UNO Magazine Summer 2023

COMMUNI

AN IMPACT TO LAST A LIFETIME

Every gift in support of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, big or small, makes a difference in the lives of our students and our state. But what if you had the power to make an even bigger impact? With planned giving, you do. A common misconception about planned giving is that you must be wealthy to contribute. However, to get started, all you need is the passion to ignite positive change and the desire to support Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future.

Get started today by contacting a gift planning representative at the University of Nebraska Foundation, UNO’s trusted philanthropic partner, or download our estate planning kit. We are here to help you leave your philanthropic legacy.

BETTERING OUR STATE. LIKE ONLY NEBRASKA CAN.

800-432-3216

gift.planning@nufoundation.org nufoundation.org/estate-planning

Mavericks, They say if you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.

It is undeniable that if we want to do big, ambitious, impactful things for Omaha and the state of Nebraska, we must do it as a community of Mavericks.

The stories that came together under this issue’s theme of “community” show just how central this concept is to UNO’s egalitarian approach in higher education. Our work is intertwined with the advancement of the community and the economic development of the state. We are laser-focused on our goals: workforce development and student performance.

Many of the stories featured in this issue take an intimate look at how Mavericks are finding their place within the UNO community and lifting others up along the way. You will read about the success of remarkable students like DérNecia Phillips and Maysaa Kalei, how a community of faculty and staff helped them and how they are paying that support forward.

Community can be found in surprising places, like the student section of athletic events. In this magazine’s pages you will explore the history of the heartbeat of the gameday environment in the Maverick Maniacs.

This issue also highlights extraordinary programs and initiatives like the Service Learning Academy, which is celebrating its 25-year anniversary, and the Maverick Philanthropy Initiative, a remarkable endeavor that demonstrates our students’ commitment to philanthropy and making a difference in the lives of others.

The diverse range of stories featured in this issue reflects the depth and breadth of UNO’s community connections, such as an Afghan family with 26 UNO graduates and their inspiring connection to the Center for Afghanistan Studies. We also shine a spotlight on how KVNO strengthens community connections. As a university with a global perspective driven by students from 68 countries, UNO values the power of international connections. In this issue, we explore International Programs with a special focus on the Intensive English program and the YSEALI Institute as a celebration of the cultural exchange and collaboration that takes place on our campus.

Finally, we take pride in the connections between UNO and the wider Omaha community. The Omaha Mobile Stage, founded by one of our alumni, showcases the intersection between the School of Music, College of Public Affairs and Community Service and UNO student interns illustrating the fruitful partnerships that enrich both the university and the city. This magazine is a testament to the profound impact of community on every facet of UNO’s identity. It is through the unwavering support and dedication of our alumni that we continue to build a thriving community centered on excellence, compassion and service. Together, we are shaping the future and leaving a lasting legacy.

Thank you for being an integral part of the UNO community. I invite you to immerse yourself in the stories shared within these pages and feel the remarkable sense of belonging that defines our university. Together, we will continue to celebrate our past, embrace our present and shape a future that honors the spirit of community.

Sincerely,

Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA UNO Chancellor

MANAGING EDITOR

Davina Schrier

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Jennifer Arnold

Sam Peshek

ART DIRECTION/DESIGN

Heidi Mihelich

cre8ivenergy

COVER ILLUSTRATION

Courtney Kenny Porto Omaha

CONTRIBUTORS

Brandon Bartling

Melodae Horst

Melissa Lindell Kozak

Greg Kozol

Juli Oberlander

Brendan Reilly

Kevin Warneke

ADVERTISING

Gary Domet gmd6@cox.net or 402-995-1918

Direct editorial inquiries to: Managing Editor UNO Magazine

2285 S. 67th St., Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68106 800-432-3216 unoalumni@unoalumni.org

Send all changes of address to attention of Records or visit unoalumni.org/recordupdate.

Views expressed within this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the UNO Alumni Association or the University of Nebraska Foundation.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha shall not discriminate based upon age, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, gender-identity, sex, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran’s status, marital status, religion, or political affiliation.

UNO Magazine is published three times a year. UNO graduates in Nebraska receive two issues – the fall issue and either the spring or summer issue. All UNO graduates receive the fall issue. UNO Fund donors of $25 or more of the past two years receive all three issues.

WRITE TO THE EDITOR

Do you have an idea for a future theme, cover artist or feature story? We want to know what you love and what we can improve. Letters must include the writer’s first and last names, address and phone number. Letters may be edited for taste, accuracy, clarity and length if they are published in future issues of UNO Magazine. Submit a letter online at unoalumni.org/unomag-led or to unoalumni@unoalumni.org.

GOLD STANDARD

Just a short note to tell you how much I appreciated the Spring 2023 UNO Magazine. I had an opportunity to read through it in some detail and particularly enjoyed the sections regarding Samuel Bak, all the work that has been reported on NCITE, and just the overall organization of the publication.

My most sincere thanks to you and your team for a job well done.

Yours truly,

Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. University of Nebraska Medical Center Chancellor

ART & STORYTELLING

Congratulations to the UNO Magazine staff, and the University too, on the fine and challenging article on Samuel Bak’s art, residence at the university and the continuing related work.

I received my master’s in education degree in a two-year internship, an education program from 1968-1970 under the umbrella of the National Teacher Corps Program. With only passing through Omaha on a few occasions since 1970, the UNO Magazine has been my primary update on a changing Omaha. Your “Hope in the Darkness” article exemplifies some of those changes.

I realize now many years after my graduation how innovative and forward-looking (and probably courageous too, given the times) Omaha University/University of Nebraska, Omaha was in bringing together a national cadre of young people to intern and live on the Near Northside.

Although there are no references in the Bak story, I would hope the UNO Magazine and the University will not overlook the local history of the Omaha ghetto of the Near Northside. May the Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center also reveal the Omaha stories “...to inspire conversation about social justice, human rights,...” May those local stories bring the hope Samuel Bak envisions and move us forward. And may you tell those stories too.

Sincerely,

Hugh Menton UNO Alumnus, Master of Education, 1970

Have you watched the TED Talk, “How every child can thrive by five”? The speaker, Molly Wright, explains the importance of the first five years of a child’s life for their brain development and physical and mental health. As a mother of two children in this age range, I am consistently reading and collecting ideas about parenting and nurturing their development. While I was pulled in by the title thinking it would apply to my life as a mom, I noted correlations to the work of UNO, the University of Nebraska Foundation and the UNO Alumni Association.

In the seven-year-old’s captivating dialogue, she describes the concept of serve and return: responsive interactions between children and the people who care for them, and how those interactions help children grow and reach their full potential. Much like a caregiver, these organizations “serve and return” by offering collaborative learning environments, growing relationships and resources and strengthening connections with UNO. With students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and friends, there is a continuous exchange of knowledge and support for lifelong learning and well-being.

Molly says cognitive and emotional development is also fostered by community. The people around us shape who we are and contribute to our success. From family to friends to neighbors, we are influenced by everyone who comes into our life. This includes the community surrounding educational experiences.

When you reflect on your college days, what stands out most? Is it the memories of favorite places, defining moments or fulfilling projects? For many, it’s the people – the friendships formed,

the connections that shaped their sense of belonging and the communities they built together.

This community extends beyond campus borders. There are more Maverick graduates living and working throughout Omaha than any other university. UNO and Omaha are intertwined, each shaping and influencing each other in tangible and intangible ways. And it’s not just local. Service to its global community at large is central to UNO’s institutional ethos and Mavericks are making a difference in communities all over the world.

Molly’s TED Talk is especially impactful because it is being told by a child who recently experienced this environment firsthand. Likewise, in this issue, we present inspiring stories that highlight the ways Mavericks create and contribute to community, from their point-of-view and in their own words. Their stories are a testament to the enduring impact of our university and the ripple effect of reciprocal and meaningful interactions.

You helped create this culture of serve and return at UNO and beyond. I hope you enjoy reading and reminiscing and are exceptionally proud to be a part of the Maverick community.

Davina Schrier Managing Editor

Where our passion drives new possibilities

Uber Vice President Praveen Neppalli Naga Receives UNO Citation for Alumni Achievement Award

Praveen Neppalli Naga, a 2005 UNO graduate, received the Citation for Alumni Achievement award during the university’s May 2023 commencement ceremony on Friday, May 19, 2023, at Baxter Arena in Omaha, Neb. The Citation for Alumni Achievement, inaugurated in 1949, is the UNO Alumni Association’s highest honor and the university’s oldest award. It encompasses career achievement, community service, business and professional engagement and fidelity to UNO. Naga is the 187th graduate to receive the award.

Naga grew up in southern India, moved to the U.S. in 2002 and earned his master’s degree in computer science from UNO in 2005. His first job was at BHMI (Baldwin Hackett & Meeks, Inc.), an Omaha technology company. He then went on to hold leadership roles at Bank of America and LinkedIn. He joined Uber in 2015 and

currently serves as vice president of engineering. While his work is focused on the end user, Naga is also a strong advocate for employees and setting the standard for engineering excellence.

Outside of his career success, he is passionate about giving back to his community. Naga is an executive sponsor for the Women Employee Resource Group within Uber and a dedicated mentor helping employees learn and grow. He helps guide and support empowering women with experiences that further their advancement and development into strong leaders and advocates.

Naga is a proud parent of a special needs child and is extremely passionate about helping other parents with special needs children.

Naga lives in Silicon Valley with his wife, Anusha, and two sons.

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

In April, Executive Director Anthony Flott celebrated 30 years of service to the UNO Alumni Association! After graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1990, Anthony joined the UNO Alumni Association team in 1993 and has been

integral to what the organization has become today. Through years of dedication and passion for UNO, Anthony has proven to be an exceptional team member, leader and friend.

Congratulations on 30 years, Anthony!

Chancellor Joanne Li, Praveen Neppalli Naga and UNO Alumni Association Executive Director Anthony Flott

2022–2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANNUAL MEETING

2023–2024 Board of Directors OFFICERS

CHAIR OF THE BOARD: VIV EWING (1983, 1986), Children’s Square U.S.A.

1ST VICE CHAIR : NEGIL MCPHERSON (1985/2015)

2ND VICE CHAIR : RYAN CURTIS (2005, 2006), Leo A Daly

SECRETARY: TAMI WILLIAMS (2003, 2009), University of Nebraska at Omaha

TREASURER: CARLEY RANERI (2008), Metro Community College

LEGAL COUNSEL: TODD RICHARDSON (1984), Richardson Madden, PC

UNO Alumni Association Board of Directors, staff and guests celebrated the past fiscal year’s accomplishments and shared plans for the upcoming year at the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. The 2023–2024 Executive Committee and new and renewing Board of Directors were officially voted into office.

Past Chair Brian Allison (2005), Vice President, Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego; Directors: Jamilia Jones, (2003), Educare of Omaha and Tammy Voisin (2004, 2014) Papillion LaVista Community Schools; and Ex-Officio Directors: Kaitlin Carlson, Thompson Learning Community; Deb Circo, UNO Grace Abbott School of Social Work; Martha Garcia-Murillo, Dean, College of IS&T; and Tori Sims, UNO Student Regent, were thanked for their board service. Their terms ended on June 30, 2023.

If you would like more information, contact Bianca O’Shaughnessy at 402-504-3342 or boshaughnessy@unoalumni.org.

NOVEMBER 8-9

From noon to noon, UNO will celebrate its annual day of giving, an entirely digital event. This day will bring together Mavericks from across the nation in support of UNO students striving to achieve their goals and dreams. Mark your calendars and watch for more info to come!

PAST CHAIR: DAVID BRISSON (2002, 2008), Wells Fargo Securities

AT-LARGE MEMBER: ANDREW WONG (2004), First National Bank of Omaha

EX-OFFICIO VOTING OFFICERS

JOANNE LI, Ph.D., CFA, UNO Chancellor

LAUREN MILTENBERGER , Vice President, UNO Advancement, University of Nebraska Foundation

SHOW THE O. SHARE YOUR STORY.

You take your Maverick Spirit with you wherever you go – why not show it?

Show the O is for Mavericks everywhere to share their story and display their UNO pride.

Get your free O flag and take a photo with it where you live or travel.

Request it today at showtheo.com

and see all the places the O has been!

L to R: Board Chair 2022–2023, David Brisson (2002, 2008), Wells Fargo Securities; Outgoing Board Director Tammy Voisin (2004, 2014) Papillion LaVista Community Schools; Outgoing Past Chair, Brian Allison (2005), Vice President, Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego; Board Chair 2013-2014 Andy Rikli, Ed.D. (1997, 2002, 2007), Papillion LaVista Community Schools; UNO Alumni Association Executive Director Anthony Flott (1990, 1999)

Richard McGregor (BS, 1992) completed the Polar Circle Marathon, also known “as the coolest marathon on earth” in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.

Dr. Viv Ewing Leads as UNO Alumni Association Board Chair

NEW MEMBERS BEGINNING JULY 1, 2023

PATRICK DAVLIN, Frontend Engineer, SharpLink Gaming; 2017, BS, Computer Engineering (UNL – Omaha campus delivery); 2022, MS, Computer Science

ADRIAN HERNANDEZ

Senior Vice President, Dundee Bank

2002, BSBA, Marketing; 2013, MPA

EMILY POESCHL

Brand Communications and Marketing Leader, Mutual of Omaha; 2011, MBA

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS

LIAM HEERTEN-RODRIGUEZ , UNO

Assistant Professor, Grace Abbott School of Social Work; BETHANY HUGHES, Director, UNO CBA Scholars Academy; HAKIM LOTORO, UNO Student Regent; MICHELLE TRAWICK , Dean, UNO College of Business Administration

2ND THREE-YEAR TERM BOARD MEMBER

BEGINNING JULY 1, 2023

RYAN CURTIS, PE, EDAC, LEED AP

Senior Associate and Senior Engineer, Structural, Leo A Daly; 2005, BS, Architectural Engineering; 2006, MA, Architectural Engineering (UNL)

SAVE THE DATE

UNO’s Homecoming Weekend

NOVEMBER 3 - 4

We can’t wait to invite alumni and friends to campus for one of our most treasured traditions. More information to be announced soon on our social media platforms and at unoalumni.org/homecoming!

Viv Ewing, Ph.D. has been elected to serve as the 99th chair of the UNO Alumni Association Board of Directors, effective July 1. She is the first African-American chair of the UNO Alumni Association Board of Directors.

“It is important for me to serve on the UNO Alumni Association Board because I want to help ensure the continued success of the alumni programs, outreach and impact and to further the university overall,” said Ewing, president and chief executive officer of Children’s Square USA. “I consider it an honor to serve on this important and impactful board.”

