By TYLER ELLYSON
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – When Temo Molina arrived at the University of Nebraska at Kearney four years ago, he knew college would change him.
What he didn’t realize then was just how profound the impact would be.
As he prepares to graduate Friday with bachelor’s degrees in political science and business administration with an accounting emphasis, Molina describes commencement as more than a ceremony. It’s a milestone moment that represents how far he’s come.
“We talk about capstone courses or capstone experiences, but I think that moment is the real capstone,” Molina said. “It’s a time to reflect and celebrate all of the experiences, hard work and especially the relationships from your college career. It’s really that time to look back in joy and celebrate.”
A first-generation college student from Stanton, Molina will become the first member of his extended family to earn a four-year degree. His parents, who are from Monterrey, Mexico, emphasized education early on – although the exact details took some time to iron out.
“They kind of told all three of us, ‘You’re going to college,’” Molina recalled. “‘What you’ll do, we’re not sure. How we’ll pay for it, not sure. But it’s a fact that you’re going.’”
That message resonated, especially as Molina watched his younger siblings follow closely behind him. His brother and sister are both currently in college, and Molina has made a point to share his experiences and advice along the way.
They’ll be in the audience, along with his parents, as Molina graduates magna cum laude and represents the students with Latin honors as a gonfalonier during winter commencement.
“It’s especially impactful coming from an immigrant family,” he said. “That’s one of the many things I’ll get to reflect on in that moment.”
Campuswide Impact
Molina chose UNK after receiving the prestigious Omaha World-Herald/Kearney Hub Scholarship awarded to the top students admitted to the Honors Program. The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance over four years, with a total value of more than $80,000.
“That was amazing,” he said. “I still feel so incredibly thankful now for that opportunity.”
Once on campus, he quickly embraced the university’s culture and sense of community.
“We talk about ‘Nebraska Nice’ a lot, and that’s pretty key to the culture of this campus,” he said. “It’s small but not too small – sort of an undergraduate residential feel but with university opportunities. I’ve just been so amazingly privileged to have so much new love and support from people who were strangers four years ago and now are some of my best friends and supporters.”
That close-knit environment extended across peers, faculty and staff and shaped his experience in ways that went far beyond the classroom.
Molina’s involvement at UNK spans nearly every corner of campus life. He served as student body president and student regent during the 2023-24 academic year, following an earlier role as a student senator. He was also president of the Hispanic Student Association and vice president of the Honors Student Advisory Board, Model United Nations and Locke and Key Society.
Additionally, he was active in Pre-Law Society and the Sigma Lambda Beta multicultural fraternity, and he worked as a business tutor in the Loper Success Hub.
For Molina, this involvement was about more than simply building a résumé.
“With time, I came to realize that rather than doing those things for their own sake, it’s a lot more important to be involved out of sincerity, out of community support and a love for fellow students,” he said. “It was important to me to be in a community and stay connected, because I think that’s the second half of your education – those extracurricular, outside-the-classroom relationships and learning opportunities that make all the difference.”
Matt Bjornsen, an associate professor of accounting, believes that approach defined Molina’s impact.
“Temo possesses the qualities of an outstanding student, leader and individual,” Bjornsen said. “His work ethic is admirable, as he consistently goes above and beyond in everything he does. His kindness and empathy also set him apart.”
Bjornsen also noted that Molina’s influence was felt across campus.
“It would be hard to find someone who hasn’t been positively impacted by him or his efforts,” he said.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Serving as student body president and student regent gave Molina a firsthand education in leadership, governance and decision-making at the highest levels of the university.
“That’s an education in and of itself,” he said. “To sit on what is effectively the board of directors for an extremely large, complex organization was a learning experience like none other.”
Political science professor Diane Duffin said Molina brought both insight and care to his leadership roles, earning the respect of students, faculty and administrators alike.
“In a word, Temo is impressive,” she said. “He is as smart as any student I’ve ever taught. But just as much as his intellect, I’ve appreciated his commitment to democracy and justice. It showed in his classroom work and in his campus leadership.”
Those attributes guided every opportunity he pursued. Molina broadened his perspective through undergraduate research, study abroad trips to Northern Ireland and Cuba focused on international affairs and human rights, and internships in tax and health care regulatory accounting.
Currently working remotely for Eide Bailly, a certified public accounting and business advisory firm, Molina will transition into a full-time position at the Omaha location in January. He plans to earn his CPA license and attend law school in the future.
“The sky’s the limit,” he said. “I really want to explore all the opportunities that are out there.”
Looking Back – And Ahead
As his time at UNK comes to an end, Molina has a better understanding of how much he’s changed.
“I feel like I’m a different person than the one I came in as,” he said. “I feel an intense gratitude to all the people who encouraged me to keep moving forward, to try new things and to never give up.”
Duffin believes that mindset will carry him far.
“As my dad would have said, Temo will be able to ‘write his own ticket,’” she said. “With his talent and compassion, he could contribute a lot to make life better for people.”
Bjornsen agrees: “Honestly, I think whatever Temo sets out to do, he will accomplish in an impressive manner and make a lasting impact.”
When he crosses the stage to receive his diploma, Molina will do so with a clearer sense of who he is and a genuine excitement for what comes next.
“It’s been life changing,” he said. “I knew I didn’t know what I was fully getting myself into when I came to college. I just knew I wanted to be open to whatever opportunities would come in front of me. I’ve gotten a great education, and I’ve gained great friends and support that I’ll carry with me well beyond my years here.”
