Cohort 1
Nyssa Fernandez
Nyssa Fernandez is an emerging media arts major from Mumbai, India, whose work explores storytelling through film and photography. She views the arts as a way to question, see and reshape the world using visuals to communicate what words sometimes cannot. Drawn to Nebraska for its flexible and distinctive film program, Nyssa felt at home with the Hixson-Lied College community from the start. As part of the Global Arts Academy, Nyssa values learning from students of diverse backgrounds and finding creative connections across cultures. Whether directing behind the camera or capturing everyday moments on film, she strives to create work that evokes emotion and tells layered, human stories.
Chayton Howell
CJ Howell is a dance major from Las Vegas, Nevada, who views the arts as a way to express truth without words, using movement to communicate emotion, identity, and life itself. Drawn to Nebraska for a change of scenery and new challenges, CJ saw the Hixson-Lied College as the perfect place to grow artistically while pursuing experiences that align with his creative goals. As a member of the Global Arts Academy, CJ values community, connection and learning from others’ perspectives. He hopes to inspire other artists to embrace their individuality and follow their own creative paths, where every step, like every dance, leads toward discovery.
Charlotte Kramer
Charlotte Kramer is a theatre and psychology double major from Holyoke, Colorado. Drawn to Nebraska for its strong programs and welcoming atmosphere, she found a place where she could pursue both passions without compromise. Theatre, for Charlotte, is a unique space that blends every art form and a sanctuary for creativity and expression that reflects the depth of humanity itself. As a member of the Global Arts Academy, Charlotte values connecting with people from different cultures through collaboration and storytelling. She hopes to pursue graduate studies in drama therapy, using theatre as a tool for healing and empowerment.
Tuong Vy Nguyen
Vy Nguyen is a graphic design major from Hue, Vietnam, whose artistic vision blends creativity and technology to push the boundaries of expression. She chose the Hixson-Lied College for its strong art program, diverse community and inspiring campus. It is an environment where she can grow as both a designer and an individual. As a member of the Global Arts Academy, Vy values connecting with international and domestic artists to collaborate, learn and create meaningful work together. Quiet yet deeply observant, she finds beauty in aesthetics and strives to create art that evokes emotion and tells stories words cannot.
Spencer Schiffbauer
Spencer Schiffbauer is a music major from Hastings, Nebraska, who views the arts as humanity’s universal footprint and shared way of saying, “I was here. I made this.” Inspired by that timeless connection, Spencer chose the Hixson-Lied College for its strong music program and the opportunities it offers to grow, explore and collaborate. A member of the Global Arts Academy, Spencer joined to connect with others from different cultures and create new experiences through art. Whether playing music, studying its cultural roots, or hiking in nature, Spencer values creativity as both expression and exploration and an ongoing journey to leave a meaningful mark through sound and story.
Eden-Hardt Wilder
Eden-Hardt Wilder is a theatre leadership and management major from Los Angeles, California. She chose Nebraska for its strong theatre program and family ties to campus, finding it a place where creativity and connection thrive. Passionate about live entertainment, she hopes to one day work in theme parks or cruise lines, managing shows, fireworks and parades that bring people together through storytelling and spectacle. As a member of the Global Arts Academy, Eden-Hardt values the opportunity to collaborate with artists from diverse backgrounds. She believes that engaging with different cultures expands both personal and creative growth, creating space for new ideas, shared perspectives and meaningful art.
Cohort 2
Wren Ahlers
I am someone who struggles to find the right words to express myself and I feel like words are often inadequate to fully convey what I’m thinking. In EMA, I’m able to create a visual representation that more accurately reflects emotions. Plus, I’ve always wanted to create more than just a picture. Art that seems alive is what I seek. I hope to become part of the animation industry whether that be storyboarding, rough animations, or character design, etc.
Charlee Bender
Charlee Bender is a theatre design/technology major with a music minor. She is from Ankeny, Iowa, and chose the Hixson-Lied College for its hands-on learning, collaborative environment and strong commitment to both artistic and academic excellence. Charlee is passionate about the behind-the-scenes craft of theatre, especially how lighting, sound and set design work together to create immersive storytelling experiences. Her goal is to work professionally in theatrical design and production, eventually contributing to large-scale shows and Broadway productions while exploring stage automation and special effects. As a member of the Global Arts Academy, Charlee is excited to collaborate with artists from around the world. She was drawn to the Global Arts Academy because it represents everything she values in the arts—collaboration, innovation and cultural exchange. Charlee believes the Academy’s focus on international collaboration and experiential learning will help her refine her craft and become a world-ready artist.
Sophia Caproni
Sophia Caproni is an acting major from São Paulo, Brazil, whose lifelong dream is to perform in front of the camera. Drawn to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln for its focus on film and television performance, Sophia saw the Hixson-Lied College as a place where she could finally pursue the kind of acting she’s always envisioned. From her early days studying at the Wolf Maya Acting School to moving across the world to study her craft, her journey has been guided by passion, courage and the encouragement of her family, especially her grandmother, who first inspired her to follow her dreams. Sophia joined the Global Arts Academy to connect with a community of artists who share her dedication and to grow in a space that celebrates diversity and collaboration. She believes deeply in the transformative power of the arts and hopes one day to create opportunities for children from underserved communities to discover their own voices through creativity.
