNL Honors Program, and is on the College of Business Administration and the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Lists.

Kate Kollars Kate Kollars of Sioux City, IA, is the daughter of Brad and Mary Kay Kollars. She is an anthropology and biological sciences double major and studied abroad in Guatemala. Kate is the president of the Arts and Sciences Student Advisory Board and secretary for The Big Event. She is also a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Scholars, and the Honors Program Student Advisory Board. Kate is a National Merit Scholar, participates in UNL’s Honors Program, and is on the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s List.

Anders Olson Anders Olson, son of Randy and Patty Olson of Tekamah, is an agribusiness major and agricultural leadership minor. He is president of Alpha Gamma Sigma fraternity and child’s project co-chair in the Nebraska Human Resources Institute. This past year, Anders was a New Student Enrollment orientation leader and served on the executive boards for Dance Marathon as the family relations co-chair and Huskers Against Hunger. Anders is also a member of the UNL Honors Program and has served on the Nebraska FFA State Officer selection committee the past two years.

Janelle Rickstrew Janelle Rickstrew, daughter of Ron and Shana Rickstrew of Diller, is an accounting, pre-law major. She is a student leader with FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students; a member of Phi Beta Lambda; a TeamMates mentor; and a member of the Chi Omega sorority. Janelle is also a UNL Regents Scholar, a student in the Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management, a member of the UNL Honors Program, and is on the College of Business Administration Dean’s List.

Walter Bircher Walter Gottlieb Bircher, son of Mary and Craig Bircher of Omaha, is a mechanical engineering major. He performs research under the supervision of Dr. Shane Farritor in the Advanced Robotics Technologies Laboratory. Walter recently published an original paper in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Journal of Medical Devices. He is a three-time winner of the State Department’s nationally competitive Critical Language Scholarship. Walter studied abroad twice in Ankara and Bursa, Turkey. This summer, he will be interning at Honeybee Robotics in New York City. Walter is an honors student, a member of the engineering student advisory board, a member of Tau Beta Pi engineering honors society, and a UNL Regents Scholar. Last but not least, Walter is an avid aquarist and loves his fish tank.

Qianli Wang Qianli Wang, son of Xingqi Wang and Jinhui Zhao of Omaha, is a biological science major. Qianli is a member of the College of Arts and Sciences Student Advisory Board, Dean’s Scholars Society, UNL Honors Program, and TriBeta National Biological Honor Society. He has been conducting research on the Epstein- Barr virus with Dr. Zhang through UCARE and has worked as a summer research intern at UNMC. Qianli is also a Nebraska’s Top Scholar and on the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s List.

Peter Bock Peter Bock, son of Andrew and Kathleen Bock of Omaha, is a management/entrepreneurship and marketing double major. He is the president of the University Program Council, manager of UNL Surplus Solutions, a member of the executive board for Enactus, and a counselor at the IncluCity Diversity Camp. Peter will be interning at the Meredith Corporation in New York City this summer. He is a UNL Regents Scholar, a member of the UNL Honors Program, and on the College of Business Administration Dean’s List.

Outstanding Seniors Drew Hines – Huskers Against Hunger Symone Kayyem – Model United Nations Hannah Potter – Nebraska Human Resources Institute (NHRI) Chance Solem-Pfeifer – UNL Amnesty International

Freshman Scholarship Winners Alexander Wirth – James S. Pittenger Scholarship Ryan Drvol – Innocents Society Memorial Scholarship Annie Himes – Innocents Society Memorial Scholarship Boqiang Tu – Innocents Society Memorial Scholarship Hannah Brenden – Irvin A. Sherman Memorial Innocents Society Scholarship

Mortar Board Thirty-one Outstanding Juniors Selected for 2013–2014 Membership in Mortar Board

ALEXANDRA ABRAMSON Alexandra Abramson, daughter of Tom Abramson of Gothenburg, is majoring in marketing with a minor in management. She is a member of the College of Business Administration Student Advisory Board, on the Executive Committee of UNL’s American Cancer Society-Relay for Life, Roper Project co-chair for the Nebraska Human Resource Institute, former vice president of member education for Delta Gamma, member of the National Society of Human Resource Management, and a nursing home volunteer. Alexandra is an Ak-Sar-Ben Scholar, Delta Gamma Outstanding Sophomore, and on the Dean’s List.