Ewing earned a Master’s Degree in Urban Studies and Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from UNO. She also holds a doctoral degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Community & Human Resources. She has served on the UNO Alumni Association board since 2015. Ewing will serve as chair through June 30, 2025.

Ewing’s professional career includes more than 20 years of executive leadership with nonprofits including CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, Vice President of Administration at PromiseShip, executive positions at Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army Kroc Center and Omaha Housing Authority.

Her passion for helping individuals, families and organizations is also evident through her volunteer service. Ewing’s motto is to serve with excellence which is reflected in a book she published titled, “Yes You Can Have Your Cake and Eat It Too.” She has or currently donates her time and expertise serving as board chair for Salvation Army, Vice Chair of the Rocky Mountain Regional Alliance, UNO Chancellor’s Diversity Council, President of the Omaha Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Sienna Francis House, Opera Omaha and Nebraska Cures.

Ewing’s spirit of service was fostered during her student days. She was the 1981 UNO Homecoming Queen, a charter member of Delta Sigma Theta for African-American students and was active in the minority student affairs department and student government. She also helped start an NAACP chapter on campus with fellow student John Ewing — who in 1984 became her husband (the two met in a political science class). In special recognition of their community work, Viv and John Ewing received the Citation for Alumni Achievement Award from the UNO Alumni Association in 2014. It’s one of many awards Viv Ewing has received, including the alumni award for excellence in public service from UNO’s College of Public Affairs and Community Service.

THANK YOU! GRADS GIVE MORE THAN $8,100

At the request of UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, graduating students are asked to donate $5 or more to the UNO Grads Give program. Students can designate their gift to the Maverick Food Pantry, student hardship or student scholarship fund. Since its inception in 2021, more than 630 graduating students have donated nearly $8,100 to help fellow students.

Watch this short film about how the Grads Give campaign has impacted UNO students.

Viv Ewing, Ph.D. 99th UNO Alumni Association Chair of the Board

BARBARA AND WALLY W $25 MILLION TO ONLY IN

EITZ PLEDGE IN NEBRASKA CAMPAIGN

Omaha philanthropists Barbara and Wally Weitz have made a $25 million gift commitment to invest in strategic priorities and leadership at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and redevelop a historic building at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) in Curtis, Nebraska, to support student growth and success.

The Weitzes have pledged $19 million to UNO and $6 million to NCTA through the University of Nebraska Foundation.

Their gift was made as part of Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future

At UNO, the couple’s gift will create the Weitz Innovation and Excellence Fund and establish the Barbara and Wally Weitz Endowed Chair in Higher Education Leadership.

UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, said she is humbled by the gift.

“On behalf of UNO, thank you for making this smart investment in our university,” she said. “This sends a signal to our faculty and staff that you believe in the work they do, as well as UNO’s strategic focus on improving the economic and social mobility of our students. This gift is significant, and it means a great deal to our campus.”

IT IS THRILLING TO BE A PART OF A PLACE THAT IS DOING THE KIND OF THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING AT UNO. THIS INSTITUTION, AND THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AS A WHOLE, ARE INCREDIBLY VALUABLE BECAUSE OF THE EDUCATION THEY PROVIDE AND FOR THEIR IMPORTANCE TO THE ECONOMY OF THE STATE. WE MUST HAVE WELLEDUCATED CITIZENS FOR NEBRASKA.

BARBARA WEITZ

WEITZ INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE FUND

The Weitzes designated $14 million of their gift to create the Weitz Innovation and Excellence Fund, to be awarded to strategic UNO priorities that may benefit from new investment. The fund’s purpose is to elevate particularly good programs to nationally recognized ones while addressing critical areas of need in Omaha and the state of Nebraska.

“UNO will have discretion in how to use these funds. We have trust in the people doing the work to come up with the best ideas for our students and the community,” Wally Weitz said.

From 2024 through 2029, the UNO chancellor will annually ask for proposals. An evaluation committee, made up of senior faculty, will then review the proposals based on criteria that include how well a proposal addresses a campus priority, the nature of the need being addressed and the likelihood of success.

“Truly, this gift is an investment not only in UNO, but also in the entire Omaha community and the state of Nebraska,” Chancellor Li said. “The Weitz Innovation and Excellence Fund will support our faculty to dream big and realize opportunities to make the future of Nebraska’s teaching, working and learning a reality. All projects supported through this funding will be selected with an eye toward how they strengthen our community as a whole.”

BARBARA AND WALLY WEITZ ENDOWED CHAIR IN HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERSHIP

The Barbara and Wally Weitz Endowed Chair in Higher Education Leadership, supported by a $5 million gift, is the first endowed chair in higher education leadership to be attached to a chancellor’s position in the University of Nebraska System.

The endowed chair, to be awarded to the UNO chancellor, will aid in the recruitment and retention of top leadership at the university.

The gift will be invested permanently in the endowment and provide an estimated $200,000 in annual distributions to support the UNO chancellor and her/his strategic priorities.

“We are living in a time of immense change and opportunity, requiring skilled, strategic leadership from people who not only deeply understand the issues, but can set a bold vision for the future and inspire others to come along,” University of Nebraska System President Ted Carter said. “The Barbara and Wally Weitz Endowed Chair in Higher Education Leadership will help to ensure UNO always has strong leadership to move the university and the Omaha community forward.”

ABOUT BARBARA AND WALLY WEITZ

Barbara Weitz is a member of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, and Barbara and Wally Weitz are chairs of the UNO campaign committee for the Only in Nebraska campaign. The Weitz Family Foundation, established by the couple, was the lead donor to the UNO Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, which was dedicated in 2014.

Barbara Weitz is also a retired faculty member of UNO’s Grace Abbott School of Social Work. Wally Weitz is the founder and co-chairman of the Omaha investment firm Weitz Investment Management.

“Barbara and Wally have given generously of their time and resources as volunteer leaders of the Only in Nebraska campaign — both as members of our campaign executive committee and as campaign chairs for UNO. Additionally, Barb previously served as a member of the foundation board, in addition to her current role as an elected regent,” said Brian F. Hastings, president and CEO of the University of Nebraska Foundation. “Their leadership and generosity demonstrate the lasting impact the Only in Nebraska campaign will have across the state.”

Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA UNO Chancellor

TRULY, THIS GIFT IS AN INVESTMENT NOT ONLY IN UNO, BUT ALSO IN THE ENTIRE OMAHA COMMUNITY AND THE STATE OF NEBRASKA.

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR WHAT’S NEXT. LIKE ONLY NEBRASKA CAN.

Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future

is a historic initiative to engage 18,000 unique donors to raise $300 million for the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

At the University of Nebraska at Omaha, we have a relentless focus on student access and success. Half of our students require financial assistance, and through this campaign, we have the opportunity to remove the financial barriers that stand between students and their goals by funding vital scholarship programs. Additionally, this campaign will enable us to renew our investment in the creation of learning communities, the enhancement of experiential learning programs and the development of programs that contribute to greater retention and student success.

Creating the future our students deserve. Only in Nebraska.

A LIFELONG LEARNER

DérNecia Phillips’ journey from educator to a leader and mentor was made possible by her belief in the power of education.

by Sam Peshek

DérNecia Phillips has collected several titles in the past 18 years. Mother. Student. Wife. Teacher. Principal. Mentor. Business owner.

When Phillips walked across the stage during the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s commencement ceremonies in May, she added her most elusive label yet: Ed.D.

“For this to have been such a long journey, for it to all be coming to a close in such a beautiful way, my heart is just so full,” she said. Her journey to earning an Ed.D. – a doctorate in education – began when she earned her undergraduate degree from Creighton University in 2005. Phillips initially had her heart set on pursuing a law degree, but her perspective shifted after having a son.

“I started thinking about how I hope he has great teachers when he gets older, and then I thought, wait a minute, I want to be a teacher,” she said.

That choice later brought her to UNO, where she worked toward her master’s in elementary education as a participant in the Career Advancement and Development for Recruits and Experienced teachers (CADRE) project.

It was also during this time that Phillips began her transition away from education administration and started her own business. DAL Education & Care Solutions – an education consulting business named after her late father Derrick Allen Lark who was passionate about education – focuses on working with school leaders to ensure educators have the resources they need to support students.

“I can go into different educational settings and proudly say, this is what I can offer,” Phillips said. “A lot of that happened through not only the experience I got but the education I received here at UNO. Being a student has directly prepared me to be a business owner and an expert in the field as the principal consultant for DAL education.”

Once she was able to resume her studies last year, Phillips said the university welcomed her with open arms, ready to help her complete her journey. She successfully defended her dissertation in March and served as a speaker in May’s Commencement ceremonies.

In between running a business, pursuing her Ed.D. and preparing to be a commencement speaker, Phillips makes time to pay forward the support she has received in her life. Today, she is using the experiences and lessons learned during her time at UNO to mentor individuals throughout the Omaha area community. From friends

CADRE provides an opportunity for teachers to complete an accelerated master’s program from UNO faculty, veteran teachers and other first-year teachers. She said the program gave her the skills and experiences she needed to thrive as a young educator and later as a mentor in the Omaha community.

“They never made me feel that me being a non-traditional student meant I didn’t belong,” she said. “The professors that I had went out of their way to make sure that we were able to see direct application to the settings where we were.”

After earning her first master’s in 2006, she earned a second master’s from UNO in 2011, this time in educational administration, which helped her become a principal. After completing three degrees, Phillips was confident she could earn her Ed.D. in short order.

In 2015, now an administrator, she moved through her coursework in two years and began work on her research. After taking on a principal role in a new school district, she needed to restart her research work. Then, in 2018, the loss of her father and stepmother put her academic journey on hold.

“I didn’t know life would hit me the way that it did,” she said. “I ended up being on the dissertation phase for about five years.”

Phillips stepped aside from her coursework to heal and support her family. She experienced several more losses after, including her uncle, grandmother and stepfather who were central figures in her upbringing.

and family members to new teachers, and administrators who are early in their roles as principals, and women who are working toward their undergraduate and graduate degrees with life experiences similar to hers, Phillips is inspiring others to pursue an education. One mentee, Alayshia White, is a family friend of Phillips who looked to her for support when she learned she was expecting a child.

“She was the first and only person that I was able to talk to about it. I was so scared and nervous and didn’t know what to do,” White said. “She just reassured me I was able to do it, that this was something that I could overcome. Her journey was a lot like mine.”

In the same way that White’s now 11-month-old daughter is a source of inspiration for White, Phillips’ 21-year-old son DaTeus Harris grounded her and provided moral support at every step in his mother’s personal, professional and academic journeys.

Regardless of the title she puts forth at a given time – mother, student, wife, principal, mentor, business owner and now Ed.D. — she is a teacher at her core.

“Learning doesn’t have to be this thing where we’re sitting in rows and it’s quiet,” she said. “Learning should be noisy. Learning should be fun. Learning should be something that is done with students, not to students.”

HOLDING DANDELIONS

Watch a short film about DérNecia Phillips’ journey from educator to a leader and mentor.

I STARTED THINKING ABOUT HOW I HOPE HE HAS GREAT TEACHERS WHEN HE GETS OLDER, AND THEN I THOUGHT, WAIT A MINUTE, I WANT TO BE A TEACHER.

A Community Hub for Innovation

More than 100,000 people in the OmahaCouncil Bluffs metropolitan area –approximately 12% of the total population – experience food insecurity, with systematically underserved communities of color disproportionately affected. Closing that gap is a daunting task, especially when these disparities are the result of broader inequalities within the global food system. UNO College of Information Science & Technology professor Dhundy (Kiran) Bastola, Ph.D. has an innovative idea to address this challenge. He won’t have to face this challenge alone thanks to a new partnership between UNO’s College of Business Administration (CBA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to serve as an Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Site as part of the Great Plains Hub.

Through the I-Corps program, Bastola’s proposal to establish a Collaborative for Addressing Food Injustice (CAFI) will receive immersive, entrepreneurial training from industry mentors to take his impactful idea into the Omaha community where it can make a difference. Bastola envisions a hub that will leverage local resources and integrate evolving technologies to break down barriers that exist in the food system, so access to healthy food is not determined by zip code.

“This cross-campus, cross-discipline, community-wide effort will utilize the strengths of departments, assets of community partners and individuals to design and implement innovative educational and research efforts to tackle

food injustice from a variety of angles,” according to Bastola’s proposal.

The NSF’s I-Corps program began in 2011 with the goal to successfully train an entrepreneurial workforce while bringing cutting-edge technologies quickly to market and nurturing an innovation ecosystem. The program’s two-month training is experiential and immersive and helps prepare scientists to extend their focus beyond the university laboratory, accelerating the economic and societal benefits of their research projects.

Michelle Trawick, John Becker dean of UNO CBA, attests to the importance of Omaha’s place in the program.

“Omaha has a vibrant and growing start-up community, and this program will further strengthen that entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem,” Trawick said. “CBA’s Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Franchising is highly regarded for programs like the Maverick Venture Fund and the Maverick Technology Venture Alliance. Leveraging CBA’s expertise and reputation in a community that fosters new technology and innovation makes perfect sense.”

Brent Clark, professor of management and director of the UNO Site, envisions CBA playing a significant role in connecting entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed.

“These early steps in the entrepreneurial journey are often incredibly difficult and intimidating for many founders that lack startup experience,” Clark said. “Our Site will provide I-Corps certified instructors that can

show participants how to perform customer discovery, lean startup methodologies and other critical early steps.”

Bastola’s idea isn’t the only program to receive I-Corps support to take an innovation through the commercialization process. Other programs include a mechanical aortic valve technology project from UNMC and an intelligent monitoring system for aircraft operations from the UNO College of Public Affairs and Community Service.

The Hub comprises seven partner programs, each bringing unique strengths and benefits. The partner institutions are The University of North Dakota, South Dakota State University, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Dakota State University, The University of South Dakota and The University of Wyoming.

Clark sees potential in the UNO Site to transform Omaha-area entrepreneurship, especially through UNO’s commitment to elevating those in the earliest stages of their startup journeys or who may lack access to entrepreneurial resources.

“Omaha has a lot of momentum in the tech startup space right now, but still lags behind many peer cities in key areas,” Clark said. “There is a real need for earlier stage help – from idea to startup. I-Corps will help fill this gap and make it easier to get something started. I envision I-Corps as a way to serve university inventors by providing help at the earliest stages of the entrepreneurial journey.”

– Melissa Lindell Kozak

Chenyu (Victor) Huang, Ph.D., an assistant professor at the UNO Aviation Institute in the College of Public Affairs and Community Service

Dhundy (Kiran) Bastola, Ph.D. (right) has created a food computer with multiple applications, from education to farming, to developing better food-based plants.

UNO Biomechanics Professor Balances Life on the Soccer Pitch, In the Classroom

Soccer season is demanding yet rewarding for Jorge Zuniga, a faculty member in UNO’s Department of Biomechanics by day and a head high school soccer coach by night.

