Skip to main content
University of Nebraska Omaha logo University of Nebraska Omaha
APPLY MY UNO DIRECTORY

University of Nebraska Omaha logo
College of Public Affairs and Community Service
APPLY MY UNO DIRECTORY
  • About Us Backback to Main menu
    • About Us
    • Mission and Vision
    • Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion
    • The CPACS Collective
    • Dean's Advisory Board
    • Staff Directory
    • Faculty and Staff Resources
    • Our Excellence
    • Directions and Parking
    • CPACS Celebrates 50 Years
  • Academics Backback to Main menu
    • Academics
    • Our Programs
    • Academic Advising
    • Goodrich Scholarship Program
    • CPACS Undergraduate Student Grade Appeal Policy
  • Admissions Backback to Main menu
    • Admissions
    • Honors Program
  • Student Involvement
  • Community Engagement Backback to Main menu
    • Community Engagement
    • Public Service Stories
    • CPACS Alumni Awards
    • Professional Development
    • Service Learning in CPACS
    • Labor Studies Institute
    • Office of Engagement
  • Research Backback to Main menu
    • Inquiry Awards
    • Research
    • Center for Public Affairs Research
    • Juvenile Justice Institute
    • Nebraska Center for Justice Research
    • Nebraska Space Grant
  • Support
  1. UNO
  2. College of Public Affairs and Community Service
  3. CPACS News
  4. 2023
  5. 08
  6. UNO Alumnus Billy McGuigan Holds His UNO Degree in High Esteem

UNO Alumnus Billy McGuigan Holds His UNO Degree in High Esteem

  • contact: Debbie Vihstadt - College of Public Affairs and Community Service
  • phone: 402.554.3033
  • email: dvihstadt@unomaha.edu
image

When most people in Omaha hear the name Billy McGuigan, their thoughts might immediately turn to one of his highly renowned touring shows, such as "Rave On! The Buddy Holly Experience," "Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience," and "Billy McGuigan's Pop Rock Orchestra." These incredible performances have captivated audiences worldwide and solidified Billy McGuigan's position as an accomplished musician, singer, actor, and performer.

However, behind the bright lights and roaring applause, there is a lesser-known aspect of Billy McGuigan's life that holds great significance to him – his journey to finish his college degree later in life. Like many of us, Billy found himself at a crossroads, trying to figure out what he wanted to do with his life and how he was going to make a living.

Billy's educational journey began right out of high school when he enrolled at Northwest Missouri State. However, life had other plans for him, and he found himself starting and stopping school a few times before eventually ending up at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) in his late 20s during the late 1990s.

Billy faced a time of personal transition, as he sought to determine his path and make decisions about his future. Coincidentally, it was also a period of significant change for UNO, as it underwent transformations and evolved into the institution it is today, something that drew Billy to it. He had the opportunity to pursue a degree in English while also considering theater. One of his most vivid memories from his time at UNO was his interaction with his counselor, Owen Mordaunt, who hailed from Swaziland, Africa. In Mordaunt's Interpersonal Communication class, he presented Billy with a tempting offer – to finish school in just one semester, instead of what he thought would take two more years. Initially concerned about the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree (now the BMS degree) being different from his current pursuit, Billy received wise advice from Mordaunt: "It's a degree; it won't make a difference what it's in."

The decision was clear – a semester to complete his degree versus two more years of financial struggle. The BGS degree opened doors for Billy, helping him figure out what he truly wanted to do and providing opportunities to work for Boys Town and in schools. Although he briefly considered pursuing a teaching certificate, his life took a different path when he landed the role of Buddy Holly in "The Buddy Holly Story."

As with many students, Billy had to navigate student loans and financial assistance to finance his education, but he has no regrets about the investment.

It's an investment I was happy to make, I will actually be making the last payment on my student loans next month (September). It was worth the cost and time for me and where it took me in my life."

 Billy McGuigan, UNO Alumnus

"As an older student, you truly come to value those exceptional teachers," Billy explained. "I have fond memories of a laid-back summer school class that allowed me to fully engage with the subject and draw inspiration from the fantastic atmosphere within the English department. It was an amazing experience, and what's fascinating is that I ended up writing 'Rave On' during one of those classes, just as a casual doodle. Not many people are aware of that interesting tidbit."

