Heidi Kaschke, program manager for the UNMC High School Alliance, received the Interprofessional Academy of Educators Catalyst for Education Award at a ceremony during UNMC’s InnovatED Symposium.
UNMC began the High School Alliance began in the 2010-11 school year, offering high school juniors and seniors an immersive experience in the health science professions with hands-on, college-level classes taught by UNMC faculty.
Kaschke started at UNMC in 2009 and then with the High School Alliance in 2012.
“I am humbled and grateful to have received this award,” Kaschke said. “I enjoy coming to work every day and being able to guide our high school students on their pathways to health care careers.”
The award recognizes an individual in an educational support role whose contributions have been integral to furthering the educational mission at UNMC.
One faculty nominator said: “Heidi’s contributions extend beyond the operational aspects of the program. She has cultivated an environment that encourages curiosity, learning and growth. Her ability to mentor and guide students, coupled with her passion for education, has left an indelible mark on everyone involved in the program. Her leadership has been pivotal in shaping the future of many young individuals who have participated in the High School Alliance, many of whom have gone on to pursue careers in medicine and health care.”
A second nominator agreed. “Heidi maintains professional connections with alumni to support them in their health care educational journey beyond the years of their UNMC High School Alliance experience. She is there for white coat ceremonies, match days and graduations. Heidi is there to help the High School Alliance students have a sound educational base to start their career, encourages them on their path and is happy to see their careers begin.”
Kaschke said that, to her, the award also represents the work of the entire UNMC community, its partners and its students.
“It is a gift to be able to work with so many talented and amazing people on this campus,” she said.
Past recipients for the Catalyst for Education Award include:
- Jesse Boyd (2023);
- Laura Vinson (2022);
- Erin Maxwell Snow (2021);
- Molly Belieu (2020);
- Kimberly Rothgeb (2019);
- Megan Brown (2018); and
- Cindy Colpitts (2017).
The next Catalyst for Education Award presentation will be moving to the IAE Spotlight on Scholarship event for next year, and the next round of Catalyst nominations will open later this fall.
Congratulations, Heidi! Well deserved
Congratulations Heidi! Thank you for being a catalyst for pathways to health professions and collaboration at UNMC.
Congratulations, Heidi!!!
Congratulations, Heidi. I admire the way you connect with your students. You are making a difference in these young people’s lives.
Congratulations, Heidi!!!
Congratulations Heidi!
Such a well-deserved recognition. Congratulations, Heidi!
Congratulations, Heidi! Such a well-deserved honor.
Congratulations! Thank you for all of your hard work and vision for the next generation of health professionals. It is a pleasure to work with you and the High School Alliance.
Congratulations!! It is amazing to see the work you put in day to day recognized. I am humbled to get to work with you each and every day.
Congrats, Heidi!
So well deserved!!! Congratulations, Heidi!
Well-deserved! Congrats, Heidi!
Congratulations, Heidi! You are so deserving of this award. Thank you for inspiring the next generation of health professionals.
Congratulations Heidi. You have dedicated so much to UNMC, High School Alliance, and Nebraska! Thank you for all you are doing every day.
Congratulations Heidi! So well deserved! Thanks for all you do.
Congratulations Heidi!
Congratulations Heidi! You have such a positive impact to the future of healthcare. Thanks for all you do!!
Heidi is always upbeat, positive and fun to be around. She is a perfect mentor to the young students she supervises. Congrats!
Congratulations, Heidi! This is such a great recognition of your work and commitment to the next generation!
Big congratulations Heidi and Team!
You are an awesome ambassador for UNMC. Well deserved. Congratulations!
This is so awesome, Heidi! Very well-deserved! It’s fun to see the hard work pay off over the years investing in this program, and welcoming the students back as UNMC students in the health professions!
Congratulations!!