His morning commute from his home in Waverly to UNO’s Dodge Campus gives him time to think, process and plan out his day. As an associate professor of biomechanics and the co-director of the Biomechanical Rehabilitation and Manufacturing Initiative (BRMI) at UNO, he fills his days with lab work, teaching and supervising and advising graduate and post-doctoral students.

When late afternoon hits, he makes his way past UNO’s soccer pitch at Al F. Caniglia Field to his vehicle. As he commutes back to Waverly, he’s already planning out the next few hours as part of his new role: Head high school soccer coach for the Waverly Vikings. The new responsibility gives him the opportunity to follow through on advice his father gave him.

“My dad used to say, if you’re good enough to support yourself, that’s fantastic, but if you can support a family, then that’s outstanding. What’s even better is when you have a little left over to support the community around you,” he said.

When the opportunity arose to give that little bit back to the community, Zuniga was initially concerned about managing his time. Ultimately, he was grateful for the support of his colleagues and the community-engaged university that led him to take on the challenge.

“It’s not just a soccer program, it’s a community, and UNO supports involvement in that,” Zuniga said. “They give you that opportunity to get to that next level. Imagine if every single one of us has a little left to help the community and help others. That helps everyone.”

Zuniga is no stranger to leading a soccer team. Since his undergraduate studies in his home country of Chile, Zuniga has worked with teams at different levels. Recently, he’s worked with young athletes in his community through the Waverly Soccer Academy (WSA) which helps them develop and improve as soccer players until they enter high school.

For Zuniga, working with young athletes is about values and potential. “It’s not about winning or not, even though you want to win, but it’s about how you go about winning,” he said. “We underestimate the seriousness and potential of these high school kids. When you talk to boys like boys, they react like boys. When you talk to them like men and like adults, they respond to that amazingly.”

Although the Vikings ended their 2023 season short of the NSAA state championship tournament, the team had a strong campaign earning a 10-6 record. Zuniga plans to continue developing players and building the program to make another run at the NSAA Class B championship.

Jorge M. Zuniga, Ph.D. (center) with two Waverly High School soccer players

PHOTO ▸ Waverly High School

Iraqi Refugee Finds Inspiration to Give Back to International Community

Escaping hardship and loss in northern Iraq and starting a new life in Nebraska inspired this

just seeing that was really upsetting,” Kalei said. “Living that experience, you really feel a lot in those moments, but you also feel like your pain is nothing compared to what other people had been through back in Sinjar.”

Over the next 22 months, Kalei and her family found their way to Turkey and then to Jordan to complete the process of migrating to the United States. After lacking stability for nearly two years, the International Organization for Migration helped her family make their way to Lincoln, Nebraska, joining her brother there, in June 2016.

Now in a new culture and learning a new language, Kalei had to restart high school despite having nearly graduated back home in Iraq. While she worked toward her diploma, she dedicated herself to not only learning English but also seeking out opportunities to immerse herself in American culture, practice the English language and realize her dream of earning a college degree.

she said. “Although it wasn’t necessarily by choice, it gave me a lot of perspective about other cultures and peoples and how they interact with one another. I really liked seeing the differences in people and in society, so I wanted to make sure that was part of my future career.”

Kalei supplemented her studies with engagement in student organizations. She joined Delta Sigma Pi and served as president of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization – both student organizations housed in UNO’s College of Business Administration. Ultimately, UNO and, more broadly, Nebraska, made such an impact on her personal life and career trajectory that she is finding ways to give back. She’s helping boost the state’s workforce through an internship with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. As part of her capstone, she worked on a project to keep international talent in Nebraska after they earn their college degree.

It wasn’t long ago that Maysaa Kalei saw a very different future for herself.

Growing up in northern Iraq, she never expected to graduate from college despite her strong academic performance. Now in her seventh year in America, she finds herself preparing to earn her degree in business administration with concentrations in economics and international business from the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) College of Business Administration (CBA).

Kalei’s journey to UNO and achieving a college degree has been full of hardship and loss.

Her senior year of high school in Iraq was upended by violence. ISIS extremists attacked her hometown of Sinjar in August 2014. Thousands of Yazidi people were killed and children were abducted. Suddenly, Kalei’s family was forced to leave everything behind and leave Iraq.

“Seeing how hard [my parents] were working toward building the house for us and making a living for us, and then, it’s gone overnight,

Her research led her to apply for the Susan T. Buffett Scholarship and admission at UNO. Drawn by the city of Omaha and its potential for job and internship opportunities, Kalei became a Maverick. She received the fullride scholarship and joined the Thompson Learning Community (TLC). As a Buffett Scholar and a first-generation student, Kalei greatly benefitted from the structure, guidance and social connectivity of the TLC.

“I really can’t tell you how much I appreciate that because it really made college so much easier on me,” she said.

No longer burdened by the cost of her education, Kalei could focus on choosing her path for the future. She originally envisioned her college journey leading toward a career in medicine. After looking through majors on the UNO website, she tried some business classes and started to find her passion. So, she wondered: How could she match her newfound passion for business with her life experiences?

“I wanted to do something more that involves communication, relations and also travel because I’ve lived in different countries,”

“Some international students are my friends, and I noticed some of them are looking for jobs after graduating,” Kalei said. “I’m trying to work on a program to connect these students to companies that are looking for international talent to help them stay here and continue their future in Nebraska.”

Kalei expects to graduate in August 2023 and participated in the May 2023 commencement ceremonies. She’s been brushing up on another new language, Japanese, as she prepares for a trip to Japan to work with a partner company through her internship with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. While she hopes international travel remains in her future, she plans to return to Nebraska and start her career here, ideally as a trade specialist.

Maverick to support others who want to live and work in the state.

Jonathan Kiper’s journey from Marine to disaster program specialist with the Omaha Red Cross was supported by an internship facilitated through the UNO Career Development Center.

Jonathan Kiper has plans.

Whether it’s a fire, a severe weather event or other emergency, Kiper is ready with a plan to help people in the Omaha metro area respond to or recover from disaster when it strikes. But it wasn’t always like this for Kiper, an Omaha North High School graduate who today serves as a disaster program specialist for the American Red Cross in Omaha.

After graduating from high school in 2008, Kiper was lost, working uninspired for a steel company and in telecommunications and other odd jobs for nearly six years.

“I just didn’t really know what I wanted to do, like any other early 20-year-old. I was just kind of confused and going through the motions,” Kiper said. “I wanted to do something more fulfilling, take more pride in and better my future as well.”

At 23 years old, Kiper made the decision to enlist in the military with the ultimate goal of using military benefits to go to college.

After four years in the Marine Corps as a logistics coordinator, Kiper started his college search still uncertain of which career path to pursue. He considered multiple options for school in the Omaha area, but the University of Nebraska at Omaha stood out because of the personal connections he made with admissions team members.

Kiper enrolled in UNO still undecided what to pursue as a major, but after taking classes and meeting with an advisor, his interest shifted to emergency management because of the parallels between his Marine Corps duties and potential career opportunities made possible with a degree in the field.

Kiper didn’t just take on coursework while enrolled at UNO. As he progressed through his academic journey, he also worked a full-time job. In 2022, he connected with

SERVING THE OMAHA COMMUNITY

Nicki Allen, an internship coordinator in the UNO Career Development Center looking to gain more real-world experience in the emergency management field. She immediately recognized Kiper’s potential to excel with the right employer.

“When Jonathan and I started to plan for his internship, I noticed he was ambitious to graduate early and self-disciplined to manage remote work while remaining accountable,” Allen said. “Not only was Jonathan a full-time student, but he was also working full-time and determined to fit an internship into his schedule.”

Sarah Wollerman – Kiper’s internship advisor with the Red Cross – saw Kiper’s potential to fill a full-time role early on.

“When he began his internship, he was proactive and organized,” Wollerman said. “Throughout his internship, Jonathan showed that he had a heart for the mission and the work that we do. He had great compassion and patience while working with clients and volunteers. All of these traits made him an excellent fit for the Red Cross.”

Soon after Kiper began his internship he landed a full-time position with the Red Cross. The learning curve was reduced because of his experiences in the Marines and at UNO.

Kiper’s day-to-day role includes emergency preparedness, recovery and response efforts throughout the Omaha and Council Bluffs metro community. He also works with volunteers and helps manage inventory in a large warehouse so the Red Cross can support people impacted by disasters.

Fulfilling the American Red Cross’s mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies is a major responsibility. Kiper’s training, education at UNO and his passion for this work are the foundation for his success.

“Anybody who takes on these roles needs to know you need to be 100% ready to step up,” he said. “Anything can happen.”

THROUGHOUT HIS INTERNSHIP, JONATHAN SHOWED THAT HE HAD A HEART FOR THE MISSION AND THE WORK THAT WE DO.

TITLES AND TOURNAMENTS

Omaha Athletics Women’s Teams Make History

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Summit League Championship Game

After being picked to finish last in the league in the official preseason poll, the Mavericks overcame countless obstacles to reach the Summit League championship game for the second time in three years. The Omaha Women’s Basketball team’s season ended as they fell to top-seeded South Dakota State in the Summit League Tournament Finals. The Mavericks concluded the season 15-17.

WOMEN’S SOCCER

First Summit League Title and First NCAA Tournament Berth

For the first time in program history, the Omaha Women’s Soccer team captured the Summit League Title and an NCAA Tournament berth. It was the Mavericks third time playing the Summit League Championship match under head coach Tim Walters. They ultimately fell to No. 1 seeded Notre Dame concluding the 2022 season with a 7-9-6 record.

Emma Konsmo was named the MVP of the tournament, while she, Emilie Erland, Sophia Green and Grace Ostergaard took home All-Tournament Team honors. Five Mavericks earned All-League recognition. Regan Zimmers was named first team, while Grace Ostergaard claimed second team honors for the third straight season. Jordyn West was named an honorable mention, and Emma Konsmo and Lindsey Birch were newcomer selections.

SOFTBALL First Summit League Title and First NCAA Tournament Win in the Division I Era

The 2023 Omaha Mavericks are Summit League Champions after defeating South Dakota State in the Summit League title game for the first time in the Division I era. With the postseason tournament victory, Omaha clinched their first DI NCAA Tournament berth in program history. This is the Mavericks first conference title since 2011 when they won the MIAA in Division II play.

Olivia Aden, Kamryn Meyer, Maggie O’Brien, Lynsey Tucker and Rachel

Elena Pilakouta was named Second Team All-Summit, capping off a historic career that saw her reach 1,201 career points, 14th on UNO’s all-time list. Likewise, Pilakouta was joined by Grace Cave, Kennedi Grant and Aaliyah Stanley to become the first Mavericks quartet in the Division I era to each top 300 points in a single season.

Weber were all named to the 2023 Summit League Softball AllTournament Team. Kamryn Meyer garnered Championship MVP going 3-0 in the tournament allowing just one earned run on three hits while striking out 24 hitters.

The Mavericks captured another Division I era first. Defeating the Prairie View A&M Panthers in their second game of the tournament, the Mavericks secured Omaha Athletics first-ever women’s program NCAA Tournament victory. Following their besting of the Panthers, Omaha was set for a rematch with Louisiana, after losing to them in the first game of the regional. They fell to the Ragin’ Cajuns, finishing the 2023 campaign with a record of 33-17.

TOURNAMENTS

VOLLEYBALL

Summit League Championship Finals and First Postseason Appearance

For the second consecutive season, the No. 2 Omaha Volleyball team played in the Summit League Championship Finals. It was the team’s sixth-straight season and seventh time overall advancing to the Summit League Tournament.

Following a historic season filled with multiple new records and accolades, including an AVCA AllAmerican Honorable Mention for McKenna Ruch, the Mavericks were bested by No. 1 South Dakota in the Summit League Championship Finals. Their season was not over yet, though, as the team earned its firstever postseason bid in the Division I era, playing in the NIVC where they were defeated by Pacific. The Mavericks ended their season with a 20-11 overall record, tying the 2021 squad for the most wins in the team’s Division I history.

The Omaha Volleyball team heads to Lincoln to play the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on Wednesday, August 30 at 7:00 p.m. in Memorial Stadium as part of a local doubleheader celebrating the impact of volleyball on the state of Nebraska. The outdoor match will be televised on the Big Ten Network and streamed on the FOX Sports app.

IN THE

by Davina Schrier

Cowbells, fatheads, spirit bibs, Microwave the Cat, long horns, Tifo, beach balls – these are all part of your regular vocabulary and what you have prepared for the next Omaha Athletics game when you are a Maverick Maniac.

Maverick Maniacs are a spirited group of University of Nebraska at Omaha students dedicated to promoting school pride and supporting the university’s athletic teams. At games, you will find them cheering with their Maverick-themed props and attire in the student section aptly named “The Bullpen.”

UNO graduate and Maverick Maniac founding member Joe Hagerty describes the group as “the boisterous, energetic bunch that starts the cheers and the chants and keeps up the energy at the sporting events and represents the epitome of a Maverick.”

Like many student-led organizations, it began with a small group and a common passion.

“I had a group of friends that wore black and red Morph suits and sat in the front row of the sporting events and started a few cheers, rang cowbells and kind of acted crazy and energetic,” said Hagerty.

After Hagerty’s fellow founders graduated he led the group to become an official club through the student involvement office. With the support of university marketing for recruitment and their contagious energy, the organization gained momentum.

“It went from just a few of my friends to over 100 people. Consistently, we were going to all the soccer games, we were going to the volleyball games, we were going to the hockey games,” said Hagerty.

The full-body covering Morph suits changed to black-and-red striped “spirit bibs” but their traditional half-time cheers and penalty chants became a well-known staple at athletic events. Other Maverick Maniac traditions that remain are rooted in legacy.

“There had been a group called ‘The Bullpen’ years before I came to UNO,” Hagerty explained. “People knew about it that were alumni. They were excited to see a new group start that was going to try to continue some of the same traditions that were started when ‘The Bullpen’ was around.”

Hagerty and friends named UNO’s student section in their honor.

“It paid homage to the previous student section organization, but also gave us a name to rally around and kind of to identify with.”

Their evident personality grew into a well-known reputation.

They are known for being “silly and crazy and kind of spontaneous and funny” as described by Bill Pickett, director of UNO’s Office of Spirit, Tradition, and Signature Events.

Pickett helped Hagerty guide and grow the Maverick Maniacs, serving as the group’s advisor during his first stint at UNO through mid-2021. He has watched the group evolve from a few rowdy students into school spirit leaders and UNO ambassadors.

“They’re getting the community that’s there watching the sport involved as well. Whether that’s throwing t-shirts out or using the megaphone or getting people to do cheers,” said Pickett.

