UNO Alum - Spring 2006

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www.unoalumni.org

Women’s soccer team claims National Title Spring 2006

SIGN UP FOR UNO ALUMNI NIGHT AT THE THEATER! Details next page

at

The Arabian Nights

ALUMNI NIGHT

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 2006

6:15-7:15 p.m.

Wine and Cheese Reception at Alumni Center

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AT

THE

THEATER

Contents

Spring 2006

Cover Story Page 22

7:30 p.m.

Curtain call, Arabian Nights

oin fellow grads at the 3rd annual Alumni Night at the Theater for “Arabian Nights,” staged by the UNO Theater Department Wednesday, April 19.

Cover photo note: To better fit this photo to the cover’s dimensions, some digital alterations were made: towers and wires were removed from the upper backgroun and the sky was extended upward.

Address

IS&T

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Outthinking the bad guys.

International Studies

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State tickets at $15 each. I have enclosed $

Editor: Anthony Flott

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Shot of a lifetime UNO grad Jeff Bundy shoots the photograph of a lifetime while on assignment in Iraq.

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Reg Chapman lands a big gig in the Big Apple as a reporter for WNBC TV.

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Renovation Man Al Thomsen completes his third direction of an Alumni Center renovation and expansion project.

Association Departments

Zip

for the tickets (Make checks payable to UNO Alumni Association).

Alumni Association in Action

Exp. Date ___/___

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Alumni Night at the Theater set for April 19; Association issues Outstanding Service and Legislator awards.

Signature:

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Class Notes See what your one-time buds are up to. w w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

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30 The kid’s doing all right 32

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Features

Loral Langemeier is making her mark as a millionaire maker.

Email

City

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Making millionaires

Phone

Names for Name Tags

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Seeking justice for juveniles.

Brasile now a Hall of Fame professor.

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Sign us up for UNO Alumni Night at the Theater April 19!

Card No.

CPACS

Education

UNO claims the NCAA Division II women’s soccer championship.

Return Form by April 14, 2005—Tickets must be paid for by cash or check at time of registration. Theater tickets will be distributed at the reception. Registrations can be submitted by completing the form below and submitting with payment (check or credit card) to: UNO Alumni Association, 60th & Dodge, Omaha, NE 68182. For more information, call Sheila King at (402) 554-4802 or toll-free at 866-628-2586. She can be reached via e-mail at sking@mail.unomaha.edu.

q Visa q MasterCard q Discover

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Studying Earth’s “Measuring Rod”

Flock of success for “The Yellow Bird.”

National champs

Art courtesy Steven L. Williams

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Charge my:

Arts & Sciences

C-CFAM

Cost for the evening, including the reception, is $15 per person.

Registration deadline is April 14. To attend, complete and return the registration form below with payment.

Reserve me

College Pages

Study Abroad spotlight.

Start the evening with a wine and cheese reception at the Alumni Center, then head to the Fine Arts Building for a performance about love and murder, humor and sorrow. UNO’s adaptation “brings the audience back to modern-day Baghdad, and distant air-raid sirens warn of the danger threatening the land that produced the encyclopedia of human experience, imagination, and poetry that is the ‘Arabian Nights.’”

Name

Cover photo by Tim Fitzgerald/University Affairs.

Spend an evening with . . .

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Contributors: Jeff Bundy, Sonja Carberry, John Fey, Tim Fitzgerald, Warren Francke, Nick Schinker, Richard Swann.

Alumni Association Of ficers: Chairman of the Board, Mike Kudlacz; Past Chairman, Adrian Minks; Chairman-elect Deb McLarney; Vice Chairmen, Rod Oberle, Angelo Passarelli, Kevin Warneke, John Wilson; Secretary, Patricia Lamberty; Treasurer, Dan Koraleski; Legal Counsel, Martha Zajicek; President & CEO, Jim Leslie.

Alumni Staff: Jim Leslie, President and CEO; Roxanne Miller, Executive Secretary; Sue Gerding, Diane Osborne, Kathy Johnson, Records/Alumni Cards; Sheila King, Activities Coordinator; Greg Trimm, Alumni Center Manager; Joan Miller, Accountant; Anthony Flott, Editor; Loretta Wirth, Receptionist.

The UNO Alum is published quarterly by the UNO Alumni Association, W.H. Thompson Alumni Center, UNO, Omaha, NE 68182-0010, (402) 554-2444, FAX (402) 554-3787 • web address: www.unoalumni.org • Member, Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) • Direct all inquiries to Editor, W.H. Thompson Alumni Center, (402) 5542989. Toll-free, UNO-MAV-ALUM • email: aflott@mail.unomaha.edu • Send all changes of address to attention of Records • Views expressed through various articles within the magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the University of Nebraska at Omaha or the UNO Alumni Association.

Spring 2006 • 3

Letter from the

Chancellor

Collaboration Science

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or nearly 100 years, UNO and this region have been partners for progress—forging unique and lasting bonds, and engaging in collaborative agreements to enhance economic development, improve education, promote the arts, and make our community welcoming. We’ve created service learning opportunities, so that our students and faculty learn and share their expertise with a variety of for-profit interests and non-profit entities. And, through innovations like the Peter Kiewit Institute and the Scott Business and Technology Incubator, we’re partnering with developing businesses and the U.S. military, to keep America prosperous and secure.

With all this experience in successful partnerships, what better place to launch an Institute for Collaboration Science?

The brainchild of Steve Wild, chairman of Quantum Alliance and a former two-time UNO student council president, the Institute would help understand, define and shape the future of collaboration as a means of problem solving. Combining the best thinkers from disciplines such as business, information technology, psychology, communications and public affairs, the Collaboration Institute would create and test new collaborative processes, methods and technologies. This innovative approach has enormous applications for business, government, industry, and all fields where teamwork is a key component to success.

Currently in the concept development phase, the Collaboration Institute would answer questions, such as: • What makes collaborative efforts succeed or fail?

• How can collaborative teams be structured to maximize effectiveness?

• How do collaborative efforts differ among various disciplines, industries and organizations?

• Which best practices can be adapted or applied to suit different situations and facilitate working partnerships? and, • What information technologies are most suited to support decision/making and collaboration management?

UNO faculty and corporate partners are excited about the possibilities of discovering new applications and directions for study and research. We’ll share more as this entrepreneurial new initiative unfolds; stay tuned for future developments!

Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey, in his January State-of-the-City address on our campus, described UNO as a “great university, the flagship of the [NU] system, in fact if not in name [and it] educates a tremendous number of people—teachers, engineers, and contractors, business executives, and public servants—who are the backbone of our wonderful city.” As Chancellor, the mayor’s words are music to my ears, an affirmation of the strong relationship that exists between our metropolitan university and its community—collaboration at its very best!

Campus SCENE

Photo by Tim Fitzgerald, University Affairs

Quarter-’til?: A quarter moon shone brightly over campus in February, adding heavenly illumination to the Henningson Memorial Campanile.

Until next time,

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Spring 2006 • 5

College of

Arts & Sciences

Malcom X Festival celebrates ‘The Black Woman’

Studying the ‘Measuring rod of the earth’

he Black Woman, Past, Present,

Tand Future” was the theme for

”In the northern direction there is a noble souled mountain called the Himalaya. He is Nagadhiraj, the Lord of all mountains, with his two extending arms fathoming the eastern and western oceans He stands unsurpassed as the measuring rod of the earth.” - Kalidas Photo of camp by Jack Shroder

t may not seem much, the quarterinch rise each year in the Himalayas.

But, says geology Professor Jack Shroder, that rate “is very, very fast geologically.” Now the longtime UNO teacher is trying to find out “how come?”

To do so, Shroder and other scientists are studying the “measuring rod of the earth” in ways Kalidas, Sanskrit poet and playwright, likely never imagined.

Last June, Shroder and UNO colleague Michael Bishop, associate professor of geography traveled to Pakistan to investigate the growth of the Himalaya mountain chain. The

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A&S Bookmarks he books on the Arts and Sciences bookshelf are as diverse in subject matter as our faculty are diverse in their passions.

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Dr. Andrew Newman Dr. Andrew Newman, 2005 recipient of the University of Nebraska’s Outstanding Research and Creativity Award, has published twice with Cambridge University Press. In “The Physical Basis of Predication” Newman takes up universals, causality and the notion of the real. In “The 6 • Spring 2006

pair were working on grants from the National Geographic Society and the National Science Foundation.

Their purpose, said Bishop, was to collect field data for use in numerical models that are designed to test their landscape evolution hypothesis. “We want to find out which surface processes are producing some of the most extreme relief in the Himalayas. For example, is it glaciers or rivers or mass movement such as landslides?

“We have some theories as to what is responsible, but we need to collect field data. Geologically, this

Faculty in print Correspondence Theory of Truth, an Essay on the Metaphysics of Predication” he defends a version of the correspondence theory from a realist metaphysical point of view.

Newman is professor of philosophy and chair of UNO’s philosophy program. Born and raised in Bournemouth, England (in Dorset), he obtained a B.Sc.

is probably one of the most active places on the planet.”

When not studying the Himalayas up close and personal, Shroder and Bishop study the mountains from afar through complex computerized modeling, advanced remote sensing technology, and high-resolution satellite imagery.

Readers interested in more information on the science, the technology and the mountains should explore Shroder and Bishop’s book, “Geographic Information Science and Mountain Geomorphology” published by Springer-Verlag (New York) 2002.

degree in physics from King’s College, London, a Ph.D. in theoretical physics from Birkbeck College, London, and a Ph.D. in philosophy from University College, London.

Newman teaches courses in metaphysics, philosophy of science, philosophy of religion, analytic philosophy and the history of modern philosophy.

His main research interests are in analytic metaphysics, particularly the theory of universals and related problems concerning particulars and the notion of substance.

Dr. Kenneth Geluso Dr. Kenneth Geluso, meanwhile, culminates nearly three

decades of study in “Mammals of Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico.”

His research began while he was a young Ph.D. student at the University of New Mexico. Now a professor of biology at UNO, Geluso published his study in 2004 with his co-researcher, co-author, and son, Dr. Keith Geluso. The father-son team of mammologists documents more than 60 species with extensive data on habitat, reproduction, and collection localities.

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the fifth annual Malcom X Festival (Feb. 15 and 16), coordinated this year by Peggy Jones, visiting assistant professor of Black Studies.

The featured presenter was Sonia Sanchez, poet, playwright, essayist and educator.

Sanchez has published a dozen volumes of poetry, including “Ash” (2001), “Does Your House Have Lions?” (1995; nominated for both the NAACP Image and National Book Critics Circle Award), and “Homegirls & Handgrenades” (1984; winner of American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation). Sanchez was the first Presidential Fellow at Temple University, where she began teaching in 1977. She held the Laura Carnell Chair in English there until her retirement in 1999.

Sanchez read from her poetry collections, and for the latter portion of her reading was accompanied by interpretive dance from Amara Tabor Smith.

Smith, an actress, dancer, and capoeirista, has worked with the San Francisco Mime Troupe, Make-ACircus, The World of Tales, and the “Carlsbad Caverns National Park is one of the most ecologically diverse parks in the United States, and we hope that information in this volume will stimulate additional research on mammals and other organisms in the park,” they write in the book’s abstract. “Understanding the distribution, abundance, and types of plants and animals on public lands is important because it provides necessary information for making sound management decisions and for designing accurate interpretive programs for education of the general public.”

Kenneth Geluso's interests include all aspects of mamw w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

Urban Bush Women in New York City. In addition to accompanying Sanchez, Smith offered a dance workshop (pictured) with local dance companies and members of the community.

Other presentations: • “Voter education and Black Women in the Women’s Suffrage Movement” by Rosalyn TerborgPenn, professor of history and coordinator of graduate programs in history at Morgan State University.

• “Black Women Activism” by Jennifer Hamer and Helen Neville, University of IllinoisUrbana/Champaign. Neville is an associate professor of educational psychology and African American Studies; Hamer is an associate professor of African American Studies.

A variety of other presentations from UNO and the Omaha community completed the two-day event.

malian biology with an emphasis on ecology and ecophysiology. His current projects involve studying renal form and function in shrews and moles, effects of pesticides on bats, effects of prairie fires on small mammals, and the natural history of Nebraskan and New Mexican mammals.

Dr. Tracy Bridgeford Dr. Tracy Bridgeford tackled her first booklength project with “Innovative Approaches to Teaching

Top photo: Sonia Sanchez and another presenter and poet, 12year-old Devin Phillips of Omaha. Bottom: Jennifer Hamer and Helen Neville, presenters of “Black Women Activism.” Photos

by Eric Manley.

Technical Communication.”

Bridgeford is an associate professor of English and specialist in technical communication. Co-editors of the book were Karla Saari Kitalong and Dickie Selfe. The book jacket promotes “a variety of activities, projects, and approaches to energize pedagogy in technical communication and to provide a constructive critique of current practice.”

A review in Composition Forum describes the audience for this collection of essays as “the broad array of individuals associated with the instruction of technical communication, including those responsible for curriculum development and

program administration, as well as teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. . . . Most readers . . . should find this to be an important collection if not for the approaches that the authors offer them for the intelligent and concise analyses and considerations of issues that those of us who work in the discipline contend with.”

Bridgeford earned her Ph.D. from Michigan Tech. In addition to her instructional and research responsibilities, she is coordinator for the Technical Communication Graduate Certificate and book review editor for Technical Communication Quarterly.

Spring 2006 • 7

College of

Arts & Sciences

The ‘Indefatigable’ Virginia Frank U

NO English Instructor Maria Knudtson will not soon forget that Shakespeare dinner in January 2005, nor one of the attendees that evening—Virginia Frank.

“It was the last time we got to party with her,” Knudtson recalls.

Ginny Frank died last November, ending a struggle against cancer that she had contested for several years. She fought it with the same energy and grace with which she faced all her battles—a determination and doggedness that earned salute from Dr. Susan Maher, chair of UNO’s English department. “Ginny served this department indefatigably,” Maher says. “At UNO, she was an early supporter and faculty member of the Native American Studies program, one of UNO’s unique programs, and her support of women’s issues and her fellow female colleagues was tireless.”

Frank’s ties to campus began in the mid-1950s when she attended Omaha University after graduating from Central High School.

Frank was 1958 Homecoming Princess and editor of the 1959 yearbook. She received the prestigious Woodrow Wilson Scholarship for graduate studies.

She completed her master’s degree at Brown University but returned to her alma mater in 1961 as an instructor. She was promoted to assistant professor in 1968. She twice directed freshman English. In support of her efforts, and to stretch herself professionally and intellectually, Frank in 1979 received an NEH Fellowship at the Institute on Writing at the University of Iowa.

She served UNO until retiring in 1999.

Among the many students Frank inspired was Robert Hemenway, now chancellor of the University of Kansas.

“Ginny was a great inspiration to me, I know, because she lived such a rich intellectual life as an English professor,” Hemenway writes. “She made it possible for me to see myself in this profession, and it worked out. I will forever be in her debt. I am sure that I was just one of many who Ginny set on the path to a literary career.”

Frank’s passion for literature was fired by a belief that it was not a treasure only for the elite, but for everyone. Accordingly, she included in her studies popular litFrank as pictured in the 1959 OU yearbook as erature and literapresident of Chi Omega. ture of minorities, and she went well beyond the walls of the university in her efforts to bring literature to Omahans. That included involvement with the Nebraska Literature Festival and volunteer work for the Omaha Public Library.