JOHN BADER John Bader, son of Gary and Dolores Bader of Gresham, is majoring in bio-systems engineering. He is the former scholarship chair and chaplin for Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, NHRI Lux/East co-chair, FOCUS Bible Study leader, Pannier Lab volunteer, Nebraska FFA State vice president, and president of the College of Engineering Flag Team. John is a Regents Scholar, a member of the Honors Program, and an Engineering Scholar.

SARAH BARNES Sarah Barnes, daughter of Ann Chang and Paul Barnes of Lincoln, is majoring in nutrition science with a minor in veterinary science. She is the vice president of chapter development for Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority, internal vice president of Dance Marathon, president of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship, Honors Program Ambassador and Peer Mentor, UCARE Animal Science research assistant, and a member of Pre-vet club. Sarah is a Pepsi Service Scholar, Helen Fitzgerald Scholar, and on the Dean’s List.

MARGO BERENDS Margo Berends, daughter of Cindy and Gary Berends of Aurora, CO, is majoring in economics and political science with minors in French and African studies. She is the president of the College of Business Student Advisory Board, president of Honors Program Student Advisory Board, Alpha Omicron Pie -New Member Education, vice president of administration, former New Student Enrollment orientation leader, Dance Marathon Family Representative, UCARE research assistant. Margo is a Truman Scholar, National Merit Scholar, and Carroll McKibbin Scholar.

KEVIN BRODERSEN Kevin Brodersen, son of Bruce and Joan Brodersen of Lincoln, is a pre-dental student majoring in biology. He is the former historian of Beta Theta Pi, Teenage Project Counselor in the Nebraska Human Resources Institute, Genetics Laboratory teacher’s assistant, member of Order of the Omega, former lab technician for Dr. Anthony Zera, and a member of the Honors Program. Kevin won the Chancellor’s Math and Science Award, is a Regents Scholar, and a National Merit Scholar.

KATE BRUNGARDT Kate Brungardt, daughter of Rodney and Debra Brungardt of Lincoln, is majoring in psychology with minors in sociology; child, youth and family studies; and leadership and communications. She is the vice president of programming and education for Alpha Phi Sorority, organizational liaison and treasurer of Psi Chi, research assistant in Dr. David Hansen, Dr. David DiLillo, and Dr. Tim Nelson’s labs, Greek Ambassador, a member of Navigator’s Bible Study, and a member of the Order of Omega. Kate is a two- time World Champion Baton Twirler, a UCARE participant, and is on the Dean’s List.

BRANDON CHAPEK Brandon Chapek, son of Larry and Nancy Chapek of Colon, is a pre-dental student, majoring in biological sciences with minors in biochemistry and sociology. He is a member of the Brook Berringer Citizenship Team, a member of Uplifting Athletes, a member of the University of Nebraska Football Team, participant in Student-Athlete Life Skills Outreach Events, treasurer of Pre-Dentistry Club, participant in Dental Clinics for UNMC Dental program, and a Mission of Mercy volunteer. Brandon is a Regents Scholar, Academic All Conference Big 12 and Big 10, and is on the Dean’s List.

SHELBY COURTRIGHT Shelby Courtright, daughter of John and Geniece Courtright of Los Alamos, NM, is majoring in dietetics with a minor in child, youth, and family studies. She is vice president of Chi Omega Sorority, project co- chair for Nebraska Human Resources Institute, member of Dance Marathon, member of the Nutrition and Health Promotion Association, UNL Campus Recreation Nutrition Department volunteer, and a UNL Sport Nutrition Department intern. Shelby is the recipient of the 2011 Chi Omega new member scholarship, a member of Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma Honor Societies, and is on the Dean’s List.

