Husker PEO Sees Record Participation in Fall 2022 Semester

The Post Eligibility Opportunities (PEO) program continued to be a prominent resource for Nebraska student-athlete alumni during the Fall 2022 semester as 35 Huskers utilized the one-of-a-kind postgraduate scholarship for qualifying experiences. The 35 participants in the fall semester sets a new record for PEO participation in a single semester, bringing the 7-year running total to an astounding 375 participants in PEO program history. 

Husker PEO was established in 2015 with the mission of providing unmatched educational experiences to recent letterwinner graduates, increasing their marketability, personal development and intellectual growth. The program offers a guaranteed postgraduate scholarship of $7,500 to all Husker student-athletes who meet the program criteria, which includes graduating from and exhausting athletic eligibility at Nebraska, to be used toward qualifying internships, study abroad, graduate school, or entrepreneur experiences. In the Fall 2022 semester, Husker alumni used PEO funding for 2 study abroad experiences, 2 international internships, 8 domestic internships, and 23 graduate school experiences. For the first time in program history as a result of recent updates to NCAA legislation, the PEO scholarship was able to provide funding toward graduate school at institutions outside of UNL and 16 of the 23 graduate school participants were able to benefit from this change in the program.  

Husker PEO provided over $250,000 to Husker letterwinner alumni for postgraduate experiences during the Fall 2022 semester, contributing to the 7-year total of over $2.6 million in scholarship funding through the PEO program, further demonstrating Nebraska Athletics' commitment to the personal development of student-athletes even after their playing careers at Nebraska have ended. 

Fall 2022 PEO Participant Testimonials:

Andy Jacobs, Track & Field, Media Intern for Il Romanista - Rome
"I would genuinely like to thank the donors and Athletic Department staff who provided support for my PEO experience. I never in a million years thought I would be able to have the experience I did, and I will never ever forget it! I learned so much about myself and various other cultures through my experience. I really think I am better equipped to go out into the workforce and make a positive difference thanks to my PEO experience. My experience pushed me out of my comfort zone, and challenged me to grow in the best possible ways."

Gunner Hellstrom, Baseball, Educational Administration at UNL and Graduate Manager for Nebraska Baseball
"PEO gave me the opportunity to continue my studies and start my journey towards my dream of being a college coach. This is something that I would not have taken advantage of if it was not for the peace of mind that the PEO provided financially."

Jessica Pentlarge, Swimming & Diving, Medical School at Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine
"This experience has brought everything I learned at UNL to the next level. My knowledge base now has more practical applications, and I am gaining confidence to be able to take it to the community. Whether it be for an internship, study abroad, or graduate school, the PEO program is an incredible opportunity to utilize to help you in your next step after graduation. This program is unique to UNL and it is such a privilege to get access to this opportunity."

Danielle Breen, Gymnastics, Internship at FOCUS Ministries
"From the first time I came to UNL on a recruiting visit, I knew there was No Place Like Nebraska. My experience in my four years of competing, my undergraduate, and my masters degree proved this time and time again. And since graduating and being able to participate in the PEO experience, I have been reminded again that there is No Place Like Nebraska-- in academics, athletics, and life."

Simon Wiedel, Track & Field, Educational Administration at UNL
"While being a student-athlete at Nebraska already sets you apart, by taking part in the PEO program, you are able to continue taking steps that will widen that gap. The support from the PEO program allows you to have opportunities to grow not only in the field that you are pursuing but also, more importantly, into the best version of yourself as an individual."

Hallie Roman, Swimming & Diving, Disney College Internship Program
"Being in the PEO program allowed me to try an opportunity that I would not have been able to do, or afford otherwise. This internship pay was low, and the PEO scholarship allowed me to take advantage of opportunities and experiences I would not have been able to afford without. I also was able to move across the country and try something new! I would encourage underclassmen to go for it and branch out, even if you are worried about new places, meeting people, or finances."

For more information about the PEO program, please contact PEO Director, Tom Lemke.