The Nebraska Career Catalyst will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at the at the Nebraska Innovation Campus in Lincoln, Nebraska.

This event is a collaboration between the alumni associations at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Kearney, and the University of Nebraska at Omaha and is presented by Union Bank & Trust.

Benefits of attending

The Nebraska Career Catalyst is a valuable investment in you and your organization. Through the conference you will have a tremendous opportunity to: 

• Gain a deeper understanding of how soft skills play an integral role in advancing your personal and career success.
• Develop practical goals, systems and strategies that will improve your workplace environment and engagement. 
• Discuss the ever-changing landscape of flexible, hybrid and remote work settings.  
• The opportunity to make valuable connections with alumni peers who you can call upon throughout your career.

Who should attend

• Alumni and graduates of the University of Nebraska (UNK, UNL, UNO and UNMC).
• Early and mid-career professionals.
• First-time and mid-career managers.
• Anyone seeking to improve and advance their career. 

Conference schedule*

The conference will feature expert faculty and alumni presenters from the University of Nebraska’s four campuses. These unique and interactive learning sessions are tailored for early and mid-career professionals and will focus on workplace soft skills, management best-practices and professional development. You can also connect with other university alumni and university leaders. The speaker schedule is below.

Danny Ventura “Building a Career Without a Roadmap: Lessons from a First-Generation MBA Graduate”

Steph Drewnowski “Purpose in Practice: How Philanthropy Builds Skills, Networks, and Leadership Early”

Racquel Henderson “Authenticity Over Perfection: From Survival Mode to Leadership Without Losing Yourself”

Brooke Envick “Flywheel Leadership: Designing Momentum That Compounds”

Tori Schuetz “Stop Getting Ghosted: How to Beat Resume Filters and Win the Interview”

Quinn Texmo and Lisa Lackovic “Navigating Negotiation”

Maggi Thorne “The Never Give Up Mindset: Building a Career Through Resilience, Relationships and Reinvention”

Registration is required. The cost is $55 if you register by Sept. 25. Your registration includes breakfast and lunch. The registration fee will increase to $75 on Sept. 26 and registration closes on Nov. 3.

Are you planning to attend the event with a group of eight or more attendees? If so, you can take advantage of our group discount by contacting Shelley McHugh at [email protected].

Parking will be available in the lot north of Innovation Campus.

The Scarlet Hotel is the official hotel partner of the 2026 Nebraska Career Catalyst. A special room rate is available for attendees who book before Oct. 18. Call the Scarlet Hotel at 531-300-6300 and request the Nebraska Career Catalyst room rate.

Register here!

Conference Schedule*

8:30 am           Check-In and Breakfast

9:00 am           Welcome                     

9:30 am           Breakout Session 1                    

10:45 am         Breakout Session 2 

12:00 pm        Networking Lunch

1:30 pm          Breakout Session 3

2:45 pm          Closing Keynote Session               

4:00 pm          Conference Concludes

For more information, please contact Trish Danburg at [email protected].