GRANT FEHR Grant Fehr, son of Kent and Lori Fehr of Omaha, is double majoring in marketing and business secondary education. He is the vice president of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, a teaching assistant for Nebraska Human Resources Institute, fundraising director and statewide communications rep for Dance Marathon, and Lincoln Southwest High School assistant reserve basketball coach. Grant is on the College of Business Administration Dean’s List, the College of Education and Human Sciences Dean’s List, and is a Benjamin Marshall Memorial Scholar.

MORGAN JACOBI Morgan Jacobi, daughter of Mark and Tami Jacobi of Juniata, is a pre-med student majoring in nutrition sciences with minors in Spanish and biochemistry. She is the recruitment chair for Chi Omega Sorority, the communications chair for the Honors Student Advisory Board, a TeamMates mentor, member of a FOCUS Bible Study, UCARE participant, and a member of the University Honors Program. Morgan is a Regents Scholar, a 2012 Mortar Board Jayne Wade Anderson Scholarship recipient, and a Nebraska Top Scholar.

ABIGAIL JAMESON Abigail Jameson, daughter of Mary Jameson of Clarks and Daniel Dryer of Grand Island, is a pre-med student majoring in nutrition sciences with a minor in chemistry. She is a participant of the summer undergraduate research program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, a William H. Thompson Learning Community Peer Mentor, the fundraising chair of the Salvation Army Student Advisory Board, an EducationQuest KnowHow2Go Ambassador, Med Life volunteer in Lima, Peru, and a peer tutor in biology and chemistry. Abigail is a recipient of the Fiat National Award, a Susan Thompson Buffett Scholar, and is on the Dean’s List.

NATHANIEL KAVAN Nathaniel Kavan, son of David and Janine Kavan of Wahoo, is a pre-med student majoring in psychology and sociology. He is the president and founder of Running Club, the recruitment chair on the Arts and Sciences Student Advisory Board, a morale captain for Dance Marathon, a Behavioral Genetics Laboratory assistant, the adviser for the Campus Recreation Club Council, a TeamMates mentor, and a former New Student Enrollment orientation leader. Nathaniel was nominated for the Outstanding Student Leadership award, is a member of Psi Chi Honor Society, and was selected as an intern in the Behavioral Medicine Program at UNMC.

KAYLA KLAMMER Kayla Klammer, daughter of Joel and Kathy Klammer of Ainsworth, is majoring in theatre performance and dance. Kayla is a former psychology peer mentor, is a member of Nebraska Masquers, the current artistic director of Red Theater Lincoln, a member of Orchesis, a volunteer at the Royal Movie Theater, and a certified nursing assistant. She is a Felton-Alice Howell Scholar, a recipient of the Harriet Hughes Outstanding Fine Arts Student Award, and is on the Dean’s List.

HANNAH KRICK Hannah Krick, daughter of Dave and Carol Krick of Bennington, is majoring in biology with a minor in gerontology. Hannah is the former intramural chair for Gamma Phi Beta, a FOCUS Bible Study member, a Medlife member, a Newman Center Koinonia Wheat Crew member, a People’s City Mission volunteer, and a member of the Phi Eta Sigma and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Societies. She is the Spring 2012 Outstanding Pledge Class Member of Gamma Phi Beta, a Canfield Scholar, and a recipient of the Gamma Phi Beta Memorial Scholarship.

JONATHAN LARSON Jonathan Larson, son of Bradley and Beth Larson of Holdrege, is majoring in political science with minors in French and history. Jonathan is an administration officer, academic officer, and public affairs officer for the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC), a Residence Hall Association Senator representing the Courtyards, treasurer of Soap Carving Club, representative in YARD (The Courtyards) Residential Government, a member of the Arts & Sciences Student Advisory Board, and on the Executive Committee for UNL’s Relay for Life. He is a member of the UNL Honors Program, recipient of the Nebraska Alumni Association Shane Osborn Leadership Award, and is on the Dean’s List.

