Engler Program Welcomes Back Students and Alumni for Annual Event
Lincoln, Nebraska (August 28, 2024) – The magic of the Engler space goes beyond its living room couches, garage workbenches, and classrooms. It’s the thought leaders and change-makers who consistently fill these spaces that make it truly special. To celebrate this growing community, the Engler Experience team hosted the annual Welcome Back event welcoming past, present, and future students into the space.
The event kicked off with students gathering for a shared meal, exchanging stories from their summers, and discussing new goals for the semester. Engler values both depth and breadth in relationships. While some students caught up with old friends, most took advantage of the opportunity to make a new connection. Freshmen were given a tour of their space by members of the Engler Experience Team while alumni Alyssa Moser, Cole Kalkowski, Dylan Tegtmeier, Emma Schmidt, and Hope Rodenbarger reflected on their college memories and experiences.
After dinner, Engler’s executive, experience, recruitment, and communications teams introduced themselves and gave an overview of how their roles contribute to the program’s success.
Engler students aren’t just part of the family for four years—they’re a part of it for life. Abby Miller, a recent graduate, full-time entrepreneur, and founder of Pat on Tap, illustrated this point perfectly in her keynote speech. Abby spoke about the driving force behind her success and shared advice on how others can discover and fuel their passion and purpose. In a unique demonstration using a candle, she demonstrated how Engler students can create a business that is culmination of their passion and purpose.
In honor of the program’s founder, Paul Engler, and his love for betting big on people with potential, the event featured a special tree dedication ceremony led by director Tom Field. Sam Skavdahl, a student leader in the program, recited “The Bridge Builder” poem, reminding students of the responsibility that comes with great opportunity: “To whom much is given, much is expected.” He emphasized that passion and purpose should live out our boldest aspirations.
The evening concluded with a reflective activity led by undergraduate student Vickie Ference, inviting Englerpreneurs to write down what lights the fire in their belly. Students added their fuel to a small bonfire in the greenspace, symbolizing the beginning of another semester pursuing mastery with grit, passion and purpose.
ABOUT THE STORYTELLER: Lexi Bodlak will graduate with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in Agriculture, Science, and Environmental Communications and minors in Clifton Builders and Public Policy Analysis. She is passionate about the intersection of agriculture and health, specifically for women and girls. Bodlak joined the Engler Program in the spring of 2024 and currently serves as the press specialist for the program.
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