The University of Nebraska–Lincoln conferred 574 degrees during a combined graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremony Aug. 17 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Full list of graduates | Program
The degrees were earned by 569 graduates from 46 countries, 36 U.S. state and 60-plus Nebraska communities.
In his address during the ceremony, Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett noted that many of the graduates started at the university during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and were initially unable to participate in many of the traditions and activities that Huskers enjoy.
“Nevertheless, you persisted, earned your degrees and now possess the tools to contribute to communities across Nebraska and beyond,” he said. “Congratulations are always in order each commencement day, but today is notable because of your exceptional determination and perseverance through extraordinary obstacles.”
A day of celebration
Top left: LaDaysia Smith of Lincoln shows off her diploma to family and friends during the combined graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremony Aug. 17 at Pinnacle Bank Arena. She earned a Bachelor of Journalism with distinction and graduated from the University Honors Program. Bottom left: Brandon McMiller of Omaha and Natalie Bender of Lincoln high-five as they wait with other College of Journalism and Mass Communications undergraduates. They each earned a Bachelor of Journalism. Right: Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett speaks during the ceremony.
Among the graduates was Jason Alsup of Lincoln, who completed a 20-year dream by earning a Master of Business Administration.
Alsup said his studies played a “pivotal role” in being promoted to head of computational sciences in Global Product Supply at Bayer Crop Science. In his new role, he leads a 40-person team specializing in data science, software engineering, process engineering and strategy to advance technology solutions related to product supply.
“Throughout my MBA journey, I’ve been able to bridge the gap between standard industry terminology and our company’s specific language,” he said. “Furthermore, I’ve gained valuable insights into influential people leadership and discovered new, innovative concepts to implement.
Alsup originally planned to work a few years before earning an MBA; he finally enrolled at Nebraska during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I chose the University of Nebraska because it offered a virtual option and several colleagues had gone through the program,” he said. “The time was right to take the leap and pursue my MBA. I found the flexibility of the program, as well as the networking potential, to be great benefits.
In summer 2023, Alsup took the Adaptive Leadership (MNGT 996) course, taught by Jake Messersmith, which allowed him to connect with professors and classmates in Lincoln.
“Those four days were the highlight of the entire program, as I was able to immerse myself in in-person learning, forge meaningful friendships and engage with a diverse range of perspectives,” Alsup said. “This experience has greatly influenced my future endeavors, reinforcing the value of personal connections, diverse insights and collaborative learning in shaping my path forward.”
After graduation, Alsup plans to rest and spend more time with his wife, Jill, and their two daughters, Adeline, 14, and Alice, 11. The family enjoys traveling, spending time at their farm in southern Missouri and watching movies.
“Graduating from Nebraska is a huge milestone for me,” Alsup said. “It’s the realization of a dream I’ve had for the past 20 years, and achieving it means a great deal to me. The best thing about being a Husker is finding other Huskers in everyday interactions.” Read more.
Also graduating was Josie Crouch, who earned a Master of Science in animal science.
Crouch, who grew up on a small diversified livestock farm near Rolla, Missouri, said she chose to pursue a master’s degree at Nebraska because the program encompassed her interests in beef cattle, nutrition and reproduction, and included supportive mentors. After taking classes for a year in Lincoln, she relocated to the university’s Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory near Whitman to conduct research on heifer development.
“As someone with minimal hands-on beef cattle production experience, the ranch pushed me out of my comfort zone in an environment where I could ask questions and it was OK to make mistakes,” she said.
Crouch said her time at the ranch allowed her to build confidence and develop her critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
“Ultimately, that encouraged creative thinking on my feet, and being adaptable in the instance something unexpected occurred, which is not uncommon when working around cattle,” she said.
Crouch also said the experience allowed her to put the knowledge and skills she learned in the classroom into practice.
“When working with cattle, good communication and teamwork are very important to keep everyone safe,” she said. “The environment in the Sandhills is unique and different than most places, requiring even more focus and trust in the crew you are working with. My time at the ranch enhanced my abilities to work effectively with others and to communicate and trust the team I am working with.”
Since June, Crouch has served as a livestock system Extension educator, based in Fullerton. Her region includes Boone, Hamilton, Merrick, Nance, Platte, Polk and York counties.
“I … aspire to create a positive impact on the communities in my accountability region by being the bridge between the needs/questions of Nebraskans and the university,” she said. “I also plan to take advantage of leadership opportunities and contribute to the growth of the university.” Read more.
The August graduating class earned one new Juris Doctor degree, 377 other new graduate and professional degrees and 196 new baccalaureate degrees. The university has awarded 322,182 degrees since it was founded in 1869.