JORDYN LECHTENBERG Jordyn Lechtenberg, daughter of Roger and Rhonda Lechtenberg of Ainsworth, is majoring in agribusiness with a minor in entrepreneurship. Jordyn is president of the Engler Entrepreneurship Club, secretary of the CASNR Advisory Board, a counselor for the Nebraska Human Resource Institute, a FOCUS Bible Study leader, a member of the Agricultural Economics/Agribusiness Club, and is on the Communications Committee for the Husker Food Connection. She is the former president of the Nebraska State FFA, is an Engler Entrepreneurship Scholar, and is on the Dean’s List.

JARED MAR Jared Mar, son of Stanley and Tammy Mar of Lincoln, is majoring in secondary education: Spanish. He is a Battalion executive officer of the NROTC program, a Sunday School president/Young Single Stake Activities Committee chairman, the president of Semper Fidelis Society, a NROTC Color Guard Commander, a Bravo Company Commander, a Spanish Translator volunteer, and is a present volunteer as a Service-Learner at Impact Reading Center for City Impact. Jared was awarded Midshipman for the 2012 spring semester, received the Battalion Commander Leadership Award, and is a High Scholar for CEHS.

JOSHUA MEAIKE Joshua Meaike, son of Lyle and Traci Meaike of Beemer, is majoring in nutrition and health sciences. He is a TeamMates mentor, a member of NU Meds, the director of marketing for The Big Event, a participant in the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program at UNMC, and is a member of the Alpha Epsilon Delta Premedical Honor Society. He is a High Scholar, a Canfield Scholar, and is on the Dean’s List.

EMILY MILLER Emily Miller, daughter of Jeannie and John Miller of Lenexa, KS, is majoring in industrial engineering with a minor in Spanish. Emily is the vice president of the Honors Program Student Advisory Board, the career and personal development chair for Chi Omega, the former vice president of Engineers Without Borders, a member of the Engineering Student Advisory Board, a UCARE participant in the Innovative Design and Ergonomic Analysis Lab, and a member of the Institute of Industrial Engineers. She is a recipient of the Wiebers Study Abroad Scholarship, a Chancellor’s Scholar, and a National Merit Scholar.

SHELBY PFLANZ Shelby Pflanz, daughter of Rich and Stacy Pflanz of Wilber, is majoring in secondary English education. Shelby is the Special Liturgies chair for the Newman Center Advisory Board, a FOCUS Bible Study student leader, a Nebraska Writing Project mentor, a member of the Student Education Association of Nebraska, the founder of Take Back Femininity, and the secretary of Pi Lambda Theta. She is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and a Kathleen and Albertus Dodson Scholar.

EMILY PHILLIPS Emily Phillips, daughter of Beth and Andrew Phillips of Overland Park, KS, is majoring in actuarial science. Emily is the current director of philanthropy and the former director of scholarship for Delta Gamma, secretary of the College of Business and Administration Advisory Board, a house representative and speaker coordinator for FOCUS Greek, a Dance Marathon morale captain, an Ethics Code Committee member for the College of Business and Administration, and an Honors Peer Mentor. She has been selected to represent the College of Business Administration at the US Naval Academy Leadership Conference, is a member for the Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma honor societies, and is a recipient of the Chancellor’s Scholarship for National Merit.

ERIC REZNICEK Eric Reznicek, son of Mark and Patty Reznicek of Omaha, is majoring in marketing and finance. Eric is the house manager for Farmhouse Fraternity, the recruitment chair for The Big Event, the vice president of advertising for the Lincoln American Marketing Association, an Honors Peer Mentor, a member of the Enrollment Management Council, and a member of the ASUN Communications Committee. He is a Regents Scholar, a member of the UNL Honors Program, and is on the Dean’s List.

MADELINE SHOMOS Madeline Shomos, daughter of Mary Beth and Bill Shomos of Lincoln, is majoring in French and English. Madeline is a rank leader in the Cornhusker Marching Band, and the head of the Programming Committee for the Honors Program Student Advisory Board. She received the Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship, is a Canfield Scholar, and is on the Dean’s List.

MELISSA SIEFERT Melissa Siefert, daughter of Bill and Pam Siefert of Hickman, is majoring in business administration. Melissa is a senior counselor of the Nebraska Human Resources Institute, a family representative of Dance Marathon, a UNL Cultural Ambassador, a member of the Honors Program, a member of Scarlet Guard, and a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma honor societies. She is a Regents Scholar, a Nebraska Top Scholar, and is on the Dean’s List.

