Husker Networking Night Makes Return to Memorial Stadium

Husker Networking Night, a required event for all second-year student-athletes, returned to an in-person format on Monday, September 26th at Memorial Stadium after the program was offered virtually for two years as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic . As one of the longest running programs led by the Life Skills team, Husker Networking Night aims to educate student-athlete attendees on the art of networking, teach specific networking strategies and techniques, and allows attendees the immediate opportunity to put what they learn into practice.

126 second-year student-athletes from all Husker teams gathered in the West Stadium Club for the event which begin with a keynote address from Husker football letterwinner and 1994 national champion, Terry Connealy. Connealy shared his career journey with attendees, how networking has played a part in him becoming the President of Mutual of Omaha Mortgage, and general tips on how to start making and fostering connections now in college that can last a lifetime. "I really enjoyed the event last night, and was impressed with the student athletes that I interacted with.  They were attentive, asked good questions and engaged." said Connealy. 

Following Connealy's message, attendees began the speed networking segment of the event which included three rotations lasting 15 minutes each where small groups of student-athletes were matched with a professional in a career industry of interest. During this time, student-athletes had the opportunity to practice their elevator pitch, ask questions, and learn about networking strategies from the 37 professional guests in attendance, which included 18 Husker letterwinners. "As a student athlete we are always networking. Knowing effective ways to communicate is crucial in athletics, and life after sports. Networking night was a great way to test those skills with local professionals and business owners!" shared sophomore baseball student-athlete, Corbin Hawkins. 

The evening ended with an open networking reception where student-athletes and professional guests in attendance were able to walk freely throughout the room to continue interacting and making connections by utilizing the networking practices that were discussed throughout the event. 

For questions about the Husker Networking Night or any other career development programming for Husker student-athletes, contact Assistant Director of Life Skills/PEO Director, Tom Lemke.


Professional Representatives in Attendance

John Aberg	Federated Insurance
Thomas Allison	UNL Military and Veteran Success Center
Adam Andersen	State Farm
Amy Argo	First National Insurance
Christopher Aumueller	FanWord
Karla Bandemer	Lincoln Public Schools
Kristen Blankley	Nebraska College of Law
Mattie Burkhardt	University of Nebraska Athletics
Chris Cameron	Makovicka Physical Therapy
Charlie Colon	Chick-fil-a
Terry Connealy	Mutual of Omaha
Joe Cowan	FBI Omaha Division
Zach Crosby	RTG Medical
Karna Dam	RTG Medical
Monya Deboer	Spreetail
Kaylan Evans	Martin Jewelry
Derek Foster	Northwestern Mutual
Jenny Green	Opendorse
John Heath	Plum Creek Ag
Drew Hoffman	Lutz
Terry Howell	UNL Food and Science Technology
Captain Max Hubka	Lincoln Police Department
Nate Kruse	Northwestern Mutual
Tara Mueller	Remax
Dana Nielsen	Spreetail
Ian Ousley	University of Nebraska Athletics
Joe Petsick	UNL Center for Entrepreneurship
Givens Price	KPMG
Tyler Regan	Tredas
Max Schreiber	Tredas
Matt Senske	Efficient Technologies
Bri Stuckey	Insight Global
Jeff Tezak	Tiiga
Jill Warren	Olsson
Deion Wells-Ross	Gallup
Luke Wertz	Apache Industrial Services
Brian Wilmes	Lutz