Ryan Curtis
Ryan Curtis sees curiosity as a superpower — one that’s fueled his rise from UNO student-athlete to engineering leader.
Ryan Curtis sees curiosity as a superpower — one that’s fueled his rise from UNO student-athlete to engineering leader.
By turning legal scenarios into a board game, Eartha Johnson found a way to make the law less intimidating.
A question about workplace psychology set Averie Linnell on a path that led to interning with one of tech’s biggest names.
Anthony Galdamez turned a passion for curiosity and exploration into roles as a NASA Solar System Ambassador and astronaut candidate.
Four more Mavericks embark on their college journey with the help of UNO Alumni Association Scholarship support!
In 2025, the UNO Alumni Association has awarded 22 scholarships totaling $50,500.
JOSH DITTMER
Lee Denker Scholarship
A lifelong fascination with technology led Dittmer to pursue a computer science degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, drawn by its welcoming campus, strong internship network and advanced information science and technology facilities.
CADENCE DOBBERSTEIN
With deep family ties to UNO — her mother, aunts and grandmother all studied there — Dobberstein sees the university as the ideal place to continue her journey. She plans to pursue a degree in biology with the goal of becoming a sonographer, combining her love of science with a desire to help others.
KARMA ROOTS
Roots’ interest in electrical engineering began in elementary school, building robot kits with their dad, and deepened in high school while exploring electrical components inside machinery with their grandpa. They feel honored and excited to attend UNO, where they plan to expand on lifelong interests and goals in a place close to their heart.
AVERY SALOMON
At UNO, Salomon aims to be a Maverick in her own right while honoring where she came from. Inspired by her parents — local health care workers and graduates of the RHOP program — she plans to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
UNO’s alumni network continues to grow! In August, 468 Mavericks joined the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) alumni family, marking the next chapter in their journey.
Congratulations to the 43 alumni selected to participate in the UNO Young Alumni Academy this year! The graduates join more than 500 Mavericks who have completed the award-winning program.
The UNO Alumni Outstanding Teaching Awards were established in 1997 to honor distinguished teaching in the classroom. Peer committees in UNO colleges chose recipients, each of whom receives a $2,000 award and a commemorative plaque. With the 2025 awards, the association has issued $293,000 through the program.
Mary says that her greatest accomplishment is finishing her degree after 19 years. “Never give up on your dreams.”
Jason completed his bachelor’s degree while having a brain tumor. Recent removal has left him cured. “Anything is possible, shoot
Morgan, a management systems specialist with the Council Bluffs Police Department, helped launch a public dashboard titled Prevention Means Progress.
Emily has been named a UNA-USA Global Goal Ambassador. She is a nationally recognized expert in monarch butterfly conservation and
Jill has received a national Milken Educator Award and a $25,000 cash prize! Ridder has dedicated her career to increasing teacher
Naomi earned a Master of Science in business analytics from Creighton University in December 2025.
