UNO Celebrates Over 1,000 New Mavericks at December 2024 Commencement

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) celebrated the achievements of more than 1,000 graduates at two Commencement ceremonies on Friday Dec. 20, 2024, held at Baxter Arena. Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, presided over the 9 A.M. and 2 P.M. ceremonies, where graduates received their hard-earned degrees.

What’s New

UNO welcomed graduates from across seven colleges, marking a significant milestone in their academic journeys. From aspiring educators to future tech innovators, these Mavericks are ready to take on the world.

Why it Matters

With over 900 students crossing the stage, each ceremony was a celebration of perseverance, resilience, and hard work. These new alumni are equipped with the skills and determination to make a lasting impact in their fields and communities.

Catch the Action

For those who couldn’t attend in person, both ceremonies will be available for on-demand viewing at UNO Commencement website.

What They’re Saying

• UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA: “Today marks a pivotal moment in your lives and is one of my favorite days of the year. As Chancellor, I stand before you with immense pride, celebrating your remarkable journey and achievements. Throughout your time here, you have honed your skills, expanded your knowledge, and forged lasting relationships. As a first-generation college student, I understand many of your journeys. You have faced challenges head-on, pushed through when others said you couldn’t, and have grown into individuals poised to make a mark on the world.”

• Zach Miller, 2024 Omaha Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, former NFL athlete, musician and keynote speaker: “Most people see success as wealth. They see it as money in the bank, big house, cars, clothes, jewelry – those are things. That’s not success, those are possessions. I believe success is about happiness. Find something you love, with someone you love, and do that. That's successful.”

Ceremony Breakdown

9 A.M.:

• College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

• College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS)

• UNL College of Engineering (ENG)

• Featured Keynote: Zach Miller, NFL athlete and musician

2 P.M.:

• College of Business Administration (CBA)

• College of Public Affairs and Community Service (CPACS)

• College of Information Science & Technology (IS&T)

• College of Communication, Fine Art, and Media (CFAM)

• Featured Keynote: Zach Miller, NFL athlete and musician

Student Speakers

• Ian Allen, B.S. in Biology, CAS, 9 A.M.: Born in Germany, Ian moved around the world with his military family before settling in Omaha. He shared his personal journey, from sleeping in a snow-covered car as a child to now preparing to attend medical school. He credits UNO’s supportive community for helping him reach this milestone, and he hopes to give back to the community that helped him thrive.

• Taranum Bano, M.S. in Management Information Systems, IS&T, 2 P.M.: Taranum’s path from stay-at-home mom to graduate student in management information systems reflects her ambition and determination. At UNO, she found flexibility and inclusivity, which enabled her to balance family life and academics. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in computing and information sciences, with a focus on using artificial intelligence to solve real-world problems.

Special Recognitions

• Order of the Tower Award: John K. Wilson, a graduate of UNO with a degree in business administration, has led the Robert B. Daugherty Foundation as executive director since 2013. His career spans over 40 years in leadership, philanthropy, and service, including as a U.S. Air Force veteran.

• Alumni Achievement Award: Jennifer Hamann, a graduate of UNO with an MBA, serves as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Union Pacific. Her career with Union Pacific spans over 30 years, reflecting her leadership in finance, marketing, and operations.

• Chancellor’s Medal: Gina Ligon, Ph.D., Jack and Stephanie Koraleski Chair for Collaboration Science at UNO, is the founder and director of NCITE, the Department of Homeland Security’s Center of Excellence for counterterrorism research. A prolific scholar and award-winning educator, she champions collaborations that enhance UNO’s research and student impact.

• Honorary Degree: Joan Squires, president of Omaha Performing Arts (O-pa), has transformed the arts landscape in Nebraska over two decades. With O-pa reaching over 550,000 people annually, Joan’s leadership embodies a commitment to community engagement.

• Alumni Achievement Award: Reg Chapman, a UNO graduate with a degree in broadcast journalism, is an award-winning journalist and Gulf War veteran. His distinguished career includes covering major national stories and earning accolades such as the Edward R. Murrow Award for Investigative Reporting.

What’s Next

The class of 2024 joins a community of more than 125,000 living alumni around the world, including more than 65,000 who live and work in Omaha.