UNO Students Set to Graduate as Community Engaged Scholars

Students earning the Community Engaged Scholars Transcript Designation (CES) demonstrate a commitment to integrating academic learning with community engagement through service learning, community-based learning, and volunteerism.

Spring 2026 Engaged Scholar Graduates

Ashanta Angelle

College of Arts and Sciences

"Overall, my experiences through the Community Engaged Scholars Transcript Designation have had a lasting impact on my academic journey and personal development. They have strengthened my professional aspirations, deepened my understanding of my role as a citizen, and helped me grow into a more confident and empathetic individual. These experiences have shown me the importance of staying engaged, giving back, and using my skills to support others."

Zainab Al Badran

College of Arts and Sciences

"The Community Engaged Scholars distinction is valuable to me because it represents more than just completing a program, it reflects the growth I have experienced through engaging with my community in different ways. Through volunteering, service-learning, and my community-based research, I have learned that impact comes from consistency, communication, and a willingness to understand others’ experiences. This engagement turned my education into something meaningful, purposeful, and connected to the world around me. My experiences through the program have shaped how I think about my future in medicine and the kind of physician I want to become."

Mara Bosworth

College of Arts and Sciences

“The opportunities I have had through my experience in the Community Engaged Scholar Transcript Designation have shaped who I am on a personal and professional level. It has allowed me to develop my role as a citizen in the diverse city of Omaha, showing me where my strengths can be used to aid others."

Claire Coulter

College of Education, Health and Human Sciences | Honors Student

“Being an engaged student means supplementing classroom learning with the world around you and reflecting on its impact on academics. My college experience would not have been as influential had I not engaged with the community around me. It has furthered my professional, personal, and civic development not only as a UNO student, but as a human being. These experiences have shaped how I will approach my future career in audiology–not only as a clinician, but as a community member committed to service."

Madison Eisert

College of Arts and Sciences

“Overall, my experiences through the Community Engaged Scholars program have had a lasting impact on my development. They have strengthened my commitment to becoming a compassionate and effective healthcare provider, while also shaping my identity as an engaged and responsible member of my community. I have learned that meaningful impact starts with connection, and that even small actions can make a significant difference in someone’s life."

Isabella Frederick

College of Arts and Sciences

“This experience has left me with skills and relationships I would not have had otherwise. I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had. Without the engaged scholar program, I would’ve missed out on many opportunities, and I would not be as connected to my community as I feel I am now. Being an engaged scholar gives you skills like relationship building, leadership, resourcefulness, empathy, organization, and many more. I am a better student, and professional after participating in this program."

Marysue Horbach

College of Education, Health and Human Sciences

“My participation [in the component requirements] has had a lasting impact on my educational journey and future goals. These experiences have strengthened my professional aspirations, deepened my understanding of my role as a citizen, and contributed to my personal growth. They have shown me the importance of combining knowledge with action and have inspired me to continue advocating for inclusive and equitable communities."

Grace Johnson

College of Education, Health and Human Sciences

“My experiences as an engaged scholar has had a lasting impact on my development as a student, future professional, and member of society. These experiences have helped me grow in confidence, adaptability, and empathy while also reinforcing my passion for working in the field of communication disorders."

Emma Macfadyen

College of Arts and Sciences

“I am so grateful that Dr. Scherer encouraged me to strive for the CESTD. The requirements of the designation pushed me to get involved in things that I otherwise may not have given a chance. That is why the CESTD is so beneficial to students. Because of the experiences I had, I feel like I know myself better, am more capable, and am more excited about my future. I cannot wait to see how these things continue to impact me for years to come."

Kaylen McFadden

College of Education, Health and Human Sciences

“My experiences [with the component requirements] have had a lasting impact on my development. They have solidified my career goals, expanded my perspective on diversity and inclusion, and strengthened my personal resilience. These experiences have shown me that learning does not only happen in a classroom, but also through meaningful interactions and service to others."

Jenna Mullendore

College of Arts and Sciences

“By being involved and engaged, I learn more about the community as a whole, and where I can fit into it. I saw where gaps may be, and where my interests may combine to give back. I was able to make meaningful connections and relationships that wouldn’t have occurred without these opportunities. When UNO talks about Omaha being the campus, I feel this program helped me see that and take advantage of what I could be involved in."

Nadeen Osman

College of Education, Health and Human Sciences

“My experiences through the Community Engagement Scholars Transcript Designation have had a profound and lasting impact on my personal, professional, and civic development. They have strengthened my commitment to a career in public health, deepened my understanding of my role as an engaged citizen, and fostered meaningful personal growth. Most importantly, they have shown me that true learning extends beyond the classroom and that engagement is essential to both individual success and collective well-being."

Jaylin Sims

College of Arts and Sciences

“The emulation of real-world scenarios and situations has been beneficial during my psychology courses. By connecting the classroom and real-world applications, the UNO CES helps develop the understanding and retention for creating meaningful experiences. The CES emphasis on volunteering, service-learning, and community-based learning exposes students to differing perspectives and out-of-comfort zone acts. All in all, engagement aids in learning about the approaches that are to affect individuals and employing them to fully witness their influences, which I truly appreciate".

Ashley George

College of Education, Health and Human Sciences

"One of the most significant aspects of my time at UNO has been receiving the Community Engaged Scholars Transcript Designation. I've developed professionally, emotionally, and civically through community-based learning, volunteering, and service learning. These encounters gave me a better understanding of the type of person I'm still developing into, the type of citizen I want to be, and the type of professional I want to be."

Ariana Ortega

College of Education, Health and Human Sciences | Honors Student

Areem Zahid

College of Education, Health and Human Sciences | Honors Student | Goodrich Student

"At UNO, engagement enriches academic experience by providing opportunities to apply knowledge in meaningful ways. Programs like the Community Engaged Scholars Transcript Designation encourage students to step outside the classroom and interact with the community, which deepens understanding and enhances learning. For me, engagement has made my education feel more purposeful. It has allowed me to see the direct impact of my efforts and understand how my academic work can contribute to something larger than myself."