As up-and-coming young professionals, members of the UNO Young Alumni Academy are always reaching new heights. That was especially so in April when the academy’s Class of 2018 commemorated the end of its eight-month leadership development program by visiting the top of Henningson Memorial Campanile 168 feet above campus.

The award-winning academy, designed for alumni 35 and younger, facilitates peer networking and professional growth. The group’s capstone session included a tour of UNO’s 168-foot-tall Campanile followed by “commencement” at the Thompson Alumni Center. Several group members serenaded campus with an attempt at “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.”

The campanile tour was one of eight sessions held at locations across campus. That included a night with UNO’s college deans, a behind-the-scenes tour of Baxter Arena and a service project.

More than 300 young alumni have taken part in the program, which begins its ninth year in October. To apply for the Class of 2019 Young Alumni Academy, click here.

Class of 2018 members and their place of employment are listed below. Direct questions to Elizabeth Kraemer at ekraemer@unoalumni.org or 402-504-3343.

Members in the Class of 2018 and their employers:

Javie Alba, Kiewit Sapphire Andersen, UNO Juan Ayala-Roman, Lutz Shauna Benjamin-Brice, Gallup Jennifer Benson, TeamMates Mentoring Program Eric Burns, Gazella Wifi-Marketing Andrea Darby, Home Goods John Dietz, United States Strategic Command Nadira Ford-Robbins, Nebraska Methodist College Nathan Greteman, DP Management

Austin Hanke, Hayes & Associates Dan Hassing, Lamson, Dugan & Murray Jessica Heidebrecht, Metropolitan Utilities District Abbey Henrichs, UNO Michael Hughes, Avenue Scholars Foundation Leslie Klusaw, Richdale Apartments Justin Korth, Lutz Chuane Li, First National Bank Brandy Colgrove, Bellevue University

Chelsea Liscum, Kiewit Corporation Tyler Loewens, Conductix-Wampfler USA Jonnisha McCleod, Nebraska Extension Ariana Orozco, SilverStone Group James Schlehr, Hancock & Dana Will Smith, Frankel Zacharia Ashley Spurlock, University of Nebraska Foundation Jenna Taulman, Center for Innovation Ellie Tiehen, Omaha Public Schools