Featured Tigers is a monthly series wherein the spotlight shines on a few students, alumni, faculty and staff from our Crete, Lincoln and Omaha campus locations. These individuals stand out in the best way — as talented and driven leaders.
View all Featured Tigers here.
What is your name and graduation year?
Alyssa Tonniges, 2024
What was your major or degree program?
Elementary Education with an Endorsement in Middle School Science Education
Tell us a little about what you've done since graduating. What is your current role? Where are you working?
I am going to work as a 7th grade science teacher at Schoo Middle School in Lincoln!
How do you feel Ë®¹ûÅÉ prepared you for your career?
I feel that Ë®¹ûÅÉ has helped me grow not only as an educator but also as person. I have learned how to build relationships with students, families, and community members as well as see my strengths and weaknesses and continue to be a lifelong learner.
What do you consider the best part of your Ë®¹ûÅÉ experience?
The best part of my Ë®¹ûÅÉ experience is the relationships that I have made through the organizations that I was a part of.
What is something you're proud of accomplishing or achieving while at Ë®¹ûÅÉ? What are you proud of accomplishing or achieving in your career?
I am proud of myself for continuing to grow and for signing up for master's classes already.
Who has been/is a major influence or role model for you from Ë®¹ûÅÉ? How have they helped you?
My biggest role model at Ë®¹ûÅÉ has probably been Rod Diercks. He is the educator that I aspire to be as I continue to grow. The passion that he has for teaching and her his students is unmatched.
What advice would you give to current students?
Get out of your comfort zone, it is the only way that you are going to grow and appreciate all of the small moments because those four years go by fast.
What's something you like about yourself that other people may not know?
I am adopted and because of my experiences from this, I feel that I am able to be a better educator.
