By SARA GIBONEY
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – Thompson Scholars mentors from University of Nebraska at Kearney, University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Nebraska at Omaha met during a retreat Jan. 23-24 on the UNK campus.
The UNO Thompson Learning Community and UNL William H. Thompson Learning Community staff and student mentors joined the UNK Thompson Scholars Learning Community staff and student mentors for a day of student development and leadership training.
“This event provides an opportunity for student learning about unique aspects of each campus program, and allows students to network with fellow Susan Thompson Buffett Scholarship recipients across the state,” said Jennifer Harvey, director of the Thompson Scholars Learning Community at UNK.
The Thompson Learning Communities were initiated in 2008 at UNK, UNO and UNL through a partnership between the University of Nebraska and the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation.
The learning communities are named in honor of William H. Thompson, the father of Susan Thompson Buffett.
Thompson Scholars can apply to become mentors after they’ve completed their first year. Mentors answer questions from new Thompson Scholars and participate in learning community events. 
“Being a TSLC Mentor for UNK has had a huge impact on my academic experience because it has allowed me to give back to the TSLC and to UNK. This is an experience that has helped me learn and grow as a person and as a future leader,” said Kaylea Reyes, a junior biology major from Cozad.
The mentor retreat takes place annually, rotating between the three campuses.
“It’s a unique experience to bring mentors together from other campuses do a training with them,” Harvey said.
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Source: Jennifer Harvey, 308.865.8364, harveyjj@unk.edu
Writer: Sara Giboney, 308.865.8529, giboneys2@unk.edu