They are also highly dedicated to their cause.

“We’ve had games where it’s raining and 35 degrees outside for soccer and Maniacs are there,” said Pickett.

Their Maverick Spirit and loyalty elevated UNO’s image when they were named the National Collegiate Student Section Association’s “Loud and Proud Best Student Section of the Year” in 2017.

Members of the club have an affinity for UNO and Omaha Athletics but being a sports fanatic or extroverted isn’t a membership requirement.

“If you’re a person that’s more behind the scenes and you would like to develop signs or be a part of the marketing and the social media, you don’t have to be the loud obnoxious student at the games,” said Pickett. “You can do other things to kind of advance the organization and be a part of their mission.”

Some involved are looking for a place where they belong.

“People who maybe couldn’t find their home anywhere else, they would find our group even if they didn’t have an interest in sports,” said Hagerty. “Because they felt like they belonged or that they mattered, they then became a sports fan.”

This describes UNO graduate Brittany Kohl’s experience. She didn’t attend athletic games. In fact, she wasn’t involved in any student organizations or activities.

“I have Cerebral Palsy and use a wheelchair in my everyday life. I was the girl who was so timid that I’d be terrified when someone would even say ‘hi’ to me,” shared Kohl.

This changed when she met and became friends with Hagerty. He encouraged her to get out of her comfort zone and join the Maverick Maniacs. Kohl’s college experience became full of social activity and purpose. She found a community that she has kept beyond her time as a student.

“I met some amazing young women at that time, one of which is still my best friend to this day.”

It also led her to pursue a master’s degree at UNO in student affairs.

“It truly made me the young woman I am today,” said Kohl. “I found myself and my heart through UNO Maverick Maniacs as we built university traditions as a family together.”

One of those traditions is experienced during hockey games when the Maverick Maniacs cover the entire student section with a Tifo, a large black banner emblazoned with the Durango icon and “UNLEASH

FURY” in bold letters. The text accurately describes the atmosphere and palpable excitement as students underneath shake the fabric to Kernkraft 400’s “Zombie Nation.”

Another fond tradition is traveling for away games to cheer on their beloved Mavs.

“My favorite memories will always be the spirit trips,” said Michaela Blaney, UNO graduate student and current president of the Maverick Maniacs. “Being in a different city, having experiences and making memories with your friends.”

Hagerty recalls bonding events they hosted to build camaraderie amongst members, getting together for dinner, pregame parties and tailgates.

The network isn’t just fun and social; they focus on academics too.

“We get together during finals week and we kind of push each other on our studies,” said Blaney.

Pickett said that research shows students are more likely to succeed in college because they feel like they belong.

“If you’re getting involved in organizations, you’re making friends, you’re finding other people like you, you’re creating your own community within the campus community then you’re more apt to graduate because you feel like you’re a part of where you’re at,” he said.

Pickett returned to UNO in 2023 to lead student involvement activities on campus. Maverick Maniacs is one organization that he and Blaney are focused on rebuilding after a lull during the Covid pandemic.

“We have a lot of ambitions and goals for this fall,” said Pickett. “Six months from now, you’ll probably notice that there’s been an increase of Maniacs involved.”

Looking ahead, Maverick Maniacs are excited to be among 500 UNO students attending Volleyball Day in Lincoln, Nebraska on August 30. They plan to begin recruiting new members at the beginning of the Fall semester, aiming to reinvigorate their ranks and their impact on the UNO community.

THE

COMMUNITY EDUCATION

COMMUNITY ENGAGED EDUCATION

UNO AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS CELEBRATE 25 YEARS OF IMPACT THROUGH SERVICE LEARNING

by Kevin Warneke

At UNO, service learning is defined as a method of teaching that combines classroom instruction with meaningful, community-identified service. UNO instructors partner with community organizations as co-teachers and encourage a heightened sense of community, civic engagement and personal responsibility for students while building capacity and contributing real community impact.

Julie Dierberger knows there is power in experience. As the Paul Sather Distinguished Director of UNO’s Service Learning Academy, Dierberger has witnessed students realize this when their academic learning is combined with community service. “When students have an experience, we know they learn the classroom concepts better. There is power in connecting the learning component with service. Service-learning is that high impact, powerful practice.”

Since 1998, UNO educators and community leaders have formally partnered to provide service learning experiences in the university classroom and throughout Omaha.

Dierberger sends a nod of gratitude to Marilyn Leach, then director of UNO’s Center for Faculty Development, along with Nora Bacon, Paul Sather and campus administration, for championing service learning in its early days. Twenty-five years ago, academic institutions, especially in urban areas, began to realize the importance of service learning as a connector to their communities.

Their charge: Appraise the appetite for service learning among UNO faculty and administrators. Their message: Consider incorporating service learning into your classroom curriculum. These early adopters saw service learning for

in the classroom. “I don’t know who looked at the clock on the wall more, the students or me. I vowed to never teach that course in the same way again,” Sather recalled. The second time around, Sather and his students partnered with a housing agency in north Omaha. Students worked with clients who struggled to maintain safe, affordable housing, while teetering on the brink of homelessness. Students worked with agency staff to research trends in available affordable housing, the lending practices of community banks and rental discrimination. They also developed financial literacy materials for staff use. If his students didn’t initially comprehend the impact of their work, they did during a semester-ending reception with the agency’s staff, board members and clients, Sather said.

When UNO educators and community leaders partner to provide service learning experiences for students taking their college courses, the outcomes can change their lives.

UNO, she took Rodriguez-Arroyo’s class and found herself on the other end of the conversation – guiding families at LCCSO in the same way students worked with her family years previously.

The impact on the community is important, O’Hara said. Families that have participated in the program reported to her that their children showed increased interest in attending college. Some even pursue careers in education, she said.

“Watching former high school participants engage with families as UNO students brings the program full circle.”

Rodriguez-Arroyo knows her former pupil will make a great educator, partly because her service learning courses have prepared her to work with diverse families. “Service learning courses are a way of preparing teacher candidates during their teacher education – not after, when they’re already in the classroom.”

what it is – a highly efficient and effective teaching strategy that benefits the student and community, while meeting UNO’s metropolitan mission.

UNO faculty responded to this call to action. The eight service learning courses taught 25 years ago have grown to 241 courses during the 2022-23 academic year at UNO. These courses were spread among UNO’s six academic colleges and UNL’s College of Engineering and involved 3,946 students (nearly 3,500 service learning courses have been offered during the past 25 years).

Dierberger said UNO’s Department of Social Work was an early adopter of service learning. A class taught by Sather, who retired in 2017, illustrates how adding service learning can transform a course.

In the course, first-year graduate students analyzed data that focused on community issues such as poverty, homelessness and the political legislative processes that foster disparity. The first time he taught the course, students spent the entire semester

In one case, the service-learning experience inspired a high school student to become a teacher.

The student’s service learning experience stemmed from an Introduction to Teaching English as a Second Language course taught by Sandra Rodriguez-Arroyo, associate professor of teacher education at UNO, and Anne O’Hara, director of the Learning Community Center of South Omaha, or LCCSO. O’Hara sought a way for families served by the center to learn about higher education. Rodriguez-Arroyo always was looking for ways to give her students practical experience and linked the course goals to the LCCSO opportunities so students in her course guide families as they learned English while exposing them to higher education.

The student was a high school sophomore when she worked with Rodriguez-Arroyo’s teacher candidates and visited UNO for the first time. She told the teacher candidates that she too wanted to become an educator. At

Dierberger has “hundreds more” stories of service learning in action to tell, including the one that illustrates how service learning can be incorporated into almost any academic course. In a mathematics class, students used data visualization to map the service sites used during the pandemic by MilkWorks, an organization that provides expert resources for new mothers. “Their work helped this MilkWorks better understand how best to serve its families.”

Here’s another, one that focuses on a psychology course and operant learning techniques, which involve using positive reinforcement to influence behavior. The Nebraska Humane Society knows that if dogs display certain behaviors – remaining calm, the ability to shake or sit on command and holding eye contact – they are more likely to get adopted. Students in the course worked with the animals by reinforcing positive behaviors and saw them get adopted.

By the numbers, Dierberger knows service learning courses are having a positive impact on student retention at UNO: Students involved in service learning courses have a 10 percent higher retention rate than those who aren’t.

Numbers aside, Dierberger said, service learning experiences give students concrete examples to share when they interview for jobs, especially that first one. Picture this conversation: “I took a

Julie Dierberger

Director of UNO’s Service Learning Academy

THERE IS POWER IN CONNECTING THE LEARNING COMPONENT WITH SERVICE. IT’S HIGH-IMPACT PRACTICE.

class in research methods at UNO. In my class, I applied the course concepts and I completed a project with a community partner. Here were the outcomes.”

Students, through their service learning experiences, practice teamwork – “You’re interacting with people. You’re not just sitting in a classroom by yourself.” –learn to problem solve and practice critical thinking.

“If people can talk about those experiences,” Dierberger said, “they can get better jobs, which will impact their social mobility, and their families’ future.”

Dierberger’s wish list for the academy’s next 25 years speaks to passion, perspective and an approach aimed to impact outcomes such as student social mobility and concrete community change. “My call to action? We want faculty members who are passionate about applying their course concepts in partnership in our community. We especially want our faculty members to consider teaching service learning courses in the first few years of a student’s career at UNO.”

Maverick Philanthropy Initiative

Thanks to the Maverick Philanthropy Initiative, students not only learn about the importance of service, they also come to understand the power of giving.

“It’s a compelling combination,” said Julie Dierberger, the Service Learning Academy’s Paul Sather Distinguished Director. “It’s important at UNO because of what we are and who we are. We are creating the next generation of philanthropists.”

Students taking service learning courses who practice philanthropy learn about the impact of giving by visiting with nonprofit leaders, working collaboratively with these organizations and championing social change. The added ingredient to the process is they have a say in which nonprofits receive grant funding made possible by the Maverick Philanthropy Initiative.

“Communities get much-needed support while a whole new generation learns the ins and outs of effective philanthropy,” said Marlina Davidson, who with her husband, Dusty, were the initiative’s founding donors.

To date, the initiative has allocated more than $70,000 in funding to local nonprofits while engaging 2,061 students in 88 courses. Consider that nearly 50 percent of UNO’s students are first generation and the importance of adding philanthropy to the process can be enduring, Dierberger said. “We want to give students the opportunity to think how they give of their time, their talent, and, because of the initiative, their treasure.”

Students taking a speech course with a service learning component, for example, may be challenged to advocate for their chosen nonprofit. “Be the best persuader,” Dierberger said. “That’s the point of the class.”

Davidson, assistant director of academic technologies at UNO, said supporting the initiative made sense for her and her husband. “What we love is that we are able to give to our community and provide students an opportunity to be a part of that giving.”

Sandra Rodríguez-Arroyo, Ph.D., associate professor of ESL/Bilingual Teacher Education

ESTABLISHING PROGRAMS

LEADING AND INNOVATING

P-16 service learning projects take off: 72 projects; 2 service learning seminars held this year

CultureFest begins in partnership with Crestridge Elementary, Beveridge Middle, and South High

First Service Learning Seminar Alumni/Showcase event occurs Faculty Fellows Program Developed

Paul Sather Distinguished Directorship Endowment established President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor

Roll Presidential Award for Economic Opportunity bestowed upon UNO

180 service learning courses taught

Signature Service Days moves to Office of Student Success Community Liaison Lucy Garza Westbrook and Paul Sather facilitate the StephensonHarrington Internship program

Service Learning Academy moves to their permanent home in the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center

Service Learning Academy priorities identified: Asset based community engagement, social mobility, addressing redlining, and avoiding microaggressions

2019-2020 Annual Report

P-16 Initiative and Omaha Public Schools receive the Excellence in Community Partner Engagement Award from the Engagement Scholarship Consortium Community Fellow, Terri Crawford, hired to lead Community Board and facilitate Undesign the Redline exhibit hosted at UNO

Data indicates students practice critical thinking, leadership, problem solving, and public speaking in service learning courses; student retention in service learning courses is higher Maverick Philanthropy Initiative launched to teach philanthropic giving in service learning courses, increasing the scope of service learning courses

UNO establishes the first Office of Engagement and Chief Engagement Officer Sara Woods

Paul Sather retires; Julie Dierberger named Paul Sather Distinguished Director

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA SERVICE LEARNING ACADEMY

Moqim Rahmazai, left, Farida Majid, Nazaneen Rahmanzai and Soraya Rahmanzai.

MAVERICK LEGACY

Afghan family of 26 UNO graduates find and create community through the power of education.

by Greg Kozol

After completing his doctoral degree in the United States, Moqim Rahmanzai, Ed.D. faced a haunting reality upon returning to his homeland of Afghanistan.

“I was interrogated multiple times and put in jail. I realized that my family and I were no longer safe in our own country and had to escape Afghanistan like millions of other Afghans.” Dr. Rahmanzai said. “With my immediate family at the time, my wife and I and six children, we traveled through mountain passes, rode on donkeys, on horses, and came to Pakistan. That was 1982.”

The harrowing part of the journey was over, but he had to wait for approval to get back to the United States. It finally came when Thomas Gouttierre, director of UNO’s Center for Afghanistan Studies at the time, sponsored Dr. Rahmanzai and his family.

He arrived on campus in June of 1983. Forty years later, Dr. Rahmanzai is retired but his family continues to impact the university community.

“We were eager and excited to attend and come to UNO,” said Farida Majid, one of Dr. Rahmanzai’s three daughters. “We’ve kind of recruited a lot of other family members to come to UNO, too.”

In all, 26 extended family members have graduated from UNO since Dr. Rahmanzai first arrived on campus. That includes five of his children. Many went on to get advanced degrees and some took full-time positions at the university.

Majid, with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UNO, works as director of undergraduate advising in the College of Information Science & Technology. “I loved it, being a student at UNO,” she said.

Dr. Rahmanzai’s oldest granddaughter, Nazaneen Rahmanzai, currently works as an academic advisor in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. She said it seemed natural that she would attend UNO.

“I would always go to take-your-daughter-to-work day with my aunts because they have professional positions that allowed me to come. I was able to see what they do and explore the college,” she said. “Just being on the campus at a young age and hearing about all the opportunities, I knew I was going to go to UNO.”

Family members became immersed in the mission of UNO’s Center for Afghanistan Studies. Dr. Rahmanzai played a key role in raising awareness of Afghanistan during the Soviet occupation. He started as a research associate at the center and became deputy team leader for UNO Cross Border Education Activities for Afghanistan.

“We were very active because of the Russian presence in Afghanistan,” he said. “We were able to let the world know what was going on.”

