Written by Sara Hinds, copywriter
Erin Burke Benal ’22 said it best when she was asked to share the influence of Doane on her current path: “My time at Doane gave me space to learn, grow, and really figure out what I wanted to do to serve my communities.”
Doane is the intersection of passion and service for many graduates like Erin. And a degree is the green light to pursue lifelong or later-in-life goals.
The following Tigers are just a few who are already making a difference in the space around them — and have big plans to carve their dreams into reality.
Suzy Higgins ’04L
Now: Working to develop a foster care closet and backpack program as resources for foster children and foster parents — and finishing her second Doane degree, a Master of Arts in Leadership.
Soon: With 20+ years helping families and kids, Suzy wants to “improve a system that has flaws but just needs a little support” by opening a transitional living/emergency shelter for older youth in Nebraska. It’ll serve as a safe place to sleep and learn valuable life skills.
“When children come into the foster care system it has become a ‘norm’ for them to be moved in using trash bags. By providing backpacks with hygiene items, clean clothes, a new blanket and even a stuffed animal, it allows these youth to feel a sense of love and normalcy.”
Erin Benal ’22
Major: History and political science
Then: In the fall of 2021, Erin interned in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and worked on the January 6 cases; also worked on prison reform for the nonprofit DC Justice Lab.
Now: Lead for Nebraska Fellow, working on broadband expansion and economic development in rural communities for South Central Economic Development District.
“Throughout the year I’ll get to travel around the country and Nebraska learning new techniques from leaders in economic development while serving my favorite state.”
Kenny Kemp ’22
Major: Engineering (mechanical)
Now: Kenny is working abroad in Germany through an International Research Experience for Students (IRES) grant, researching organic solar cells. He uses state-of-the-art scientific equipment like the Atomic Force Microscopy — which allows him to study the structure of a material on the nanoscale — and an X-Ray scattering machine — which lets him conduct GIWAXS measurements that analyze the internal structure of materials.
Soon: Landed a job in New York where he’ll help provide clean low carbon energy to more than 2 million households nationwide.
“I have been able to visit multiple cities including Bamberg, ’Home of the Smoked Beer’; Munich ’Commonly known for its soccer team Bayern’; Paris, ’The city of love and the home of the Eiffel Tower’; and Nuremberg which is famous for its Imperial Castle.”
Nell Piper ’20
Major: History and political science
Then: Nell worked as an electoral fellow for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska before gaining admission to University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. She was elected as Student Bar Association 1L Class President in September 2021.
Now: Recently elected Student Bar Association’s Executive Vice President for the 2022-23 school year. Working at Disability Rights Maryland as a legal intern with their Housing and Community Inclusion team.
“The incredible faculty and the history and political science programs sparked my inspiration to become a public interest lawyer.”
Taryn Retzlaff ’05
Major: English/language arts in secondary education
Then: Theatre teacher and director for the last 17 years and at Norfolk High School for the last nine.
Now: Started as Assistant Director of the Nebraska School Activities Association in August 2022 managing play production, speech, journalism and music. Oh, and Taryn and her former colleague are working with HBO to co-produce their life story as two LGBT teachers in rural Nebraska — thanks to a couple viral TikToks filmed during their lunch breaks. They give feedback and content and once the season is written they’ll pitch it.
I have no idea if it will even get purchased by a network, but it has been an amazing adventure, to say the least!”
Andy Theiler ’21
Major: biology
Then: Helped lead the Doane baseball team to two regular season conference titles as a two-time, First Team All-GPAC outfielder. Signed with the Lincoln Saltdogs of the American Association of Professional Baseball league for summer 2022 and scored two runs in his first professional start.
Now: Earning his MBA through Doane and no longer pursuing a career as a professional athlete.
Soon: Attending other advanced medical degree programs or entering the medical sales field.
“The people at Doane, professors, fellow students, and counselors have all put me in a position to have career opportunities in whichever path I so choose upon completion of my MBA.”
Charity Iromuanya ’22E
Then: As part of her internship requirement for Doane’s Master of Education in School Counseling program, Charity started Sisters’ Circle during the 2021-22 school year at Lincoln Northeast High School (LNE), where she works as a school counselor. The student group provides a safe and empowering environment for Black females at LNE.
Now: Continues to work as a counselor and basketball coach at LNE and is developing curriculum to expand Sisters’ Circle student group.
“I hope that they walk away knowing that they matter. And that this school is for them. And that whatever they want to achieve in their future is attainable.”
Sue Walsh ’22B
Then: Worked in HR for 30 years and earned her producer’s license in life and health insurance.
Now: Studying for the exam to become a licensed Medicare advisor; contracting with carriers to start her own business to ease confusion and frustration surrounding the process for Medicare-eligible individuals.
“I will always be Doane University’s biggest advocate for non-traditional students who want to advance their education, but aren’t sure if they can do it. I am turning 64 years old next month [July 2022] and believe me, if I can do it, anyone can.”
Know a Tiger (current student or alum) who is doing big things? We’re always looking for individuals to feature in our publications. Reach us by emailing [email protected].
