Hard work pays off for August grads

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln conferred 556 degrees during a combined graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremony Aug. 16 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Full list of graduates | Program

The degrees were earned by 548 graduates from 39 countries; 34 U.S. states and Puerto Rico; and 70-plus Nebraska communities.

“As students, you have raised our level of critical thinking and creative activity as a world-leading institution of higher learning, adding to the legacy of alumni who have earned their degrees at Nebraska,” Chancellor Rodney Bennett told the graduates during the ceremony. “We are proud of each of you.”

Among the graduates was Kendall Bartling of Grand Island, who earned a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Arts and Sciences.

A political science major with a national security studies minor, Bartling has been interested in politics and government since middle school, when he first worked with local political organizations and on some campaigns.

“When my high school in Grand Island shut down during COVID, I worked for Tracy Overstreet, the Hall County election commissioner, and helped process historic numbers of vote-by-mail ballots during the heat of the pandemic,” he said. “From there, I knew I wanted to work in government and make sure that folks had every opportunity to engage with their vote.”

Bartling has been employed at the Lancaster County Election Commission since his freshman year of college — full-time since December 2023. In his current position, he works extensively with polling locations; secure ballot dropboxes; and petitions for initiatives, referenda and candidates.

He was also the founding chair of the Husker Vote Coalition, working with paid student staff and volunteers to register more than 1,000 voters at and around the university. In this role, he collaborated with community organizations such as Civic Nebraska, OutNebraska and the Nebraska Civic Engagement Table as part of the Lincoln Get Out the Vote Coalition.

Liz McCue | University Communication and Marketing

“I helped plan events on and off campus that provided critical voting information for students and community members alike,” he said.

Bartling was recognized by Civic Nebraska as the 2023 Young Civic Leader as part of the organization’s Strengthening Democracy Awards. He was also named an admiral in the Nebraska Navy by Gov. Pete Ricketts in 2022 and, prior to his college career, received the inaugural Secretary’s Citation from Secretary of State Bob Evnen for his voter registration efforts in Grand Island.

Throughout college, Bartling served in the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska, mainly in election-related roles, and worked periodically with Sustain UNL. In 2023, he served as a page for the Nebraska Legislature.

Following a study abroad program in Belgium this spring, he has been developing a book chapter with Shari Veil, dean of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, on communication during crises, specifically the role of war memorials in an age of rising disinformation.

After graduation, Bartling plans to attend the University of Nebraska at Omaha in the Master of Public Administration program. He also plans to continue to work in election administration or politics.

“I hope to return to UNL someday to motivate more civic-minded students to look at election administration as a career,” he said. Read more.

Also graduating Aug. 16 was Josiah Allick, who earned a Master of Business Administration, adding another milestone to an already remarkable year.

The former Husker basketball standout not only launched his professional career overseas, but earned Most Valuable Player honors in the New Zealand National Basketball League in July — the first player in Southland Sharks history to earn the title.

Allick returned to Lincoln to play basketball for the Huskers in 2023-24 for his final year of college eligibility. Already holding a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of New Mexico, he enrolled in an online business graduate certificate program at Nebraska.

“The appeal of playing back at home, just 10 minutes from where I grew up, was obviously a big factor,” he said. “Knowing the city and the individuals who make up the Lincoln community put me at ease with everything outside of basketball. Pursuing a certificate in business analytics seemed like the most logical step for me as I was trying to prove myself as a student and preparing to apply for the MBA program."

Allick completed four eight-week courses in the certificate program, which rolled into the MBA. He continued his studies as a graduate assistant for Nebraska men’s basketball during the 2024–25 academic year.

“I wasn’t planning on playing professionally right away to give myself time to recover from ankle surgery,” he said. “Knowing I needed to prepare for life after basketball, I continued my MBA to gain the tools necessary to advance in whatever industry I find myself in the future or as an entrepreneur."

Allick’s recovery progressed faster than expected, and with it came an opportunity to join the Sharks. Initially hesitant, he took time to build a relationship with head coach Jonathan Yim before making his decision.

Liz McCue | University Communication and Marketing

“As I got to know him and heard his vision and philosophy, I realized I’d gain valuable experience on the court with my health taken seriously every step of the way,” Allick said.

He signed with the Sharks in February, launching his pro career overseas while balancing training and MBA coursework across multiple time zones. He credited the program’s flexibility for helping make it possible.

“My MBA professors were very considerate of my situation, despite my being seven hours behind Central Standard Time,” he said. “They made reasonable accommodations, and my classmates were great about coordinating group work and periodic check-ins.”

With his Nebraska MBA and extensive experience leading teams, Allick said he feels well prepared for the future, whether that’s in business, coaching or a new partnership — as he marries his fiancée, Raina, next week.

“There are a lot of parallels between managing a business and being the head coach of a team, from attracting investors or boosters, training and developing talent, delegating responsibilities, and evaluating and retaining employees or players,” he said. “That, combined with my experience as a player and in coaching roles, will help as I determine what’s next.” Read more.

The August graduating class earned 348 new graduate and professional degrees and 208 new baccalaureate degrees. The university has awarded 327,570 degrees since it was founded in 1869.