It wasn’t just desk work. A 1992 State Department report entitled “Significant Incidents of Political Violence Against Americans” reveals that Dr. Rahmanzai was shot while doing aid work in Peshawar, Pakistan on Aug. 13, 1991. He was struck in the arm and hand when a pickup truck blocked his vehicle and a gunman opened fire with an AK-47.

“Rahmanzai is well-known in the Afghan community in Peshawar,” the State Department said in its report.

Today, his family continues that legacy of support for Afghanistan through UNO. Soraya Rahmanzai, another of Dr. Rahmanzai’s daughters, has undergraduate and master’s degrees from UNO and now works as academic and project coordinator with the Center for Afghanistan Studies.

“I was an insurance agent for three years and decided that I wanted to do something that would help the community and Afghans,” she said. “The center is a great place to be. You learn a lot; you deal with people from a variety of cultures.”

Majid believes the family’s impact at UNO extends to the wider Afghan community. “That connection keeps growing and growing,” she said.

“Not just within the family but also outside of our family and the Afghan refugees that are settling in Omaha.”

While Afghanistan is core to their identity, family members do not exist in a bubble during their time on campus. For many, the college experience featured scholarship programs, organizations and activities that any graduate or current student would recognize.

“Many of us at UNO that were part of different organizations including the Afghan Student Association, health clubs, mentorships, research projects, sororities and intermural sports to name a few.” Nazaneen said. “Our involvement impacted the UNO community, Omaha community and the Afghan community.”

Dr. Rahmanzai was already an accomplished scholar when he arrived on UNO’s campus. He grew up in Afghanistan, was selected for a Fulbright scholarship and was studying for his doctorate in education prior to the Soviet invasion in 1979.

In four decades, he has witnessed his children and grandchildren achieve a level of academic and professional success that would be impossible under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, especially for women. This family story serves as a poignant reminder of the power of education and a source of tremendous pride.

“I am very happy for them all,” Dr. Rahmanzai said. “Our first criteria was, ‘you have an opportunity. You are in the U.S. The doors are already open. Study and try to get as high an education as possible.’”

For proof of how high this family has climbed, he could recall the scene at UNO’s Baxter Arena on Jan. 13, 2016.

There, as Barack Obama addressed a packed house, three members of Dr. Rahmanzai’s own family stood behind the president. A path that started with a hasty journey across mountain passes ended on a stage with the first sitting U.S. president to visit UNO.

“When Obama was on campus, I saw three of my grandchildren in the picture behind him when he was speaking,” he said. “I thought, ‘wow, not bad.’”

President Barack Obama addressed a packed crowd at Baxter Arena on Jan. 13, 2016.

WHEN OBAMA WAS ON CAMPUS, I SAW THREE OF MY GRANDCHILDREN IN THE PICTURE BEHIND HIM WHEN HE WAS SPEAKING. I THOUGHT, ‘WOW, NOT BAD.’

UNO’s Center for Afghanistan Studies

When Afghanistan is in the news, Sher Jan Ahmadzai’s phone starts ringing. His phone rang constantly in 2021 after the withdrawal of U.S. forces and the return of the Taliban marked the latest chapter in Afghanistan’s often tragic history.

“We were contacted or have been contacted by different national media outlets for comments and analysis,” said Ahmadzai, director of UNO’s Center for Afghanistan Studies. “We have been busy on that front. The number has decreased, but I remember having three or four interviews every day in 2021 and the beginning of 2022.”

In 1972, UNO established the Center for Afghanistan Studies at a time when many Americans might have struggled to find the country on a map. Events since then – the Soviet invasion, the rise of the Taliban, 9/11 and two decades of U.S. military involvement followed by an abrupt exit –elevated Afghanistan in the national conversation. Ahmadzai, who became the center’s director in 2016, helps provide insight into his homeland’s history, culture and political situation.

But the Center for Afghanistan Studies is more than that. Ahmadzai said the center has served as a vital source of training and education for teachers and technocrats on the ground in Afghanistan and for those who came to study at UNO. The center helped provide training to more than 8,000 teachers in 20 years.

“Afghans should not be looked at through the lens of terrorism or extremist ideologies but as fellow human beings who strive for a life that any American would like to have,” said Ahmadzai, who was born in Afghanistan and has a bachelor’s degree in international studies and master’s in public administration/public policy from UNO.

After the Taliban’s return to Kabul, UNO-affiliated projects and offices were shut down. It’s a deeply discouraging development, but the Center for Afghanistan Studies will continue in its mission to help the Afghan people whenever possible and serve as a hub of information on the country’s history and culture.

“Afghanistan has had its share of miseries and happy moments,” Ahmadzai said. “We stood with Afghan students and educators in the last 50 years and hope to continue doing that.”

Director Sher Jan Ahmadzai speaks at the Center for Afghanistan Studies 50-year celebration on April 10, 2023.

SHERRY BROWNRIGG ELEVATES KVNO, UNO MISSION OF COMMUNITY SERVICE IN NEW ROLE AS KVNO GENERAL MANAGER

By Juli Oberlander

KVNO general manager Sherry Brownrigg was just a preteen when her Girl Scout troop visited KOIL, but that field trip left an indelible impression.

“It was literally like radio just reached out and grabbed me,” Brownrigg says. “I said to myself, ‘That’s what I’m going to do.’”

An Omaha native and UNO graduate, Brownrigg has worked in radio for many years. After serving as KVNO station manager since 2020, Brownrigg became general manager on July 1. In that time, she has continued outgoing general manager Chris Allen’s work to promote classical music, the arts and UNO’s mission of community service.

Brownrigg says one of her favorite aspects of radio is the opportunity to impact people’s lives.

“My whole mission in life is just to spread joy to people,” she says. “I love to be able to make their lives better by bringing them something that takes them out of the ordinary. That’s one of the things that radio has the power to do that is so different from any other thing.”

SERVING DIVERSE POPULATIONS

As general manager, Brownrigg says one of her goals is for the station to reach more people in Omaha and surrounding areas. Currently, the KVNO team is developing a podcast with the Omaha Symphony to help demystify classical music. Brownrigg also seeks to increase KVNO’s community involvement while highlighting diversity in classical music.

In April, KVNO partnered with Film Streams for a sold-out screening and panel discussion of “Chevalier,” a movie about 18th-century black composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Brownrigg says she looks forward to future events that will foster diversity and bring together the community.

“Community service is such a part of being a Maverick,” she says. “We just can’t help but do all of that.”

Michael Hilt, dean of the College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media, says KVNO is an important part of the college because of its educational efforts and promotion of UNO. He says Brownrigg is an asset to the station due to her dedication to the community.

“Sherry knows how to relate to people and hear what they have to say about the station, and that’s what’s necessary going forward to elevate KVNO,” Hilt says. “If KVNO gets elevated, so does the college.”

In support of UNO’s community service mission, Brownrigg says KVNO also champions music education for Omaha youth. KVNO works in partnership with the Omaha Chamber Music Society on Good Vibrations, a program that collects, refurbishes and distributes instruments to students from Title 1 schools and immigrant populations. KVNO will host a used instrument drive on August 12, although the station is already accepting donations.

“To see the joy on the kids’ faces when they get their instruments, it’s worth everything,” Brownrigg says. “It’s worth every ounce of effort we put into it.”

SHINING A LIGHT ON THE ARTS

In 2022, KVNO celebrated 50 years of broadcasting. Over that time, outgoing general manager Chris Allen says KVNO has been an advocate for classical music as Omaha’s only station dedicated to that genre.

“Fifty years is an accomplishment for a radio station,” Allen says. “KVNO has been a consistent voice, and especially a consistent voice for classical music in Omaha.”

For the last 20 years, KVNO has also recognized local talent with its Classical Kids program, which highlights students who excel at playing, singing or composing. Each month, KVNO awards a $300 scholarship from the Soener Foundation to a deserving student.

KVNO partners with Film Streams to host panel discussion at the Omaha premiere of “Chevalier.”

PHOTO ▸ KVNO

Monthly winners also perform in KVNO’s annual Classical Kids Showcase at the Strauss Performing Arts Center.

Among the honorees, most of the students take private lessons. Brownrigg says she would like to expand the program to more schools.

“That is an opportunity for us to really highlight the great work that kids are doing in music,” she says. “We know there are kids who could really benefit from this scholarship and the education program that we’re building along with Classical Kids. That’s another area that we’re working on to augment that particular program.”

In addition, Brownrigg and the KVNO staff are developing an arts calendar that debuts on the KVNO website in early August. The calendar promotes arts-related events in the Omaha and Council Bluffs areas, supplementing the Arts Today features that KVNO currently airs.

“We’ll focus mostly on the arts because there isn’t any place right now that’s really highlighting the arts in Omaha,” Brownrigg says. “That’s a really easy space for us to move into because we’re already doing these features on the air. We want to do so much more, so the arts calendar is going to be very robust.”

Brownrigg says anyone can submit calendar postings. Additionally, the KVNO team is creating a series of videos featuring people and places in the Omaha arts community.

“The whole idea is to shine the light on the arts community and to bring that to people in a way that they might say, ‘Wow, I didn’t know this about Omaha,’” Brownrigg says. “We need to fill that gap, and we can fill it.”

SPREADING THE UNO NAME

Over the past few years, Hilt says KVNO has excelled at community engagement, first under Allen, and now under Brownrigg.

“KVNO has found a way to serve both the campus community and the Omaha community,” Hilt says. “With Sherry, I think that will only continue.”

As he retires from KVNO, Allen says the station is in good hands with Brownrigg at the helm.

He says he is excited about the future of KVNO.

“I think KVNO’s future is wonderfully bright,” Allen says, “and I think it will become an even more important part of UNO. We promote UNO. I think it’s a great partnership.”

Looking toward the future, Brownrigg says her vision is for KVNO to continue elevating UNO and the arts.

“Our goal is to bring that wonderful name of UNO out into further places,” she says. “We really see ourselves as being a huge part of UNO, and we know this is our home.”

MY WHOLE MISSION IN LIFE IS JUST TO SPREAD JOY TO PEOPLE. I LOVE TO BE ABLE TO MAKE THEIR LIVES BETTER BY BRINGING THEM SOMETHING THAT TAKES THEM OUT OF THE ORDINARY. THAT’S ONE OF THE THINGS THAT RADIO HAS THE POWER TO DO THAT IS SO DIFFERENT FROM ANY OTHER THING.

Performance at KVNO’s annual Classical Kids Showcase.

PHOTO ▸ KVNO

THE WORLD MEETS HERE

UNO’s Intensive English International Program eliminates barriers, fuels social mobility and workforce development.

by Melodae Horst, MA, APR, SHRM-SCP

UNO student in an Intensive English ILUNO class.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha offers seven programs adaptive to the needs of nearly 1,600 international students and participants. The ILUNO program works to break down language barriers while fostering and contributing to progress and community.

Deirdre McMurtry, director of Intensive English International Programs at UNO said the program is one of the oldest in the U.S. having its roots in English as a second language program introduced in the 1960s and 70s. Students learn to communicate successfully in personal, professional and academic environments. Three areas of study with multiple levels in each include listening and speaking; writing and grammar; and reading and vocabulary.

Most students in the program have “curiosity-driven courage” to push through the sometimes-long processes and hurdles associated with coming to another country.

Emily Hassenstab, interim director of International Programs said, “I think that’s a really important piece and a lot of lives have been changed because their world has been opened up by being able to speak another language.”

Students in the program are tested and placed in the appropriate level for each eight-week session. McMurtry said students stay for two or three sessions for about four to six months.

“It changes their lives while they are growing their identity,” McMurtry said.

“It’s really helped me to be connected to this society,” said Gloire Mwabila, who arrived at UNO in 2021 from the Republic of Congo.

He completed the ILUNO Intensive English program and now studies computer science as he contemplates his future.

“I could go back to my country or get a job here,” he said. Mwabila said technology is one of the things he would like to improve in his country.

In his spare time, he helps new incoming ILUNO students by picking them up at the airport when they first arrive, he said, to give his “brothers and sisters” a welcoming start.

Students also take a community engagement class and most get involved with the Omaha group Global Friends. Through

the ILUNO program and their own community involvement “they can connect with people who genuinely care about them,” said, Lindsay Sanders, Intensive English Program and Communications Coordinator.

It isn’t unusual to see students playing in a Japanese card game tournament called “Daifugo,” Sanders said, which means Millionaire. Other recent activities include scavenger hunts, conversation and culture hours and outings to the Old Market and Mahoney State Park, Sanders said. Immersion activities enhance fun, build friendships and a sense of community with their peers.

Mwabila credits the ILUNO game nights for securing him a good friend from Japan. He said his instructors were like his parents. Those are values that many students can relate to when they are so far from home.

“Over the years we’ve had thousands and thousands of students come through and learn English for a variety of purposes,” Hassenstab said.

McMurtry said after ILUNO many decide to go into Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) career-oriented programs that allow them to stay at UNO and in the country for up to two years. About 30% then apply for visas to continue their degree. UNO works with the government to garner approval for a “pathway” program that allows students to take classes while in the ILUNO program and then transition to admissions.

For international students applying for enrollment in U.S. education, it can take up to two years. Hassenstab said the UNO ILUNO program survived the pandemic when many other intensive language programs shut their doors. One key was advising and a small, dedicated staff with an outstanding reputation nationally and internationally. Much has happened through word of mouth about UNO’s reputation.

“We have come back and are strong and breaking even, still serving our partners and it’s still a really important pathway into the university community,” Hassenstab said.

Hassenstab emphasizes the effect on workforce development and social mobility is that many enroll, progress with their education and go on to be business owners and leaders in Nebraska, the U.S. or in their home countries.

Deirdre McMurty Director of Intensive English International Programs

Emily Hassenstab Interim Director of International Programs

Lindsay Sanders Intensive English Program and Communications Coordinator

“They use the ILUNO experience to move up and to move on in their careers,” Hassenstab said. McMurtry stresses the importance of pathways contributing to workforce development. Studies show that if students don’t finish an education program in two to four years it is very unlikely that they will finish. Students must be dedicated. However, overcoming language requirements, easing financial concerns and reducing processing time from application to acceptance is essential.

If UNO can shorten the cycle this is another way to eliminate a barrier McMurtry said.

Hassenstab said the UNO program is one of the most affordable in the U.S.

Eliminating barriers for refugees is an example of the continued UNO initiative to support international students. Hassenstab said the Center for Afghan Studies just celebrated 50 years.

“Many people don’t realize that is why we have an Afghan community in Omaha,” Hassenstab said.

UNO International Programs students and staff

OVER THE YEARS WE’VE HAD THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS COME THROUGH AND LEARN ENGLISH FOR A VARIETY OF PURPOSES.

McMurtry said UNO offers refugees a 75% reduction in the cost of the ILUNO program, as space is available, furthering the anticipation of these students entering the workforce and improving their social mobility.