The Friends of Omaha Public Library’s Board of Directors named its annual Teen Writing Contest to honor Frank, a former Friends book sale manager. Contest winners will have their names engraved on Swanson Library plaques honoring Ginny.

Land donation creates second prairie classroom r. Thomas Bragg has a new classroom, but this one

Ddoesn’t come with walls, the latest high-tech equip-

ment, or even desks, chairs or a lectern.

This classroom sits along the bluffs of the Elkhorn River and features oak forests and savannas, sandstone cliffs and streamside habitats. Its name—the T.L. Davis Prairie, a 22-acre wooded parcel recently donatThe new sign at T.L. Davis Prairie, constructed ed to UNO. by student Shawn Erickson.

The tract adds to the existing tallgrass habitat at Allwine Prairie, “thus greatly expanding the diversity of natural areas available for teaching, research, and outreach activities,” says Bragg, director of UNO’s Nature Preserve System, as well as biology professor and dean of graduate studies.

“In particular, the site will benefit the environmental studies programs focused in both biology and geography-

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geology, as well the many field-oriented courses— ornithology, mammalogy, herpetology, ichthyology, etc.—offered at UNO.” Situated east of 245th Street and approximately half a mile south of Q Street, the prairie was donated through the University of Nebraska Foundation by Thomas L. Davis and named in honor of his father, also Thomas L. Davis.

As with Allwine Prairie, donated by Arthur A. Allwine in 1959, the Davis Prairie will be reestablished or restored to its natural state.

“Historically, prairies were maintained by naturally occurring wildfires that swept across entire landscapes every four or five years, as well as by large grazers such as bison,” says Leann Martin, preserve manager. “The result was a highly diverse landscape with hundreds of plant and animal species. We must manage remaining grassland fragments in such a way that these effects are simulated.

“Managing for tallgrass prairie at Allwine Prairie Preserve and T.L. Davis Prairie will enable current and future generations to appreciate and learn about our natural heritage.”

For more information on the prairies visit the new preserve website at http://www.unomaha.edu/prairie.

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Brooks Award Memorializes ‘Teacher’s Teacher’ passion for science and education is evident in the

earning a bachelor’s degree in history and eventually his juris doctorate.

Brooks was born in rural Missouri in 1916. His father According to his colleague Dr. David Sutherland, was a farmer, a minister, and a schoolteacher. According “Merle Brooks was much loved by many students. He to his biography*, both of his parents encouraged their took pictures of his students near the beginning of the children to “to pursue an education.” semester and made sure that he had memorized most of Brooks did so his entire life. the names by early in the semester, and he formed good After World War II and four years friendships with many of them. Many students rememin the Army, Brooks returned to bered him fondly and asked about him after he retired.”

Emporia State Teacher’s College and, Merle Brooks retired in 1978 and lived in Omaha until with the help of the GI bill, earned he passed away in 1996. both his bachelor’s and master’s Brooks’ wife of 55 years, Blanche Brooks, his two sons degrees in biology. In 1956, Brooks and Hoham have worked with the University Foundation earned his Ph.D. in biology from the and UNO’s biology department to establish the “The Dr. University of Boulder at Colorado.

Merle E. Brooks Academic Achievement Award in Throughout his education, his interBiology and/or Science Education.”

Brooks ests in freshwater biology (limnology) The income from this endowment will be used for and teacher education gained focus. awards to outstanding undergraduate or graduate stuAccording to his biography, “In the mid-1950s he and dents regularly enrolled in the department of biology or his colleague, Dr. Weldon N. Baker, studied the training in the College of Education’s department of teacher eduof high school science teachers in Kansas. . . . Drs. cation who have a desire to pursue a career in plant sciBrooks and Baker found that most science teachers had ences or limnology and/or teach biological sciences at little training in biology or other science subjects, and the high school level following graduation. that high school students were getting inadequate sciAs with many scientists, Brooks had a creative side. ence education.”

“He took up painting fairly late Shortly after Congress created in life. It isn’t surprising that he the National Science Foundation was a good painter because in 1957, Brooks secured funding Merle, like nearly all biology stufor the first NSF Institute for dents in the era before technoloScience Teachers. Under his gy, were taught to draw from direction, the institute at Emporia beginning laboratory classes gained national recognition. onward,” says Bill DeGraw, proIn 1959, Brooks brought the fessor of biology and chair of institute to the University of that department at UNO from Omaha (now UNO). His biogra1998 to 2004. “As a teacher, phy adds, “By 1964 over 300 sciMerle insisted that students in his ence and mathematics teachers botany classes prepare and had participated . . .. In addition include in their lab notes to the In-Service Institutes for detailed, labeled drawings of the biology teachers, Dr. Brooks was “White Pine in Winter “ an acrylic by Merle Brooks, cour- specimens they were studying.” tesy of David Sutherland involved with the National Adds Sutherland: “Merle was a Science Fair, the Visiting Scientist Program of the part-time businessman. In his home basement, he manuNebraska Academy of Sciences, and the Outstanding factured and sold a line of ‘loops’ for the transfer of very Biology Teacher of Nebraska.” small animals, algae, and protozoans. These were popuAt UNO, in addition to running the NSF institutes, lar with aquatic biologists. They came in several sizes Brooks regularly taught general botany and limnology as and had color-coded handles. Merle’s interests were well as plant anatomy, morphology and physiology. His diverse, and he had many hobbies. Merle was also dedication to teacher preparation and biology inspired skilled on the keyboard and had a top-of-the-line electric many students. That includes his son Kenton Brooks and organ in his home. He would play it for visitors, but only Ron Hoham, both of whom would earn doctorates in when pressed.” biology. Brooks’ son Loel also studied biology at UNO *Written by Ron Hoham, Loel Brooks, and Kenton but followed a different path through higher education, Brooks.

Alife and legacy of Dr. Merle E. Brooks.

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Spring 2006 • 9

College of Public Affairs and Community Service

Juvenile Justice Institute

UNO Institute pursues fairness for juveniles and the community

Seeking Justice wo 16-year-old boys, arrested the same night, each suspected of similar crimes, make their initial appearance before a judge. It is the first time either has been arrested.

One boy is white; the other, AfricanAmerican.

Both have similar family situations.

Their mothers are recently divorced.

The white teenager lives with his mother, who has a job. The AfricanAmerican teen is living with his uncle while his mother looks for work.

The mother of the white teen appears in court and pledges to monitor her son if he is released from custody. The judge sets a trial date and releases the boy.

The other boy’s mother cannot be immediately located. His uncle can’t be reached at work or home. The nervous teen stands before the judge and is ordered back to the juvenile detention center to await trial, set for eight weeks from that day.

Two days later, the uncle gets a public defender assigned to the case and asks that the second boy be allowed to come home. The court sets the detention review hearing for the same date as trial, eight weeks later.

The boy languishes in the detention center, falling behind in school—but learning much about surviving in a correctional facility.

Given the current justice system and laws in Nebraska, very little can be done to gain the release of the second teenager from detention before his trial.

That isn’t fair to the child, his fami-

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Photo by Tim Fitzgerald / University Affairs

From Nebraska hen asked where he’s from, T. Hank Robinson doesn’t reply with a particular city or town. And he doesn’t tell people he’s from Tennessee, where he was born 40 years ago.

The director of the Juvenile Justice Institute simply says, “Nebraska.”

“I came to Nebraska in 1975 with my mom,” he recalls. “I’ve lived in Geneva, Ainsworth, Oshkosh, Scottsbluff, Crete, Lincoln, Cambridge and Omaha. I grew up riding horses and branding cattle, hunting and fishing, and camping and hiking all over the state.

“That’s why I say I’m from Nebraska.”

Robinson earned a BS in biopsychology from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1988. Two years later he earned a law degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law. After one year as an attorney for Legal Services of Southeast Nebraska in Lincoln Robinson joined the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles as an attorney and administrative hearing officer.

He attended 10 to 15 hearings each week throughout the state. “Travel was my favorite part,” he says. “I loved being able to get out to all the counties.”

After five years with the state, Robinson accepted an adjunct position as a graduate teaching assistant in the department of criminal justice at UNO. In 2002, he earned his doctorate in criminal justice at UNO. Taped to the wall of his office is a scrap of paper with this quote from Winston Churchill, “To every man there comes a time in his lifetime, that special moment when he is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered to do a very special thing, unique to him and fitted to his talents.”

For Robinson, the JJI has been his “very special thing.”

“It seems like everything I’ve ever done or learned was preparation for this job.”

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ly or the community, says Dr. T. Hank Robinson, director of the Juvenile Justice Institute of UNO’s Department of Criminal Justice (College of Public Affairs and Community Service).

Created in 2002, the Juvenile Justice Institute (JJI) provides technical assistance to the Nebraska Legislature and administrative agencies throughout the state, including the Nebraska Crime Commission and many county agencies.

Robinson has been at the institute’s helm since its inception, directing a staff of five full-time members supported each semester by three to five graduate research assistants. The JJI staff serves on task forces that address issues such as disproportionate minority confinement, substance abuse, truancy, mental health, gun violence reduction, gangs, and juvenile justice policy as it relates to detention, evaluation and processing.

Recently, Robinson led the team of CPACS faculty and graduate students in preparing a report to the Methamphetamine Abuse Treatment Study Committee of the Nebraska Community Corrections Council.

Titled “Moving Past the Era of Good Intentions: Methamphetamine Treatment Study,” it outlines findings and recommendations to assist the Legislature in formulating an action plan to create a coordinated system for the treatment of chemical dependency related to methamphetamine.

Though the methamphetamine study commissioned by the state largely was concerned with adult users, it was relevant to the institute’s focus on juveniles, Robinson says.

“The meth study illustrates the difficulty in drawing a clear line between juveniles and adults,” he says. “Our research indicated 40 percent of adult meth users began using as a juvenile.

“So, if we are truly serious about treating the meth problem in Nebraska, we have to implement juvenile-related treatment and recovery programs that keep kids from w w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

falling farther down the well of addiction.”

In addition to conducting research, the institute assists administrative agencies in program design, implementation and evaluation. It also provides training to agencies and local program officials to enable them to better document their activities and to develop the internal capacity to conduct evaluations.

In its first year the institute received about 20 percent of its funding from

Legislature’s current session, LB 1258, would begin to address the state’s meth problem by providing: • $2.65 million to establish specialized courts.

• $6.5 million to establish and operate a substance abuse treatment program for incarcerated offenders.

• $2.25 million to fund substance abuse evaluation.

• $1.3 million to fund five Day Reporting Centers across the State.

The legislation also would fund:

Juvenile Justice Institute ive full-time staff members make up the Juvenile Justice Institute of UNO’s Department of Criminal Justice (College of Public Affairs and Community Service): Dr. T. Hank Robinson, director; Dr. Leigh Culver, assistant director; Jennifer Janovec, coordinator, Disproportionate Minority Contact program; Nicole Kennedy, program coordinator; Colleen Cunningham, administrative assistant.

The institute’s most recent work was a report to the Methamphetamine Abuse Treatment Study Committee of the Nebraska Community Corrections Council. Released in December and titled “Moving Past the Era of Good Intentions: Methamphetamine Treatment Study,” it can be found on the Nebraska Crime Commission’s website at www.ncc.state.ne.us/documents/other/meth.htm.

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contracts and grants. By 2005, that figure had grown to 80 percent.

In fiscal 2002-2003, the institute had active research projects in four Nebraska counties. In two years, service had risen to multiple active projects in 29 counties, as well as several statewide projects, including Disproportionate Minority Contact Evaluation, Detention Intake Evaluation, and Evaluation and Program Design Training.

“Our reach has spread tremendously,” Robinson says. “In our three years, we’ve worked with about 50 different counties. That shows we have honored our responsibility to serve the state, not just Douglas County or Lancaster County.

“The fact that we continue to provide direct services throughout the state speaks volumes about the outreach of the college and the university, as well as our mission to serve the community.”

Both the methamphetamine study and the work regarding juvenile detention resulted in proposed legislation. One bill introduced in the

additional probation personnel for substance abuse programs and training for probation, parole, and drug court personnel; a grant program to counties or a coalition of counties to expand sentencing options and to provide supplemental local community-based corrections programs; and, a substance abuse and youth offender prevention program.

A second bill, LB 1181, would require courts to hear motions to review detention hearings within 48 hours.

“The way it stands now, after the initial detention hearing, if the judge decides to leave the juvenile in custody, there’s no way to force a hearing to get the kid out of detention,” Robinson says. “There are ample ways to protect the security of the community, get the youth back into school and eliminate the expense of unnecessary detention.”

The work is all part of the continuing, statewide effort of UNO’s Juvenile Justice Institute to lead Nebraska “past the era of good intentions.”

Spring 2006 • 11

College of

Information Science and Technology

Outthinking the bad guys part of the job at NUCIA

ompany A suspects Company B of hacking its computers and spying on its internal activities.

Accordingly, Company A hires specialists in “Information Assurance” to verify that its security has been breached—and to help plug the holes.

Once the Information Assurance (IA) experts begin checking Company A’s systems, however, they discover that Company A is in reality spying on Company B. Was the spying the result of some organized internal plan to infiltrate Company B? Was it the work of some rogue employees of Company A, working outside their directive in order to find ways to advance their own careers? Or, could it have been the work of a cyber-terrorist cleverly using Company A’s computer system to cover his tracks as he penetrates Company B’s systems?

It’s a scenario that fascinates fans of techno-thriller novels—and students of the Nebraska University Consortium on Information Assurance (NUCIA).

Founded by the Peter Kiewit Institute and the UNO College of Information Science & Technology, NUCIA (pronounced “new-sha”) has garnered considerable recognition. Most recently, it was re-designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance for the academic years 2005-2008 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the NSA. NUCIA was one of the first 20 centers to receive the designation, in 2001.

Directing NUCIA is Blaine Burnham, a 62-year-old professor and research fellow with a penchant for New Age music, collectable medallions and Hawaiian shirts. His career has been just as varied. Burnham worked more than a decade with the National Security Agency (NSA), serving as division chief of the Infosec Research Council and in other information assurance roles at the Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia Laboratory in New Mexico. Immediately prior to joining UNO’s faculty he was director of the Georgia Tech Information Security Center.

Burnham characterizes IA as an emerging, rapidly expanding science that addresses problems in the fundamental understanding of the design, development, implementation and life-cycle support of secure information systems.

“It’s fun, invigorating, interesting and compelling,” he says. “At its finest it’s better than chess. Can you outthink the bad guy? Can you defeat the bad guy before he knows he’s defeated? Knowledge in IA gives a person the opportunity to work in neat places with some really neat stuff.”

A bachelor’s degree in IA is being developed from its

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NUCIA, he says, helped chart his future. “NUCIA has been the catalyst to strengthen my academic understandings and my professional entrance into the IA world through internships with Lockheed Martin, Sandia National Labs in California and the Department of Defense. Personally, I've been excited, inspired and thoroughly prepared to pursue my career aspirations with a strong foundation in computer science and IA.” Sophie Engle, who received her bachelor’s degree in computer science in 2002, is studying for her doctorate at the University of California, Davis. She became involved in NUCIA through mentoring and independent study courses with Burnham and Ken Dick, telecommunications chair.

