Clarkson College Alumni

In addition to timely topics, the Community Meeting held each May at Clarkson College celebrates annual awards. We are excited to share the good news!
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Kris Boardman, Enrollment and Academic Advisor, was selected as the recipient of the Dr. Otto Bauer Distinguished Service Award which recognizes those that contribute significantly to the College community. Kris exemplifies leadership, service, and a commitment to the well-being of students, staff, and the broader community.
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Danna Swartz, Assistant Professor, General Education, was recognized as the Dr. Patricia Perry Faculty of the Year which recognizes faculty who exemplify the College’s mission and values. As this year's winner, Danna will be invited to deliver an address at commencement and will be celebrated for her dedication to students and the College.
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Faculty members were recognized for their achievements with a promotion in rank as follows: Dr. Liz Rogan, Professor, Graduate Nursing; Dr. Kassie McKenny, Professor, Undergraduate Nursing; Dr. Jessica Wissink, Associate Professor, PTA; Dr. Tricia DeBoer, Associate Professor, Graduate Nursing; Christine Walton, Assistant Professor, Undergraduate Nursing; Danna Swartz, Assistant Professor, General Education; Kat Pursell, Assistant Professor, PTA; Dr. Jennie Larson, Assistant Professor, General Education; and Dr. Nathan Halm, Assistant Professor, PTA.
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Congratulations and Thank You to all of these amazing Clarkson College colleagues!

For our May Service Spotlight, we are proud to recognize Physical Therapist Assistant student Brycen Bell for his service with the YMCA's Brain and Body program, which supports individuals living with Parkinson's Disease.
As part of a service-learning course, Brycen volunteered alongside YMCA staff and participants, helping individuals stay active, engaged, and connected through movement and exercise. Under the guidance of Amy Roux, LIVESTRONG Project Manager at the YMCA, Brycen assisted participants during walking drills, sit-to-stands, balance exercises, and other activities by offering verbal cues, mobility support, and encouragement.
Reflecting on the experience, Brycen shared that his favorite part was getting to know the participants and hearing their stories. He was inspired by their determination and by the way the class helps them stay active, connected, and engaged despite the challenges of Parkinson's Disease.
Amy noted the important role Clarkson College students play in the program, explaining that volunteers provide valuable extra support for participants while also gaining firsthand experience understanding Parkinson's Disease and the impact exercise and social connection can have on quality of life.
Brycen's service demonstrates the compassion, encouragement, and hands-on care that are at the heart of the healthcare profession. We are grateful for the difference he is making in the lives of others through his time and dedication.

The American Physical Therapy Association has selected a Clarkson College senior as a scholarship recipient! As a 2026 Mary McMillan Scholarship Award winner, Jared Mattley is honored as one of the nation's most outstanding physical therapist assistant students. Read more about Jared's accomplishment on our website:
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https://news.clarksoncollege.edu/2026/05/pta-scholarship

Save the Date for Our Annual Celebration! 🎉
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Clarkson College Spirit Week returns September 21st through the 25th. Many exciting details to come - but in the meantime, mark your calendars!

Trish Weber, McGuire Leiting and Karen Abbound represented Clarkson College at the 4th annual MS Forward Trivia Challenge on May 2. They were excited to showcase the virtual reality (VR) Activities of Daily Living (ADL) application! A volunteer, who had never used VR before, stepped up to try it and did an amazing job navigating the experience.
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From tidying a coffee table to throwing a ball to a virtual dog, brushing teeth, and sorting blocks by color, the VR ADL app brings everyday tasks to life in a fun and meaningful way. VR activities help build both cognitive and physical skills to enhance independence and functional skills, offering a meaningful and innovative approach to cognitive and physical wellness.
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The Clarkson College 3D Printing and Training Center began working with VR ADL rather recently and is excited to continue growing and innovating. We thank the MS Forward team, the PTA department director, faculty, and Creighton University student who helped troubleshoot and support this effort.

