Notable Alumni of Nebraska Wesleyan University

Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU), a private Methodist-affiliated institution in Lincoln, Nebraska, boasts a rich history of academic and athletic excellence. Founded in 1887, NWU has fostered an environment that encourages students to achieve national and international recognition. This article highlights some of the university's most notable alumni, showcasing their diverse accomplishments and contributions to various fields.

A Legacy of Academic Excellence

Nebraska Wesleyan University is renowned for its commitment to academic achievement. The university consistently encourages students to pursue prestigious national and international awards. NWU's impressive track record includes:

Second in Division III for NCAA Postgraduate scholarships.
Fourth across all divisions for NCAA Postgraduate scholarships.
An impressive number of Fulbright scholars.
Multiple Harry S. Truman scholarships for public service.
A long-standing history as a top producer of Gilman Scholars.

These accolades underscore NWU's dedication to fostering intellectual curiosity and preparing students for impactful careers.

Prestigious Scholarship Winners

Nebraska Wesleyan University has a strong tradition of producing winners of prestigious scholarships. These awards recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to service.

Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes outstanding students in mathematics, engineering, and natural sciences. NWU recipients include:

Carter Lyons
Lindsey Jones
Lynsey Crosby
Jennifer Oates
James Johnson
Jonathan Ebmeir
Debora Houtwed
John Heckman

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

The Gilman Scholarship supports students pursuing study abroad opportunities. Numerous NWU students have benefited from this program, studying in diverse locations around the world:

Isaac Alexander (Japan)
Moo Htee Paw (Japan)
Isa Rivera (United Kingdom)
Kevin Figueroa Amaro (United Kingdom)
Lina Renteria (Spain)
Adaynn O'Connor (Argentina)
Emily Carlson (Costa Rica)
Cece Nguyen (South Korea)
Kit Gonifas (United Kingdom)
Lilly Frields (Rwanda)
Sa'javeane Wright (Japan)
Rami Hinrichs (South Korea)
DaMicah Burtin (Mexico)
Sierra Smith (Argentina)
Abigail Cawley (South Korea)
Dakota Folkerts (Japan)
Gradyn Kershner (Spain)
Aaron Onion (Argentina)
Sam Breir (France)
Alexander Delgado (Mexico)
Rachel Konvalin (Rwanda)
Kerry Worley (Rwanda)
Vladislav Blazhievskiy (Germany)
Ria Shome (Argentina)
Megan Canfield (Estonia)
Angel Geller (New Zealand)
Hunter Reeves (Spain)
Chance Kennicutt (Poland)
Claire Delaney (France)
Flor Garcia (Morocco)
Anna Donley (Mexico)
Carlin Daharsh (Ecuador)
Moriah Thompson (Mexico)
Carley Warner (Fiji)
Tri Pham (France)
Kelsey Reynoldson (Rwanda)
Brenda Maldonado (Switzerland)
Molly Cox (Estonia)
Eric Jackson (Georgia)
Stephen Boakye (Morocco)
Madelen Deabill (France)
Maria Niechwiadowicz (India)
Carrie Wiese (Ghana)
Carol Ready (Spain)
Said Velazquez (Morocco)
Tram Kieu (Thailand)
Erin Reeh (Ireland)
Leron West (Botswana)
Emily Hoffman (Uruguay)
Benjamin Schilling (Hong Kong)
Gabriel Taylor (Estonia)
Edson DeOliveira (China)
Maggie Packard (Latvia)
Louisa Ehrlich (Malta)
Hayley Sutter (Ghana)
Amanda Deckert (Estonia)
Ashley Lineweber (Argentina)
Matthew Emerton (Thailand)
McKenzie Otto (Malta)
Maggie Knight (Spain)
Mikayla Beller (Costa Rica)
Alicia Dallman (Argentina)
Jessica Haight (Finland)
Lauren Gengenbach (South Africa)
Brenda Faimon (Finland)
Natasha Marshall (Costa Rica)
Laura Pickering (South Africa)
Kathryn Kuzma (The Netherlands)
Christopher St. Pierre (Finland)
Scott Kline (Germany)
Sharla Williams (Spain)

Boren Scholarship

This scholarship supports students pursuing critical language studies and overseas study in regions crucial to U.S. national security. NWU recipients include:

Chance Kennicutt
Edson deOliveira
Brenda Maldonado
Amirah Ali-Dinar
Victoria Rosenboom
Michael Sutherland
Kyle Rohrich
Lesley Dudden
Matthew Emerton
Abby Tranel
Mahelete Assefa
Ashley Lineweber
Deseree´ Johnston
Lindsay Priefert
Roya Niazi
Michael Kuzma
Benjamin Embury
Jason Kisling
Angela White
Tammy Hronik
Shari Knoerzer
Justin Tiwald

Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange For Young Professionals

