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Metro Area High School Students Gather for the 2024 Chuck Hagel Symposium in Public Service

Omaha area high school students explored the importance of leadership, civic engagement, and public service at UNO's annual event.

  • published: 2024/10/23
  • contact: Bella Lockwood-Watson - Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu

High school students from across the Omaha metropolitan area came together at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO)'s Strauss Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on Monday, Oct. 21, for the 2024 Chuck Hagel Symposium in Public Service.

The annual event, which began in 2018, continues to inspire young people to understand the impact and importance of civic engagement, leadership, and service.

This year’s symposium kicked off with a warm welcome by Jody Neathery-Castro, Ph.D., interim vice chancellor of global affairs, and Political Science Department Chair Randy Adkins, Ph.D.

"You’re here today because the world needs you. We need people dedicated to public service, working together to tackle the significant challenges we face both in this country and globally. Let’s make the most of the opportunities we share, locally and worldwide,” said Neathery-Castro.

Following their remarks, UNO Senior Vice Chancellor Phil He, Ph.D., introduced the keynote speaker, former United States Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel.

Secretary Hagel, a 1971 UNO graduate and the 24th Secretary of Defense, delivered an inspiring keynote address, emphasizing the critical role of public service in shaping the future of the nation.

“There are obviously many things happening in the world right now, and so many of them are complicated and dangerous. When you look at everything happening today, I believe it represents the most dangerous time in the world since the end of World War II,” said Hagel. “After the war, the United States, along with other nations, focused on trade, security, and collective defense—NATO being a key example—to prevent future world wars. The goal now is to create a better life for ourselves through education, engagement, and more opportunities for young people.”

He encouraged students to actively engage in their communities and highlighted the importance of leadership rooted in integrity and compassion. A Q&A session followed, allowing students to ask questions and gain further insight from the distinguished public servant.

After the keynote, students had the opportunity to participate in breakout sessions led by UNO faculty and experts. These sessions covered a wide range of topics related to public service, including law, public policy, ethics, and criminal justice. The goal was to provide students with a hands-on experience in understanding the different facets of public service and how they can make a difference.

Participating high schools included: Omaha North, Ralston, Bryan, Papillion La Vista South, Gretna East, Omaha Central, Omaha Buena Vista, Omaha South, Skutt Catholic, Roncalli, Westview, Millard West, Burke, Omaha Benson, Northwest, Millard South, and Gretna.

For more information about the annual event, visit the Chuck Hagel Symposium page.