Hassenstab shared another aspect of the importance of the ILUNO program in teaching English – conversations that have cultural nuance –so students understand what it means to work in an intercultural team and to share global perspectives. This takes on even greater importance because many companies hiring UNO graduates in Omaha are international and multinational.

UNO aims to make a global impact.

“So how do we train our workforce to do that if they’re not all going abroad? Well, you bring the world here, right?” Hassenstab said. “That’s how you change the world.”

BUILDING A GLOBAL COMMUNITY

“All of us here share a strong belief in our mission to be the gateway to the world for incoming and outgoing students,” said Jody Neathery-Castro, Ph.D., interim vice chancellor for global engagement. ‘We want the message to be that UNO is open to the world and welcoming to all.”

She points to Chancellor Joanne Li’s naming 2023 the year of social mobility. With a UNO enrollment of international students representing 68 countries, the importance of these programs eliminating barriers, strengthening the community and promoting workforce development is evident. UNO aims to increase its international student enrollment to 10%.

“We are trying to do that in short order, and the way that we do that is by showing them [prospective international students] what a great place this is and what kinds of communities they will be a part of when they come here,” Neathery-Castro said.

Longevity of International Programs faculty sustains the community and is integral to current and burgeoning partnerships, Neathery-Castro said. She also emphasizes Chancellor Joanne Li’s prioritization of global engagement.

An example of successful global engagement at UNO is the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative

(YSEALI) Institute on Civic Engagement. The program draws students seeking an immersive experience in public and private cultural diplomacy. Participants compete for grants to implement programs that foster society, community and communication across borders.

The latest project that Neathery-Castro is working on is a Chancellor-led initiative for more flexible housing options for students. With campus housing being full, and a waiting list last fall, she is working with different community areas in Omaha to eliminate barriers for students seeking housing.

“The goal is for more cohort communities of their peers from each country, enabling them to create their own meaningful groups and organizations,” she said.

Neathery-Castro said having leaders like chancellor Li and Ni (Phil) He, Ph.D., senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, who were international students themselves is a plus for UNO recruitment and retention. They can talk about their own experiences at orientation.”

Neathery-Castro loves sharing UNO’s global engagement success stories noting that it engages people to want to become a part of the UNO community.

“It’s pretty powerful.”

Lindsay Sanders, right, with UNO international students

YSEALI visits the Nebraska State Capitol

Jody Neathery-Castro, Ph.D., Interim Vice Chancellor for Global Engagement

CREATIVE PLACEMAKING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT

PLACEMAKING DEVELOPMENT

Omaha Mobile Stage serves as a platform for arts, connection and learning

by Brendan Reilly

Summer in Omaha once meant one thing to lots of people: a chance to dance, sing or play on the Show Wagon. Show Wagon was a public youth talent competition performed on a trailer-based stage that ran from 1952 to 2010 born from a collaboration between the Parks and Recreation Department and the Omaha World Herald’s Good Fellows charity. The theater on wheels traveled between different parks and community centers to bring neighbors together for a shared performing arts experience, creating fond and important memories. Omaha Mobile Stage takes up the torch of Show Wagon’s legacy, seeking to provide accessible tools and opportunities for communities to build and bolster through the practice of placemaking.

Omaha Mobile Stage (OMS) is the flagship program of Partners for Livable Omaha (PLO), a nonprofit founded in 2020 to support live performing arts in Omaha. The stage is truck-based, designed and built into a converted 18-foot box truck. The side of the truck’s box splits down the middle as double doors on either side, creating a visual framing for the stage. A stage folds down from being tucked inside the box in a vertical position, packing a whole lot of real estate into a relatively minimalistic storage space. Renters of OMS also have access to its professional sound and light system and event production crew. All those moving parts allow OMS to activate any outdoor space.

A chief summer event of OMS is a reboot of Show Wagon. OMS’s Youth Talent Show series is a free-to-the-public traveling competition where kids age 3 to 19 present a four-minute act in their chosen mode, from singing and dancing to original poems and monologues. Winners of the talent shows win eCreamery ice cream and a chance to take home the finals championship later in the season.

Since June 2022, OMS has developed free, public events with organizers from across the city and offers a sliding scale of rental prices for event bookings. Already in their short tenure, they’ve been a regular feature in celebrations in many of Omaha’s older neighborhoods such as Gifford Park, North 24th Street, Vinton and Benson, that are using arts as a tool for main street growth. Events on the stage are programmed by the communities where they take place and are often able to lift and amplify the voices of community activists and performing artists in Omaha’s creative communities. They’ve served neighborhood and arts festivals, Battles of the Bands, Pride events, summer camps and local concerts. They were once booked by the rodeo, which needed a small stage that could fit through the horse gate. OMS was able to thread the needle with nary a hitch.

The wide breadth of events is part of a focus on a diversity of users and building community through a practice called ‘placemaking.’

Jessica Scheuerman, executive director of PLO, describes placemaking as “using arts and culture for community and economic development.” This can refer to large regions, like the whole state or an entire metropolitan area, but Scheuerman likes to think of things in terms of neighborhoods.

“When Omaha Mobile Stage travels around, we’re reflecting the tastes and the culture of the places we go to,” she says. “Artists are very different, depending on the area, and every

neighborhood has its own tastes. We defer to the neighborhood to program the stage.”

An example of this is when OMS first appeared at Juneteenth Joy Fest, the event organizer Alajia McKizia adorned the stage and surrounding area with art by Celeste Butler and Patty Talbert, local Black creatives.

John Bartle, Ph.D., dean of UNO’s College of Public Affairs and Community Service (where Scheuerman once had Bartle as a professor) and OMS advisory board member, says the stage’s mobility is a key component to the organization’s placemaking.

“With a mobile stage, they can move to wherever, and bring another way to connect. It brings people out, and tends to bring families out, which can create a very healthy event and environment that can become special to people.”

Another key component to OMS’s mission is serving neighborhoods in Omaha that have been previously divested in. A mobile stage “provides tremendous flexibility. It means you’re not just investing in one particular location and hoping. You go to where there’s something happening and bring another event, and that’s a [community] value added.”

Besides helping create connections in communities across Omaha, OMS is crucially enmeshed with culture and community at the University of Nebraska. Scheuerman attended UNO for her bachelor of arts in journalism and master of science in urban studies. UNL Architecture students and faculty designed and built the stage. Students from UNO’s Music Tech program have the opportunity to work for OMS as paid seasonal interns.

Scheuerman works with Seth Shafer, Ph.D., assistant professor of Music Technology at UNO and OMS advisory board member, to share employment opportunities with his students. These internships not only provide students with income while working a job in their chosen field of study, but with real-world, hands-on experience

A used 18’ diesel box truck converted into an all-inclusive mobile, expandable stage with multi-functional curtain, built-in storage, sound and lighting equipment, battery power and acoustic treatments.

Jessica Scheuerman, Executive Director of Partners for Livable Omaha

they can take with them into their careers post-graduation. Shafer says this lines up with UNO’s educational philosophy and has a net positive effect on the student experience.

“All of a sudden, it becomes very real. They become experts in their niche that they start to get paid to work in, and they’re able to bring that back to the classroom and ask very specific questions. And I think their passion for what they’re doing becomes really infectious.”

Shafer says he’d noticed newer students in the program asking those who had already gotten internships and entry level positions in the music tech field for recommendations or openings at OMS and other places. The work the students do is validating to their education and creates a feedback loop resulting in expertise.

“As an instructor, I can tell them all day long about concepts and do’s and don’t’s but hearing it from somebody who’s paying you to do it or a seasoned colleague, all of a sudden it makes a connection for them.”

OMS’s involvement in recruiting UNO students further strengthens the educational community and leads to more people getting lifesustaining and interesting jobs after graduation. Their work with OMS serves as a parallel of the academic environment, which is then reflected by what’s happening in the real world.

Bobbi Trujillo and Logan Smith, both UNO Music Technology alumni and current assistant audio engineers (who started as interns) at OMS, agree with Shafer’s estimation.

Trujillo started as an intern in the first year of OMS, mostly helping with stagehand and mixing work, and fell in love with the position and the company. They came back to OMS for a second year.

“I like being in the scene,” Trujillo said.

The main audio engineer Trujillo worked with, Jim Schroeder, would be working the board and ask them if they wanted to learn more about running the sound.

“It was basically a learning space for me, like an outdoor class I got paid for, which was awesome.”

Trujillo noticed the impact OMS events had on the communities they worked in, from bringing lots of people and families together at free events without the possible financial barrier of needing to buy tickets to patrons being introduced to neighborhood vendors and local artists they might not have found before. This focus on community is a sticking point for Trujillo’s future plans.

“Everyone who’s doing it this year is from the music tech program. It makes us feel really welcome. I would like to be there as long as I can to help other UNO students, and the performers and the communities. I love how this isn’t just for ‘music people.’”

Smith feels similarly about internships with OMS, considering it an “incredible opportunity for young performers.”

“It’s a teaching venue, so having that opportunity for people like me who are looking for gigs around town is very helpful, because a lot of places here don’t hire without experience.”

Because of his involvement with OMS, his horizons feel broadened, and he believes within a few seasons he’ll have the confidence to go out in the world and call himself a verifiable ‘sound guy,’ a life and career path he hadn’t seen before. He also recommends UNO students jump at the chance to work with OMS and Scheuerman.

“She always says, ‘what do you want to learn,’ and then she points you in that direction.”

Omaha Mobile Stage – and by extension, Partners for Livable Omaha – is on a bright path to building and bolstering communities across Omaha. The opportunities they offer UNO students are a linchpin for their strategy of placemaking and solidify their position as a go-to for the university’s Music Tech program and the greater UNO community at large.

IT WAS BASICALLY A LEARNING SPACE FOR ME, LIKE AN OUTDOOR CLASS I GOT PAID FOR, WHICH WAS AWESOME.

Juneteeth Joy Fest 2023

PHOTO ▸ Colin Conces

CLASS NOTES

Some of the many UNO alumni who are making a significant impact in their community are highlighted here.

50

DON GIBSON (BFA) recently published a hard cover children’s book titled “Grandpa Merton’s Growing Years.” Gibson describes the plot as “a 9-year- old boy who is constantly doing bad things, until he finally decides to do the right thing.” Gibson wrote it for ages five to nine, but he says, “all the adults that have read it really get a kick out of it.” Gibson also did all the illustrations. It is available on Amazon.

53

LARRY BOERSMA (BA; MS, 55) recently visited campus to share his journey to become a renowned wildlife photographer with current students.

Boersma also generously donated more than 30 prints of his wildlife photographs to the university, showcasing his talent and passion for capturing nature in both Allwine Hall and Mammel Hall. Today, Boersma uses his photography to promote wildlife conservation and encourage others to build a deeper connection with the outdoors.

61 MARY CATHERINE (KITTY)

KENTSMITH (BS; MS, 65) shares UNO graduates collectively celebrating 180 years of marriage. Three Alpha Xi Deltas married three Lambda Chi Alphas. KAY COLBURN (BS, 62) married GENE TROUT (BS, 62) in 1962.

BARBARA

SCHWIEGER (BA, 63) married DICK SKALLA (BA, 62) in 1963. KITTY HOFSCHIRE (BS, 61; MS, 65) married DAVID KENTSMITH (BS, 63; MS, 65) in 1964. The three couples have remained friends and helped the Skallas celebrate their 60th anniversary in June 2023. The Trouts live in Greensboro, N.C. and the Skallas and Kentsmiths reside in the Omaha area. photo (L to R): Trouts, Skallas and Kentsmiths 2018mck@gmail.com

71

GARY DOMET (BS; MA, 11) was awarded the Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship Distinguished Adjunct Professor Award by the UNO College of Business Administration.

82

LEO ADAM BIGA (BS) “My newest book, “Forever Grateful: The Gift of New Life from Organ Donation” publishes June 30, 2023. It tells the story of Dr. Keith Vrbicky of Norfolk, Neb., who in late 2021 became a critical care patient as the result of a rare cardiac disorder that caused sudden onset acute heart failure. Within three weeks of the diagnosis he was placed on the heart transplant registry – with only a 48 hour window for a match to be found. One was found and he underwent a successful transplant procedure at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The husband and father of six returned to practicing medicine less than nine months later. He’s now paying forward this gift of life as an advocate for organ and tissue donation and for the extraordinary care available through UNMC’s cardiac and transplant teams.

The book (from Graham Publishing Group) follows my previous books, “Alexander Payne: His Journey in Film” and “Crossing Bridges: A Priest’s Uplifting Life Among the Downtrodden.”

My journalistic career continues as a contributing writer for local, statewide, regional and national media platforms. I also write special content projects for nonprofits.”

MIKE MARKEY (BS, MA, 88) is now executive director of the Nebraska Arts Council. Markey began working with the Arts Council in 2009 as the arts industry manager. Prior to working with the Arts Council, Markey served as the managing director of the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival for 18 years. Before that he was one of the founding members of Omaha’s Circle Theatre. Markey is an actor and director with professional experience in film and on stage.

88 DENISE MCCAULEY (BS) has been selected to serve as the next president and CEO of WoodmenLife following the retirement of current president and CEO, Pat Dees. McCauley will be the first woman to serve as president of the 100 year-old company. McCauley joined the company in 2008 as a vice president of core operations, and was promoted to senior vice president, operations in 2011. She was promoted to her most recent role as executive vice president & chief operating officer, secretary of WoodmenLife, in 2015. Outside of the office, McCauley serves on the board for Food Bank for the Heartland, as well as on the executive leadership team of the American Heart Association’s Heart & Stroke Walk.

91

SUSAN SEILHEIMER BRENNAN (MBA) is the new Chief Executive Officer of 5E Advanced Materials.

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CATHERINE SANCHEZ (BGS) currently works for Educare Omaha as a toddler teacher and has three children and five grandchildren.

“We are delighted with the appointment of Ms. Brennan as CEO, she has an ideal mix of leadership experience across large and small company operations, substantial hands-on results at pre-revenue business buildout and delivering successful outcomes for all stakeholders.” – 5E Advanced Materials Chairman David Salisbury

HIRING FULL-TIME ASSISTANT LEAD

For more information call the UNO Child Care Center at 402.554.3398

TEACHERS & Kitchen Tech and PART-TIME TEACHER ASSISTANTS

In 2019, UNO’s College of Business Administration recognized McCauley, far right, with a Distinguished Alumni Award.

92 SHERRY BROWNRIGG (BGS) was recently announced General Manager of Classical 90.7 KVNO. With her promotion, she will be one of the few women who hold this title among the nation’s 55 classical radio stations. She plans to ensure that classical music is accessible to everyone in the Omaha metro by creating programming that celebrates diverse composers and musicians, getting instruments into the hands of young people and creating a robust community calendar that celebrates metro’s arts and culture scene.