This program provides a year-long cultural exchange experience in Germany. NWU participants include:

Corinne Peterson
Madison Fitzgibbons
Ginny Koch

Critical Language Scholarship

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American students. NWU students have studied various languages through this program:

Robert Park (Chinese Studies)
Corinne Peterson (Germany)
Kaitlin Dugquem (South Korea)
Michael Sutherland (China)
Sarah Hotovy (Indonesia)
Matthew Carlson (Middle East)
Lesley Dudden (Turkey)
Kathryn Gellatly
Evan Knight
Cody Olander
Brent Ruth

Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship

This scholarship supports students pursuing studies in oceanic and atmospheric science, research, technology, and education. NWU recipients include:

Read also: A Look at the Cornhusker Band

Taryn Overton
Megan Larsen

Freeman-ASIA Award

The Freeman-ASIA (Awards for Study in Asia) program provides scholarships for U.S. undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need to study abroad in East and Southeast Asia. NWU students have studied in:

Katie Barta (South Korea)
Cece Nguyen (South Korea)
Terri Seier (Taiwan)
Amanda Godemann (Thailand)
Mallory Block (China)
Grace Moody (Japan)
Mike Kuzma (Japan)
CaraMae Jordison (Thailand)
Nicholette Stamp (Japan)

Fulbright Scholarship

The Fulbright Program is a prestigious international educational exchange program. Numerous NWU alumni have received Fulbright Scholarships to study, teach, or conduct research abroad:

Macie Thomas
Corinne Peterson
Samantha Redfern
Alison Greenfield
Sam Trofholz
Toree Hempstead
Brian Dunic
Rachel Gordon
Lucy Sjulin
Cassie Criner
Eric Jackson
Grant Nordby
Tram Kieu
Jessica Preston
Leslie Satterfield
Megan Meyerson
Michael Pirnie
Thomas Schroeder
Samantha Wessels
Evan Harpster
Sarah Hotovy
Alex Bednar
Meera Bhardwaj
Brittney Hrabik
Kyle Karthauser
Jeff Seems
Nicole Spry
Allicia Dallman
Andrea Duntz
Lacey Johnson
Maggie Matteis
Nicole Francavilla
Nadezhda Nurbabayeva
Cody Olander
Katie Segrist
Nicole Green
Lindsay Priefert
Mark Buckner
Tuyet Kieu
Robyn Merkel
James Baldus
Sarah Histand
Leann Lundstedt
Tanya Nodlinski
Taylor Beach
Abigail Dumler
Katherine Surber
Graeme Dodworth
Laura Anderson
Jason Cumberland
Philip Haussler
Adam Lerch
TJ Nordstrom
Shari Knoerzer
Matthew Fowler
Koren Mann
Jacki Vavra
Kay Pomajzl
Mark Kemling
Ronald Mueller
Sara Williams
Barbara Kaeding

Fulbright UK Summer Institute

This program provides U.S. students with the opportunity to participate in summer institutes at leading universities in the United Kingdom. NWU students include:

Tea Cushman
Emma Peterson
Hunter Smith
Danielle Anderson
Anna Donley
Mariah Fallick
Gwennan Plouzek
Rachel Kirschenmann
Rachel Schmitt
Matt Schmitt

Harry S. Truman Scholarship

The Truman Scholarship recognizes students with exceptional leadership potential and a commitment to public service. NWU recipients include:

Chelsea Johnson
Catherine "CJ" Koozer
Desereé Johnston
Xuan-Trang Thi Ho
Julie Anderson
Jana Beddow

JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program

The JET Program is a Japanese government-sponsored program that places college graduates in schools and government offices throughout Japan to assist with English language education. NWU participants include:

Read also: Historic First Meeting

David Spencer
Mason Philbrick
Bailey Klanderud
Maria Bartak
Josh Williams
Anthony Miller
Corinne Peterson
Grant Jackman
Felicia Phares
Kate Richerson
Luke Gregerson
Carlo Bahe
Jordan Klasek
Edson deOliveira
Laura Bruening
Ophelia Morreal
Rachel Boellstorff
Rebecca Boellstorff
Jalisa Winkle
Andrew Reuss
Jamie Reed
Paul Snyder
Matt Hegstrom
Mike DeRienzo
Kathrynn Taylor
Erin Bunton (Sheldon)
Caroline Ideus
Justin Lana
Gillian Stoodley
Michael Kuzma
Jason Kisling
Kati Lovegrove
Michael Bertschinger
Monte Morris
Michael Catron
Tammy Hronik
Maureen Brase
Tracie Whiting

Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes students committed to careers related to the environment, tribal public policy, or Native American health care. NWU recipients include:

Jennifer States

Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship and Scholarships

Phi Kappa Phi is an honor society that recognizes academic excellence in all fields of study. NWU students who have received fellowships and scholarships from Phi Kappa Phi include:

Zach Weis
Ella Ford
Karissa Nichols
McKenna Weber
Jacob Mason
Katelyn England
Chance Kennicutt
Carly Wahlmeier
Wesley Smith
Lindsey Jones
Michelle Zhang
Clayton Damme
Megan Larsen
Daniel Hershberger
Daniel Mosel
Sonya Roberts
Rachel Wells
Phillip Admire, III
Brent Cutshall
Claire Hutchins
Jennifer Beaty
Danielle Johnson
Jason Jameson
Stacy Nicholos
Susan Rider
Brian Maas
Susan Keisler
Donna Larsen
Jeffrey Isaacson
Douglas Sperry
David O'Dell
Elizabeth Mueller
Curtis Hanson
Paul Gurecki
Sue Edstrom
William Wehrbein
Jan Jenen
James Munkres

Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship is an international postgraduate award for students to study at the University of Oxford. NWU recipients include:

Xuan-Trang Thi Ho
Gene Luschei
W. F. Crossland

Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships

These scholarships support students pursuing international study and service. NWU recipients include:

Jessica Danson
Jarryd Widhalm
Brandon Davis
Amy Harnisch
Amanda Hilligas
Kelli Sweet
Karl Henkel
Allen R. Eisenach
Jeffrey B. MacKnight
David L.

Notable Alumni in Various Fields

Nebraska Wesleyan University alumni have made significant contributions across diverse fields, including arts and entertainment, politics, science, and education.

Arts and Entertainment

Emily Kinney: An actress, singer, and songwriter known for her role as Beth Greene on The Walking Dead. She has also appeared in Masters of Sex, The Flash, and Arrow.
Sandy Dennis: An Academy Award-winning actress for her performance in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Politics and Government

Carl T. Curtis: A U.S. Representative and Senator from Nebraska, serving for an extended period in both chambers.
Dwight Palmer Griswold: The 25th Governor of Nebraska and a U.S. Senator.
Ralph G. Brooks: The 29th Governor of Nebraska.
Charles E. Winter: A U.S. Representative from Wyoming.
Clifford Hope: A U.S. Representative from Kansas.
John N. Norton: An American Democratic Party politician.
Kate Bolz: An American politician and social worker who served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature.

Athletics

Guy Chamberlin: A professional football player and coach, inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Science and Academia

Raychelle Burks: An analytical chemist, science communicator, and professor at American University. She received the Grady-Stack award for public engagement excellence.
Gene V. Glass: An American statistician and researcher in educational psychology and the social sciences, known for coining the term "meta-analysis".
Rod Markin: An American pathologist and authority in the field of laboratory automation.

Education

Antwan Wilson: An American teacher and school administrator who served as Superintendent of the Oakland Unified School District and Chancellor of the District of Columbia Public Schools.
Chuck Lang: A retired educator known for his commitment to education and in developing comprehensive physics curriculum.

Law

John M. Gerrard: A senior United States district judge of the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska.
Warren K. Urbom: A United States district judge of the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska.

Alumni Awards

Nebraska Wesleyan University recognizes outstanding alumni achievements through various awards presented during the annual Legends and Legacies banquet. Recent honorees include:

Samantha J. (Spencer) Mosser: Young Alumni Loyalty Award for involvement with the Alumni Association and the Omaha Club Board.
Ieda B. Siqueira Wiarda: Alumni Loyalty Award for contributions to the university's Cochrane-Woods Library.
Tracie Whiting Kipper: Young Alumni Achievement Award for her work in Japanese language and culture education and international relations.
Lynn Anspaugh: Alumni Achievement Award for his research as a biophysicist at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Jan (Root) Brockley: Alumni Humanitarian Award for her mission work around the world, empowering women and providing aid to children.
Lindy (Garner) Mullin: Alumni Medal of Honor recipient for her career as a special education teacher and coordinator.
Greg Bergt: Recognized for his leadership, generosity, and commitment to the university's advancement.
Tyler Richard: Honored for his advocacy for the LGBT+ community and civil liberties.
Kathy Whitmore: Recognized for her dedication to social justice and community building.
Phil Bakken: Recognized for his involvement and making a positive difference, and commitment to scholarship, community and growth.
Shelly Schwedhelm: Honored for her leadership in emergency management and biopreparedness, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brad and Peg Hurrell: Recognized for their long-standing support and involvement with Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Nebraska Wesleyan University Today

Nebraska Wesleyan University continues to uphold its tradition of academic and athletic excellence. As of 2025, the university has 1,500 students enrolled and offers 43 undergraduate fields of study. The Nebraska Wesleyan athletic teams, known as the Prairie Wolves, compete in the NCAA Division III American Rivers Conference.

tags: #nebraska #wesleyan #university #notable #alumni