Light It Up Awards: Celebrating the Entrepreneurial Journey

Hosted by the Center for Entrepreneurship & Rural Development, the 2025 Light It Up Awards Ceremony was an incredible night of recognizing bold ideas, entrepreneurial spirit, and the people who are making a difference at UNK and throughout Greater Nebraska.

Congratulations to the 2025 award recipients:

  • Student Entrepreneur Award: Alexis Bernthal & Klayton Pagel
  • Emerging Entrepreneur Award: Drew Aldinger
  • Excellence In Entrepreneurship Award: Dusty Birge
  • Entrepreneurship Advocate Award: Alisha Juelfs
  • Alumni Entrepreneur Award: Alexi Wellman

From launching startups to mentoring others, these individuals are lighting the way for future entrepreneurs.

Read the story from the Light It Up awards celebration by Tyler Ellyson with UNK News!

View a highlight reel from the 2025 awards ceremony

Nominees

STUDENT ENTREPRENEUR

A UNK student launching or working on the launch of a business

  • Ryan Arbuthnot, Arbuthnot Ranch
  • Alexis Bernthal, TheraText
  • Klayton Pagel, TheraText and Your Vision
  • Kailynn Rodewald, Sweet & Sassy Cakes and Cupcakes

EMERGING ENTREPRENEUR

A startup entrepreneur in Greater Nebraska who is in the first two years of business

  • Drew Aldinger, Raven Tech LLC
  • Luke Mills, FiJack Entertainment
  • Adam and Lindsey Price, Price Cream
  • Jeremiah Staab, 7th Gear Apparel
  • Charlie Wuehler, Events Executed

EXCELLENCE IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

A seasoned entrepreneur who is paving the way for small business growth in Greater Nebraska and has been in business for five or more years

  • John Becker, Copycat Printing
  • Dusty Birge, Fast Forward
  • Jasmin McGinnis, Barista's & Cup of Coa
  • Leslie Means, Her View From Home
  • Jennifer & Brad Samuelson, Dynamic T's, Casual Closet, Mid Nebraska Garage Doors
  • Trent Santero & Mike Riddle, Nexgen Outfitters
  • Jeff Stelling, Stelling Brass & Winds
  • Charlie Wolford, Haven Lighting

ENTREPRENEURSHIP ADVOCATE

A professional service, resource provider, or individual in Greater Nebraska who assists entrepreneurs

  • Alisha Juelfs, E3 Energizing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems | Cheyenne County
  • Shawn Mitchell, BirchKey Digital
  • Bryan Valdovinos, Nest:Space

UNK ENTREPRENEUR ALUMNI

A UNK graduate who has created success in his/her field through business ownership

  • John Becker, Copycat Printing
  • Steven Cole, Kearney Flight Services
  • Garrett Poppen, P/R Mobile
  • Megan Schroll, Megan Schroll Art
  • Rakesh Srivastava, Innovative Prosthetics & Orthotics
  • Jasmine Stock, JDesigns Strategist
  • Scott von Aschwege, The Dent Popper, Inc.
  • Alexi Wellman, Altaba