Engle says NUCIA gave her valuable experience conducting and critiquing research and presenting her findings to industry professionals. “Without my experiences at NUCIA,” she says, “I doubt I would be in graduate school.”

Students utilize two hightech, well-outfitted labs at IS&T. The Security Technology Education and Analysis Laboratories (STEAL) are continuously monitored and completely isolated from university production networks and the Internet.

As part of their study, students learn about ways to attack information systems.

Due to the potential harm through the misuse of such information, they are required to sign an ethics statement. “Basically, it says that they know the difference between right and wrong, that they won’t do wrong, and that if they can’t tell the difference, they’ll stop and ask,” Burnham says. “That’s not complicated.”

The scope of NUCIA is purposely designed to be inclusive and broad. In addition to traditional technical areas of information assurance, NUCIA students work in CS and MIS, criminal justice, public policy, law, national and international security, cyber terrorism, health informatics and privacy.

If approved, an undergraduate degree in IA would afford students the opportunity to fulfill their general requirements by including several focus areas of study— Middle Eastern, Eastern European, Post-Soviet Eurasia, Latin America and Western Pacific.

“That way, you’ll come out of this with a cross-cutting view of some geo-political environment other than your own,” Burnham says. “We think our direct effort to foster a broader understanding will pay remarkable long-term

dividends for our students throughout their lives.”

Such a broad overview is beneficial to NUCIA students, says Megan Benoit, who earned her bachelor’s in CS from UNO in May 2002. She currently is employed as an information assurance engineer with an Omaha-area Department of Defense contractor.

“NUCIA taught me the value of having individuals with similar interests and drives around, even if all you were doing was bouncing ideas off of each other,” Benoit says.

“I learned to see IA in ways I never really thought of before, to consider problems from angles I had never thought of. I learned to understand that IA is more than just ‘information security’ or ‘computer security,’ and that it has value beyond what companies typically label as simply, ‘return on investment.’”

She says she draws upon the knowledge she gained at UNO and NUCIA every day to do risk analysis, evaluate new technologies and examine current architectures and ways of doing things.

“Without that fundamental knowledge and understanding of how computer systems and networks work, and how IA fits into each and every aspect of an organization, I would certainly not be as effective, or my talent as valued,” Benoit says.

Her appreciation goes to the top. “It takes world-class individuals to make a worldBlaine Burnham class program, and I cannot NUCIA Director thank Dr. Burnham enough for working with UNO to produce an IA program to be proud of,” she says. “Dr. Ken Dick is another worldclass individual. I learned everything I know about computer networks from him, and I can’t count the number of times I use that information in a day.

“There are many others involved with NUCIA who help make the program one of the best, and current and future students at UNO should consider themselves lucky to have the opportunity to learn from them.”

Although developing and teaching such a high-security, cutting-edge field of study appears complicated, Burnham has a way of simplifying it.

“I see myself as a value-added reseller,” he says. “I want students to understand what technology can and can’t do regarding the need to protect information. I want them to understand how to help organizations act and behave according to their own rules.

“And,” he adds, smiling, “I teach kids it’s important to shred your garbage.”

“At its finest it’s better than chess. Can you outthink the bad guy? Can you defeat the bad guy before he knows he’s defeated?”

Photo by Tim Fitzgerald / University Affairs

Blaine Burnham, NUCIA director, professor and research fellow.

current standing as an area of concentration for IS&T graduate and undergraduate students studying computer science (CS) or management information systems (MIS). A degree could provide many career paths in industry, government, academic and research arenas.

“We offer programs that bring bright young people along to where they understand how you do and don’t build a secure computer system,” Burnham says. “It’s indepth experience that will have lots and lots of long legs to it.”

Brian Wiese earned his bachelor’s degree from UNO in computer science with a minor in MIS and concentrations in Internet Technologies and IA. He is working toward a master’s degree in CS at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif.

“After I finish my graduate degree, I will work in civil service to strengthen the IA capabilities of our nation,” Wiese says, “and quite possibly make a long career out of it.”

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Spring 2006 • 13

College of

Information Science and Technology

Photo by Tim Fitzgerald / University Affairs

Hesham Ali, IS&T professor of computer science and head of the “Wireless Omaha” project.

Making connections for a ‘Wireless Omaha’ magine a free, secure, city-wide wireless infrastructure that would allow you to use your PDA to send and receive emails while your children play at an Omaha park. Or check from your laptop the arrival of a friend’s flight at Eppley Airfield as you run last-minute errands around town.

That’s the goal of “Wireless Omaha,” a project headed by Hesham Ali of UNO’s College of Information Science & Technology (IS&T). Ali is a professor of computer science and associate dean for academic affairs at the college.

Wireless access throughout the city would be useful to local residents and could also advance the image of Omaha as a rising star in the world of information technology. “Several other cities have undertaken similar projects but on different, more limited scales,” Ali says. “Omaha would probably be the first city with this kind of major wireless infrastructure.

This kind of service would integrate very well with the city’s efforts to attract information technology companies and employees.”

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14 • Spring 2006

Ali emphasizes that the free service is meant to complement what the city’s wireless service providers currently offer.

“We are not in competition for their business. We want to work together with businesses as our partners, including the major communication providers.

“As we have designed it, the infrastructure does not support running a business or transferring a large amount of data. It is meant to allow users free connectivity for basic, simple data transfers, like checking email or visiting a website.”

Wireless Omaha sprang from another project, “Wireless Nebraska,” partially funded by the National Science Foundation. That project, which would involve creating highspeed wireless access throughout the state, is awaiting completion of the Wireless Omaha project, Ali says.

Wireless Omaha is being implemented in phases. The UNO campus has the infrastructure, as does Rosenblatt Stadium, which was completed in time for the 2005 NCAA Men’s College World Series. It was

utilized by sports journalists and spectators to check emails and send brief messages, Ali says.

The current phase involves establishing the infrastructure in the downtown and riverfront areas, as well as in some inner-city parks.

“By placing the free service in lowincome areas of the city, we could address the issue of a digital divide existing between those areas and other areas of Omaha where Internet access is more readily available.

“We plan to create pockets of service, then work to connect those pockets. Along the way, we will piggyback off existing wireless facilities, such as those in other educational facilities around the city.”

Wireless Omaha would work to ensure that the security and separation for businesses that allow use of their networks would be preserved.

Software, filters and other measures would provide logical separations between business and public use, and attempt to eliminate the possibility of the free wireless service being used for improper or inappropriate activity.

The infrastructure may actually work to prevent and solve some crimes, Ali says. “For example, sensors could be placed in laptop computers and other expensive equipment and if the equipment was stolen, this kind of wireless infrastructure could track the stolen items.”

Ali hopes to complete the “community network” of Wireless Omaha within two years.

IS&T students have been involved in every aspect of the project since its inception, from installing the infrastructure at Rosenblatt Stadium to simulating actual environments at the college’s testbed facility.

“They solve real-time, real-world problems like equipment placement, connectivity to access points and how to avoid interference with other signals,” he says.

“And, in the case of the Rosenblatt installation, they got free tickets to attend some of the ballgames.”

UNOALUM

I T d oct o r al p r og r am ga rne rs na tional a tt ention albana Tarmizi says he didn’t want either/or. He wantHed both.

And so it was that the Indonesian native with degrees from Germany’s Aachen University of Technology and Michigan State enrolled in UNO’s College of Information Science & Technology. Here he is pursuing a Ph.D in information technology, a program that uniquely combines study in information systems and computer science.

“Normally, what you see is either a Ph.D. program in IS or one in CS,” Tarmizi says. “This Ph.D. in IT offers the ability to get both perspectives, and I like this.

“With the CS and IS departments under one roof at UNO, it makes it possible for us to take courses and to get involved with research in both fields.

Furthermore, since this program was new, it gave us more freedom in choosing our research and courses based on our real Photo by Tim Fitzgerald / University Affairs Ilze Zigurs, professor of management information interest.” systems and former director of the IT doctoral proThe doctoral program is new gram. to UNO and to the world, says Mansour Zand, professor of computer science and director of the Ph.D. program.

“When we started with this idea seven years ago, there probably wasn’t any Ph.D. in information technology being offered anywhere,” he says. “Last year, I was at a conference when the associate dean of another college of IT came up and told me they got the model for their program from UNO.” After a nearly five-year approval process, UNO’s Ph.D. in IT program began in the fall of 2003 with 10 students.

It since has grown to 22 students, with the first graduate expected in 2007 or 2008. Interest in the program is high—and competitive; the candidate acceptance rate is between 30 percent and 35 percent.

The program is motivated by the non-traditional model w w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

behind the formation of the College of IS&T, which combines computer science with information systems. The Ph.D. in IT integrates the theory and practice of applied computing, information systems, Internet technologies and the advances in telecommunications and management of information technology.

The vision of the doctoral program is to combine the disciplines of computer science, information systems, software engineering and telecommunications to develop technology specialists who are uniquely positioned to advance research and practice in contemporary technologies.

“We are looking for candidates whose eventual goals are leadership in IT organizations or research in academic life,” says Ilze Zigurs, professor of management information systems and former director of the Ph.D. program.

“This program prepares people for being scholars who understand the leading edge in IT and to develop into leaders either as educators or corporate managers.”

The program is drawing applicants with heady credentials, Zand says.

“One measure is the quality of the students we attract, the quality of their work and the fact that many are already publishing,” he says. “It’s quite impressive.”

Being new and interdisciplinary, the program requires collaboration among many different faculty to develop and teach seminars in an integrated way.

“I’d say 90 to 95 percent of some of the courses we offer are ‘homemade’ courses,” Zand says. “The IT field is not defined, and this presents a great challenge.”

Zigurs says the interactive process of designing every aspect of the degree program poses challenges for the faculty and the students but promises great rewards.

“Working together to develop these courses creates a synergy,” she says. “We really are defining the forefront of this interdisciplinary field. That’s exciting.”

The rewards extend beyond campus, too. Zigurs says the program provides many opportunities for area corporations to sponsor Ph.D. students or utilize their unique experience in a full- or part-time capacity. “For instance,” she says, “if they have an issue concerning methodologies for systems development, wouldn’t it be useful to have someone there to offer an objective view and make recommendations for a strategy taking into account leading-edge alternatives and knowledge?”

Active research clusters in data mining, bioinformatics, software engineering, collaboration technology, information security, wireless and sensor communication and project management provide for interesting study, says doctoral student Tarmizi. “If you prefer to do something that you like and to have flexibility in shaping your research and study, then this program is highly recommended,” he says. “And it seems to me that Omaha businesses really support this UNO program.”

Tarmizi, it appears, is having it all—and then some.

Spring 2006 • 15

International Studies and Programs

Study Abroad It’s Affordable It’s Marketable It’s Rewarding

alk to any of the UNO students turned global citizens and you’ll know they have something that sets them apart. They know it, too . . . Study Abroad.

UNO students interested in a rewarding, life-changing experience can choose to participate in a UNO study abroad program, join a third party organization which specializes in facilitating study abroad, or direct-enroll at an international university.

UNO students who study abroad are part of a national campaign to beef up sluggish numbers in the percentage of college students who participate in a study abroad exchange as part of their academic career. The U.S. Senate declared 2006 to be the “Year of Study Abroad.”

By encouraging traditional education beyond the classroom, UNO’s Office of International Studies and Programs recognizes the value of a study abroad experience. UNO’s wealth of contacts and programs abroad makes studying abroad accessible to all students.

Study abroad goes both ways. The 1,163 international students from 103 countries who enrolled at UNO in the 2004-5 academic year also are set apart because of their study abroad experience.

As students, teachers of their cultures, and ambassadors of their countries, they know they are not only enhancing their language and academic skills, but also developing cultural knowledge which will change their lives forever.

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Morocco

Saudi Arabia

Matt Holst, Omaha Major: International Studies

hen Matt Holst decided to join four other UNO students on the second consecutive summer study abroad in Ifrane, Morocco, the question he most often was asked was, “Why would you want to go there?”

Matt sees the region as being strategic and influential in today’s globalized world. Matt did not just want to study Arabic. Rather, it was Matt’s attempt to understand the “Arab World” and bring back that acquired understanding to his peers and community. Whether Matt, a sophomore, is sharing stories of Moroccan hospitality, or of being stuck in a sand storm in the middle of the Sahara Desert, one gets a sense that this Omahan is keen on studying abroad.

In fact, he is ready to do it again; this time, Matt is off to Beruit for an entire year.

Not only did studying abroad help him learn about attitudes and ideas overseas versus those of the American way of life, but it gave Matt a taste of just what makes study abroad so effective.

“I learned about myself, my major, and most imporHolst with two friends, Fatimah and Fatimah. tantly about people.”

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Japan

Congo

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Justin Romsa, Grand Island Major: International Studies / Computer Science

ack home in Saudi Arabia, Ali Abdulwahab Alali was a young tennis phenom—the best player on the Saudi team and the best player in the inter-Arab league. All that stopped, though, when he grew up and started working customer service in a bank.

Still, Ali dreamed of playing tennis again and of getting a degree in business administration or management information systems. When he had the opportunity to come to the UNO on a scholarship offered by the government of Saudi Arabia, he was ready. “I heard that it’s a good place for studying, and they have good people, safe places, quiet places. We can focus on our goal.”

One of 72 Saudi scholarship students studying intensive English at UNO, Ali is settling in well. After just two months in Omaha, Ali feels at home. “The staff cooperates with international students . . . they really help us.”

Ali feels his English is improving. He hopes to start his undergraduate program at UNO this summer or fall. Then he would like to pursue a master’s degree, go home and be useful for his family and country. For now, Ali and his wife of three months are adjusting well and learning about a new culture.

Yannick Kwete Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo

s a computer science major, Justin Romsa appreciated the disciplines of programming and engineering, but those disciplines, he felt, lacked enough human contact.

This was where Dean Thomas Gouttierre and the Office of International Studies and Programs came into play. Move forward one year and Justin—pursing a dual degree in both computer science and international studies—finds himself in Japan, studying a new culture and language.

A student at UNO’s sibling university in Shizuoka, Justin was the recipient of the Monbukagakusho Scholarship, which funds one year of study in Japan. Shizuoka, known for its quiet atmosphere and delicious tea and strawberries, became Justin’s home. He remembers “waking up every morning and taking a walk around the moat of a ruined castle while inhaling the sweet smell of the green tea in the air.”

Staring down stereotypes in Japan.

His stay in Shizuoka made Justin aware of the beauty of nature that coincides with urban surroundings. According to Justin, “I think that Japanese people have a tendency to be more appreciative and in tune with nature than most other cultures I have known. I think in a way Japanese people believe that beauty is short . . . and that's what makes something beautiful.”

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Germany

Colombia

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Kyan Unstad, Bellevue Major: Bioinformatics

ophomore Kyan Unstad knows most UNO students study Spanish; Kyan, however, recognizes the importance of polishing her German—it sets her apart.

While most of her friends spent last summer in Omaha working part-time jobs or taking a summer class or two, Kyan was in Germany.

