Photo of Lilly Lauina

Lilly Lauina: a compassion for children

Many students travel cross-country to attend college. But for Lilly Lauina, coming to Union College meant a trip of more than 6,000 miles from her home in American Samoa. “It took a lot to transition…

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Kailey Erkhart: A career in compassion

“I always knew I wanted to help people,” said Kailey Erkhart, a senior from Denver, Colorado. “I just didn’t know in what way.” Halfway through her degree, she switched her major to social work, and…

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Photo of Jillian Dean at the Nebraska State Capitol

Jillian Dean: the nuts and bolts of advocacy

“I’ve learned social work isn’t just about counseling, school and hospital work,” said Jillian Dean. “It’s also about what you can do by advocating for the people of the state and even the country.” A…

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Salissa Tonkin recognized by national scholarship

Salissa Tonkin is known for being one of the friendliest people on Union College’s campus. An outspoken leader, she always seems to be involved with some project, that is, when she’s not working on her…

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Photo of Sandra Elizondo

An education to match her passion

When Sandra Elizondo, a 2020 Union graduate, lost her half-brother DJ to gang violence ten years ago, a passion sparked inside her to help struggling youth.  “I remember he always said people just don’t get…

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Nicole Houdek smiling

Nicole Houdek returns to Union

Nicole Houdek just returned to Union after graduating in 2004 with a degree in social work. Except now, she isn’t a student. She has become one of the Academic Administration’s pool of office managers, working…

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Photo of Alexis Richardson, junior Social Work major

In tough times, relief funds keep students on track

Student scholarships made if possible for Alexis Richardson to attend Union College—a place where she found her life calling.

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VIDEO: My childhood gave me a calling

After being raised by a single mother, senior social work major Richmy Richard is exploring a career focused on working with families in a similar situation.

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Photo of Liz Davis teaching class.

Putting the social in social work

Every educator knows the value of learning outside the classroom. Lizz Davis, director of Union’s social work program, found she learned the most from her own experiences—both good and bad—and now she intentionally takes her…

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Photo of Arcelia Gomez in front of a police car.

The other side of the law

All it took was one ride along with a Lincoln police officer and Arcelia Gomez was hooked. Now after a series of mentorships and internships, the senior social work major found a job in the…

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Photo of Susy and her two fellow interns with adopted girls for Backpack program

Social work in South America

Susy Gomez’s heart broke as she listened to the new college student share his story. The young Peruvian engineering student had excellent grades and a full scholarship, but between him and his mother, a disabled…

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Photo: Angela Washington

Social worker finds a calling in service

by Megan Wehling, student writer “If I would have known better, I would have done better.” Angela Washington listened to the repentant cry of a mom in anguish. Sitting in a cold courtroom, watching the mom huddled…

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