Isaac Castro-Velasquez
Isaac Castro-Velasquez is a double major in psychology and art from Omaha, Nebraska. He chose the Hixson-Lied College to pursue his lifelong dream of studying art while staying close to home and gaining independence. Art has always been his way to express what words cannot especially through ceramics, his main medium, which has given him a strong sense of self and purpose. Isaac hopes to become an art therapist, combining his passion for creativity and helping others, while also building a career as a gallery artist. Isaac joined the Global Arts Academy because he was inspired by its mission to unite like-minded students and celebrate diverse cultures. He values the Academy’s emphasis on collaboration, cultural understanding and creative change, seeing it as an opportunity to grow as both an artist and a person.
Isabelle Clause
Izzy is a graphic design major from McCook, Nebraska. A lifelong creative and self-described perfectionist, Izzy chose the Hixson-Lied College for its community of artists who share her passion for making beautiful things and growing together. She was inspired by her parents, both UNL alumni, and is excited to build on her love of art and design through hands-on learning. Izzy’s career goal is to start her own business whether in freelance design or baking. She wants to combine her creativity with entrepreneurship while maintaining flexibility to travel and to start a family. Izzy joined the Global Arts Academy to connect with like-minded students and explore different cultures. With a family history of travel and global learning, she’s eager to deepen her understanding of how art unites people across backgrounds.
Riley Peters
Riley Peters is a music composition major from Chester, Virginia. Drawn to Nebraska for its supportive and creative environment, Riley chose the Hixson-Lied College for its talented faculty, vibrant music community and opportunities to grow as both a performer and composer. Music has been a lifelong passion for him. Beginning with childhood piano lessons and middle school choir, it remains his favorite way to express himself and connect with others. Riley joined the Global Arts Academy to collaborate with diverse, like-minded artists and explore how different cultures shape creative expression. One of his favorite experiences, so far, was attending the Brevard Summer Music Festival, where he studied composition and built lasting friendships. Looking ahead, he hopes to continue performing, composing and sharing his music wherever his journey leads.
Graclyn Presswood
Graclyn Presswood is an acting major from Gardendale, Alabama. She was drawn to the Hixson-Lied College for its strong sense of community, emphasis on artistic and academic excellence and the opportunity to grow as both an artist and scholar. Acting has been her voice since childhood and a way to understand the world, connect with others and create change through empathy and storytelling. Passionate about cultural exchange and global storytelling, Graclyn joined the Global Arts Academy to collaborate with artists from diverse backgrounds, broaden her perspective and develop a more inclusive, globally conscious voice in her work.
DeVon Richards II
DeVon Richards II, who also goes by “Deuce,” is a vocal music major with a musical theatre minor from Omaha, Nebraska. Having been involved in the performing arts for most of his life, DeVon chose the Hixson-Lied College to continue Nebraska’s rich artistic tradition at the state’s largest university. For him, performing has always been a natural way to connect with others. He loves making people laugh and believes that music and theatre bring people together in powerful ways. DeVon joined the Global Arts Academy because he was inspired by the passion and excitement surrounding the program and its future. He’s eager to collaborate with artists from different backgrounds and grow both artistically and socially through those experiences.
Olive Sabey - Vogele
Olive Sabey-Vogele is an emerging media arts major from Wymore, Nebraska. Passionate about creativity and collaboration, Olive chose the Hixson-Lied College for its wide range of artistic opportunities, emphasis on creative freedom, and close-knit, supportive community. She believes in the power of art to connect people across cultures and experiences and is inspired by how artistic expression can communicate what words cannot. Her favorite arts experience so far has been creating a commissioned piece for former Nebraska State Senator Sara Howard, a project that helped her grow both technically and personally. Olive joined the Global Arts Academy to experience and share new cultural perspectives through the arts and to learn from other artists’ unique techniques and stories. Looking ahead, she aspires to become an art director, using her creativity to lead meaningful visual storytelling projects.
Melkamu Sherman
Melkamu “Melkie” Sherman is an acting major from Orange, California. After a spontaneous walk-in audition, he knew immediately that the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts was where he belonged. Melkie has been connected to the performing arts for most of his life, rediscovering his passion in high school and finding purpose through acting and performance. His favorite arts experience, so far, has been playing Beetlejuice in a summer production, a role that deepened his love for storytelling and live performance. Melkie joined the Global Arts Academy because he values its focus on diverse cultural perspectives in the arts. He’s excited to connect with other creatives who share his passion for representation and expression. With career dreams that include performing on Broadway, in Hollywood or as a touring singer, Melkie is eager to keep building his craft and making his mark on the global stage.
Lucas Talkington
Lucas Talkington is an acting major from Aurora, Nebraska. Drawn to the Hixson-Lied College for its strong acting program and inspiring community, Lucas values the arts for their ability to heal, entertain and shape personal growth. His passion for performance began early and continues to drive his ambitions whether playing Mr. Krabs in The SpongeBob Musical or performing with Big Red Singers. Lucas aims to build a lasting career in screen acting, working alongside some of the best in the industry and inspiring others to chase their dreams. Lucas joined the Global Arts Academy to grow as an individual, artist and communicator. He’s excited to connect with fellow creatives and explore new opportunities for collaboration and self-expression.