As the 2005 Nene Field Ambassador Scholarship recipient, Kyan’s interest in Germanic-studies and an aptitude for the language landed her on German soil last July. Having survived her first airplane ride, Kyan immediately knew she wasn’t alone in wanting to study at Technische Universität Braunschweig’s German language and culture course for foreigners. Once there, Kyan met students from more than 25 nations, toured biomedical facilities, and fell in love with the country’s culture, people . . . and schnitzel.

Kyan lived the philosophy of Germany’s own Johan Wolfgang von Goethe: “Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.” Kyan began with her first plane ride and ended with so much more—she learned that Auf Wiedersehen is not only German for “goodbye,” but also for “until we meet again.”

Dancing at the Brandenburg Gate.

You can bet that Kyan will be returning to Germany some day soon.

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UNOALUM

Ali Abdulwahab Alali Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

annick Kwete has studied in many places—his home country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Zambia; and now, UNO. Yannick learned about UNO from his brother, Eric, who was studying here. He liked what he saw and decided to enroll. “When I first came, it was winter. I had to adjust to the weather and the change of culture as well.”

He has adjusted well. He is involved in 10 months of curricular practical training at Gallup, a member of the PKI Diplomats and One Innovation Place, and has become a campus leader who has learned to be welcoming and patient with people. “If you are not, you don’t get to know the real person. I view the world now from a different perspective.”

Yannick plans to graduate from UNO in May 2007 then continue at UNO for an MS in software engineering. Along the way he has learned more about himself and the country he left behind.

“Sometimes we take things for granted until we don’t have them. I value my friends and family more.”

alk to any of the UNO students turned global citizens and you’ll know they have something that sets them apart. They know it, too . . .

Study Abroad.

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Esperanza Camargo Bogatá, Colombia

speranza Camargo is interested in social justice. She wants to make a difference. While working in the mayor’s office in Bogatá, Colombia, Esperanza learned firsthand the importance of being bilingual. “The only way to understand culture and current events is the ability to understand a language,” she says.

So, in October 2001, Camargo came to UNO to learn English.

After eight months in the Intensive Language University of Nebraska at Omaha (ILUNO) and International Professional Development (IPD) programs, she realized, “Once I got the language—you start to think—well, I can do this.”

‘This’ was pursuit of a master’s degree in urban studies at UNO. Her classes taught her how to compare developing and developed countries. The university had “opened for me a whole new way to think.” But Esperanza has done more than just think. She has put her new education to the test through her practical training in Latin American Studies at UNO. And she isn’t finished yet. In 2005 she received a scholarship to begin studies in UNO’s Ph.D. program in criminal justice—a degree she wants to use in order to make a difference when she returns to Colombia. “The only way to change this world is to work in the public sector,”

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Spring 2006 • 17

College of

Communication, Fine Arts and Media

Achievement Award recipient achieves, balances, commits chievement, balance, commitment—all words that can be used to describe Joan Lukas, recipient of the 2005 Alumni Achievement Award from UNO’s School of Communication.

A 1993 graduate, Lukas earned her MA in communication while working full time, the sort of commitment and drive exemplified throughout a distinguished career encompassing more than 20 years in public Lukas relations and marketing communications. Today president and chief communication officer of the largest communication counseling firm in the region, Lukas has plied her craft in a variety of venues—secondary and higher education, the corporate world, and now as a business owner.

No matter the organizational culture, though, Lukas’ communication strategies have consistently achieved positive results. She helped implement MarianFEST, Marian High School’s major fundraising event which last year brought $425,000 to the school. While at ConAgra, she helped position the start-up brand Healthy Choice and promoted many other brands, such as Butterball, now a household name. She inspired Bryant Gumbel, host of CBS’ “Early Show,” to host a luau party using Oriental Trading Company’s products, bringing national media attention to the company. And she positioned Creighton University to receive frontpage news coverage.

Lukas put all that experience to

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work for herself in January 2005 when she joined partner Steve Kline in acquiring the public relations firm of Leslie Associates. Renamed Leslie Kline Lukas & Associates, it serves clients across the United States, focusing on public relations, media relations, crisis communication, issues management, opinion research and fundraising. Special events management is another service of the firm, which manages the massive Fourth of July weekend concert sponsored by Bank of the West in Omaha’s Memorial Park.

Lukas credits UNO’s School of Communication with helping her think more strategically without losing sight of details. She also points to the foresight exhibited by several of her professors, providing information she still uses today.

For example, she recalls Dr. Hugh Cowdin’s class on ethics as being ahead of its time, especially with the current increased focus on ethics among top executives and in the media. In addition, “Dr. Lipschultz [director of UNO’s School of Communication] had us tune into CNN when it was in its beginning stages,” Lukas says. “He said it would change the way news was reported, and he was right.”

Achievement, balance and commit-

Alumni Spotlight Attention Communication & Fine Arts grads in: • Art & Art History • Music • Theatre • Writer’s Workshop • Broadcasting • Journalism • Speech Communication

ment also apply to Lukas’ personal life. In fact, she lists raising her two daughters (ages 6 and 8) as her greatest achievement. “Part of my job includes a lot of travel, so being able to create high-quality family time has been very important to my husband and me.” Both daughters attend St. Margaret Mary grade school, Lukas’ alma mater. The entire family is involved in service projects there and enjoy giving back to the community.

Even when vacationing, Lukas and family continue to give back to the community. A favorite vacation spot is the Okoboji area in Iowa. The family is helping the new Nature Center there thrive and grow in order that it “be all that it can be to the area residents and the tourists who enjoy the lakes area every year.” Lukas also plays tennis, a sport she’s loved since the age of 10. She recently was on a mixed doubles team that made it into a national USTA [United States Tennis Association] tournament held in Hawaii in November.

A favorite memory Lukas has of her days as a graduate student at UNO is the late Dr. Elton Carter’s “card system” in which he used a deck of cards to explain how systems worked. “He told us we had the choice whether or not to participate in the systems of our lives—it was simple, yet profound,” Lukas says.

Joan Lukas has chosen wisely in which systems she wants to participate; she not only participates—she excels.

The College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media wants to hear from you! Drop us a line to let us know what you have been up to since graduation. Your story may get published in a future issue of the Alum magazine!

Send email to dcameron@mail.unomaha.edu or snail mail to: CCFAM Alumni Spotlight Attn: Katie Cameron UNO, WFAB 311 6001 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68182-0189

UNOALUM

A flock of success for grad’s “Yellow Bird” story he Yellow Bird” now has

“Tbecome a story about a story.

Written by 2004 UNO Writer’s Workshop graduate Margie Lukas, “The Yellow Bird” has earned various short-story accolades, winning the Houston Writer's Conference Short Story Contest and making the pages of the Roswell Literary review.

Such rousing success was only the beginning, though. Carol J. Brown, Lukas’ friend and fellow writer, converted the story into a screenplay, a work that took first place for Best Short Script at the 2002 Moondance International Film Festival. That prompted the interest of Smiling Toad Productions in Canada, which last year finished production on a 14minute film short.

“Yellow Bird” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival’s “March du Film” in May 2005 and since has traveled the world, screening at film festivals in Italy, France, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Germany, and at the prestigious Vancouver International Film Festival. The film received the Golden Sheaf Award for Best Art Direction at the Yorkton Short Film Video Festival in Canada, a “Golden Monkey” Award for Best Cinematography in Leicester, England and, most recently, the Audience Choice for Best International Film in Cologne, Germany.

Canada’s CBC network recently acquired rights to air “The Yellow Bird” on “Canadian Reflections,” and SBS Television in Australia plans to show it as well. Most recently, “The Yellow Bird” won a Remi Award, to be presented at Houston’s “Worldfest” in April. Recipients won’t know in which category(ies) their film won awards until the event.

So what’s all the fuss and feathers about? “The Yellow Bird” website (yellowbirdthefilm.com/) provides the following synopsis: “Fayette Colback has always been a dreamer, despite w w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

living a full and oppressive existence with her controlling husband, Roy. That is, until a chance encounter with a little Yellow Bird turns both

national writing contests. She recently had another short story, “Eleven Minutes,” published by Writers Online.

their lives upsidedown. Inspired by newfound joy, Fayette proves that change can occur with a little touch of magic and grave opportunity.”

Lukas says the most gratifying part of having her story translated to film has been seeing how the audience for her story has expanded. “It amazes Top: Fayette with her newfound joy—a Yellow Bird. 2005 Smiling Toad Productions Inc. Bottom: A publicity postcard for “The Little Yellow Bird.” me to think that this little story I wrote in Omaha, Neb., has now traveled around the world and Lukas won the Dean’s Award for played to literally thousands of peothe College of Fine Arts in 2003 and ple.” currently is an adjunct instructor for In addition to her success with UNO’s Writer’s Workshop. She grad“The Yellow Bird,” Lukas has received uated with a BFA in writing and is numerous second- and third-place working toward an MFA at Pacific acknowledgements in a variety of Lutheran in Washington State.

Spring 2006 • 19

College of

College of

College names 2006 Outstanding Students Art. Graduates this May with a bachhe College of Communication, Nicholas Squires, Omaha— TFine Arts and Media will present elor of fine arts degree in Studio Art. Outstanding Undergraduate in Music undergraduate and graduate student Jaime Venhaus, Lincoln, Neb.— Performance.

A Hall of Fame Professor

Communication, Fine Arts and Media

awards April 7 as part of Student Honors Convocation. Recipients also will be recognized at CCFAM’s Honors Awards Presentation & Reception April 10 in Strauss Recital Hall.

Undergraduate Honorees Sarah Almquist, Kearney, Neb.— Outstanding Undergraduate in Music Education; Dean’s Award for Outstanding Undergraduate.

Graduates this May with a bachelor’s degree in music education.

Frances Osugi, Omaha— Outstanding Undergraduate in Studio

Outstanding Undergraduate in Art Education.

Tammi Owens, Omaha— Outstanding Undergraduate in Art History.

Charles Reed, Omaha— Outstanding Undergraduate in Broadcasting/New Media.

Meghan Pile, Columbus, Neb.— Outstanding Undergraduate in Journalism/PR-Advertising. Graduates in May with a bachelor of science degree.

Darcy Draper, Omaha— Outstanding Undergraduate in Speech Communication.

Jennifer Agnew, Omaha— Outstanding Undergraduate in Theatre. Graduated in December 2005 with a BA in theatre.

Gabriel Patton, Bellevue, Neb.— Outstanding Undergraduate in Writer’s Workshop.

Graduate Honorees Angela Horschem—Outstanding Graduate in Theatre.

Michael Pollock—Outstanding Graduate in Music.

Stephanie Hand and Ethan Dean—Outstanding Graduate Students in Communication.

College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media Calendar of Events — March through May 2006 Art & Art Histor y Shows/events held in UNO Art Gallery, 1st Floor, WFAB.

April 9 - May 5 Spring 2006 BFA Thesis Exhibition, UNO Art Gallery, Opening rec. April 7, 6:30 p.m.

M u s ic Performances start at 7:30 p.m. in the Strauss Performing Arts Center Recital Hall, unless otherwise noted.

Call 554-3427 for info or tickets.

March 21 Ecoutez: Dora Seres, flute March 31 Jazz Band Big Band Dance, Milo Bail Student Center Ballroom, Lessons, 7 p.m., Dance, 8 p.m.

April 2 Symphonic Wind Ensemble

April 19 Percussion Ensembles Concert

Writer’s Workshop

April 22 Concert Choir Concert

Missouri Valley Reading Series

April 23 Symphonic Wind Ensemble & University Band Concert April 25 Chamber Orchestra Concert April 26 Jazz Band Concert, Milo Bail SC April 30 Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra In the Park Concert May 6 Symphonic Wind Ens Concert, 3 p.m.

T he a t re

April 7 Chamber Choir Concert

Performance start at 7:30 p.m. in the UNO Theatre, Weber Fine Arts Building, unless otherwise noted.

For ticket information, call the UNO Theatre Box Office, 554-2335.

April 12 Brass Ensembles Concert, 6 pm

April 13-15, 19-22 Arabian Nights

20 • Spring 2006

Readings begin at 7:00 p.m. in the UNO Art Gallery, Weber Fine Arts Building. Open discussion with writer follows each reading. 5542406 for information.

March 22 Art Homer & Neil Azevedo Art Homer, a UNO Writer's Workshop professor since 1982, is the recipient of a 1998 Writing Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts and a 1995 Individual Artist Fellowship from the Nebraska Arts Council. He will be reading from his most recent of four poetry collections, Sight Is No Carpenter.

Neil Azevedo, former UNO Writer’s Workshop student, publisher for Zoo Press, editor of The Nebraska Review, and adjunct instructor for the Writer’s Workshop department,

will be reading from his first poetry collection, Ocean. His poems have appeared in The Paris Review, The New Criterion, Prairie Schooner, Antioch Review, The Journal, and Image, among others.

April 12 Yiyun Li Yiyun Li grew up on Beijing and came to the U.S. in 1996. She has an MFA from Iowa Writers’ Workshop and an MFA in creative nonfiction from the University of Iowa. Her stories and essays have been published in The New Yorker, The Paris Review, Zoetrope: All-Story, Ploughshares, The Gettysburg Review, Glimmer Train, Prospect, and elsewhere.

Named by Los Angeles Times as one of the three authors to watch in 2005, she has won the Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award, the Plimpton Prize from The Paris Review, and a Pushcart prize.

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Education

he stage at New York’s famed Waldorf-Astoria Hotel

Tgreeted one sports luminary after another.

NFL legends Gale Sayers and Jim Brown were frontand-center. So were Olympic gold medalists Frank Shorter, Dan Jansen and Dot Richardson. NBA Coach Hubie Brown was on hand, too, as was . . . UNO Professor Frank Brasile?

Indeed. Brasile, a member of UNO’s Health, Physical Education and Recreation faculty, joined these and other sports notables Nov. 2 for induction into the Boys Club of New York All-Sports Hall of Fame. Brasile’s induction was in honor of his longtime involvement in the sport of wheelchair basketball.

His has been a career most rewarding for “the ability to learn and grow over the years,” Brasile says. “I was always learning something new, and it was a great challenge. Also . . . I really enjoyed working with young and novice players and developing a research base for the profession.”

Brasile’s involvement with wheelchair basketball began in the early 1970s while he was working on a master’s degree in recreation therapy at the University of Illinois.

He became an assistant coach for the university’s intercollegiate men’s wheelchair basketball team and two years later was hired as director of Illinois’ wheelchair sports program. That meant he also was head coach of all the sports programs for students with disabilities.

Brasile developed the intercollegiate division of the National Wheelchair basketball association and organized the first National Intercollegiate Wheelchair Basketball Tournament. That gave birth to the Central Intercollegiate Conference (CIC), which continues today as a cornerstone of development for players and coaches.

In 1978 Brasile coached Illinois to the National Intercollegiate Championship. The Milwaukee native joined UNO’s faculty in 1987 but remained active in the sport, becoming an assistant coach of the USA Women’s team (1990, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998) then its head coach (1999, 2000). Combined, the teams won three world championships, three silver medals and two bronze medals. In 2001 the CIC named its sportsmanship award after Brasile in recognition of his outstanding contribution, dedication and service to the conference, wheelchair basketball, and the field of therapeutic recreation.

