Goodrich scholars bring a spectacular variety of experiences, backgrounds, and skills to UNO and the city of Omaha. Among the nearly 300 Goodrichers currently on campus, you’ll find professional musicians, published writers, world-travelers, founders of non-profits, award-winning researchers, academic leaders, business entrepreneurs, community volunteers, game designers, foodies, student-athletes, comedians, Otaku, tutors, pilots and so many other unforgettable Mavericks.
The Goodrich Scholarship Program now boasts over 4,000 alumni who, for almost 55 years, have continued to connect and contribute to their communities as lawyers, educators, doctors, social workers, engineers, artists, business professionals, elected officials, directors of non-profit organizations, technologists, writers and law enforcement officers, among many others.
Because of their rich experiences in the Goodrich Scholarship Program, many alumni stay connected through our GoodrichNet speaker series, mentorship, job shadowing opportunities, and financial contributions. It is not surprising that many Goodrich alumni continue to participate in development and volunteer projects.
It is the enduring investment that current scholars and alumni make in one another that gives this learning community its distinctive character and lasting impact.
Daniela Martha-Palma
Daniela Martha-Palma recently received the UNO Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Student Leadership for her comprehensive investment in providing mental health support for students on campus. In addition, she collaborated with P4K as a peer support mentor enhancing college readiness.
Daniela will be pursuing her PhD in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Counseling Psychology at UNL.
Tala Serhan
Tala Serhan a current Goodricher has been turning leftover wedding flowers into moments of care. Through her nonprofit Bloom Beyond Collective, Tala rescues floral arrangements after events and delivers them to assisted living and memory care communities across Omaha — spreading beauty, dignity, and connection where it’s needed most.
Balancing classes, CNA shifts, and community leadership, Tala proves that giving back doesn’t have to be complicated — it just has to be intentional.
Grace Cyiza
Current Goodricher Grace Cyiza is an undergraduate in the College of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management and Economics. She recently completed an internship with Service Now while simultaneously conducting research with Goodrich alum/mentor, and UNO Assistant Professor Dr. Destynie Sewell, JD, M.B.A. Their research paper has been selected for presentation at the Academy of Legal Studies in Business (ALSB) annual conference in Minnesota. It honors the remarkable power of mentorship to inspire, guide, and transform showcasing the strength of Goodrich community.
Jannette Castro-Gomez
Jannette Castro-Gomez graduated Summa cum laude with a joint degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice and Latino/Latin American Studies. Jannette was also awarded undergraduate major of the year. She recently completed a legal internship with Sarpy County, and was part of the ULOP program. Jannette served two years as the Chief Justice for UNO Student Government and will begin her first year of law school in fall 2026.
Jerry Brito-Mendoza
Jerry Brito-Mendoza ’25 recently accomplished something only one other UNO student has done before him. He became only the second UNO student to take on the daunting challenge of studying, sitting for, and passing the Society for Human Resource Management’s certification exam while still an undergraduate student. He graduated Summa cum laude with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with a Human Resources concentration. He was also able to fuse his passion for art and business with internship opportunities as well as volunteerism. Jerry currently works for Sodexo as a Human Resources Assistant.
KoriAnne Moslander
KoriAnne Moslander grew up in Dannebrog, NE and was raised by my great-grandparents. She graduated from UNO Summa Cum Laude with a BS in Gerontology with a concentration in administration and was awarded outstanding undergraduate major for Gerontology. KoriAnne was named a Champion of Aging by Home Instead and completed an internship with the Alzheimer's Association, where she served as a volunteer and now works full-time as a Grassroots Advocacy Manager. KoriAnne is also working on her Ph.D. in Gerontology. She credits her passion for advocating for aging adults to her great-grandparents who inspired and motivated her throughout her life.
Justin Payne
Justin Payne has completed his bachelor's and master of music degrees in voice performance and is currently a Minister of Music. He recently won first prize in the George Shirley Vocal Competition held at the University of Michigan May 15-17, 2026.
"I'm a lover of music and a lover of life itself. Sometimes it's hard to imagine what I would do without music so I try not to focus on that, and I just continue to press forward using every one of my gifts. Being a Goodricher has taught me to have a greater sense of self-value and to appreciate having an academic family.
Goodrichers never go without help, encouragement, or the necessary resources to succeed. I'm thankful for my Goodrich family."
Dr. Connor Reed
Connor Reed completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomechanics from UNO. He grew up in Pierce NE and now currently serves as a physician at Faith Regional Hospital in Norfolk, NE.
"I am so grateful for the opportunities I was given by Goodrich. I was supported not only academically, but personally as well. I knew I could always count on my Goodrich family with anything I ever needed, and that support still continues today. Once a Goodricher, Always a Goodricher."
Thalia Sanchez
Thalia Sanchez graduated with her Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in accounting and is currently a Senior Financial Analyst with Conagra.
"Being a Goodrich scholar has been such an amazing experience. If I could sum up in one word what Goodrich means to me it would have to be family. Transitioning into a college setting can be an overwhelming change, however, Goodrich helped make it less stressful. Everyone in Goodrich would do anything possible to help students.
They continuously provide us with opportunities to grow and challenge us to be the best. All faculty members and assistants in Goodrich sincerely want their students to succeed and they influence us to work to our full potential. Personally, they have been my biggest critics and supporters throughout my college years. My Goodrich scholars provide just as much support as they know first-hand how challenging college can be. Like a family we are all in this together.
The best feeling is knowing that I have so many people that believe in me and care about my success. What have been most valuable are the knowledge, friendships, and experiences I have gained from Goodrich. I am proud to be a part of the Goodrich family. Such support system is hard to come by and has made a world difference these past three years."
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