9 a.m. presentations

DB-302: Marcus J. Morris ’06, CEO of High Society Cheesecake
"From Near Closure to Full Exposure"
A Union graduate and Lincoln entrepreneur, Marcus turned a bold decision during a difficult moment into the breakthrough that reshaped his business. What began as a local cheesecake idea grew into a nationwide brand after his scoopable cheesecake went viral worldwide. In this session, Marcus will share how innovation, risk-taking, and creativity helped transform a small business into a thriving operation with national recognition.

DB-303: Mandy (Mekelburg) Carlson ’15, director of communications, Jefferson Center for Mental Health
"The Scenic Route: Embracing Uncertainty on the Leadership Journey" 
Mandy will share how leadership rarely follows a straight path. Since graduating from Union, Mandy’s career journey has included unexpected turns — from stocking shelves at Target to working in healthcare engagement and now leading communications in the mental health field. Through her story, she encourages others to embrace uncertainty, trust the process, and find meaning in the detours that shape personal and professional growth.

10:00 a.m. presentations

DB-302: Franka “Lisia” Sadler, senior technical design manager at Land’s End
"From Quality Control to Senior Leadership: Building a Career in Apparel Product Development"
As Lisia shares insights from her 30-year career in the fashion and apparel industry, attendees will learn about the many pathways within product development, including technical design, sourcing, quality assurance, and leadership. Through her experience working with major brands and launching her own ventures, Lisia will provide practical advice for building a long-term career in a rapidly evolving industry.

DB-303: Brad Forbes ’82, president of AdventSource
"Ready or Not, Here Comes AI"
Brad will explore how artificial intelligence is rapidly shaping the future of business, education, and leadership. Drawing on decades of experience leading AdventSource and working with organizations worldwide, Brad will discuss what AI means for students, entrepreneurs, educators, and policymakers. This session will highlight both the opportunities and challenges ahead as technology continues to transform how we work, learn and lead.

11:00 a.m. presentations

DB-302: Erik Stenbakken ’91, real estate professional and entrepreneur
"Goals Achieved! The Most Excellent Personal Goal-Setting Workshop You Will Ever Attend"
Drawing from his experience as a real estate investor, entrepreneur, and creative professional, Erik will share practical strategies for setting and achieving meaningful goals. Whether your ambitions are short-term or life-long, this session will focus on building systems that help turn ideas into results and transform dreams into achievable outcomes.

DB-303: Stephanie Rick Lind ’06, vice president for partner success and strategy, DispatchHealth 
"From Relationships to Results: Building a Growth Engine through Account Management" 
Stephanie will explore how strong partnerships can drive real business impact. With extensive experience in healthcare leadership and strategic growth, Stephanie will discuss how aligning teams, vision, and strategy can transform account management into a powerful engine for innovation and measurable results. Her presentation highlights how collaboration and clear direction can turn big ideas into meaningful outcomes.

12:15 p.m. Leaders Building Leaders keynote
Hill Amphitheater on the lower level of the Dick Administration Building (register for a meal ticket)

Melody A. Kramer ’88, founder/CEO, Legal Greenhouse and Kramer Law Office
"Courageous Leadership in Tumultuous Times"
Melody A. Kramer will explore what it truly means to lead with integrity, courage, and conviction. An award-winning author, entrepreneur, and experienced trial lawyer, Melody has spent decades advocating for clients and developing innovative legal solutions. Drawing on her professional journey, she will share principles for authentic leadership and how individuals can make meaningful, positive change even in uncertain and challenging times.

9 a.m. KC-200 

Gelerie Arafiles Stenbakken ’92, MD
A board-certified anesthesiologist with more than 20 years of experience caring for patients in the operating room. A 1992 Union graduate in medical technology, she later earned her MD from the University of Nebraska. 

10:00 KC-200

Erome Hankore ’12, PhD
Now an assistant professor of chemistry at Wayne State University, Erome graduated from Union with a B.S. in Chemistry and later earned her Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in chemical biology and biocatalysis. Her research explores how chemistry can be used to understand and engineer biological systems, including work in biofuels, drug discovery and natural product biosynthesis. Erome has also conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Kentucky, studying the biosynthesis of anticancer compounds. Her lab focuses on sustainability, kinase-targeted drug development, and discovering new biologically active molecules.

11:00 a.m. KC-200

Melissa Wall Moutray ’06, DDS, MD, FACS
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care. Melissa graduated from Union College with a biology degree then continued her education at the University of Nebraska Medical Center for Dental school, Medical school, and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency. She is dedicated to her specialty with becoming a diplomate of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and has participated in numerous research presentations and publications during her training, and has continued research even in private practice. She owned her own practice in Kansas for several years which she sold in 2024, and has
relocated to Lincoln, Nebraska, where she is a partner in a group practice.

12:30 keynote KC-200 (register for a meal ticket)

Christopher Wall ’96, MD
Chris is a board-certified psychiatrist, researcher, and entrepreneur. A 1996 Union graduate in biology, he earned his MD from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine. He spent 14 years at Mayo Clinic as a clinician, researcher, and faculty member, where he received the Psychiatry Teacher of the Year Award and the Mayo Clinic Distinguished Educator Award. Later recruited to PrairieCare as a physician partner and chief medical officer, he helped expand the hospital to 101 beds. Chris is also the founder of 4giving.com, a fundraising platform that serves nonprofits, schools and communities across the country.