College of Arts and Sciences
Tai Prauner
Tai Prauner is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in molecular and biomedical biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish for health sciences. She conducts research in the Wong Lab on genetic and epigenetic factors related to stress, earning a FUSE grant and recognition as a Barry Goldwater Scholar.
Her love for science is only matched by her love for people and learning languages. Through her work as a CNA and tutor, she developed a passion for becoming a multilingual physician who communicates with empathy and practices cultural humility in caring for underserved communities.
She will pursue a master’s in cancer research before continuing to medical school. She carries with her the lessons, support, and quiet encouragement of those who believe in her and hopes to share that same thoughtfulness as she moves forward.
College of Business Administration
Ishani Adidam
Ishani Adidam is earning her degree in business administration with concentrations in business analytics and human resource management, along with secondary concentrations in marketing and management. She is also pursuing a minor in public health.
This year, she serves as UNO’s student regent and student body president, having held multiple roles in the Student Government Association throughout her college career. Additionally, she is the vice president of the Human Resource Association and a member of the CBA Scholars Academy and UNO Honors Program. After graduation, she will begin a full-time role as an HR Analyst at JP Morgan Chase in Dallas, Texas.
College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Kenzie Bias
Kenzie Bias is a dual major earning a Bachelor of Science in secondary education with a concentration in mathematics. As a passionate math teacher and coach, Bias thrives on building strong relationships with students and uplifting the community.
They have contributed as STEM STAR leader and Noyce Scholar, inspiring curiosity and a love of learning in Omaha Metro classrooms and beyond. Currently a full-time teacher and coach at Omaha North, Bias is beginning their graduate journey in the CADRE Project at UNO, pursuing a master’s degree while continuing to support students as an educator and mentor.
They are proud to be a Maverick and honored to serve future generations with heart, integrity, and purpose.
College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media
Elizabeth Gonzalez
Elizabeth Gonzalez (she/her/hers) is a first-generation college student graduating this year with a Bachelor of Arts in communication. She is double majoring in communication studies and Spanish.
During her time at UNO, she served as a facilitator for Intercultural Communication and was president of Sigma Delta Pi, a national honor society dedicated to promoting Hispanic culture and language. Her leadership and dedication reflect her passion for fostering inclusive environments—an interest she plans to carry forward as she pursues a career in Human Resources after graduation.
She credits her mother as her greatest inspiration and is deeply grateful for the support that has shaped her educational journey. She also extends heartfelt thanks to the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation for the scholarship that made her college experience possible.
College of Information Science & Technology
Ava DeLaGarza
Ava DeLaGarza will be graduating this spring with a bachelor's degree in computer science and Spanish, with a minor in mathematics. During her time at UNO, she completed internships with Omaha Public Schools, the Nebraska Defense Resource Corporation, and most recently, the W. M. Keck Observatory.
She also collaborated with the Malone Center nonprofit in Lincoln, providing solutions for patient and grant management systems to support the local BIPOC community. For the past four years, she has worked as an afterschool iSTEM teacher, introducing elementary and middle school students to the world of computer science and STEM.
She currently serves as the treasurer of the Sigma Delta Pi Spanish Honor Society. After graduation, she will be relocating to Hawai’i to join the Scientific Software Engineering Team at the W. M. Keck Observatory.
College of Public Affairs and Community Service
Colleen Martincik
Colleen Martincik will receive her bachelor’s degree in gerontology with a minor in healthy aging this spring. A passionate advocate for older adults, she is dedicated to enhancing their quality of life through social engagement, wellness programs, and community support.
With a lifelong commitment to fitness and healthy living, she has leveraged her expertise to inspire and empower individuals of all ages. Her academic journey has been shaped by her personal experiences, including caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s disease and working in administrative roles supporting older adults.
She looks forward to using her education and experience to make a meaningful impact in the field of aging services, helping older adults lead fulfilling, independent lives.
College of Public Affairs and Community Service - Division of Continuing Studies
Brian Rapp
Brian Rapp will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies – general administration concentration, along with minors in public administration and nonprofit management. He will begin pursuing a master’s degree in public administration at UNO this summer.
A passionate advocate for his community, state, and country, hecurrently serves as the local post commander for Post 53 of the American Legion in Grand Island, Neb. He also serves as vice commander for District 6 of the Department of Nebraska American Legion and will assume the role of District 6 commander in June 2025. He is the president of the La Camerata Madrigal Singers, where he performs as a tenor. He also serves as a charter organization representative for the Boy Scouts of America, a board member for the United Veterans Club of Grand Island, and is a member of the board of deacons at his church.
He is a dedicated and results-driven professional with 27 years of experience in the railroad industry. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated a strong ability to develop and manage annual budgets and support a workforce of over 600 employees. He also oversees a fleet of 247 vehicles, where he has streamlined budgetary oversight in maintenance and repair operations, driving efficiency and cost savings.
Rapp is an admiral in the Nebraska Navy and a life member of the Nebraska Admirals Association.
UNL - College of Engineering
Peyton Dilly
Peyton Dilly (he/him/his) is working towards a Bachelor of Science in environmental engineering at UNO. During his time at UNO, he assisted a professor with a research project that aimed to evaluate the treatment capabilities of water treatment plants throughout the United States.
He worked on outlining the structure of the final research report by collecting, organizing, and interpreting data sets nationwide. He also credits some of his achievements to his family and the Nebraska Career Scholarship program, along with guidance from faculty members and friends. Following graduation, he plans to continue his work in environmental engineering, with a focus on water resources management.
