To: My Grandkids
As part of Creighton University's Anna Tyler Waite (ATW) Leadership Program, students assisted a client from the Omaha community with a business project, gaining hands-on business experience while furthering philanthropic efforts. Below, meet the ATW group and explore the project they created in May 2023 in order to further our mission of fostering friendship through historical discussion.
Project Creation
The ATW group contributed to Generation Connection's social media presence by capturing photos and anecdotes that reflect the wisdom and history of older generations. The students conducted interviews with their grandparents, and thus, the "To: My Grandkids series" was created!
Ashley Swenson
My name is Ashley Swenson, and I will be a senior at Creighton University this fall. I am studying accounting on the accelerated master track. Doing this project allowed me to reflect on and appreciate my time with my grandma who has done so much for me. My grandma is one of my biggest supporters and I enjoyed being able to learn more about her life. She is one of my role models and someone who I greatly admire.
Eva Tersteeg
My name is Eva and I’ll be a senior at Creighton this fall! I’m studying accounting on the pre-law track, and I hope to start my own practice working with veterans in the future. As the oldest grandkid, I’m very close with my grandpa, so I appreciated the opportunity to learn more from him!
Mariah Kacer
My name is Mariah and I am going to be a senior next year at Creighton. I'm studying marketing with a minor in graphic design. Throughout this project, it brought me so much joy connecting on a more intentional level. One of my favorite things to do with my grandparents is play board games and disconnect from the world for a while.
Grandpa T
Andrew is over 80 years old and is still employed because he enjoys the work he does. He likes to travel, especially to Arizona, and in his free time he enjoys spending time with his grandkids. His advice for younger generations is: “Never give up. Every set back I’ve experienced has always worked out for the better.”
Grandma Swi
Diana is a hippie at heart that loves to give advice and spoil her grandkids. She was a middle school teacher for many years and even started a behavioral help class for students struggling at her school. Most importantly, she is known for her scotcheroos and her big candy bowl. Her advice is, "You are going to change the world one day. Do not let anyone tell you differently. If they do, they are intimidated by you."
Grandma Linda
Linda is a social butterfly that spent her life being a devoted mother, cleaning houses, taking care of senior citizens, and being a grandma. She loves baking, going to church and bible study with her friends, going to exercise classes, and playing board games with her family. Her advice to her grandkids is, "Serve others like the Lord has served you. You are helping them just as much as they are helping you. "
Grandpa Larry
Larry is over 80 years old and still loves working at the Arena downtown and running the cribbage tournament at the Iowa State Fair. He grew up on a farm with many siblings and is a veteran, father, and now an amazing grandfather. Larry is always at every event for his kids and grandkids no matter what. He also loves board games...and beware, he is always making sure there are no cheaters at the table. His advice is to "always show up for others because one day you won't be able to. Never miss a moment."
Grandma Bev
Bev is a retired school teacher that raised three children and is now grandma to 12. She loves spending time with her family, spending summers in Arizona, and visiting her sisters. She always tries to make everyone feel special in their own way. Her advice is, "Always show people that you love them. Little gestures are what mean the most."
Grandma Phyllis
Phyllis is from a farm in North Dakota and has worked hard her whole life. She loves to travel, hike, and golf. Her advice to her grandkids would be to “always be yourself, purse your dreams and be adventurous”
