Our Stories
Woman of Steel: Sally Jurgensmier ’93
On her family farm, near Minden, Nebraska, artist Sally Jurgensmier ’93 uses a wire welder to transform cold scrap metal into wondrous, expressive sculptures that fill her farmyard and showroom: a giant…
Collins studying actuarial science with assistance from Public School Scholars Programme
Kyle Collins, a sophomore at Hastings College from Eleuthera, The Bahamas, said he believes education is an opportunity to seize his dreams and of him understanding concepts better than he previously did,…
Johnson fosters his love of connection at Prairie Loft this past summer
The continued connection between Hastings College and the nonprofit organization Prairie Loft helped Sam Johnson ‘22 foster his love for connecting people with the environment and helping people interact with it. The…
Two summers at youth campus push Hinkson to new career path
For the past two summers, Hastings College junior Landry Hinkson has been working with kids and teens at summer camps—and the experience has put her on a new career path. Hinkson, a…
Birk follows inspiration from ‘Criminal Minds’ to find her passion
Her appreciation of the show “Criminal Minds” allowed Hastings College junior Caitlin Birk to combine her interests in psychology and criminology, which led her to an internship at a sheriff’s office in…
Worthington finds success at Ithaca College internship
Senior Sammie Worthington set herself up for success with summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). Worthington spent two months working with other undergraduate students on Ithaca College’s campus doing mathematical research. During…
Video: Opportunities at Hastings College help Polacek pursue art therapy
Since she was young, Josie Polacek, who graduated in May with distinction in psychology, knew she wanted to become a practicing art therapist and counselor. To do that, she knew she had…
Tippl aims to build community, support bars and restaurants
Four friends who met at Hastings College are living their dream of owning a business together — and helping their community while doing it. “We’ve always had the desire to start a…
Weeks directed first show she was in for senior capstone
Audrey Weeks, theatre education and language arts education major from Hastings, Nebraska, went from acting in “Willy Wonka JR.,” to directing it. Weeks has been involved with Hastings Community Theatre (HCT) since…
Alumni come together after years apart to put on play
The play “Strong City” is full of Hastings College alumni. “We’re doing a sort of renegade reunion,” the writer of the play, Paige MJ Erickson ‘00, said, as the director and almost…
Caplinger takes advantage of opportunities for real world experience
At Hastings College, students are able to work toward professional goals early in their college career, something Victoria Caplinger, a sophomore from Effingham, Kansas, has made a priority during her first two…
Ellis showcases artistic talents through painting murals
Savanah Ellis spent last summer in a basement. Painting for more than 100 hours in that basement, she was able to complete a full room mural for the Axtell (Nebraska) First Presbyterian…
Starting up: Cermak mentors next generation of entrepreneurs
Levi Cermak ’18 has viewed life through an entrepreneurial lens for as long as he can remember. As a youngster, he sold candy bars and bookmarks to his friends and watched his…
Downing spends spring semester in Northern Ireland
Hastings College junior Emma Downing is spending the spring semester studying abroad at Queens University in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Downing is taking courses in history and anthropology, which pairs well with her…
Grefe ’05 redefines banking after 15+ years of service
As Kelly Grefe’s four year journey came to an end when he graduated from Hastings College in 2005, he had no idea where his career would take him. Now, after 15+ years…
Hall retires with record of helping students succeed
Brian Kloppenborg ’06 credits Hastings College math and computer science professor Dr. Mark Hall for saving his career. After graduating from Hastings College with a major in physics and minors in math…