His contributions go beyond coaching. Brasile created the first wheelchair basketball skills test, an assessment w w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

Photo courtesy Frank Brasile UNO Professor Frank Brasile joined Omaha native Gale Sayers as a 2005 inductee into the Boys Club of New York All-Sports Hall of Fame.

used throughout the world for research and coaching purposes and a model for other wheelchair sports skills tests that have followed. Recently, Brasile filmed, produced and edited a DVD of the training experiences that took place at the National Wheelchair Basketball Camp last summer in San Diego. Video clips from this DVD can be viewed on the NWBA website (www.nwba.org).

The prestigious nod from the Boys Club of New York was the second major honor for Brasile in 2005. In April, the UNO professor was inducted into the Wheelchair Basketball Hall of Fame, a full member of the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.

“This was by far the most exciting and humbling experience in my life,” Brasile says. “To be inducted into a hall of fame . . . was, and still is, hard to fathom.

However, I in fact realize that it is not about me and what I was able to accomplish as much as it is about the support of my family, and the dedication and mentoring I received from hundreds of athletes and coaches who took the time and effort to enrich my life and motivate me to eagerly serve my chosen professional field of recreation therapy.”

Happenings schedule ollege of Education alumni can read more about fellow alumni, faculty and current students in Happenings, mailed in early June.

C

Save the date!

A one-time only event, Building a Legacy of Excellence Golf Outing, is being planned for September 21, 2006, at Tiburon Golf Course.

The four-person scramble will have a 12 p.m. shotgun start. Place the date and time on your calendar and look for additional information in the future.

Spring 2006 • 21

forward Brandie Beale booted a high-arching shot into the back of the net, ending the game and earning UNO its championship.

Price says she wasn’t as nervous in goal as those who watched the televised final might have thought.

“Having my defense back there helped so much,” Price says. “Meghan and Becca, I can always count on them, and they can count on me.”

Klosterman also appeared calm, but says he wasn’t.

“Every single play,” he says, “your heart and stomach are fighting it.”

Once back home, the team and their coach became local celebrities. In January, the National Soccer Coaches Association of America named Klosterman Division II women’s coach of the year.

Recognition came elsewhere, too.

“I’d just be at the grocery store,” Klosterman says, “and somebody I didn’t know would come up and say, ‘Hey, congratulations, coach.’ And the girls have gotten the same thing.”

PHOTO BY TIM FITZGERALD / UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS The fingers say it all—the UNO women’s soccer team claimed the 2005 NCAA Division II national championship, earning the title with a 2-1 overtime win against Seattle Pacific University.

UNO women’s soccer team wins NCAA Division II Championship

Mission Accomplished B Y J OHN F EY

F

or three years, Amy Price and her fellow seniors expressed frustration over the UNO soccer team’s falling just short of a national championship.

Last fall, following three straight trips to the NCAA Division II Final Four, the Maverick goalkeeper and the other three seniors had one last shot to complete the mission.

Mission accomplished.

UNO nailed down the first national soccer title by a Nebraska college team with a 2-1 overtime win over Seattle Pacific at Wichita Falls, Texas, on Dec. 3.

It capped a dreamy finish to the careers of Price, Meghan Pile, Becca Fritz and Christen Boeckel.

“It was a lot easier during the Christmas holidays not to have to explain what happened in the games and what went wrong,” says Price, the tournament’s most valuable defender.

22 • Spring 2006

Don Klosterman, hired to coach UNO’s first soccer team seven years ago, couldn’t be happier for his squad, especially the seniors.

“I think sometimes as coaches we think it means more to us,” Klosterman says, “but I think in this case that it meant a whole lot more to the seniors than we ever imagined.

“Three times they were denied, and now they’ve got it.”

Weeks after the title, UNO Athletic Director David Herbster marveled over the monumental feat.

“Knowing Don as a person and seeing him coach and how the girls respond to him, this was meant to be,” Herbster says.

“It really was.”

The title didn’t come easy. UNO fell behind 1-0 7:24 into the match. Junior midfielder Amber Richardson tied the game less than three minutes later, but neither team could score for the rest of regulation.

Just three minutes into overtime, though, UNO sophomore UNOALUM

first soccer title. The Mavs tied two NCAA tourney records: seven team goals and five assists by Beale.

Klosterman says there were some great individual performances during the drive to the title, but he’s quick to point out other contributors.

“You can’t really say it was one person,” he says. “There were moments where if somebody didn’t go chase down the ball or if somebody didn’t hustle extra, things probably wouldn’t have happened for us.”

Price says her team stole some thunder from the Division I school down the road on I-80.

“We’re more than just about Nebraska football,” she says.

The soccer title, as well as the wrestling team’s national championship in March 2005, came in Herbster’s first year as athletic director.

“People in the campus and in the community are proud of this soccer team,” he says. “That’s pretty special.”

It’s been a pretty special program under Klosterman, whose career record at UNO is 124-26-4. That includes five North Central Conference championships and a mark of 13-31 in the NCAA tournament. He humbly credits geography more than his coaching ability for what UNO has achieved in soccer.

“The athletes’ choices are limited if they want to stay close to home, which helps,” he says. “We have geographic things built in that help us a ton. It’s nice that we can use that to our advantage.”

So what does the school’s first soccer crown mean for the future of the program?

“Hopefully, it makes an impact on the next one or two classes so we can keep going at the pace we are and keep at the level we’re at,” Klosterman says. “Yeah, it certainly can be a positive for recruiting.

“Most people want to play for a winner. You can’t blame them.”

And you can’t blame Klosterman for looking ahead to another shot at a national championship.

SLOW START, STRONG FINISH UNO’s finishing act stood in stark contrast to the way it began the season. The Mavs lost an exhibition match 2-0 to NAIA College of Saint Mary (Omaha), then dropped their season opener to Central Oklahoma 1-0.

And even while reeling off a 13-game win streak that ended with a 1-0 home loss to North Dakota, Klosterman sought ways for his 13-2 Mavs to improve.

“I think in the course of any season,” Klosterman says, “a lot of things look on paper like this is what it’s going to be. As the season progresses, you find out that maybe this person plays better at this position.

“Once we figured out our top 11 and the next five or six that rotated in, then I think things started to get into place.”

Klosterman says beating Minnesota State Mankato for the North Central Conference title propelled his team toward greatness.

“We were down 1-0 at halftime,” Klosterman says, “and the team really kind of says to themselves, ‘We need to figure this thing out. We know we’re the better team. We know we need to get going in the second half.’

“Instead of us telling them what we thought, they told each other and made the decision they had to do it themselves.”

After rallying for the 2-1 NCC-title win, the Mavs were primed for the playoffs.

They opened NCAA play with a 5-0 payback win over North Dakota, then blasted Minnesota State Mankato 4-0 in the second round.

Price posted her third straight playoff shutout when UNO blanked Grand Valley State 2-0 to reach its fourth consecutive final four. A 2-1 win over Franklin Pierce in the Dec. PHOTO BY TIM FITZGERALD 1 semifinals set up the championship matchup. UNO sophomore forward Brandie Beale boots her game-winning shot, giving UNO did more than just win the school’s UNO a 2-1 overtime win. w w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

Spring 2006 • 23

Shot of a LIFETIME, in a lifetime of SHOTS BY

NICK SCHINKER

the bomb to search for other IEDs, commonly placed in roadside attacks. He found a package wrapped in orange plastic and attached to a telephone base station. Terrorists often Photos courtesy Jeff Bundy and Omaha World-Herald watched such contraptions from a safe distance. When their targets, U.S. soldiers, were near the station, a phone call could T WAS JUST THE FIRST FULL DAY OF A set off the bombs.

45-DAY assignment when Jeff Bundy shot Burghardt stuck his knife into the dirt and found a detonating cord leading to two 122-millimeter artillery shells. He patthe photograph of a lifetime. ted his head, a signal to fellow soldiers that he had found “Ramadi is the most dangerous city in the additional bombs. He reached for his scissors.

“That’s when Capt. Searcey grabbed me by the body armor most dangerous country in the world, and we and pushed me down,” were embedded in a Bundy says. “As he did, the bomb went off.” combat unit,” recalls Burghardt had successfully Bundy, an Omaha cut the detonating cord that led to the two artillery shells World-Herald photogbut had failed to see a cord rapher who was doculeading to a third shell. The explosion blew him from the menting stories about crater in a cloud of shrapnel, Nebraskans serving in debris, blood and dust—“pink mist,” the Marines call it. He Iraq. landed face-first on the roadIt was Sept. 19, 2005. way.

Photographer Bundy and “They rolled him over and World-Herald Reporter C. started attending his wounds, David Kotok were with the 1st cutting off his pants to find Platoon of the Nebraska the shrapnel in his legs,” National Guard’s 167th Bundy says. “I started shootCavalry. Their assignment: docing pictures. It was the most ument the war in Iraq from chaotic scene in my life.” inside out, utilizing their obserA helicopter landed to vances and the words of the medevac the injured Marine Nebraskans serving there.

Top: Gunnery Sgt. Michael Burghardt signals in defiance to any back to Camp Ramadi. But To cover more territory, would-be terrorists. Right: Bundy poses in front of a 7-ton truck in Ramadi on voting day for the Iraqi constitution.

Burghardt, his bare legs Bundy and Kotok split up. bruised and bloodied, his face Bundy went with a patrol from covered in dust and dirt, refused to be placed on a stretcher. the “Cav” tasked with providing security for a team of U.S. He was angry, and he didn’t want the insurgents he was confiMarine Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians. They headdent were still watching from their hiding place to have the ed to a site where a short time earlier an improvised explosive satisfaction of seeing him carried off. device (IED) placed roadside by a terrorist had blown up a Instead, he stood up, turned toward the hills, boldly raised Bradley fighting vehicle, killing a U.S. soldier.

“We were walking along the road, and we had encountered his left hand and gave the anonymous terrorists the middle some gunfire,” Bundy recalls. “Capt. (Jeff) Searcey was leading finger. Bundy captured it with his camera.

The photograph was published on the front page of the us as they worked to protect the area for the Marines.”

World-Herald—and electronically transmitted around the One of the Marine EOD technicians, Gunnery Sgt. Michael Continued Page 26 Burghardt, had dropped into the 4-1/2-foot-deep crater left by

I

24 • Spring 2006

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w w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

Spring 2006 • 25

Sgt. Lucas Smith of Lincoln, Neb., lets a young Iraqi boy at FOB Habbaniyah, Iraq, experience the sounds from an MP3 player for the first time. The Iraqi's father was one of the few locals allowed to operate a shop on the base.

From Page 26 world by those who saw it and admired its raw imagery. It instantly became the subject of dozens of emails and letters, the majority positive and complimentary, for both Burghardt and Bundy.

“It’s one hell of a picture,” Col. John L. Gronski, commander of U.S. troops in and around Ramadi, said in the Jan. 15 Stars and Stripes. The military newspaper published the photo and an article about Burghardt on its front page.

The photograph is on dozens of websites. It adorns office walls, refrigerators and computer screens throughout the military and beyond. It has become a symbol of American military resolve in the face of Iraqi insurgency.

“It’s the ultimate act of defiance, and I was fortunate to be there at that moment to capture it,” he says.

Fortunate, he calls it. To be taking cover on a dusty road in Iraq as a bomb goes off a few yards away.

“I know it sounds crazy, but I truly was fortunate to have been there. It’s such an opportunity to be able to go and tell 26 • Spring 2006

the soldiers’ stories like we did. It’s an honor, not one that many of my colleagues get. An honor the newspaper thinks enough of my work to give me the assignment.”

A FORTUNATE LIFE Bundy, 37, has been fortunate many times in his life.

A native of Fremont, his father, Ray, and mother, Kathy, owned the Valley View Country Club. His father was an amateur photographer who in the winter would set up a darkroom in the golf course pro shop. Bundy recalls his father lining up trays of water and chemicals that would magically carry the images from negatives onto glossy prints.

“Even back then, there was just something special about watching the print come to life in the tray,” he says.

His first published photo was a shot taken at the Fremont Bergan-David City Aquinas football game when he was an eighth-grader.

“Dad helped me put together my first road case—which was nothing more than an old suitcase and a bunch of preUNOALUM

mixed chemicals. My parents drove me to the game in a motor said, ‘Since you’re already in the industry I expect twice as much from you.’” home they had. I shot the football game and then processed That set the tone for Bundy’s studies–and his career. He the film in the back of the motor home as they drove back to received his bachelor’s degree from UNO in 1993, the same Fremont. I ran up to the door of the Fremont Tribune, gave the year he was named Photographer of the Year by the Nebraska sports editor my film and went home.

News Photographers Association, the first of two such awards.

“I remember waiting up all night for the paper to come Two years ago, he married Pam Wiese, a former news Saturday morning.” anchor with KPTM. No surprise, they met while both were The photo was in focus and showed action—good enough working, covering the 1998 flooding of the Nishnabotna River to get him more assignments at $10 a picture. in Red Oak, Iowa.

“Then the basketball coach figured out that if he threw me Bundy’s covered his share on the team bus for the away of newsworthy events. The games, he’d get a picture in the war in Bosnia.

The tornadoes paper the next day. I’d shoot in Oklahoma City.

He flew on the first half of the game, Air Force One as it brought process the film in the locker President George W. Bush to room and the team bus would Omaha to toss out the first drive by the Trib on the way pitch at the College World home.”

Series. And he has witnessed Bundy was a sophomore in the revolution that has taken high school covering the girls photography from rolls of state basketball tournament film and darkrooms to digital when he met John Gaps, a phocameras and photos transmittographer from the Associated ted via his cell phone.

Press in Omaha. They met “I’ve had an incredible again at the boys tournament career,” he says, “so far.” the following weekend when.

His next stop could well Gaps offered to give Bundy be a return to Iraq. assignments for the AP. He figures he shot more Here I was in high school, than 5,000 images on his first working as a stringer for the trip, and the World-Herald AP,” Bundy says. “It was great. published about 100. He I got to shoot a picture of crawled alongside overturned President Reagan in Omaha tanks and beneath barbed getting off the plane with [thenwire to get photos. He was Governor] Kay Orr. The first ready at a moment’s notice picture I ever had in USA night or day to join a patrol.

Today was of Kay Orr.” He ate good meals and bad Bundy considered attending ones, depending on the day several colleges to study phoand the duty. He came to tography, but Gaps made him a admire and respect the solproposition. “John said that if I diers he met and still went to UNO, I could still work exchanges emails with for him and probably make many–including Gunnery Sgt. enough money to pay for Burghardt. Especially when school.” he learns in the news of an In 1990, Bundy went to explosion or death near Camp work for the World-Herald, Ramadi. taking the 2:30 p.m.-to-11:30 Top: Marine Cpl. Roland Baggayan catches some sleep using And, he says, he wouldn’t p.m. shift. He took classes from the butt of his rifle during a long flight over the Al Anbar province of Iraq. Lance Cpl. Dayby Compton is behind him. hesitate to go back. “Gladly. If some of the communications Bottom: Gunnery Sgt. Burghardt and Bundy together just one the opportunity presents department’s teaching legends, month after Burghardt was injured by an IED. itself.” including Warren Francke and Armed only with a 200-millimeter lens and a camera, Hugh Cowdin, and sometimes his assignments reflected his assigned to travel around the world to a stifling, 130-degree rigorous schedule.