Throughout his educational journey, Billy McGuigan maintained connections with his high school teachers and counselors, who provided him with invaluable encouragement to persevere and complete his degree. In memory of his father, who passed away in 1996 from leukemia, Billy established the Bill McGuigan Scholarship, awarded annually to a Bellevue East High School student pursuing an education in an arts-related field.

Beyond his dedication to education, Billy's passion for the Beatles shines through. His one-of-a-kind show, "Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience," is a testament to his lifelong love for the iconic band. His musical talents and commitment to his craft will be honored when he is inducted into the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame in September.

"I have no regrets about finishing up my college education. It opened doors and gave me experiences I might not have had otherwise," Billy reflected. "If you're thinking about going back to school or feeling like you're missing out on something, my advice is to just take that first step and try it. You really can do it. Education is a valuable journey that can shape your life in ways you never imagined."

Billy McGuigan's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of dreams. He is not only an inspiration to aspiring musicians and performers but also to those seeking to further their education and expand their horizons, regardless of age or circumstances. His story reminds us that it is never too late to embrace learning and transform our lives in the process.

News Sections

  • College of Public Affairs and Community Service News Center
  • UNO News Center
  • Maverick Daily
  • The Bullseye
  • Campus Events

Featured

  • John Bartle, Ph.D., Honored with the John Glenn College of Public Affairs Distinguished Alumni Award for Career Achievement
  • A New Home: the TRAC Program Partners With the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice
  • Through the Lens of Empathy: Dr. Peter Szto's Visionary Approach to Mental Health
  • UNO on Offutt AFB Testing Center Receives Prestigious CLEP® Honors Military Achievement Award

Most Viewed

  • CPACS Graduate Programs Climb 2023 U.S. News Rankings
  • CPACS Enrollment at an All-Time High
  • New National Rankings Highlight UNO’s Leadership in Online Programs

Contact Us

If you have a story idea, news tip or inquiry please contact:

Debbie Vihstadt, Communications Specialist
dvihstadt@unomaha.edu • 402.554.3033


About the College of Public Affairs and Community Service

College of Public Affairs and Community Service

  • Contact Us
  • Deans Office
  • College of Public Affairs and Community Service
  • CPACS 109
  • 6320 Maverick Plaza
  • Omaha, NE 68182  map this location
  • 402.554.2276
Social media
  • CPACS Units and Resources
  • Division of Continuing Studies
  • School of Criminology and Criminal Justice
  • Department of Gerontology
  • Goodrich Scholarship Program
  • School of Public Administration/Aviation Institute/Emergency Management and Disaster Science
  • Grace Abbott School of Social Work
  • William Brennan Institute for Labor Studies
  • Center for Public Affairs Research
Sunrise over the CPACS building

Next Steps

  • Visit UNO
  • Request Information
  • Apply for Admission
  • The UNO Advantage
  • Our City (Omaha)

Just For You

  • Future Students
  • Current Students
  • Work at UNO
  • Faculty and Staff
  • A-Z List

Popular Services and Resources

  • my.unomaha.edu
  • Academic Calendar
  • Campus Buildings & Maps
  • Library
  • Pay Your Bill
  • Course Catalogs
  • Internships & Career Development
  • Bookstore
  • MavCARD Services
  • Military-Connected Resource Center
  • Speech Center
  • Writing Center
  • Human Resources
  • Center for Faculty Excellence

Affiliates

  • University of Nebraska System
  • NU Foundation
  • Buffett Early Childhood Institute
  • Daugherty Water for Food Institute
  • National Strategic Research Institute
  • Peter Kiewit Institute
  • Rural Prosperity Nebraska
  1. University Policies
  2. Privacy Statement
  3. Accessibility
  1. 402.554.2800

University of Nebraska Omaha
University of Nebraska Omaha, 6001 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE, 68182
  • © 2023  
  • Emergency Information Alert
  • MavsReport

Social Media


Omaha Skyline

Our Campus. Otherwise Known as Omaha.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. Read the full statement.

scroll to top of page