Meet our December graduates

Left to right: Jalaya Daye, Malin Hayden and Alyssa May.
Left to right: Jalaya Daye, Malin Hayden and Alyssa May.

Meet our December graduates

calendar icon09 Dec 2020    

Lincoln, Neb.--The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s December commencement will be held virtually on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 9 a.m. CST.

“Go Big Grad: A Husker Graduation Celebration” can be streamed at https://commencement.unl.edu.

In celebration, we introduce you to some of our December grads:

Jalaya Daye
Major: Studio Art (painting) 
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska

What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Nebraska was close to home, but far enough for my independence.

What was it like having your final semesters in a global pandemic? 
It gave me the time to get comfortable creating art without much feedback available. What I’ll remember most about this time are the masks, the isolation and missed opportunities and activities.

As you think about graduating from Nebraska, please share any transformational moment(s). How did it help shape who you are or what you will do going forward? 
It was my Capstone class that was really impactful. There was so much to learn about the professional and business side of being an artist. I benefited a lot from it.

What will your lasting memory be of your time in the Hixson-Lied College?
Walking the halls of Hixson will be a lasting memory of mine. It was filled with a lot of familiarity. I shared many of my classes with the same people.

Who is someone that you would like to thank and why?
I’d like to thank my mother, of course, she has always encouraged me to go for what I’m passionate about. 

What advice would you give to future students in the Hixson-Lied College to make the most of their experience?
To the future students in the Hixson-Lied College, make the art you want to make, don’t wait to do what you want just to satisfy your teachers.

What are your future plans?
In the future I plan to go on working in an art-related job, and also continue to pursue my art career.


Malin Hayden
Major:
Theatre Directing/Management and Theatre Performance
Hometown: Papillion, Nebraska

What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Graduating from Nebraska means that I am pursuing a career that makes me happy while being able to watch my sister go through high school in Omaha.

What was it like having your final semesters in a global pandemic? 
My semesters in the pandemic have reinforced new ways to create. It’s about being thankful for what you got, and how to cultivate what you can still achieve. 

As you think about graduating from Nebraska, please share any transformational moment(s). How did it help shape who you are or what you will do going forward? 
Spring 2020 instantly came to mind. Yes, the pandemic happened.  But in this time frame, I had also just assistant directed Julius Caesarwith Ian Borden and my wonderful cast. In addition, I still got to travel to my summer internship to assistant direct Frozen Jr. with Roy Lewis.Both shows have taken every skill I have learned across my two majors and taught me how to be an artist with an independent voice in whatever medium I chose. 

What will your lasting memory be of your time in the Hixson-Lied College?
One of my favorite memories in the Hixson-Lied College was getting the first ever “Theatrix Choice Award.” I whole-heartily did not expect to receive anything. Yet, my friend Lauren made a lovely speech that made us cry upon realizing I was the one receiving the honor. The amount of support from my peers that night was jaw-dropping.

Who is someone that you would like to thank and why?
I would love to thank Ciera Pieters. She has been my rock the last four years. From strangers, to friends, roommates, and now considered as family. I don’t know what post-graduation would be like without her. 

What advice would you give to future students in the Hixson-Lied College to make the most of their experience?
For new students, exploring all aspects of the college has been very beneficial. Most of my friends are in theatre and emerging media arts, but some of the best experiences I have had are centered around making friends in the other schools. The college has tons of talented people wanting to chat!

What are your future plans?
As of right now, I am moving back to Omaha to save on money. However, I am currently working on a virtual show with the Augusta Jr. Players called “The Lydia Project” to have young artist create pieces inspired by cancer patient/survivor stories. 


Alyssa May
Major:
Studio Art (ceramics)
Hometown: Raymore, Missouri

What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
This means moving into a new stage of life. 

What was it like having your final semesters in a global pandemic? What will you remember about this time?
This semester was crazy. It was fast and we didn't have a lot of time, but this meant that I had to take advantage of every moment I had. 

As you think about graduating from Nebraska, please share any transformational moment(s). How did it help shape who you are or what you will do going forward? 
The Hixson-Lied College created a real family for me when I moved here and didn't know anyone. I was able to join and make friends through the UNL Clay Club and all my professors have done an amazing job making me feel welcome and made me enjoy myself here.  

What will your lasting memory be of your time in the Hixson-Lied College?
Late nights in the studios with my best friends and participating in the Clay Club Sale, and of course bowling and kickball.  

Who is someone that you would like to thank and why?
I’d like to thank my parents for supporting me and allowing me to pursue my dreams. 

What advice would you give to future students in the Hixson-Lied College to make the most of their experience?
Get involved, join a club, and take advantage of every moment you can. 

What are your future plans?
I plan to move back to Kansas City, Missouri, and attend a residency or set up a studio and start developing my work.