Commencement Student Stories: Catherine Curtis

This profile is part of the "Commencement Student Stories" series featuring Mavericks graduating in December 2023. Once a Maverick, always a Maverick!

Catherine Curtis, a communications major within the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media, reflected on her transformative journey from the moment she arrived on campus to her imminent departure as a soon-to-be graduate.

Before enrolling at UNO, Curtis found herself seeking a new environment that would foster growth beyond her comfort zone. It was during a visit with friends to UNO in January of 2020 that she felt the warmth of the campus community, which ultimately led her to transfer. "I was greeted with warm smiles when I went down to Milo Bail," she recalls, reminiscing about her first impressions of UNO.

Her time at UNO was not only marked by academic pursuits but also by significant personal milestones. Curtis met her husband at UNO, both being Thompson Scholars, fondly dubbing themselves "Thompson Scholar Sweethearts." Her involvement in various extracurriculars, such as mentoring in the Thompson Learning Community and serving as the vice president of UNO Parenting Students, speaks volumes about her dedication to community engagement and support.

One highlight of Curtis's academic journey was her profound connection with Herb Thompson Ph.D., a professor in the School of Communication. Thompson's mentorship included guiding Curtis and fostering her aspirations to become a facilitator, encouraging her to pursue higher education, and envisioning her potential as a future professor.

Throughout her academic journey, Curtis accumulated invaluable skills, particularly through her involvement in intergroup dialogue, which equipped her with the tools to navigate diverse perspectives and foster respectful interactions. She envisions leveraging these experiences in her future endeavors, ensuring inclusivity and understanding in her professional and personal interactions.

As she prepares to graduate, Curtis extends her wisdom to incoming students, emphasizing the importance of balance in involvement, connecting with diverse peers, and creating a supportive community. Her advice echoes her own journey, where forging connections with those different from her ultimately shaped her UNO experience.

Looking ahead, Curtis envisions giving back to the UNO community by mentoring future students, bridging connections between students and faculty, and volunteering at campus events. Her commitment to service and building relationships exemplifies her dedication to making a lasting impact, echoing her own journey from a mentee to a future mentor within the UNO community.

Catherine's Letter to Her Mami: "Dear Mami"

While getting ready for finals, Catherine and other students wrote thank you letters to those who supported them during their journey to graduation.

Reactions at Commencement

At Commencement, each student's video displayed on the scoreboard prior to them walking across the stage. Here are reactions from their loved ones as they watched from their seats.