UNO College of Public Affairs and Community Service

Corporate partnerships can transform fundraising efforts — if you know how to build them.

Learn from Haley Armstrong, MSMK, CFM, Manager of Community Relations at Kiewit, in UNO’s Corporate Partners Fundraising Management class.

📅 May 28–29
💲 $299 per class
🎯 Real-world strategies. Community-focused impact. Actionable insights.

Interested in expanding your fundraising skill set? Additional classes are available and can be taken individually. View the full Fundraising Management course schedule here: https://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-public-affairs-and-community-service/professional-programs/certificate-in-fundraising-management.php
Ready to register?
📝 Sign up here: https://commerce.cashnet.com/UNOCW?itemcode=CW-PACERTFRM

💭 What do you want to be?

Trae Holderby is studying Social Work with a clear goal in mind: to become a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and open his own mental health therapy clinic.

🧠 He hopes to build a small private practice focused on providing accessible, compassionate mental health care.

Are you—or someone you know—a CPACS student with big career goals? Email us at [email protected] to be featured.

Congratulations to the class of 2026, we wish you the best on your journey forward!

💭 What do you want to be?

Jack Adrian already knows his path forward. He’s majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice with minors in Policing & Victimology and Victim Services, building the foundation for a future dedicated to public safety and community impact.

🚓 After graduation, Jack plans to join the Omaha Police Department—turning his passion for justice into a career serving and protecting others.

Are you—or someone you know—a CPACS student with big career goals? Email us at [email protected] to be featured.

UNO's Department of Gerontology Begin With the End in Mind lecture series continued last week, featuring Dr. Steven Wengel, assistant vice chancellor for wellness at UNMC, and Dr. Mark Gilbert, professor and unit coordinator of art and art history in UNO's School of the Arts.

From caregiver burnout in healthcare to the role of art in end-of-life care, their insights highlight how interdisciplinary approaches can transform support, wellness, and healing.

Read the full story:

Begin with the End in Mind Lecture Series Explores How Arts and Humanities Support Caregiver Well-Being The 2026 “Begin with the End in Mind” Lecture Series, supported by the Department of Gerontology, featured experts discussing caregiver burnout and how the arts and humanities can foster resilience, meaning, and healing in healthcare and end-of-life care.

🌟 From dissertation defense to distinguished recognition

Congratulations to John Ursino on completing all requirements for his Ph.D. in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice after successfully defending his dissertation.

He has also been named a recipient of the Helen Hansen Outstanding Graduate Student Award, honoring his academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to making a difference.

Read more about his academic journey and accomplishments:

From Research to Recognition: John Ursino Wins Helen Hansen Award John Ursino, a University of Nebraska at Omaha criminology and criminal justice Ph.D. graduate, has received the Helen Hansen Outstanding Graduate Student Award, recognizing his academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to impactful research.

🎓 Honoring leadership, service, and academic excellence

Congratulations to Jack Adrian on receiving the College of Public Affairs and Community Service (CPACS) Dean’s Award!

This recognition celebrates students who go above and beyond in academics, leadership, and community engagement—qualities that define Jack’s journey in Criminology and Criminal Justice.

A well-earned spotlight in CPACS news. 👏

Read more about Jack's journey:

Rising Star: Jack Adrian Honored with CPACS Dean’s Award Jack Adrian, a University of Nebraska at Omaha criminology and criminal justice student, has been named the College of Public Affairs and Community Service Dean’s Award recipient.

What happens when generations come together on the dance floor?

Connection, joy, and lasting impact.

Through a partnership between the UNO Department of Gerontology, The Salvation Army, Trailblazers Afterschool Academy, and Lewis and Clark Middle School, students and older adults came together for an intergenerational Senior Prom. After months of planning and collaboration, the event came to life with music, karaoke, music bingo, and plenty of dancing.

Moments like these highlight the value of intergenerational engagement and the role it plays in building stronger, more inclusive communities.

Read the full story:

UNO Gerontology Students Host Intergenerational Senior Prom with Omaha Community Partners Service-learning collaboration brings together middle schoolers, college students, and older adults for a spring-themed celebration of connection and community.

Celebrating 30 years of leadership and impact. 🎓

Recently, the University of Nebraska at Omaha marked the 30th anniversary of its Ph.D. in Public Administration program—an initiative that has shaped leaders, advanced research, and strengthened public service since 1995.

Alumni and faculty reflected on the program’s global reach and lasting impact. Graduates traveled from as far as South Korea to join the celebration—underscoring a powerful legacy of connection and influence.

What they’re saying:
“UNO’s Ph.D. program has proved it is a top-level program in public administration… I am grateful for the mentorship that shaped my journey.” — Program Alumni

The event also honored the contributions of faculty past and present, including a tribute to recently retired Dr. Gary Marshall.

Why it matters: UNO continues to prepare public service leaders who drive impact across communities—advancing its mission as a metropolitan research university.

🔗 Read more: https://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-public-affairs-and-community-service/news/2026/04/spa-phd-30-anniversary.php

💭 What do you want to be?

Audrey has a clear vision.

She’s studying Criminology & Criminal Justice and Biology, with a minor in Psychology—working toward a future in forensic biology. 🔬

For Audrey, it’s about combining science and justice to make a difference where it matters most.

Are you—or someone you know—a CPACS student with big career goals?
Email us at [email protected] to be featured.