'Aim high and work hard.' I think that’s what Jess might tell you if she had the chance. - Liz Lang
Jessica Lutton Bedient was known for her passion for helping others in her community and around the world.
Originally from Ashland, Neb., Jess attended UNL, where she graduated in 2006 from the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. She volunteered for a variety of causes, was a member of Alpha Phi sorority, a counselor for Nebraska Human Resource Institute and a member of the Innocent’s Society, an elite UNL organization chosen for their scholarship, leadership and community service.
In 2008 she joined the University of Nebraska Foundation and was the director of development for the College of Public Affairs and Community Service and the College of Information Science and Technology. She married her husband Tony Bedient, a golf coach at UNL in September 2010.
Five weeks later, their car was hit by an intoxicated 18-year-old man who ran a red light, taking Jess’ life.
Jess's Resource Center helps students connect with volunteer and internship opportunities.
We believe that enabling students to give their time and energy helping others will honor Jess' spirit of community service and philanthropy.
The poster that hung in her office was symbolic of the life Jess led. The poster read “A whole bunch of people decided to not just sit there, including you.”
Jess touched many lives in a short time and her legacy lives on through the good deeds of others.