Celebrating December 2023 UNO Graduates

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) celebrated the newest class of Maverick graduates on Friday at Baxter Arena featuring exciting remarks from university leaders and student speakers.

“Today marks a pivotal moment in your lives and is one of my favorite days of the year. As Chancellor, I stand before you with immense pride, celebrating your remarkable journey and achievements. Throughout your time here, you have honed your skills, expanded your knowledge, and forged lasting relationships. You have faced challenges head-on, embraced diversity, and have grown into individuals poised to make a mark on the world,” said UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA.

“So, to you, our graduating class of 2023, we are so honored to recognize your achievements today and share this extraordinary moment with you. As you prepare to cross this stage and step forward into the next part of your journey, know that we are so proud of you.”

A total of 1,156 students graduated this December. 281 of those were master’s degrees and 10 doctoral degrees, spanning 29 countries and 32 states.

Student Commencement Stories

While getting ready for finals, several students wrote thank you letters to those who supported them during their journey to graduation. Read their stories or watch them in the playlist below.

Special Recognitions

Recognitions awarded at the December 2023 Commencement ceremonies included one Order of the Tower, two Chancellor’s Medals, two Alumni Achievement Awards, and one Honorary Degree.

Order of the Tower: John E. Christensen, Ph.D.

John E. Christensen Ph.D., former chancellor of UNO, served the institution with distinction for a decade. A UNO alumnus, he began his journey as a faculty member in the College of Education. Over the years, he assumed various leadership roles, culminating in his appointment as chancellor in 2007.

During his tenure, UNO achieved many strategic goals, which emphasized a student-centered approach, academic excellence, and community engagement. Notable accomplishments included the transition to Division I Athletics, the construction of Baxter Arena and the LEED- certified Mammal Hall, and record-breaking student cohorts. UNO expanded its ecological research initiatives, hosted national conferences, and established the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center. He led the transformation of Pacific Campus into “Scott Campus” and oversaw its expansion, including the building of additional student housing and Maverick Landing.

Under Christensen’s leadership, the university actively partnered with local organizations, including the Aksarben Foundation, Metropolitan Community College, and various community initiatives. His community engagement extended to serving on numerous local boards and committees.

In 2017, he was named Chancellor Emeritus of UNO, an honor bestowed upon him in recognition of his substantial service to the university.

Chancellor’s Medal Award: Marcia Adler, Ph.D.

Marcia Adler, Ph.D., R.N., currently serves as a public health instructor for the School of Health and Kinesiology. She came to UNO 24 years ago as the director of Health Services where she worked to create awareness of the value of committing oneself to health and wellness.

Under her direction, UNO Health Services grew to include the management of both the university’s vaccination program and student health insurance plan. She added services for students including radiology, orthopedic, psychiatric, and reproductive health. She advocated for alcohol and drug education and secured funding and support for the Campus Recovery Community and late-night programming to engage students in activities that did not involve drinking and driving.

Adler has served on the Metro Omaha Vaccination Task Force. She is a past president of the Central College Health Association and served on the Methodist College of Nursing Alumni Advisory Board. Currently, she represents UNO on the planning committee for the Annual Women’s Health & Wellness Conference hosted by UNMC, UNO, The Olson Center, and Nebraska Medicine. She is a member of the Benson Health Professions Advisory Board.

Chancellor’s Medal Award: Catherine Lang, J.D.

Catherine Lang is recognized for her extensive contributions to the economic growth and development of Nebraska. Currently holding the position of executive director at the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) within UNO, Lang exhibits collaborative leadership and strategic acumen in fostering the state’s economic vitality.

In addition to her role at NBDC, Lang holds the positions of senior advisor to the president of the University for Economic Development and the president of the University Technology Development Corporation (UTDC). With an unwavering commitment to advancing economic opportunities, she spearheads initiatives that prioritize development of innovation, talent development, and cross collaborative efforts at the university. Her dedication extends to fostering community engagement and implementing effective strategies that resonate with Nebraska’s unique identity.

Lang’s remarkable career trajectory spans over three decades of service to Nebraska. Her
tenure includes positions as the director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Commissioner of Labor, Nebraska Property Tax Administrator, and Deputy Tax Commissioner.

Lang continues to be a pivotal figure in driving Nebraska’s economic success, leaving an indelible mark on the state’s economic landscape. Her visionary leadership and expertise have significantly contributed to positioning Nebraska as a hub for innovation and sustainable economic development.

Alumni Achievement Award: LouAnne Rinn, J.D.

Lou Anne Rinn graduated from UNO in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors with majors in economics and political science. Shortly after completing her Juris Doctor degree at Columbia University in 1980, she joined the Law Department at Omaha’s Union Pacific Railroad (UP). She held multiple positions including assistant vice president-investor relations and associate general counsel before her retirement in 2017.

During her 36-year tenure, Rinn represented UP in federal and state courts and in
arbitration in contract disputes, advised clients on regulatory and contract matters, and analyzed proposed legislation.

Rinn served as regional vice president, member of the executive committee and secretary of the Association of Transportation Law Professionals, and chaired the Association of American Railroads Economic Regulation Working Group from 2003-2017.

In the Omaha community, she chaired the Finance Committee, served as vice president and president of the Stephen Center Board of Directors, and served on the Nebraska Legal Aid Board of Directors.

She served on the UNO Alumni Association Board of Directors, acting as legal counsel for the association’s board and liaison to the College of Arts and Sciences.

Rinn believes deeply in supporting students and faculty and has generously established the UNO College of Arts and Sciences Cross the Finish Line Scholarship and the College of Arts and Sciences Rinn Returning Student Fund. She has been a University of Nebraska Foundation Trustee since 2020. In 2012, Rinn was honored as the inaugural UNO College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Alumna.

Alumni Achievement Award: Mark Steele

Mark Steele graduated from UNO in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in international studies with specializations in international marketing and Japanese. He also attended Shizuoka University in Japan on a Monbusho Scholarship. Internships during his time in Japan included positions at the U.S. Embassy - U.S. Department of Commerce and at General Motors in Tokyo.

For over 35 years, Steele has been a dynamic force in establishing and growing businesses across the Asia-Pacific region for global enterprises. His expertise lies in general and operations management, new business development, and marketing.

In 2009, Steele founded Planet Water Foundation – a non-profit organization that dedicates itself
to providing access to safe drinking water to impoverished communities worldwide. Under Steele’s leadership as CEO, Planet Water has implemented water filtration systems and hygiene education programs in over 2,000 communities across 28 countries.

He served as the Chief Operating Officer of Tele Atlas in Singapore where he was instrumental
in expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific and Africa regions.

Steele has held a number of management and executive positions at ITT Corporation, his latest role as president of the company’s China operations.

Honorary Degree: Thomas D. Mangelsen

Legendary nature photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen has traveled throughout the natural world for more than 40 years observing and photographing the Earth’s last great wild places.

Mangelsen is a critically acclaimed photographer whose honors include being named Conservation Photographer of the Year by Nature’s Best Photography, the BBC’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the Outstanding Nature Photographer of the Year by NANPA, one of the 100 Most Important People in Photography by American Photo magazine, and one of the 40 Most Influential Nature Photographers by Outdoor Photography. He was recently featured in a full-length segment called Into the Wild with Thomas D. Mangelsen on 60 Minutes with Anderson Cooper on CBS.

"A Life in the Wild," Mangelsen’s heralded traveling museum exhibition, is a 40-year retrospective of legacy images that will be showcased at more than a dozen venues across the United States. His award-winning limited edition images have been collected by thousands around the world through his MANGELSEN-Images of Nature Gallery locations.