94 MEGAN CHRISTIANSEN (BS) was named the new superintendent for Teton County, Idaho 401 school district. Christiansen becomes the first woman to ascend to the head of the public school system in Teton County, Idaho.

99 THOMAS DALZELL (BA) is celebrating 15 years of service with the Federal Aviation Administration. He currently works as the Senior Advisor, Mission Support Services, Air Traffic Organization in Fort Worth, Texas. tmzell@gmail.com

SOMMER HAHN (BS; MBA, 04) and RYAN HAHN (BS; MBA, 04) received Franchisee of the Year amongst 180 locations across the country for their fitness studio The Exercise Coach. Their program uses AI to diagnose individual strength and create 20-minute workouts. Their three Omaha studios currently serve more than 400 people. exercisecoach.com

Radius, a new nonprofit in North Omaha, began its services in July 2023. It’s dedicated to helping teenagers aged 12-18 involved with the criminal justice system but not in detention. They provide beds, holistic rehabilitation, and accredited schools on-site. The focus is on keeping the youth close to their homes and families. They also have access to healthcare, including addiction treatment. The program aims to reintegrate the youth into the community while supporting their success and recovery, with an average stay of six months to a year.

95 TIM HRON, MA, LIMHP (BA ; MA, 01) , Radius Chief Program Officer, has been serving youth and families in the field of behavioral health for over 20 years. In Hron’s career he has served as a clinician, educator and leader within several organizations to include Boys Town National Research Hospital, CHI Health – Immanuel Medical Center, University of Nebraska at Omaha – College of Education, Department of Graduate Counseling and Children’s Respite Care Center (CRCC) in Omaha, Nebraska. Hron has served as a community partner on many committees and Board of Directors to include: Voices for Children of Nebraska, Board of Directors; CHI Health, Interdisciplinary Bioethics Committee Member and Project READI Participant; Nebraska School Mental Health Conference Advisory Committee, Member; University of Nebraska at Omaha Graduate Program for Counseling, Community Partner Advisory Council Member.

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NICK JULIANO (MBA; PHD, 21) ,

Radius President & CEO, is an accomplished senior leader with over 25 years of nonprofit human services experience. His diverse practitioner background includes direct care, training and organizational development, youth and family program administration, business and program development, community engagement, advocacy and public policy. Juliano serves on a variety of local and regional committees, including the Juvenile Services Committee of the Nebraska Children’s Commission and the RFK National Resource Center Transformation of Youth Justice Practice Network. Juliano has been co-chair of the dual status initiative in Douglas County, known as Youth Impact!, since its launch in 2012. Juliano is a fellow of the Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare: Multi-System Integration Certificate Program at the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform (CJJR) at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy.

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ADAM WRIGHT (BS) was recently named CEO of Pilot Travel Center. After graduating, Wright joined the Berkshire Hathaway Energy family of businesses working for Northern Natural Gas operations group in various management roles and most recently served as MidAmerican Energy Company’s president and CEO. Wright had a very successful football career as an all-time leading rusher, piling up 3,926 yards at tailback from 1997-2000 and was inducted into the Omaha Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011.

03

DAWN BEICHNER (PHD) , a World Society of Victimology Professor at Illinois State University, chaired a panel at the United Nation’s Commission on the Status of Women. Her panel, “Rural Women Returning Home from U.S. Prisons and Jails,” dove into the policies and practices that affect incarcerated women globally.

We want to celebrate your accomplishments in our digital and print communications.

unoalumni.org/unoclassnote

US YOUR

DAVID VAUGHAN (MBA) is the new Chief Financial Officer within the Executive Leadership Team at Sanctuary Wealth in Indianapolis, Ind.

SUNIL LUTHRA (BS) was recently promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Borsheims. Luthra joined Borsheims, a luxury jewelry company, in 2010 as Director of Information Technology and was later promoted to Vice President of Technology and Security in 2020. During his tenure, Luthra has implemented new innovative strategies to improve efficiency, automation, and data security, and he’s also introduced new digital solutions that have helped provide better experiences for their employees and customers. In his new role, Luthra will lead several Borsheims teams, including information technology, security, customer service, gift wrap, shipping, and facilities.

“As COO, Sunil’s enthusiasm and commitment to success will bring a new perspective to our operational areas. His vision and strategy for technology and operations will further align us for future efficiencies and growth.” –Borsheims President and CEO Karen Goracke

06 AMBER RICHARDSON (BS) is the Founder and CEO of Foster Love.

In 2007, she learned there was a need for children in foster care when their first child arrived at their door with a single black trash bag bearing his few belongings. Foster Love started in her basement in July of 2020. The response was overwhelming, so she partnered with The Papillion Community Foundation to host “pop ups”. In July 2021, she opened Foster Love’s boutique and now offers shopping days twice a month at no cost to children and families impacted by foster care. Richardson was awarded the 2022 Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute ‘Angels in Adoption’ Honoree and her family will be honored at Heartland Family Services 2023 Salute to Families as the Community Service award winner. She and husband of 20 years, Matt Richardson (also an alum of UNO), have four children: Trevon, Jayda, Demetrius and Berkley and a handful of little loves they’ve cared for and have continued relationships with over the years. She says life wouldn’t be nearly as sweet or meaningful without the foster care community that has had the most incredible impact on her life.

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KRISTEN CLANTON’S

HEATHER SMITH (MBA) is the new President of The College of Saint Mary. For the past five years, Smith, a healthcare administrator, has served as vice president of ambulatory services and previously vice president of pediatrics at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha. Her most recent role included serving as executive leader for the operations of 28 specialty divisions, building innovative programs and streamlining operations in local and regional outreach locations. Prior to that, Smith was vice president of operations for Children’s Specialty Physicians and chief administrative officer for Children’s Physicians.

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GALE ILES (PHD) associate professor of criminal justice at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, was awarded the UTC Dept. of Social, Cultural, and Justice Studies Excellence in Service Award.

LAMARR WOMBLE (BS) released his first book, “Legendary: How Students Can Become A Legendary Leader” on June 1, 2023 through Coolspeak Publishing Company.

“Legendary chronicles my time at UNO as a student leader and how I was able to build social capital and leadership capital throughout my tenure and gives steps on how any student can do this! The book also teaches students how to build skills to lead teams and projects. Finally and maybe most importantly, it teaches them to lead themselves from a mental and emotional health perspective.”

(MFA) debut novel “The Swallows” published on May 27, 2023 with Witch Way Publishing and is available on Amazon. About the book: In the Black Mountain region, Fullmouth is a town of women and children. When local mothers start dying, the town is panicked. At first, the citizens believe the deaths are suicides. Yet fifteen-year-old Pearl is unconvinced. Pearl has known visions her whole life, known the feeling of when the darkness shifts inside her, and her power comes to surface. But having recently moved to Fullmouth, the supernatural is suddenly magnified. She now finds herself able to commune with ghosts. She sees visions of how mothers will die. Relying on these powers, Pearl faces a daunting foe and the responsibility of saving the town. The only question is ... will she be too late? Built on history, folk tradition, and witchcraft, “The Swallows” is a horror novel that explores a small town’s connection to the spiritual world and the families that fill it.

ERIN HUDSON (MPA) is the new Community Development Director for The Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO). Hudson will oversee SWIPCO’s housing and planning teams work on a grant portfolio of over $100 million. The portfolio ranges from disaster recovery and recreation to transportation, water, sewer and broadband.

10 NICKY CLARK (MA) , the first executive director of Elevate Omaha, was named one of USA TODAY’s 2023 Women of the Year, a recognition of women who have made a significant impact in their communities and across the country. After graduating with a Masters’s in Social Work from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2010, she has served the Omaha community through program coordination and education. She loves that Omaha is more diverse than people might think but has dreams of leadership truly embracing and including diverse members of the community. She says: “Young people have so much to contribute to our community and their voices are often not listened to as much as they should. They have the ability to change the world more than any other generation.”

Read her interview in USA Today

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PHILLIP LOOKADOO (MPA) was selected to serve as the City of Salisbury’s first land an development services department director. The new department was created to more effectively and efficiently manage the city’s increase in development and will span across different zoning and permit issues.

“I look forward to getting started and preparing our new department for the growth that is projected for the city. I know that we can forge great partnerships and a welcoming environment for the betterment of all citizens, builders, developers, and visitors of Salisbury.”

At the UTC College of Arts and Sciences Celebrating Faculty Diversity Speaker Series in April 2023, Gale Iles gave her presentation “The Symbolism of Lady Justice.”

Nicky Clark, center, poses with Michaela and Alejandra from the Elevate Omaha team.

ANGEE STEVENS (BS; MSW, 11) is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Therapist and Social Worker, Intuitive Life Coach, Professional Trainer and Public Speaker/Storyteller through her company Creating Healthy Minds, LLC. In addition to constantly learning to navigate her own ADHD as a working mother in a neurotypical world, Stevens, 41, is also the guardian of her mother, Renee, who was diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder in her early 20s. This past year, Stevens formed Verum Renee, a nonprofit named for her mother, which will focus on impacting mental health practices and policy on all levels in Nebraska and beyond. Her claims to fame include two-time karaoke champion (should be three but who’s counting), performing in the Macy’s Parade as a former Heartland Hoedowner and being a reasonably sane mother of four very active children.

“As far as we could tell, there weren’t many podcasts talking about mental health in a relatable way. We wanted to engage the community in a ‘therapeutic happy hour’ (plus have an excuse to hang out together) to demystify any fears people have around the need for mental health support. The truth is, we all need support to get through life and it shouldn’t matter how or where it comes from. This is why I like to speak so candidly about my own shortcomings and failures, as well as my strengths and successes, to set the stage for others to have a bit more grace and not take themselves too seriously because we are all in this ‘Shrink Show’ together.” – Angee Stevens

JAIME WEATHERHOLT (BS) is a licensed mental health therapist, certified hypnotherapist and owner of Enlightened Counseling & Healing LLC in Omaha, Nebraska. She specializes in trauma, anxiety, and mood disorders; clients come to her to heal generational trauma, racial trauma, and attachment or adoption issues. She utilizes mind-body healing modalities including Eye-Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting, and hypnosis, along with incorporating alternative practices such as past life regression and dream interpretation. She is co-host to The Shrink Show, a therapeutic happy hour podcast with two clinical therapists who drink gin & tonics while chatting about all the emotions as mothers, BFFs, and adulting. After work and podcasting, Weatherholt enjoys being outside, burpees (apparently these aren’t popular?!), and spending time with her family.

“I joke, but I’m 50% honest in starting the podcast to have guaranteed “happy hour” time with my best friend because otherwise, we get swept away with parenting and working 24/7. But now I don’t think I want to stop because the listeners are telling us they want more candid conversations on mental health topics presented in a down-toearth way. I think mental health topics are the classes we all needed in high school, so I’m glad to be a part of the dialogue. I love learning from our own guests right along with listeners.” – Jaime Weatherholt theshrinkshowpodcast.com

Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter: @TheShrinkShow

12 Service has always been a part of TONI MONETTE’S (BS) life with the intention of helping others excel through mind, body and spirit while empowering people from all walks of life.

Monette performs service in many ways. She has been an active servant leader in her sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. for 12 years where she is currently elected to serve on the organization’s National 501c4 committee helping the organization to promote sound community legislation. Professionally, she is the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Manager at the University of Nebraska Omaha coordinating civic and volunteer programming for students campus wide. She is completing a master’s degree in public administration and plans to attend law school. In her spare time, she is an avid traveler, a local poetry teaching artist and serves on many state and local community boards advocating for voting and civil rights including the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. Presently, she serves on the National League of Women Voters of the United States board as board secretary. Her motto is “Representation matters.”

enlighenedomaha.com

Instagram, Facebook: @EnlightenedOmaha

JESSICA WADE (BS), former editor-in-chief of the UNO Gateway, is now a reporter at the Omaha World-Herald. Wade started as an intern the summer after she graduated, but her love and passion for journalism pushed her towards a full-time reporter position.

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DAN KRUEGER (BA) is an AmeriCorps VISTA member currently assigned to work with the UNO Service Learning Academy. As a resident of the greater Omaha area for two and half decades, he has been recognized as a musician, a creative, a corporate historian and a volunteer. Dan is a firm believer in using service learning to improve engagement in students, and to develop relevant skills and experiences that will impact their lives and strengthen the community. His role at UNO SLA is to capture and share those benefits with compelling data, and to further promote participation in service learning between UNO faculty, P-12 educators and Omaha’s community partners. When he is not roaming the halls of the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center at UNO, he can be found writing and performing music, cooking or spending time at home with his partner, Dee, and their current menagerie of foster kiddos, ducks, snails and a cat.

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KENDRA WHITLOCK INGRAM (MBA) is the new CEO of the Cultural Trust, an organization dedicated to offering memorable experiences to the more than two million annual guests who attend Cultural District events in Pittsburgh, Penn.

RYAN KULA (BS; MBA, 22) and Sergio Orozco on their wedding day (April 25, 2023) in Cancun, Mexico.

JARED HALL (BMS) is a business owner, fashion designer and the founder of 3AM Luxury. 3AM Luxury creates handbag and leather accessories while honoring the mission of empowering others to believe and trust in their vision and to challenge themselves to become their best version. They were recently showcased in season 5 of Tiffany’s Fashion Week Dubai and his entire walk down the runway was featured online by Vogue Brasil.

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ISAIAH ADDISON-CATHOLOS KECK (BA)

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JAKE GUENTZEL (BS) recently hit his 400th career point in the NHL. This makes him the fastest player from the 2013 NHL Draft class to record 400 points. Guentzel plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

“I have started my own wellness coaching company, and I’m off to an amazing start! We have a division of athletic training working with various youth programs; various organizations working with visual arts programs; an exercise training platform on Train Heroic; a Nutrition community on InBody; and a wellness community on Facebook!”

isaiahackeck@gmail.com

22 SARA EVANS (BS) is the UNO Maverick Food Pantry Social Mobility Pathways Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA). Sara graduated from UNO with a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and a desire to help people in her community. Months before graduating, she discovered the opportunity to complete a year of service with AmeriCorps here at the UNO Maverick Food Pantry. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, her last two years at UNO were limited to online spaces, making it difficult to know about resources on campus like the pantry. Days into her service year, Evans realized how great the need was for the campus pantry. As a VISTA, Evans is tasked with helping to build the capacity of the Maverick Food Pantry and to grow its ability to serve students, staff and faculty. Evans has been working to establish connections both inside and outside of the Omaha community. Recent projects of Evans’ include outreach to campuses across the nation with exemplary basic needs services and the creation of a wellness resource guide for students to access essential resources within the UNO community. Evans has also been working in tandem with the pantry manager and members of UNO’s staff to partner with local nonprofits and organizations to meet the needs of students.

