Two Huskers Earn Degrees

Lincoln -- Former Husker gymnasts Michele Zabawa and Dani Millis were among 44 Nebraska student-athletes who received their diplomas during winter commencement on Saturday, Dec. 22 at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.

Zabawa, a five-time All-American at Nebraska, completed her Husker career at the 2007 NCAA Championships last April, helping NU to a sixth-place national finish. After being named to the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll and earning three academic All-Big 12 awards, Zabawa received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

Zabawa garnered first-team All-America honors on vault as a senior, as well as four second-team nods on bars and vault over her four-year career. The Omaha, Neb., native was a two-time Big 12 bars champion and was a three-time NACGC Scholastic All-American.

Millis, who competed three years as a gymnast and later joined the Nebraska diving team, earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing. The Frisco, Texas, native was an eight-time honoree on the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

The 44 Husker graduates this December represent 14 different U.S. States and three foreign countries. Nearly all of Nebraska’s varsity teams are represented in the group, while the Huskers graduated with nearly 20 different majors in their fields of study

"I congratulate all of these Nebraska student-athletes for the way they have balanced classwork, community involvement and competition," Leblanc said. "These 45 graduates come from a diverse background from around the country and the world and have represented Nebraska at the highest level in academics and athletics. The athletic department, the University and the state of Nebraska are proud of their accomplishments."