The red sashes on the Lincoln graduates caught the light in such a way that made it look like they were almost on fire. It was a sea of bright red cloth, white camera flashes, and smiles. In Curtis, Nebraska, graduates proudly received beautiful, personalized giant belt buckles created by an artist to commemorate the event before dancing their way out to their new lives to recessional music they’d chosen themselves. At University of Nebraska campuses across the state, the atmosphere was elated and electric.

This is one of the best parts of being a Regent for the University of Nebraska. After a whirlwind five days filled with incredible experiences of graduations and exploration of the university’s work, there is one word that sticks in my mind: overwhelmed. I was positively overwhelmed by the remarkable people who are working to create a bright and dynamic future not just for themselves, but also for their community.

Amidst diverse programs, there is a unified purpose.

In Scottsbluff, students received their Bachelor of Science degrees in nursing and dental hygiene from programs run by UNMC. All but three of the fifty graduates have taken positions in western Nebraska. This means medical personnel are studying and staying in these rural areas where their services are desperately needed. More than highly trained medical professionals in these communities, they’ll become neighbors, friends, family.