“The most meaningful part of being an AmeriCorps VISTA is the incredible people I get to work with. The pantry manager, Madeline, is a shining light of selflessness and ingenuity. I am lucky to work alongside her, the student workers in the pantry, and all of the wonderful members of the UNO and Omaha community that help to inspire and uplift others.”

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ARASH M. GONABADI

IN MEMORIAM

1946 Ann W. Sagers

1951 Howard A. Kaiman

Warren G. Taylor

1952 George L. Marling

1954 Ruth L. Christensen

1955 Darrell D. Cox

Donald J. Trovato

1956 Shirley A. Adamonis

Marilyn A. Horner

Ronald I. Peterson

1958 Robert H. Rasgorshek

1960 Paul C. Terkelsen

1961 Hugo Uhland

1962 Delaine R. Donohue

Joseph J. Latoza

1963 Jerome H. Streight

Donald W. Christian

Meredith Naviaux

Byron D. Peterson

1964 Joyce N. Wilson

Claudia D. Watson

Brian A. Kadow

Gregory B. Minter

1965 John M. Olafson

1967 Virginia Bryg

Lester J. Palmquist

Rodney L. Oberle

Thomas C. Moore

23

Congratulations to seven new members of the UNO Air Force ROTC Alumni chapter! The cadets were sworn in as 2nd Lieutenants on May 20, 2023. Additionally, 2nd Lieutenant Katie Bliss also was recognized as a Distinguished Military Graduate.

Back row, left to right: DILLON FALKINBURG (BS), BRODERICK GOSS (BS), AIDAN HESS (BS), AARON JOHNSON (BMS) Front row, left to right: MARYKATE CARNEY (BS), KATIE BLISS (BMS), LINDSEY SONNENFELD (BS)

(PHD) serves as the assistant research director of the Research Institute’s Rehabilitation Engineering Center at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals. Since 2020, he’s been working with research team members like Occupational Therapist Tabatha Sorenson, to create, design or modify custom devices, adaptations, and technology for adults and kids while they’re still undergoing inpatient rehabilitation. His wealth of experience in modeling, design, analysis, and simulation of machinery is impressive. When combined with the newly-gained knowledge working in the areas of assistive devices, human movement variability (gait analysis), robotics and prosthesis, just to name a few, it is proving life-changing to the patients, clinicians, and colleagues he works with.

Deceased alumni reported to the UNO Alumni Association or University of Nebraska Foundation between February 17 and July 3, 2023. We extend our condolences to the family and friends of these graduates.

1969 Gail A. Lockard

Thomas M. Gaherty

Duane W. Iwen

1970 Richard O. Holquist

Leonard A. Eason

William A. Pryde

William R. Bohlken

Frank W. Hanel

1971 Ellen R. Babb

Cisily A. Eberhardt

Carl E. Hitchcock

Frank A. Mac

David W. O’Quinn

James T. Ruswick

Charlotte A. Sorensen

Louisa J. Tilford

1972 John P. Smigelsky

Martha W. Skrocky

Brian E. Watson

Patricia L. Gehringer

Timothy G. Partusch

Carolyn K. Lippert

1973 Donna L. Armentrout

Omer M. Concannon

Dorothy A. Hallstrom

Larry D. Herzberg

Walter L. Hower

Randolph Seiler

1974 Johnnie A. Hall

1975 Susan A. Abbott

Mary H. Allen

James H. Prucha

1976 Pamela K. Griess

Russell W. Hobson

1977 Louise M. Way

1978 Gary D. Rosacker

Roseanna Hayes

Barton J. McElligott

1979 Audrey L. Beck

Madonna K. Bron

Gary L. Glissman

1980 Polly J. Sindt

Jeffrey Miller

1981 Sally E. Waters

1982 Carol S. Smith

Joseph C. Alvarez

Gayle V. Strickler

Carol A. Suchy

1983 Madylon C. Anker

1984 Joseph F. Bill

Kenneth M. Lieb

Janice C. Nelson

1985 Thomas A. Neumann

1986 Shawn J. Schmid

Jane E. Fiala

Janet L. Mathis

1987 Joyce D. Affleck

Gerald J. Flood

1988 Debra G. Polsky

Linda J. Karschner

1991 Joseph M. DiGiacomo

Rita L. Agnew

1993 Duncan E. Stewart

1994 Gregory W. Gardner

Pete C. Lowder

1996 Susan M. Berger

Donald R. Taylor

1998 Jayne M. Ball

2000 Dolores T. Sambol

2001 Linda R. Gordman

Chad T. McAndrews

2002 Michael O. Berry

2003 William P. Fitzgerald

2013 Todd W. Lorenz

WELCOME TO THE MAVERICK FAMILY

Get your future alum an O BABY! shirt when you submit a birth announcement within your child’s first year at unoalumni.org/ futurealums.

Suhaas Nanda Adapa, son of JANAKI DEVI NAVEENA AKULA (2021) and NANDA KISHORE ADAPA (2016) of Elkhorn, NE

Olivus Hishun Agbassou, son of GILDAS AGBASSOU (2020) and Hirona Agbassou of Papillion, NE

Leo Arai, son of TSUBASA TAKEI (2017, 2019) and Mao Arai of San Pedro, CA

Camila Lissette Barrera Peña, daughter of MANUELA PEÑA (2018, 2022) and Eduardo Barrera of Omaha

Clay Stephen Bednar, son of DELANEY VACCARO BEDNAR (2019) and Tanner Bednar of Omaha

Hudson Andrew Blaney, son of MICHAELA BLANEY (2022) of Council Bluffs, IA

Garrett Emil Byrne, son of SARAH (BECK, 2013) and TOM BYRNE (2009) of Blair, NE and grandson of Karen Rodriguez (Scott, 2000) and DAVID BYRNE (1975) of Avoca, IA

Gregory Stewart Byrne, son of SARAH (BECK, 2013) and TOM BYRNE (2009) of Blair, NE and grandson of KAREN RODRIGUEZ (SCOTT, 2000) and DAVID BYRNE (1975) of Avoca, IA

Kinslea Ellen Conrad, daughter of ASHLEA (REED, 2013) and Lee Conrad, of Omaha

Dazian Manuel Dawson, son of DANIELA (MARTINEZ VILLA, 2017) and Charlie Dawson, of Omaha

Adele Kathleen Dsouza, daughter of JENNY DSOUZA (2020) and ANSON DSOUZA (2017) of Papillion, NE and granddaughter of CATHY HULA (KEAN, 1990) of Bellevue, NE

Owen James Gaghagen, son of ANDREA (SPADER, 2010) and Andrew Gaghagen of Lincoln, NE

Jaxon Cruz Gartin, son of ASHLEY (OSTRANDER, 2015) and Aaron Gartin, of Waterloo, NE

Ivy Mae Holdsworth, daughter of SARA HOLDSWORTH (DOGHMAN, 2015) and Michael Holdsworth and granddaughter of MOHAMAD DOGHMAN (2007) of Omaha

Lilith Renee Howard , daughter of GRETCHEN ALSPAUGH (2019, 2021) and Thomas Howard, of Bellevue, NE

Ellis Scott Jordening , son of OLIVIA JORDENING (SLIZOSKI, 2019, 2020) and Zach Jordening and grandson of VALORIE SLIZOSKI (KRUSEMARK, 1991) and Steve Slizoski of Newman Grove, NE

Lanna Emily Anne Lunzman, daughter of JORDAN (LAUGHLIN, 2013, 2015) and Matthew Lunzman of Glenwood, IA

Charlotte Elizabeth Lyons, daughter of LAURANNE (BECKWITH, 2012, 2018) and Josua Lyons and granddaughter of COLLEEN (NEE, 1972) and WILLIAM BECKWITH (1972) of Omaha

Miles Timothy McIntyre, son of KATHRYN (SCHULZ, 2014) and Kevin McIntyre of Omaha

Brooklyn Elise Mesina, daughter of LEAH NEIHEISEL (2008) and OJ Mesina, of Baton Rouge, LA

Dean Valarian Miller, son of SAM MILLER (2023) and Kelly Miller of Murrieta, CA

Leo James Nichols, son of AMANDA NICHOLS (BUTLER, 2016) and John Nichols of Omaha

River RaeAnne Olbertz , daughter of BENJAMIN OLBERTZ (2011) of Bennington, NE

Cecilia Elise Palma, daughter of ADRIANA PALMA (RAMIREZ, 2017) and JAMES PALMA (2015) and granddaughter of KATHLEEN PALMA (1993) of Omaha

Violet Pauline Rueda , daughter of LOGAN WATTS (2014) and Fernando Rueda, of Phoenix, AZ

Elliott Elizabeth Smoyer, daughter of GINA (HALBOM, 2011, 2012) and Matthew Smoyer, of Omaha

Arden Ever Aurum Saunders, daughter of BETHANY (ASBOE, 2020) and Taylor Saunders and of Omaha

Mehansh Shaik , son of SHIREEN SHAIK (2021) and Thoushif Aazam Shaik of Plano, TX

Savannah Raquel Smith, daughter of JOSHUA SMITH (2024) and Janea Hagen-Smith of Bellevue, NE

Oakley Benelli Stevens, son of ASHLEY (BREMERS, 2014) and Dusty Stevens and grandson of JANET (1993) and ERIC BREMERS (1992) of Omaha

Alton Robert Thiede, son of ANDREW THIEDE (2019) and Emily Thiede of Woodbury, MN

Arlo James Thiessen, son of ALEXANDRA (HATJINOS, 2010, 2013) and Kevin Thiessen of La Vista, NE

Piper Akert, son of LIZ AKERT CLEVELAND (2011, 2014)

Since 1991, the UNO Alumni Association has given more than 2,000 free shirts and bibs to the children and grandchildren of UNO graduates.

A LOOK AT HAPPENINGS ON AND OFF CAMPUS

KICK OFF YOUR SUNDAY SHOES

UNO Summer Musical Theatre Academy kicked off its second season with 50 high school performers and technicians from 16 local schools. The tuition-free month-long intensive workshop culminated with the performance of “Footloose” at the Gene Leahy Mall Pavilion.

VIBRANT CULTURE

The Indian Student Association celebrated Holi in the UNO Pep Bowl. The Hindu spring festival of colors, celebrated in India and becoming popular internationally, symbolizes rejuvenation and optimism.

737 FLIGHT SIMULATOR

A new flight simulator housed within the Aviation Institute at the University of Nebraska at Omaha provides students with critical experience in preparation for careers flying the Boeing 737. The immersive view simulates flights to and from real-world airports, including Omaha’s Eppley Airfield.

FELT GREAT, JUST LIKE THE REAL THING.

TED CARTER, NU PRESIDENT AND CELEBRATED NAVAL PILOT

SCHOLASTIC SHOWCASE

At the 15th annual Student Research and Creative Activity Fair, UNO students presented their innovative ideas to improve society through oral presentations, poster presentations, exhibits, demonstrations or performances. Presentations are evaluated by several community judges comprising businesspeople, nonprofit leaders, UNO alumni and other volunteer professionals.

I’VE VOLUNTEERED AS A JUDGE FOR AT LEAST A HALF-DOZEN YEARS, AND I’M ALWAYS BLOWN AWAY BY THE HIGH LEVEL OF RESEARCH, SCHOLARSHIP AND EXPERTISE UNO STUDENTS PUT ON DISPLAY.

ANTHONY FLOTT, UNO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

FANCY FUNDRAISING FEET

Students dance for 12 hours at the UNO Dance Marathon’s 7th annual OMAthon, the annual event to celebrate the past year of fundraising and raising awareness for Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. Since the first OMAthon in 2016, the Maverick community has raised more than $150,000.

BEAMING WITH PRIDE

Chancellor Li and UNO students show their Maverick Pride at I Love NU Day at the Nebraska State Capitol Building. I Love NU Day serves as an opportunity to connect and engage with the NU community while highlighting the institution’s achievements, contributions and positive impact on individuals’ lives.

EVERY STUDENT HAS A POWERFUL STORY OF HOW THEIR UNIVERSITY HAS CHANGED THEIR LIFE. TODAY WAS AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE THOSE STORIES AND INSPIRE OTHERS TO SUPPORT UNO IN ITS MISSION TO TRANSFORM LIVES AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN NEBRASKA.

TORI SIMS, 2022-2023 STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT AND REGENT

LEROY’S LEGACY

Multicultural Affairs hosted the Wambli Sapa Memorial Powwow on UNO’s campus. A traditional celebration honoring the legacy of a prominent Ponca leader and respected elder brought together Native Americans and nonNatives. The annual event honors the legacy of Fred LeRoy, who, through persistence and determination, worked to have the Northern Ponca reinstated as a federally recognized tribe in the late 1980s. Through LeRoy’s efforts, thenpresident George H.W. Bush signed the Ponca Restoration Act to establish the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska in 1990.

PET THERAPY

UNO students find joy amidst the chaos of exams by cuddling adorable goats from Scatter Joy Acres during De-Stress Fest. The furry companions brought laughter and relaxation – a great reminder to take a break and embrace the simple joys in life.

TOUR OF THE FUTURE

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents toured several locations across Scott and Dodge campuses and experienced the cutting-edge research and innovation taking place at UNO. At the Biomechanics Research Building, they watched a demo of how UNO’s Pitching Lab tracked and measured the performance of Omaha baseball player Mark Timmins.

FIESTA!

Chancellor Li and UNO students celebrated Cinco de Mayo with community members. The annual festival, including a parade along historic South 24th Street, is the largest celebration of Mexican Heritage in Omaha.

Test your brainpower with these puzzles created by UNO graduate Terry Stickels (’76) in his “BIG Brain Puzzle Book.” For more information on Stickels, or to order any of his books, visit terrystickels.com.

VISUAL

Below is a magic square where the sum of the three numbers in each row, column and diagonal is the same. What number replaces the question mark?

MATHEMATICS

What number comes next in this “prime time” sequence?

6, 15, 35, 77, 143, 221, 323

1. 393

2. 437

3. 529

4. 625

ANSWERS

LANGUAGE

If ½ of 9 were 6, what would 1/6 of 12 be? One of the following five words does not fit with the others. Which word is it? HINT: It has to do with the words’ meanings.

Magnanimity

Penury, which is stinginess or miserliness, doesn’t fit with the others. All the other words have to do with generosity.

which is the value of each row, column and diagonal. That means the bottom row needs eight where the

=

is the middle number. Now, we have three numbers across:

That means

There are several ways to think about this. One way is to notice that 10 plus the number in the middle square has to equal 4 + 18. Why? They both share the number in the open left-hand top corner square. So, 10 +

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