Our Stories
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…
Jensen to continue making sunshine into retirement
Dr. Byron Jensen, Professor of Music, is retiring from Hastings College after 19 years educating and inspiring students in Hastings, and 43 years after he first entered the world of music education.…
Close-knit community keeps Bosley coming back for more
The personal connections students make through Hastings College and the greater Hastings community play a critical role in student success — that’s one of the most important lessons Holly Bosley, a senior…
Students learn about diversity through writing multicultural children’s books
Learning becomes impactful when students see class concepts implemented in the real world, and such was the case for a Hastings College communication class earlier this year. During the class, students researched,…
Dudley-Doerr grants fund successful internships for Jagels, McCauley
Two Hastings College students are able to complete internships this year thanks to support from the Dudley-Doerr Society for Business and Economics. The Dudley-Doerr Society is a network of alumni who support…
Darling ’03 leads Fontenelle Forest, inspires a love for nature
On a bitterly cold winter’s morning, Matt Darling ’03 points out the wonders of Fontenelle Forest Nature Center: 17 miles of hiking trails winding through 1,400 acres of upland forest and Missouri…
Sanford leaves comfort zone behind in content marketing career
As she made job changes, moved across the country and took risks, Marissa Sanford said it was important to “be okay with being uncomfortable for a little while” — advice she chose…
Jorgenson finds success at Hastings College on way to chiropractic school
The Hastings College Physical Education and Human Performance Department is filled with a diverse group of talented students — and Helena Jorgenson from Gothenburg, Nebraska, is one such student. A senior majoring…
