Jordan Knapp was the first person in his family to earn a college degree.
And now he’s the first to pursue a master’s degree.
Knapp, a second-year student at UNMC, shared his story on “I Love NU” Day during a trip to the Nebraska State Capitol on April 5.
He was one of dozens of members of the University of Nebraska community who showed support for the university and visited with state senators about the work and impact of the NU System.
“We get to see our education and action have an impact on the state we live in,” said Knapp, who also serves as chief of staff of the UNMC Student Senate.
The event kicked off with remarks from University of Nebraska President Ted Carter.
Carter said the event was a way to showcase students from all campuses.
“This is a chance for you to tell your story,” Carter said. “Each and every one of you has a unique story. You have different reasons for why you came to your unique campuses. This is a chance for you to talk about yourself, brag about yourself, brag about your campus. Tell people why you love being on your campus because this is truly a special place.”
Nebraska State Senators Mike Jacobson and Anna Wishart spoke to the group, too.
Guests then were ushered into a balcony where they heard some legislative debate and received a round of applause from the floor after being introduced.
Students and supporters returned to the rotunda and had the chance to visit with state senators. Meanwhile, groups posed for photos, university mascots romped around and students indulged in a specialty ice cream flavor dubbed “I Love NU ‘Berry’ Much.”
This year marked Nicole Kent’s second year celebrating “I Love NU” Day as a UNMC student. Before that, she attended on behalf of the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where she completed her undergraduate studies.
Kent, the UNMC student regent and president of the UNMC Student Senate, said the event is a way to show off the students trained through the university system.
“Today is a great day for the university to come together and celebrate what we’ve accomplished,” she said.
Kent said she’s happy to be at UNMC, in part because the people are “unmatched” and want students to become the best health care professionals.
Brock Calamari and Daniel Kresock waited in the rotunda to speak with State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha.
Calamari and Kresock, both UNMC students, said it was important for state senators to meet with younger constituents.
“It’s important for them to remember people of our age matter for the future of the state,” Calamari said.
Krescok added, “We’re going to ultimately be the people taking care of these senators and their constituents. We’re asking for more funding to provide that quality care.”
Advocating for anything you’re passionate about is important, said Katie Schultis, a fourth-year student at UNMC. And the university system is important to her.
“I’ve had so many opportunities and experiences that would not be possible without my time at the university,” she said, citing UNMC’s world-class facilities, institutions and simulations.
None of those can be produced without the support of the Nebraska Legislature, added Schultis, vice president of the UNMC Student Senate.
“I just really like UNMC. There’s not much more to it,” Schultis said.