Fahrenheit dust bowl where the next mound that you bring “I remember I did really badly on an assignment and I into focus might be hiding a bomb. Few people would considwent to see Dr. Cowdin. I told him that I was already working er that an opportunity. Jeff Bundy is one. in the industry and thought he should cut me some slack. He w w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

Spring 2006 • 27

Making Millionaires

released on New Year’s Eve. Publishers Weekly in December featured her in an article, “Who’s the Next Biz Guru?” She’s also made appearances on CNN Sunday and Consumer Watch (CBS) and has received more publicity in print and radio.

The core of Langemeier’s millionaire method involves putting money to work. That’s how she achieved millionaire status by the age of 35. Five years later, Langemeier is juggling her wealth education and mentoring business with a media tour for “The Millionaire Maker,” part of a three-book deal with McGraw-Hill.

The 1989 UNO grad’s entrepreneurial career has advanced several spaces from where she started in the white-collar world.

Langemeier was earning an executive’s salary at Chevron B Y S ONJA C ARBERRY Corp. in New Orleans, La., as a regional wellness coordinator in the middle 1990s before she made her first big jump. he last time millionaire, wealth coach and author Loral “I spent three years there and millions of dollars of budget Langemeier played Monopoly with her son, Logan, she money designing human productivity centers and fitness cenlanded on Boardwalk first. ters on oil platforms,” she says.

Realizing his mother would buy the coveted property, the It was a good job, but Langemeier wanted more. So she 5-year-old tried to get a piece of the action. found a mentor.

“All right, Langemeier called Mommy, let’s joint renowned wealthventure,” he sugbuilding speaker gested.

Robert Kiyosaki, Langemeier, author of “Rich Dad, always game for a Poor Dad,” and told business deal, asked him she wanted to how that would work with him. work.

Kiyosaki asked her to “When one of us send a letter of intent. lands on it, we’ll Langemeier wrote share the money,” and sent the letter, he said. then called Kiyosaki “What we found an hour later to say it out then,” was on the way.

Langemeier recalls Kiyosaki upped with a laugh, “is the the ante by telling game can’t end Langemeier to get on because we own a plane and meet him everything togethin person. er.”

Langemeier did.

It was a funny For a handful of moment with a mesyears she shadowed sage, Langemeier Kiyosaki, taking in says. In her second his wealth-building book, “The lessons and teaching Millionaire Maker,” people how to play Langemeier insists CashFlow 101, a that anyone can game he created. All reach millionaire PHOTO BY RICHARD SWANN/VELA PIENA FOTOGRAFIA while continuing her status by doing the work at Chevron. right things. She also With lessons absorbed from Kiyosaki, Langemeier jumped laments that most people don’t understand key lessons about on her first big investment. She initiated a joint venture with money, thus relegating themselves to living paycheck-to-paycolleagues at Chevron to go in on a sizeable real estate deal. check.

“I had some money but they had a lot more,” Langemeier People are listening—and reading.

Langemeier’s book was seventh on the Wall Street Journal’s says.

The result was a joint venture of $16 million in 33 Kansas list of best-selling business books just three week’s after it was

T

28 • Spring 2006

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and Oklahoma real estate properties. Langemeier says it wasn’t something she could have done alone, but it was the type of deal that needed a leader.

“Everyone was dancing around it,” Langemeier said.

“Nobody had the initiative to actually do it.”

Energized by that success, Langemeier decided to stop juggling her wealth efforts with her full-time job. She quit Chevron at the end of 1996.

“I said, ‘Here’s my price tag,’ and I became a consultant,” she says.

Many would have sat back, content with property wealth and a consultant income. Langemeier wanted more of the game.

She devised a different spin on the wealth seminar business because, after attending countless seminars, she noticed that no one provided personalized coaching after delivering their messages.

Langemeier sold everything except for her Jeep and rented an office. She slept on friends’ couches for eight months while building her wealth-coaching business.

“What I didn’t do that a lot of people do is I didn’t buy a big lifestyle,” she explains. “I’m an asset addict. I’m redefining AA. I put my money to work.”

It worked. Today Langemeier runs her business out of a Lake Tahoe, Calif., office that employs 30 people and has a presence on the Web at www.LiveOutLoud.com.

On a typical day she starts with her own investment deals, making phone calls from East Coast to West Coast.

“I’m buying laundromats. I’m involved in a restaurant chain that’s going to go public in a couple of years,” Langemeier says. “After that it’s Live Out Loud stuff. And four or five times a month I’m on stage speaking.”

Langemeier’s message is that millionaires don’t have a mysterious Midas touch. What they do is create a wealth machine with which they invest in multiple, thoroughly researched deals. “If one goes sour, it’s no problem,” she says.

“You’re going to have little bumps, even if you’re confident in the deal. Look at me. I still have four or five analysts around me for any deal.”

ic places and she always would bring me back a doll. That’s how I realized there’s a bigger world out there.”

Langemeier cited Swanson’s positive influence in her first book, “Guerrilla Wealth,” written with Jay Conrad Levinson.

Swanson is unabashedly proud of her niece’s success.

“Loral was always a real gregarious child. She was quick to laugh and fun-loving,” Swanson says. “When you see a child with the personality and the intelligence Loral had, all you have to do is say, ‘Go ahead and believe in yourself.’“ Langemeier attended Nebraska Wesleyan University for her undergraduate work, then headed to UNO, where she earned a master’s degree.

“I paid my way through school teaching aerobics and fitness training,” she says. “I was a very serious student so I went through it quickly.”

While earning her M.A. degree in women’s physical education, Langemeier worked at Union Bank as a teller. She talked the owner into adding a wellness program.

“So I reorganized the basement as a fitness center,” she said. “Half the bank showed up for classes.”

Langemeier next landed a job in employee wellness at Cushman Motor Works in Lincoln, Neb. She was 24 when Chevron called, interested in her experience with the blue-collar work force. At Chevron, Langemeier found the ear of the executive staff by studying back injuries.

“What I found out was that a back injury could cost the company $40,000 to $80,000 a year,” she says. “I would tell executives, ‘Do you know what this is costing you? Do you guys understand what goes on in the fields and ranks of this company?’ That’s what led me to coaching executives.”

Today, coaching single mothers is one of Langemeier’s greatest rewards. It was after becoming a single mother herself at age 34 that she decided she would create a financially secure life for herself and her son.

“That’s when I kicked it into high gear.”

In her books and seminars, Langemeier coaches others to “kick it into high gear.” Her approach demands a certain amount of risk to yield significant returns.

“The media was asking for the number of millionaires I’ve helped create, so we sent out an email to all of my past clients.

Over 200 people responded. There are thousands in the process right now,” she says.

Langemeier copyrighted her Wealth Cycle concept in 2001.

Typically, she takes an inventory of a person’s finances and goals with eight questions in eight minutes, and devises a plan to achieve those goals. Surprisingly, eliminating debt isn’t the first step.

“Don’t pay off your debt first. Go make money first,” she says.

Langemeier adds that she believes in her methods because she’s lived them. Today she enjoys every aspect of the game.

“I love the stage. And I love putting the deals together. I love the art of the deal.”

asset addict. I’m

“I’m an

redefining AA. I put

my money to work.”

Building up wind Talking with Langemeier is much like following the rapidfire moves of an aerobics instructor, which is how she began.

In high school, Langemeier started her first business as an aerobics instructor.

The second of Jim and Deanne Langemeier’s five children, Loral grew up on the family farm in Mead, Neb. She excelled in sports, particularly basketball, but found the farm chore of walking beans mind-numbing.

Langemeier recalls having no intention of staying on the farm. Instead, she drew inspiration from her aunt, Bev Swanson, wife of Dean Swanson, owner of the furniture store Ernie’s in Ceresco.

“She would take three-month vacations to all of these exotw w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

Spring 2006 • 29

The kid’s doing all right PHOTO

COURTESY

WNBC

Big job in the Big Apple. Chapman wakes to a view of the Manhattan skyline, jogs along the Hudson River then heads to “30 Rock” in a black chauffeured car.

BY WARREN FRANCKE

I

n Danville, Ill., they boast of native sons: Donald O’Connor, Gene Hackman, Dick and Jerry Van Dyke. Now another son of the Illinois-Indiana border, Reg Chapman, is making a name—in television news with WNBC in New York City.

But Chapman, 37, got his start in Omaha, where he is kid brother to John Chapman, weekend sports anchor at WOWTTV. John “tried to talk him out of the news business.” But he’d eye all 6-4 of his “little” brother, and grumble, “I got to get that kid off my couch and out of my refrigerator.”

And, eventually, he did. But not before the kid brother became a Goodrich Scholar, started the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, was crowned 1991 UNO Homecoming King and earned a

30 • Spring 2006

degree in broadcasting. He gained part-time experience at KFAB, WOW, World-Herald sports and WOWT-TV. His big brother watched all this and gruffly asked almost daily: “How’s the kid doing?”

Well, the kid was doing all right. He was working weekends with veteran producer-photographer Roger Hamer (BS, 1990; MA, 1997) and taking a news video class from the man’s father, award-winning photographer Dave Hamer. Reg took brother’s advice and moved “down” to Sioux City, where he could learn more in a smaller market. After a year in Sioux City, he worked six in Dayton, Ohio, then in Pittsburgh, then Minneapolis—ever-larger markets. Since April of last year he’s been in the Big Apple.

Now he wakes up each morning in Weehawken, N.J., to a view of the Manhattan skyline. He jogs along the Hudson River and returns to his co-op apartment, where, on a recent UNOALUM

cold Sunday, a water pipe had burst.

No, that’s not the prelude to pretending that life is hard on the mean streets of the metropolis. WNBC sends a black car each workday to drive him through the Lincoln Tunnel and deliver him to “30 Rock.”

He can laugh about it now when a news executive reminds, “Your eyes were as big as moons that first week.” But he remains far from blasé when talking about stargazing at NBC headquarters in Rockefeller Center. He finds himself riding the elevator to the seventh floor with Al Roker of the “Today Show” or spots “Late Night’s” Conan O’Brien in the commissary.

On this Sunday in January, the temperature had dropped 40 degrees and caused more problems than his frozen pipe.

Word of power outages led him to worry about “some seniors without heat.” At midday, he expected a call to discuss story prospects. The black car would arrive at 1 p.m. and he’d work toward the big 11 p.m. newscast, deemed significant enough for staffing by top anchors.

Nothing happened that Sunday to match earlier tests of his talents. “Being a little country boy from Danville, I had to get over the shock of the big city.” The crash of a small plane on Coney Island gave him the chance “to prove to myself that I belonged there.”

“Go be live,” he was told, and his story led the next newscast. “I worked with an incredible crew.” He completed his live report and the seasoned photographer said, “You cut your teeth. You’re all good.”

Late last year, he covered the New York transit strike, live on the scene from 3 a.m. to 7 p.m. A news exec finally called to ask if he’d had a bathroom break. He had, thanks to a Mountain Dew bottle inside the news truck.

The chauffeur-driven commutes, for the safety of the staff, aren’t the only concession to big-city conditions. A “courier”—extra eyes, etc.—joins the team of reporter, photographer and truck operator at locations deemed dangerous.

an adjunct professor.

Walt Kavanagh pushed him on the air at KFAB, UNO grads Eric Olson (BS, 1987) and Kirby Moss (BS, 1986) helped him get into sports at the World-Herald, and he worked at the Gateway newspaper with Herald photographer Jeff Bundy (BS, 1993) and others. “I’d known since 7th grade that I wanted to be a journalist,” and each opportunity added to that conviction.

Among the first “real tough” assignments was the disappearance and murder of North High student Kenyatta Bush, but the experience assured him “this is what I was supposed to do.” Roger Hamer recalls a lighter story where “he really kind of figured out” how to show a story visually with fewer words. “A deer had jumped through the window of a house.

We were there for the capture and he understood that you don’t write too much.”

Reg moved up from KTIV-TV in Sioux City to Dayton when the WHIO-TV news director saw his story on a sixlegged lamb. Like Mary’s little lamb, everywhere that Reggie went, the lamb was sure to go. His six years in Dayton included an expose of an inhumane animal shelter and his heading a county bureau.

The news director moved up to Pittsburgh and brought Chapman along, both for his reporting strength and his ability to bridge the gap to the minority community. Honored later for his volunteer service, he would cover the crash of Flight 93 on Sept. 11, 2001, and the rescue of coal miners in the same vicinity.

He rushed to the scene of the crash before the world knew of the heroism on board that day. He recalls “The devastation, the body parts . . . but what burns in my mind most was when the FBI agents formed a human chain at night fall to protect the bodies if animals came out of the woods.”

His “day” there turned out to be five days. Reg had already learned to “always keep a bag in my car—change of clothes, tooth brush, contact lens. You never know when you won’t come home.” A year later, he was back in the same area for the rescue of the miners—“an incredible experience with prayers and positive thoughts when everybody survived.”

After three years in Pittsburgh, he moved up to Minneapolis-St. Paul with KSTP-TV and covered the crash that claimed the life of U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone. The impact was personal; he’d met the Wellstones and found “both very encouraging.”

He reported the Columbine-like school shootings at the Red Lake Indian Reservation, and added to such honors as a regional Edward R. Murrow award and other reporting prizes.

Still, when the call came last spring, and WNBC News Vice President Dan Foreman asked, “How would you like to come to New York?” he was far from jaded by success. “I thought I’d cry.”

He called Omaha and told brother John, who reminded him of the day at Channel 6 “when he told me I could do anything I wanted to do. I’m so blessed to have a big brother.”

Yep, the kid’s doing fine.

He completed his live report and the seasoned photographer said, “You cut your teeth. You’re all good.”

NEW HOME But Reg Chapman hasn’t feared dying since landing in the Gulf War with the 82nd Field Hospital unit from Omaha. That fear was short-lived: “I said a couple of prayers and knew I’d make it home.”

Reg, John and two other brothers were raised Southern Baptists by their parents, John Sr. and Jerrie Chapman, wed for 48 years. “Wherever I go,” Reg said, “I find a new church home,” and those who know him recognize the importance of faith in his life. One negative: his fast-moving career has kept him from starting a family, though he has a woman friend.

Trained as an Army medic at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Reg came to visit brother John and family after he got out of the military. (Two of the elder Chapman’s children now attend UNO.) The rest is history: broadcasting and other classes led him to walk across the stage and receive his degree, which didn’t actually arrive until 2000 due to a mix-up with w w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

Spring 2006 • 31

Alumni Center Renovation Man BY

A

NICK SCHINKER

l Thomsen may have earned his bachelor’s degree from Omaha University 49 years ago, but he still hasn’t left the campus.

A role model for generosity and dedication, Thomsen has answered every call to help his alma mater.

He directed the just-completed renovation of the William H. and Dorothy Thompson Alumni Center, his third alumni center renovation project. As with the first two, he is pleased with the results.

“I said all along our goal was to knock your socks off,” he says. “I think it does just that. It far exceeds our expectations. And I thought what we had before was marvelous.”

Back in 1979, Thomsen was involved in the purchase of a 1920 family-owned residence from which the alumni center has grown. He worked on its remodeling with Omaha architect Stan Howe, whose firm, Stan Howe & Associates, designed many local landmarks, including the desert dome at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo. “Stan has a particular touch of elegance, in style and design,” Thomsen says.

Thirteen years ago, Thomsen got a phone call from Alumni Association President & CEO Jim Leslie, who detailed an addition to the alumni center. “I said, ‘Sure. I’ll do it.’”

