Derek and his wife recently purchased a home. He also began his master’s degree program this spring. 

Abner was offered a position with the Department of Defense as a logistics management specialist, focusing on foreign trade with international partners. He has worked with countries in the Centcom and Indo-Pacom regions, including Jordan, Kuwait, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Mongolia. His role ensures partner nations are equipped to avoid deploying their own troops, giving him a strong sense of impact. Rodriguez credits professors Dr. Erin Bass and Dr. Steve Schulz for providing the foundation that helped him succeed.  “To this day I still find myself using the UNO values I learned on campus. The only difference is now I’m applying it to the world stage.”

Tyson was admitted into the class of 2027 at the University of Nebraska College of Law. He is furthering his legal education as a summer law clerk at the Douglas County Attorney’s Office. 

Harrison received an Emmy for his role in KETV’s wall-to-wall coverage of the April 26, 2024, tornado outbreak. The 14-hour shift was filled with destruction and tragedy, but the team delivered vital safety information with urgency and compassionate precision.

Colin recently hired two sales agents for his insurance agency, Modern Health Solutions, and hopes to add more by year’s end. A videographer also joined his team to help launch online content. “The most exciting thing was that I’ve been able to bring some family into the business by hiring my grandmother as my assistant,” Wattonville says.

Kenny has been named a 2025 Men to Watch honoree. A native of North Omaha, McMorris is a veteran health care executive known as an innovator, influencer and strategist with a background in leadership, community, policy and public health. He has served as CEO of Charles Drew Health Center for 11 years, overseeing business, community and primary care operations. Under his leadership, the center has expanded from four to 16 locations, offering medical, dental, pharmacy and behavioral health services. Outside of work, McMorris is active in the Omaha community. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and serves on the boards of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska Methodist College, Radius, Health Center Association of Nebraska, Heartland Community Health Network and BRIDGE Family Resource Connector Network. His dedication to his profession and community has earned him numerous honors, including: the University of Nebraska at Omaha Young Alumni Achievement Award (2015), University of Nebraska at Omaha College of Public Affairs and Community Services Alumni Award of Excellence (2016), National Association of Community Health Centers Betsey K. Cooke Grassroots MVP Award (2017), Urban League of Nebraska African American Leadership Award (2018), Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Mid-Western Regional Award for Excellence

Linda earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UNO, along with a certificate in writing creative nonfiction. She has published her first book, Clutch: An Education at Work. After earning her BA in 2006, she attended a local truck driving school—a decision that has shaped her work and education ever since. Clutch is the result of her time as a Ph.D. student and full-time concrete mixer truck driver in Lincoln, Nebraska. A work of nonfiction, it explores the tension between the “highly educated” and the “working class,” asking what it means to hold both a Ph.D. and a CDL—and to love both.

Samantha has been named president of Bankers Trust, Iowa’s largest independently owned bank, effective Aug. 1. She currently serves as Nebraska president and has played a key role in expanding the bank’s presence in the region. She joined Bankers Trust in 2022 and has more than 27 years of banking experience. 

“52 is far superior to 22 so far in life! Never stop chasing your dreams. Age is more about ‘experience levels’ than ‘years old.’” Daniel says.