Gov. Heineman appoints NSCS Student Trustees

Riley Machal

Machal, a senior at Chadron State College, is a human biology major who has been a tutor and supplemental instruction leader in cellular biology. In her application Machal said, “Having experienced the joy of representing the students of Chadron State College through involvement in Student Senate and the Campus Activities Board, I wish to continue to serve.”

Machal has been involved in numerous organizations and received several honors. She has been on the dean’s list several times, received the Board of Trustees scholarship every semester since fall 2008 and has been recognized by the Nebraska Network of Biomedical Research.

In her letter of recommendation, Frances Gonzales, the Learning Center coordinator at CSC, said, “Riley devotes much of her time and energy getting to know the students with whom she works and expresses genuine concern and interest for them. Riley is conscientious, an extremely hard worker, reliable and very much a self-starter.”

Machal is the daughter of Godfrey and Jody Machal of Gretna. She succeeds Trevor Dietrich of Mitchell.

William Jackson

Jackson is a junior at Peru State College and is majoring in social science education. He has played football for the Bobcats since 2008 and has served on Student Senate for the past two years.

Jackson has been involved in the history honor society (Phi Alpha Theta) and has participated in a number of events, including the History Day contest, the homecoming parade, and the college-wide celebration recognizing the 150-year anniversary for the Pony Express.

In his application Jackson said, “The student representative must be a model leader on campus and off such that the conduct of the student representative is scrupulously consonant with good citizenship, high moral character and professionalism.”

In her letter of recommendation, Dr. Sara Crook, a professor of political science and history, said, “I am Will’s academic advisor at Peru State College and have also served as his instructor in several classes. In both of these capacities I have been extremely impressed with his demeanor and scholarly efforts. I strongly believe that Will Jackson will be an excellent student member for the Nebraska Board of Trustees for 2011-2012.”

Jackson is the son of Alan and Jill Jackson of Omaha. He succeeds Caroline Keenan of Omaha.

Katelyn Olenich

Olenich is a junior at Wayne State College and is majoring in biology. Olenich is a participant in the Rural Health Opportunities Program and is planning a career in dentistry.

While at WSC Olenich has participated in several student organizations. She has served in leadership positions in the Pre-Dental Club, Student Navigators as a tour guide, Intramural Council, the Student Senate and played intramural sports. Olenich has been on the Dean’s list and volunteers her time at a senior living community in Wayne.

In his letter of recommendation, Biology Professor Doug Christensen said, “Students trust her, enjoy her and can relate to her. She is an effective communicator and is highly respected by her peers. It is for all of these qualities that I believe Katelyn would be the absolute best choice to represent the students of Wayne State College on the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees.”

Olenich said in her application, “Wayne State College has given me the confidence I need to achieve my future goals. It would be an honor to represent Wayne State College as a student trustee.”

Olenich is the daughter of Mike and Joannie Olenich of Norfolk. She succeeds Isaac French of Elkhorn.