Once again, Thomsen worked with Stan Howe. “We’ve developed a special interest in what we’ve done here.”

Thomsen retired in 1999. Two years ago, though, came another call from Leslie. “He said the association wanted to renovate and expand the alumni center but they didn’t know precisely how. I said, ‘Sure. I’d be happy to do it.’”

Figuring his old buddy Howe also had retired, he telephoned the architectural firm’s office to find out who had replaced him. Howe took the call—and the job.

Thomsen says there’s a simple explanation for why he would voluntarily

32 • Spring 2006

Among the changes to the William H. and Dorothy Thompson Alumni Center is the addition of Centennial Hall, the exterior to which is pictured above. The room can accommodate 120 guests at round tables or 150 seated theater-style.

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Grand Unveiling shows off expansion, renovation

PHOTO BY TIM FITZGERALD/UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS Architect Stan Howe, left, and Al Thomsen. Both men worked on all three renovations of the William H. and Dorothy Thompson Alumni Center.

lead such a massive project as the most recent $1.8 million alumni center remodeling.

“I enjoy building things.”

Headed straight for OU Alfred G. Thomsen was born in Omaha April 28, 1936. His mother, Florence, was a telephone switchboard operator. His father, Fred, was a driver for Phillips 66 before becoming a district

manager for the petroleum company.

Later, he bought the distributorship in Hastings that still bears the family name.

Thomsen and his sister, Cheryl, grew up at 42nd and Grand Streets across from Central Park Elementary School.

He graduated from North High School in 1953 and “headed straight for Omaha U.” Continued on Page 34 UNOALUM

NO’s Alumni Center greeted the New Year with a new look, new rooms and a new name.

Now called the William H. and Dorothy Thompson Alumni Center, the popular event facility reopened in January following five months of additions, renovations and refurbishments. The improvements enhance the facility’s country club-like atmosphere and expand its elegant space offerings.

“The additions and changes in décor truly exceed our expectations,” says Greg Trimm, director of alumni facilities. “The new rooms are beautiful, as are the many updates. Our clients will be very pleased with what they see.”

UNO faculty and staff saw the changes during a campus unveiling Feb. 7. An invitation-only Grand Unveiling was held Thursday, Feb. 9, for clients, event planners and others.

The Alumni Center is owned and operated by the UNO Alumni Association, which uses rental income for support of its programs and activities benefiting the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Since its last renovation and expansion in 1994 the facility has hosted 350,000-plus guests attending more than 10,000 functions, including university and alumni events, wedding receptions, business meetings, seminars, workshops, conferences, holiday parties, etc.

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Tim Fitzgerald/University Affairs Among those attending a Feb. 9 Grand Unveiling for the Alumni Center, from left: Michael Kudlacz, chairman, UNO Alumni Association Board of Directors; UNO Chancellor Nancy Belck; Alumni Association President Jim Leslie; Adrian Minks past chair, UNO Alumni Association Board of Directors; and Al Thomsen, chairman of the Alumni Center Review Committee that initiated the project.

Central to the changes is the addition of Centennial Hall, capable of seating nearly 120 guests at a meal, more when opened to an adjoining hospitality area.

Both rooms mirror the renovated design and décor of the existing Bootstrapper Hall.

Continued on Page 34 Spring 2006 • 33

Grand Unveiling

become their real estate and property manager.

“So, you could say, I took over the Walter C. Johnson Co. on May 1, 1960.”

From Page 33

Centennial Hall is named in honor of the university’s upcoming centennial anniversary and in honor of the 100 donors who will contribute $10,000 or more to the project.

Other spaces added include a southwest lobby entrance, reception alcove and built-in bar, a food-service storage and preparation area, additional restrooms and office space. The Alumni Center added 3,000 square feet of event space and now can accommodate seated meal functions of more than 400 people.

Other significant changes in the Alumni Center: • A new color/design scheme implemented throughout the facility via carpet, wall coverings, furniture, light fixtures, etc.; • Extension of the concourse and its 13-foot high vaulted ceiling by nearly 50 feet; • Renovation of Severa Parlor, which now opens to an expanded patio featuring new outdoor furniture and incorporating donor bricks installed during the 1994 Center addition; • AV enhancements, including mounted LCD projectors and marquees, closed-circuit video and a new sound system; • Free Wi-Fi throughout the building.

• Enhancements to the main lobby, including an intricate ceramic tile entrance; • Various landscaping improvements.

• The addition of Dorothy Thompson to the building’s name. Dorothy was the wife of William Thompson, a UNO graduate, professor and dean and the longest-serving board president in the Association’s history.

The $1.8 million update is being funded through an ongoing capital fund-raising campaign. The changes are expected to generate greater revenues through increased bookings, enabling the Association to provide more support to the university.

34 • Spring 2006

Among the changes to the Alumni Center was a renovated lobby featuring a new tile entrance, furniture and an LCD panel displaying functions names and times.

From Page 32 He took the entrance exams but received some bad news.

“The dean didn’t tell me what the scores were, he just said, ‘We don’t think you’re ready for college. Have you ever thought about the service or a trade school? Then, maybe you could come back better prepared.’

“Well, I was the first in my family to have the opportunity to go to college. I said my parents expected me to go to college and that’s what I intended to do.

So I went ahead and enrolled.”

Four years later, he received a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a certificate in real estate.

While a student, Thomsen’s real estate professor, C. Glenn Lewis, secured him an internship with the Walter C. Johnson real estate management company.

“Dr. Lewis would spend his time after class going from real estate office to office, finding jobs for interns and keeping tabs on what was happening in town. He added quite an element of excitement to class when he’d come in and tell us about the big deals being made. That fueled my enthusiasm.”

The firm hired him full time after graduation. At the time, the south tower

of the Doctor’s Building was being built and Johnson needed “a leg man to go to the doctors’ offices to get paint colors and other details.” Minimum wage was $1 an hour. Thomsen got $1.10. “Mr. Johnson said he liked to pay his people a premium.”

With the job came a hefty dose of reality. “I came in my first day and he said that I wasn’t going to truly earn that wage until I had some experience. After a couple weeks, I realized he was right.

“I knew things from books, but the real world was quite a shock.”

Thomsen left the Johnson company for a job with Byron Reed. In February 1960, he got a call from the Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Co. about a position in the mortgage loan department. “I found out Dr. Lewis was the reason for the call. He had recommended they contact me.” Thomsen accepted the position.

By coincidence, the Johnson company was managing the Woodmen offices in the Insurance Building at 17th and Farnam. But the company wasn’t meeting Woodmen executives’ expectations.

Thomsen knew many of the Woodmen officials from his time working for Johnson. They asked him to move from the mortgage loan department and

UNOALUM

In 1966, Thomsen got a call summoning him to the Woodmen president’s office. Seated at a table were construction company owner Peter Kiewit, architect Leo A. Daly and executives from Omaha National Bank and Woodmen.

“They told me they were announcing construction of the Woodmen Tower and that they wanted me on the building committee. Once it was built, they wanted me as leasing agent and building manager.”

As the 30-story building neared completion, Thomsen was called into another meeting where he was told it would be in the best interests of the insurance company if the leasing agent were an independent contractor, not a Woodmen employee. He was asked to recommend someone.

“I told them I’d hire the Omaha Building Management & Maintenance Co. They said, ‘Who’s that?’ I said it was a shell corporation my wife and I had formed several years ago, and that I would very much like to serve as the independent contractor.

“The room nodded, they drew up a contract and on January 1, 1969, the Alfred G. Thomsen Co. was born.”

The new name, he says, had more of a ring to it.

Honest and successful Thomsen retired in 1999 after a fourdecade association with Woodmen.

During his tenure the Woodmen Tower maintained a 98-percent occupancy rate—with six years at 100 percent. His company also built and managed several other buildings and parking facilities.

He and his wife, Beverly, a substitute teacher, have been married 47 years.

They met at Omaha U. when he was helping register incoming freshmen at the old Field House.

“I can still see her walking in the door,” he says. “I saw her again later on campus, and because I had worked the registration table, I had her name, address and phone number, which gave me somewhat of an advantage.”

w w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

Their daughter, Tami, works for an independent record label in Dallas. Their son, Todd, is a graduate of Harvard Medical School.

The Thomsens live in a magnificent home they built in Raven Oaks. The interior is filled with paintings and sculptures. Outside, deer and wild turkeys mingle lazily amid the tall trees.

There is a place in their home that Thomsen calls “my room.” It contains photos, plaques and other mementoes commemorating his work and service.

Near a patio door is a table, a reminder from his days at Woodmen and one of the lessons he learned there. “It has a glass top,” he says, “so everyone could see there was nothing going on under the table.”

His life, he says, “is proof you can be honest and successful.”

Revolving around UNO Thomsen says he accepted the headaches and long hours associated with remodeling the alumni center not once but three times because UNO is a special part of his life.

He served two stints with the Alumni Association’s Board of Directors (196469; 1978-83), including a year as presi-

dent. He has received the association’s Outstanding Service Award (1982) and UNO’s Order of the Tower (1994), the university’s highest non-academic award, bestowed upon community leaders whose service and/or financial support has made it possible for the university to address the academic, cultural and economic needs of the people of Omaha and the citizens of Nebraska.

Thomsen sounds as if he’s just repaying a debt.

“When I think about it, the university has been everything to me. It’s where I got an education. It’s where I met Dr. Lewis and got that internship so long ago. It’s where I met Bev. I guess my whole life revolves around that school.”

He figures the recently completed remodeling will serve the alumni association, the university and the Omaha community for perhaps a decade.

“I told Stan (Howe) we’d probably be working together again in 10 years. He said, ‘I’ll be 87. I don’t know about that.’”

Thomsen will be nearing 80. What will he do if the telephone rings?

If it’s from UNO, he’ll likely accept the call—and whatever challenges it brings.

PHOTO BY TIM FITZGERALD / UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS From left, UNO Alumni Association President & CEO Jim Leslie and UNO Chancellor Nancy Belck pose with Sally Ganem, UNO graduate and wife of Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman.

Spring 2006 • 35

Association in Action

News & Information

Alumni Night at the Theater set for April 19 J

oin fellow graduates and friends Wednesday, April 19, at the third annual Alumni Night at the Theater and a production of “The Arabian Nights,” staged by the UNO Theater Department.

The evening begins with a wine and cheese reception at the William H. and Dorothy Thompson Alumni Center (67th & Dodge). The reception lasts from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

Guests then will head to the Del and Lou Ann Weber Fine Arts Building at 7:30 p.m. for “The Arabian Nights,” a performance about love and murder, humor and sorrow.

“Mary Zimmerman's adaptation,” notes the UNO Theater website, “weaves ancient tales of wonder into a poetic testament to the transformational power of storytelling. King Shahryar marries, loves, then kills a young woman each night—until

he encounters Scheherezade. For one thousand and one nights, he delays her murder as he eagerly awaits her next tale of love, lust, hilarity, or sorrow.

“The final scene brings the audience back to modern-day Baghdad, and distant air-raid sirens warn of the danger threatening the land that produced the encyclopedia of human experience, imagination, and poetry that is ‘The Arabian Nights.’”

Cost for the evening, including the wine and cheese reception, is $15 per person. To attend, complete and submit with payment the registration form provided on Page 2. Theater tickets will be distributed at the reception.

For more information, call Activities Director Sheila King at (402) 554-4802 or toll-free at 866628-2586. She can be reached via email at sking@mail.unomaha.edu.

Welcome Aboard

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ew members and a new executive committee were among the changes made to the UNO Alumni Association Board of Directors during the organization’s annual meeting December 13. The board of directors sets policy and oversees the management of the UNO Alumni Association.

Michael Kudlacz (pictured), a 1971 UNO graduate (BS, criminal justice), was named the association’s Chairman of the Board for 2006. He is Federal Security Director with the Department of Homeland Security for the State of Nebraska.

2006 UNO Alumni Association Board of Directors Executive Committee: Chairman of the Board, Michael Kudlacz (Federal Security Director, Dept. of Homeland Security, State of Nebraska); Past Chairman, Adrian Minks (OPPD); Chairman-elect, Deb McLarney (First National Bank); Vice

36 • Spring 2006

Alumni Association issues service, legislator awards

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Chairmen: Rodney Oberle (UNO); Angelo Passarelli (Millard Pub. Schools); Kevin Warneke (Ronald McDonald House Charities Inc. of Omaha); John Wilson (Durham Resources); Secretary, Patricia Lamberty, (Nebraska District Court Judge); Treasurer, Dan Koraleski (KPMG Peat Marwick); Legal Counsel, Martha Ridgway Zajicek (Mutual of Omaha Ins. Co.); President & CEO, Jim Leslie (UNO Alumni Association).

Directors Term Expires 2006: Gary Domet (Omaha World-Herald), Jim Garbina (Harry A. Koch Co.), Luanne Nelson (Omaha Public Schools), Kelli Sears (Union Pacific Railroad).

Term Expires 2007: Ray Barr (R.D. Barr Co.), Bob Danenhauer (Omaha Public Schools), Kevin Munro (U.S. Bank), EvaJon Sperling (U.S. Post Service), Patricia Taylor, Thomas Warren (Omaha Police Dept.).

Term Expires 2008: Dave Andersen (First Data Corp.), Robert Bruckner (Westside Community Schools), Mark Grieb (AAA Nebraska), Mark Healy (Vente, Inc.), Maggie Lehning (Business System Architects), Shirley Spieker (First National Bank of Omaha), James Temme (UNMC).

Ex-Officio Directors: Chancellor Nancy Belck; Faculty Senate Rep. Amanda Randall; Student Regent Steve Massara.

UNOALUM

he UNO Alumni Association issued its Outstanding Service Awards and Outstanding Nebraska Legislator Award during the organization’s Board of Directors Annual Meeting Tuesday, Dec. 13.

Outstanding Service Awards honor faculty, staff, alumni or friends who have shown continuous, outstanding service to the Alumni Association and/or university. Ninety-five OSAs have been issued since the award’s institution in 1974.

Receiving 2005 Outstanding Service Awards were Stephen Bodner, Jim Czyz and John Wilson .

Stephen Bodner was chairman of the Association’s Board of Directors in 2004. He was the 80th graduate to lead the organization since 1913.

During Bodner’s tenure as chairman the Association: • Began plans for the 2005 expansion and renovation to the William H. and Dorothy Thompson Alumni Center; • Raised $442,883 in unrestricted donations, a 3-percent increase over unrestricted donations contributed in 2003, and attracted 5,287 unrestricted donors, a 5-percent jump from 2003; • Offered a record-50 UNO Alumni Stephen Bodner Legacy Scholarships to first-year students who are children of UNO graduates; • Expanded the UNO Alum magazine into a 48-page publication with additional content provided by UNO’s colleges.

Bodner was a member of the UNO Alumni Association Board of Directors for 10 years, joining the organization in 1996. A 1975 UNO graduate with a BSBA, he is senior vice president, commercial banking, for U.S. Bank.

Jim Czyz and John Wilson have been instrumental in the success of the Association’s annual Chancellor’s Scholarship Swing. Held last September for the 25th consecutive year, the Swing raised $50,000 for student scholarships. Since the UNO Alumni Association began hosting the tournament 10 years ago, Jim Czyz John Wilson more than $300,000 has been raised for scholarships.

