Professional Development Luncheon 2024 (August)

Morgan Grindey – Concordia University Nebraska in the Student Life Office

I am a recent graduate of Concordia University, Nebraska. I have lived here for a little over 5 years. I decided to be on this panel to share my experience as well as gain new insight from other professionals in my generation. I love how our generation prioritizes family alongside work. We can look at data from previous generations and see that there used to be a higher priority on just work. I believe that finding a good balance between work and home life is essential to optimal happiness and productivity.
 

Riley Wiltfong – Jones Group Insurance and Financial Services

I have been in Seward County as a permanent resident since 2020. I Came to Seward County initially in 2014 to attend Concordia. I enjoy getting to share my experiences with others, this seemed like a great opportunity to have an open conversation about the generation I was born in. I believe our generation is the mesh between older generations that did not grow up with technology and younger generations that is growing up knowing no different. I also like to break the stigma a bit, I still believe in working hard and building strong-lasting relationships, through in person contact.
 

Karson Sherman – Concordia University Student Athletic Trainer

I have lived in Seward for 2 years. I wanted to expand my knowledge of Gen Z by listening to others and being able to express my views on my generation. Being a digital native allows Gen Z to be very efficient in researching information on the internet.
 

Genevieve Tonniges – Southeast Nebraska CASA Volunteer Coordinator for Thayer, Jefferson, and Saline Counties

I have been working in Seward since January, but I am still a resident of York County! I decided to be on this panel, not only to express my own knowledge of being a member of Gen Z making my way in the professional world, but also to learn about the perceptions that other generations may have about us. I think Gen Z has a truly new sense of togetherness… because of the internet, shared experiences, and global interconnectedness, we know more about each other now than we ever have before. I’m interested to see the long-term effects of this on our society, and how it progresses from where we are today. 

Dr. Kathy Miller – Professor of Sociology at Concordia University Nebraska

I have been in Seward 25 years. I decided to be on this panel because I have always had interest in different generations and have presented before on this topic. I think it is important to understand the generations and how that influences us. We need to value the differences. My favorite thing about Gen Z is they value close relationships with family.