Eight first-year Huskers join Entrepreneurship Catalysts program

Eight Husker students — all members of the second cohort of Entrepreneurship Catalysts — pose on a staircase.

Murengezi Atali Benimana

Eight University of Nebraska–Lincoln students have been selected for the second cohort of the Entrepreneurship Catalysts program. Part of the university’s Center for Entrepreneurship, the program helps first-year students with entrepreneurial potential thrive from the start of their college careers.

Open to students of any major, the program offers participants a $1,000 scholarship, access to exclusive events and resources, and networking opportunities with a community of like-minded peers. Catalysts also take the course Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Innovation together. With financial support from Jolene and Kevin Vermeer, the program aims to grow and create lasting economic impact.

“We often hear students say they wish they had gotten involved in entrepreneurship sooner,” said Mallory Krenk, student engagement and recruitment coordinator in the Center for Entrepreneurship. “The Entrepreneurship Catalysts program helps them jump in right away, which not only strengthens their collegiate experience, but supports our recruitment efforts at the university. Being able to offer a scholarship and specialized programming is a huge draw for students and their families.”

A woman stands at the head of a classroom as two dozen or so people listen. — Entrepreneurship Catalysts joined the Center for Entrepreneurship on a field trip to Omaha to learn from founders, business leaders and community builders. Rod Roberts, chief operating officer at Right at Home and Entrepreneurship Community Fellow, hosted students for a tour of the company’s headquarters and panel discussion with their leadership.

Students are selected based on entrepreneurial potential and passion, regardless of their background or field of study. This year’s cohort includes students from the College of Business, Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management, and College of Engineering.

The following students were selected for the program’s second cohort. They are listed alphabetically by hometown, with their academic major(s).

Nebraska

Lincoln: Thomas Subiabre, construction management
Milford: Gavin Dunlap, finance
Norfolk: Jordan Aschoff, management (Raikes School)
Omaha: Sammy Kendeigh, management (Raikes School); Jack Beals, business administration
Rising City: Aiden Zimmerman, finance
Walton: Avery Lockridge, management
Waterloo: Andreas Katsaounis, business administration

“I’m consistently impressed with these students — they’re proactive, make those around them better and want to make the most of their time at Nebraska,” Krenk said. “Many of them have family business experience or entrepreneurial exposure, giving them unique insights. While our current cohort is all from Nebraska, it’s not a requirement, and we’re excited to bring in more diverse students in future years.”

As part of the program, students meet weekly through a zero-credit course in which they connect with business founders, tour local startups and engage with entrepreneurial resources on and off campus.

“We recently partnered with the center’s Community Fellows to host a ‘Field Trip With a Fellow,’ where students met Omaha founders, business leaders and community builders from Right at Home, Millwork Commons, Nebraska Startup Academy and Workshop," Krenk said. “We also recently hosted a networking and professional etiquette workshop to prepare the Catalysts for the endless opportunities presented to them through Center for Entrepreneurship programming. Experiences like these help students get immersed in the local entrepreneurship ecosystem and make meaningful connections."

The priority application deadline for the fall 2025 cohort is Feb. 1, with a final deadline of April 1. To apply or learn more about Entrepreneurship Catalysts, visit the program's website.