11 Jan 2023
Brothers Keegan and Kyle Hansen are the latest in a line of College of Law graduates, following in the footsteps of their father and grandfather.
Keegan and Kyle both graduated with their J.D. and Masters in Business Administration this past December. Their law school experience was filled with many unusual obstacles, as they continually shifted between on-campus and virtual learning. They agreed that their favorite experiences over the past few years included spending time in the building and making connections with their fellow classmates.
“It’s been a long road,” Kyle said. “But it’s fun to come back and think about all of the memories.”
Both Keegan and Kyle were initially drawn to the College of Law as a result of their family connection. When they visited on Admitted Student Day, they recognized the opportunity to share the Nebraska Law experience with their father, Jeff Hansen, '90 and grandfather, Laverne Hansen, '53.
Jeff is the Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Troon Golf. He said that although many aspects of law school look much different than when he started in 1987, he could relate to many of Keegan and Kyle’s anecdotes.
“They worried about the same things I worried about, and we went through a lot of the same stuff,” Jeff said.
By the time Jeff had started law school, Laverne had passed away. He said it was difficult at times to go without the guidance and advice he was able to give to his sons.
“I came in not knowing anybody, but I met new people, enjoyed the professors I had, and it was a really good experience,” Jeff said.
Jeff recalled hearing stories about Laverne from former Professor John Gradwohl, '53, from time to time.
“To have the connection I had with my dad going here, and then having these two follow in that same vein is just so special,” Jeff said.
Jeff said he’s proud to share his Nebraska Law connection with his sons and wished his father and mother could be there to see the graduation ceremony.
“It’s just really important and rewarding for me to see it.” Jeff said.
Following graduation, Kyle will be working at Cozen O’Connor Law Firm in their commercial litigation department in Dallas, Texas. Keegan will continue working at the firm Jennings, Strouss and Salmon, PLC, in Phoenix, Arizona.