Clarkson College is strong, focused, and moving forward. For more than 138 years, we have been working to educate the best in healthcare. Today, we are amplifying that legacy with innovative learning environments designed to support both degree-seeking students and community learners exploring foundational roles in healthcare or upskilling opportunities.
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Explore more: https://bit.ly/4ooTjHl

Our most recent Academic Travel Abroad group has returned home from an unforgettable Spring adventure in Ireland!
From exploring the country's rich history and culture to learning through firsthand experiences, this trip was another reminder of the incredible impact global travel can have.

And yes, one of these photos features our College Accountant, Jace Suarez, confidently taking the helm of a ship in Ireland. According to the students, he has officially earned the title “Captain Earl Jace.”

Interested in joining a future Academic Travel Abroad experience? Reach out to Dr. Rachel Holm at [email protected] for more information about upcoming opportunities!

We’d also love to hear from our ATA alumni and fellow travelers - share your favorite ATA or international travel photos and memories in the comments below!

Earning a certificate from Clarkson College is a great way to improve your career outlook!
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Each may be completed in as little as one year, is offered 100% online, and is eligible for financial aid. Plus, there are no degree prerequisites for entering a certificate program. Each is designed to align with current industry demands, offering immediate value in the job market.
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CYBERSECURITY
Learn to adapt to evolving threats and lead with confidence in the cybersecurity landscape. https://bit.ly/49EUhsY
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AI LITERACY
Hands-on, project-based courses build practical skills and develop applications that showcase your ability to use AI effectively across industries. https://bit.ly/4u4v6s2
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PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Engage in real-world projects, collaborate with industry experts, and gain practical insights into project management tools and techniques. https://bit.ly/3R0g0oZ
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HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT
Learn about finance, management, informatics, economics, human resources and leadership, all tailored to the healthcare environment and from experienced faculty. https://bit.ly/4nkrEHc
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MEDICAL 3D PRINTING AND VISUALIZATION SPECIALIST
Especially for radiologic technologists interested in applying 3D printing technology to the healthcare field. https://bit.ly/48SctPD

Congratulations, Mary Dishman!
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After 20 years of service to Clarkson College, Mary Dishman, Director of Undergraduate Nursing, retires May 1st. She began at the College as an Instructor, became Assistant Director of Undergraduate Nursing in 2015, and stepped in as the Director of Undergraduate Nursing in August 2022. Throughout her career at Clarkson College, Mary has demonstrated leadership and a steadfast commitment to students and colleagues.
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Thank you, Mary, for your many contributions and dedication to Clarkson College. We all wish you the best in retirement!

Clarkson College colleagues were delighted to join in the festivities of the recent public ribbon cutting ceremony for Omaha Public Library's new Central Library. A big "thank you" to the City of Omaha, Heritage Omaha, and so many other members of the community that invested the time and money to bring this important public resource to Omaha! We encourage you to visit when you get a chance, renew or obtain your library card, and enjoy this great space to gather, learn, and innovate.
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Special thanks to Rick Feis and Dr. Nebel for sharing these photos.

For our April Service Spotlight, we are proud to recognize Olivia Staples, an undergraduate nursing student, for her meaningful service through a Healthcare Communication course this spring.
As part of the course’s service-learning component, Olivia chose to volunteer at Ambassador Health, a long-term care facility in Omaha. There, she spent time with patients in the pediatric ward, offering companionship and connection through play, reading, and simply being present. Many of the patients she worked with face extended stays, and Olivia recognized the importance of providing one-on-one attention and moments of joy amid the routine of daily care. As she shared, having a friendly face and offering even a brief distraction from the monotony of hospital life felt deeply important.
Olivia’s experience reflects the power of presence and the impact of compassionate care. Inspired by her time at Ambassador Health, she plans to continue volunteering beyond the semester. We are grateful for Olivia’s dedication and the difference she is making in the lives of others.