KEARNEY – If you ask someone to describe Emerson Lopez, there’s a good chance they’ll use one of these adjectives.
Resilient. Driven. Hardworking. Respectful. Personable.
The University of Nebraska at Kearney senior is all of those things.
If you ask him to describe himself, he’ll give you a single word.
Blessed.
Born in Guatemala and raised in Oakland, California, Lopez and his family moved to Nebraska when he was a junior in high school. He attended Grand Island Senior High, knowing all along that college would be part of his future.
Education has always been a priority for Lopez and his parents. That’s why they came to the United States, to give him an opportunity to earn a college degree and get ahead in life.
“That was always a goal for me,” Lopez said. “I knew it was going to be a challenge, but nothing is impossible. I have a lot of faith, and I think that played a really big role.”
After high school, Lopez started his journey toward a four-year degree at Central Community College in Grand Island. He saved money by completing general education courses there and was part of the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Lopez received an Associate of Arts degree from CCC, then took a semester off before transferring to UNK in fall 2022.
The decision to become a Loper changed his life.
PERFECT MATCH
When he arrived on campus, Lopez didn’t have a clear vision of the path ahead. He knew he was interested in business, but that’s about it.
The puzzle pieces began falling into place when he was introduced to supply chain management.
“I love to solve problems, and supply chain is perfect for that,” Lopez explained. “You’re working behind the scenes to solve logistical problems for companies and make sure products get where they need to go.”
With a 100% job placement rate for graduates, the UNK supply chain management program prepares students for a variety of high-demand positions in purchasing, planning, transportation, storage, distribution, sales and customer service.
Lopez discovered a “passion” for this career, then immediately found a job in the industry.
“Everything really connected at the right time,” he said.
But none of it would have happened without that resilience, drive and work ethic.
Over the next year, Lopez worked as an inventory control specialist at the JBS beef-processing plant in Grand Island. His shift started at 10 p.m. and ended at 6 a.m., leaving very little time for rest before morning classes at UNK.
“That was tough, because I would only sleep a couple hours, but I think it was a great experience,” Lopez said. “All the lectures and lessons from class, I was experiencing that firsthand at work. That’s what motivated me.”
As an inventory control specialist, Lopez used the knowledge he gained from the supply chain management program and his bilingual communication skills to ensure JBS products reached consumers on time.
He connected with other companies through the Supply Chain Management Organization, a student group focused on professional development and networking, as well as campus career fairs and site visits coordinated by the program.
Those interactions led to a summer internship with Lincoln-based Crete Carrier, a national leader in the trucking industry.
“The connections you create in the supply chain management program are extremely valuable,” said Lopez, who received the Henning Family Scholarship through the College of Business and Technology. “That’s why I really recommend this program.”
SUPPORT SYSTEM
Now focusing on academics full time, Lopez appreciates the support he receives from UNK faculty, especially his adviser Greg Benson, a professor and coordinator of the supply chain management program.
They get together to talk about his professional plans, or anything else that’s on his mind.
“He truly cares about you and wants to get to know you as a person,” Lopez said. “That’s really important to me. These are people I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Lopez is also part of the First-Gen Lopers student organization and TRIO Student Support Services, a federally funded program that provides academic and personal support, financial guidance and career development opportunities for first-generation and income-qualified students and those with documented disabilities.
“UNK is a great school if you’re first-gen,” he said. “There are a lot of resources available and the people who work here are always willing to help you reach your goals. It’s been a great experience.”
On track to graduate this spring, Lopez can’t wait to celebrate that milestone moment with his parents.
“It’s been a long journey, with them coming to the U.S. from Guatemala. They’ve worked so hard and supported me throughout my time in college, and I know they’re really proud of me,” he said. “It’s an accomplishment for me and for them.”
