Nebraska Methodist College students honored for capstone projects

Omaha, Nebraska - Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) students were honored for their capstone projects at the end of the summer 2024 semester.

During their final semester at NMC, students complete a capstone course. During the course, they research a social issue that impacts healthcare. Their capstone project is a culmination of what they learn and what their research taught them about being an educated citizen.

The educated citizen core curriculum helps students become competent practitioners and respond productively to the complex dynamics of the world, utilizing a diversity of disciplines and perspectives.

“The Portfolio of Distinction is one of the highest honors that NMC bestows upon a student,” said Lori Spanbauer, assistant professor and capstone coordinator.

Five students were selected for the Portfolio of Distinction, an honor given upon graduation to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional attention to growth.

The Portfolio of Distinction honorees are Jessica Anthony, Kylie Cullen, Carrie Graham, Kenzie McMullen and Ut Dai Tran.

“The review committee selects portfolios that reveal curiosity, initiative to expand knowledge, independence of thought, the ability to transfer knowledge from one setting to another and reflective practices that are the foundation for expanded knowledge, growth, and maturity over time,” said Spanbauer.

A committee of faculty and staff review portfolios of students who have applied for the honor, and look for students’ development as an educated citizen who will positively impact the health and well-being of the community. 

“Students work on their portfolios throughout their time at NMC. Each portfolio reflection records their thoughts, emotions and learning,” said Spanbauer. “At the end of their program, they can look back and chart their growth over time. When they reach capstone and pull their reflections into a portfolio, they are often moved by how much they have grown personally and professionally.”

Six students were selected for the Outstanding Capstone Presentation Award, an honor given to students who excelled in their final capstone presentation by scoring in the top five percent. 

Recipients of the Outstanding Capstone Presentation Award are Madison Buchholz, Leah Casper, Haley Coakley, Chelsea Lewis, Emlyn Short and Katrina St. Jeor.

Capstone faculty nominate the highest-scoring presentations for submission to a committee of NMC faculty that evaluates the presentations for exceptional quality. 

The presentations chosen for this award demonstrated exceptional growth as an educated citizen, and thoughtful and insightful application of the educated citizen goals to their semester-long research of a public issue that impacts healthcare in the community.