KIYA STACK Kiya Stack, daughter of Rob and Jill Stack of Chadron, is a pre-dentistry student majoring in entrepreneurship. She is a member of Pre-Dental Club, Pre-Health Club, NU-PATHS Scholar Program, is a Walt Disney World Entertainment seasonal cast member, and a member of the Miss America Organization. Kiya was awarded Top Young Entrepreneur of the Year, UNL Center for Entrepreneurship; is an eight-time Walt Disney World “Great Service Fanatic” Award Winner in the area of Entertainment; College of Business O Schniederjans Business Award, and is a Benjamin Marshall Memorial Scholar.

ASHLEY THELEN Ashley Thelen, daughter of Corey and Lisa Thelen of Mitchell, SD, is majoring in biochemistry and microbiology with a minor in chemistry. Ashley is a biochemistry student ambassador, an undergraduate research assistant, the secretary of the Microbiology Club, a member of the Biochemistry Club, member of the Honors Program, and a UCARE participant. She is a George Beadle Scholar, a Roscoe C. Abbott Scholar, and a David Distinguished Scholar.

LINDSEY VON SEGGERN Lindsey Von Seggern, daughter of Doug and LeeAnne Von Seggern of Lincoln, is majoring in architecture with a minor in landscape architecture. Lindsey is the communications director of Dance Marathon, the current vice president of standards and a former member of the New Member Committee and Communications Committee for Alpha Omicron Pi, the event director for the American Institute of Architecture Students, a peer mentor and ambassador for the College of Architecture, a member of Scarlet Guard, and volunteers with Freedom By Design. She is a recipient of the College of Architecture Faculty Scholarship, is a member of the architecture honor society Tau Sigma Delta, and is on the Dean’s List.

ALEX WACH Alex Wach, son of Loran and Nancy Wach of Wauneta, is majoring in agricultural journalism with a minor in Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship. Alex is the president-elect of the CASNR Advisory Board, the former secretary and current membership development chair of Alpha Gamma Rho, the director of risk management for the Interfraternity Council Exec Team, on the Scarlet Guard Board of Directors, the secretary of the Scarlet Guard Exec Team, and a member of the Order of Omega. He is a recipient of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program Scholarship, the KRUN Agricultural Communications Scholarship, and is a Canfield Scholar.

GRANT WEBER Grant Weber, son of Scott and Carie Weber of Lincoln, is majoring in advertising and public relations. Grant is the former alumni secretary, historian, and public relations chair for Phi Delta Theta, is a member of the National Student Advertising Competition presentation team, the copywriter for the Yacht Club Ad Agency, a former New Student Enrollment orientation leader, an Admissions Events intern, and a Husker Guide. He is a UNL Outstanding Leadership Award nominee and a recipient of the Jennings and Beulah Haggerty Scholarship.

DEBRA WRAY Debra Wray, daughter of James and Carole Wray of Scotia, is majoring in agribusiness with a minor in animal science. Debra is the secretary of the CASNR Week Program Council, the secretary of the UNL Block and Bridle Club, a committee chair of the Burr-Fedde Bull Fry Philanthropy Event, a co-chair of the CASNR Week Awards Banquet, and member of the Alpha Zeta Honor Society, and a Husker Food Connection volunteer. She is a recipient of the American Society of Animal Science Top Junior Award, former secretary of the Nebraska State FFA, and a Peter Kiewit Scholar.

JAMIE ZILLIG Jamie Zillig, daughter of Paul and Janet Zillig of Lincoln, is majoring in biological sciences with minors in mathematics and psychology. Jamie is an Honors Peer Mentor, the Chi Omega Alumnae Relations chair, the Alpha Epsilon Delta Honor Society historian, a UCARE participant, a member of Husker Choices, and a TeamMates mentor. She is a Regents Scholar, a member of the Honors Program, and is on the Dean’s List.