Both UNO graduates, Czyz (’71) and Wilson (’78) chaired the committee that oversaw the tournament's organization.

Their efforts included securing financial support from numerous businesses via hole sponsorships and prize donations, organizing the tournament schedule and recruiting participants to golf.

w w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

“It’s been said that if you want a job done, give it to a busy person,” said Sheila King, director of Alumni Programming and Activities. “And though Jim and John have busy professional and personal lives, both have generously applied their invaluable time and expertise to making the Swing a continued success.

“Their leadership has been absolutely essential to this event. I admire their willingness to give back to their alma mater.”

Czyz and Wilson joined the Swing committee in 2000. Their co-chairmanship ended in 2005, but both will continue to assist the committee in advisory capacities. Czyz is president of Cummins Central Power. Wilson is president of Durham Resources Outstanding Legislator Award The Outstanding Nebraska Legislator Award (ONLA), instituted in 2003, is bestowed in appreciation of outstanding legislative service to Nebraska in support of higher education. It was awarded to Senator Nancy Thompson, who represents District 14 (La Vista).

Thompson was appointed to the Nebraska Legislature in November 1997 to replace Ron Withem, who had resigned.

She was elected to the seat in 1998 and Sen. Thompson 2002. She serves on the following committees: Building Maintenance (chairperson); Rules (vice chairperson); Appropriations; Executive Board; and, Reference.

“During her eight years in the Nebraska Legislature, Senator Nancy Thompson has been a tireless advocate for the University of Nebraska at Omaha,” said Withem, now the University of Nebraska’s associate vice president for external affairs and director of governmental relations.

“It was through her leadership that funding was finally secured for the renovation of Engineering Building as a permanent home for the College of Public Affairs and Community Service. As a chief advocate for the cause of juvenile justice, she brought to the attention of legislators the many talents in UNO’s Criminal Justice program.”

A Sioux Falls, S.D., native, Thompson graduated from Sioux Falls Washington High School in 1965 then earned a BA from Creighton University in 1969. She later earned an MA from Creighton in 1982.

Married with four children, Thompson has served various organizations, including: United Way of the Midlands, Great Plains Girl Scouts, Indian-Chicano Health Center, Greater Omaha Private Industry Council, League of Women Voters, Papillion-LaVista Schools Foundation, St. Columbkille Education Foundation and the Creighton Alumni Council.

Spring 2006 • 37

Association in Action

2005 Century Club Survey

“In Care Of” soldier care package program to continue in 2006

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News & Information

he UNO Alumni Association conducted its third annual online survey of Century Club members, polling them on attitudes related to the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

The UNO Century Club is composed of donors of $100 or more. Results:

From 41% 27% 8% 17% 6% 1% 1% 0% 1%

which college did you graduate?

Arts & Sciences CBA CPACS Education Engineering & Technology Fine Arts Human Resources & Family Sci. Information Science & Technology International Studies & Programs

How would you rate your college's communication with you since graduation?

30% Very strong 46% Somewhat strong 14% Somewhat weak 9% Very weak 1% Don't know How do you rate the development of the South Campus, Peter Kiewit Institute, in terms of improving UNO's stature?

32% Very impressive 34% Impressive 5% Somewhat impressive 0% Somewhat unimpressive 1% Unimpressive 0% Very unimpressive 29% Don't know UNO should require higher academic standards for applying students.

32% Yes 28% No 40% Not sure

UNO's football team should move up from NCAA Division II to Division I-AA. 30% Yes 27% No 43% Not sure

Asked & Answered

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he questions were asked, and UNO grads answered, giving their opinions on three online surveys since the last UNO Alum was mailed.

Monthly results: December Should companies ban the term “Christmas” in advertisements and instore promotions?

• Yes—6% • No—94%

38 • Spring 2006

Should UNO seek to acquire additional land at Ak-Sar-Ben? 72% Yes 2% No 26% Not sure

Should eminent domain be used to acquire additional land near Ak-Sar-Ben property?

38% Yes 36% No 27% Not sure If UNO acquires additional land at Ak-Sar-Ben, what should receive priority?

30% Student residences 27% Academic building(s) 2% Parking 2% Public-private library 2% Hockey practice facility 4% Hockey game facility 2% Baseball/softball fields 1% Soccer field 0% Football practice field 30% Don't know

UNO should build additional student residences.

66% Yes 3% No 31% Not sure

How should the UNO Alumni Association expand its Legacy Scholarship Program?

36% Increase the value of the scholarships 64% Increase the number of scholarships awarded

January How often do you attend a religious service?

• Daily—3% • Several times a week—15% • Once a week—48% • Once a month—10% • Once a year—12% • Never—13% February What is Iran’s purpose to its uraniumenrichment program?

• Develop civilian nuclear energy—7% • Develop nuclear bombs—43% • Both—50%

Alumni Center Centennial Campaign

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he UNO Alumni Association continues its Alumni Center Centennial Campaign supporting renovations and and addition made to the building in 2005 (see story pages 32-36).

Central to the campaign is fundraising efforts for Centennial Hall, named in honor of the university’s upcoming 100-year anniversary and in honor of the 100 donors who will contribute $10,000 or more to the campaign.

Centennial Hall donors will be recognized on a unique plaque (concept pictured above) outside the room and matching the elegant decor of the Alumni Center. The plaque will incorporate donor names, each accompanied by their brass-engraved signatures.

Donations are being received at two levels: Heritage Donors ($10,000 or more) and Legacy Donors ($25,000 donors).

UNO graduate and former Association Board Chairmen John Jeter is heading a concurrent campaign, raising funds in honor of the Arthur Andersen Hospitality Room.

Jeter was a longtime employee of that firm, as were numerous other UNO graduates.

More information, including news of a dedication ceremony, will be released as the Association nears the end of its campaign.

For more information on the Alumni Center Centennial Campaign, contact Alumni Association President & CEO Jim Leslie at (402) 554-3367 or toll-free at UNO-MAV-ALUM (866-628-2586).

UNOALUM

he UNO Alumni Association’s In Care Of program will continue in 2006. The Association began the program last year, sending care packages to UNO-affiliated soldiers currently at war. Since the program’s start, 35 care packages have been issued.

Each care package includes: first aid and grooming kits, phone cards (generously provided by Family Support Center of Offutt Air Force Base), a Nebraska Life Magazine (generously provided by Nebraska Life publishers), a UNO Alum magazine, an LED keychain mini flashlight, waterless hand sanitizer, single-use camera with American flag design, retractable utility knife, sunscreen, lip balm, UNO baseball cap, Life Savers candy and notes from alumni.

For more information on the In Care Of program, visit the Association’s website at www.unoalumni.org/incareof.

Since the last Alum was published in December the Association has received just one request for a care package, that for Jeana M. Goswick, a sergeant with the U.S. Army Reserves currently assigned to Iraq. Goswick is a UNO student and the daughter of fellow UNO student Janet Goswick of Bellevue, Neb. The Alumni Association did, however, recently receive a letter from UNO graduate Timothy M. Hanson, who was in Iraq in 2004 as a major with the U.S. Marines, fighting during the battle in Fallujah in November of that year. Hanson is a 1986 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

He was a liaison between civilians and the command, providing advice on courses of action regarding Iraqi civilians. He also served as the officer-

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Maj. Tim Hanson poses outside the Humanitarian Assistance site in Fallujah in December 2004.

in-charge of the main Humanitarian Assistance site in Fallujah, providing water, food, blankets and other items.

“We also provided a forum for Iraqis to express their grievances and seek restitution for damage to their property.” He currently is a major in the Marine Corps Reserve a road patrol

supervisor for the night shift of the Papillion (Neb.) Police Department.

Hanson also is attending UNO in pursuit for a master’s of public administration degree and Nebraska Wesleyan University in its forensic science program. Send him email at thanson@papillion.org.

2005 Annual Fund Annual Report T

he 2005 UNO Annual Fund Annual Report will be available for online download by April 30.

The publication can be accessed as a PDF document on the Alumni Association’s website at: www.unoalumni.org/give_to_uno/annual_reports The 2005 Annual Report will feature the names of the thousands of contributors to the UNO Century Club and UNO Annual Fund. Also included are the names of donors to the Legacy Societies, which recognize lifetime giving, and reports on the various Alumni Association activities throughout 2005.

To order a free printed copy of the report call the Association’s Records Department at 402-554-2446, or toll-free at UNO-MAV-ALUM (866-628-2586).

Spring 2006 • 39

Association in Action

SUBMIT A CLASS NOTE ON THE WEB www.unoalumni.org/magazine/submit_class_notes

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entury Club membership consists of individuals who support their alma mater with gifts of $100 or more. Gifts support various alumni association programs and services that make for a stronger, more vibrant university. With their UNRESTRICTED gift, Century Club donors receive one of five personalized mementos (pictured at right), special recognition in an annual report and invitations to select events throughout the year.

Welcome to the Club!

Thanks to these upgraded Century Club donors!

Nov. 15 through Dec. 31, 2005

To Platinum ($2,500 or more) Terry & Judy Haney John & Stephanie Koraleski Marion Campen Mahone

To Diamond ($1,000 or more) Nancy & Jack Belck Jim S. Garbina Mike & Marji Jones Robert & Carole Julian Richard & Diane Westin To Gold ($500 or more) Frank R. Hartranft Dennis J. McMillen David B. Powell Rebekah Rose Mark B. Schwietz Leonard & Catherine Sommer Jarvis A. Strong Ron & Patricia Withem To Silver ($250 or more) Maj. (Ret.) Ralph P. Altvater Kenneth G. Beason Richard & Mary Benson James C. Burroughs Robert P. Frizzell Larry F. Frum Kaziuchi Hamasaki James L. Jefferson George W. Kane Roy & Cookie Katskee Thomas D. Knox Thomas D. Needham Edward L. Powers Ramon & Rita Price William R. Seeger Jr. Dennis J. Snyder Omer & Judy Trout

40 • Spring 2006

Welcome to these firsttime Century Club donors!

Nov. 15 through Dec. 31, 2005

Diamond ($1,000 or more) Alex J. Borchardt Gold ($500 or more) William S. Urban

Silver ($250 or more) Bob & Mary Zagozda

Bronze ($100 or more) Arthur J. Braun Wayne H. Burke Cheryl A. Clausen Marilyn L. Cowger Betty J. Davis Bernard H. Eichler Horace E. Ervin Blas G. Hilario Marcel Kahn Mary Kyllo Larry Leveritt Col. (Ret.) Jack L. McClaran Martha McKeone Timothy McMahon Joan Miller Mitch & Samatha Mosser Joseph & Lydia Murtaugh Geraldine Nesvan Gary & Barbara Repair Brian J. Riley Fred & Lori Rimmington Doris Dee Schroeder Lt. Gen. R. J. Seitz Orin & Dorothy Simonsen Henry Dean Smith George Tselentis Ardith D. Vickery Edwin B. Wakeman Raymond & Sandi Weinberg Sylvester H.N. Zumbrun

Thanks to these upgraded Century Club donors!

Jan. 1 through Feb. 28, 2006

To Platinum ($2,500 or more) Beverly Swahn Houts Michael & Deborah McLarney Richard & Carla Zarkowski

To Diamond ($1,000 or more) Jack R. Petersen To Gold ($500 or more) Marlene Currie Baumann Robert W. Bowne Anne L. Breslow Brenda L. Cheuvront Walt & Marilyn Horner Donald O. Nesheim To Silver ($250 or more) Michael F. Badura Mary E. Benecke James L. Gammon Arthur L. Lacey Barbara J. Magnuson J.Jay Mannion Hugh H. Menton Joseph Orlowski Jr. Judith A. Radek

Welcome to these firsttime Century Club donors!

Jan. 1 through Feb. 28, 2006

Gold ($500 or more) Andrew W. Meyn

Silver ($250 or more) Erica L. Johnson Dorothy L. McClain Kenneth I Petersen

Bronze ($100 or more) Jean M. Andersen Sean G. Barry Ted Batchelder M. Lillian Bedell David B. Craig Daniel L. Cutler Karen L. Daniel Edward S. Doyle Richard T. Drew James C. Egan Jr. Michael W. Erwin Mark J. Fischer Elizabeth & Joseph Heskew Helen W. Hunter Jolene M. Jefferies Donald E. Johnson Jr. Marcel Kahn Chriss & Sally Lloyd Vicki L. Mack Dan McElligott Nancy T. Morris Conee P. Nelson Robert M. Nelson Elizabeth A. O'Brien Thomas R. Pane Ellen Pesavento Thomas F. Polk Mary Jane 'Kop' Ramsey Kathleen M. Ransom Raymond P. & Marilyn A. Rawe Rick L. Sacco Thomas J. Sandene John L. Schrag Richard A. Serpan Bruce Sorum Lou & Connie Soukup Turner M. Tefft Jim Weedmann

Class Notes

The UNO Century Club

1939 Clitus Olson, BA, lives in Westminster, Colo. He notes in an email that he and his wife, Dorothy, have been living at Covenant Village of Colorado since 1996. “We have spent the last three years in the assisted living section. This is mainly on account of the fact that Dorothy is suffering from Alzheimer’s and is fairly confused.

I had a five-vessel bypass and installation of a pig aortic valve about three years ago. I have done fairly well, except recently I have been having some fainting spells.

So far all the tests haven't shown what the problem is. Since I am only 89, that’s maybe what I should expect. I would like to hear from others from the ’39 and ’48 eras.”

Send Olson email at oldole1@aol.com

1949 Oscar H. Beasley, BA, lives in Honolulu and sends this Class Note: “Went on to law school at Iowa, moved to Albuquerque, N.M., and then to California. I was senior title counsel for 36 years, traveling much of the world and all of the United States. Retired in 2000 and moved to Hawaii.” Send Beasley email at osbeasley@verizon.net

1951 Fred Abboud, BS, recently was featured in the Connection to West Omaha tab-loid. The article focused on the 79-year-old’s active lifestyle, which includes a daily bike ride or tennis game. “There’s no tomorrow.

Once you slow down you can never go back,” he told the paper.

“This keeps me healthy and you can’t do that watching TV. I have to do something every day or I feel guilty.”

1953 Joanne Larkin Light, BS, writes from Pebble Beach, Calif.: “After my husband passed away in December of 2004 I have kept busy volunteering at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, Calif.

Learning about fish from one cell size to whales is very challenging. I am interested in alumni news.”

Jane (Hoff) McVicker, BS, lives in Lincoln, Neb., and is a first-grade teacher at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Demonstration School.

1955 George M. Ludvik, BA, lives in

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S P R I N G

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Flashback File

Hello Day, 1929

From the 1929 Omahan yearbook

W

hen anyone speaks of Hello Day, a fragment of a silly little nursery rhyme insists on coming to my mind,—it goes like this— Hello! Hello! Who’s your horse?

Hello! Hello! Who? Of course the words have little meaning to one not familiar with the rest of the rhyme and similarly the name “Hello Day” had little significance to any who were not at school that day. But to the students who were at school, it meant an opportunity for increasing fellowship and goodwill, an opportunity to become better acquainted and to show a real spirit of friendship.

(Incidentally it was an ideal time to have some genuine fun.)

In the first place those big badges with the word “Hello” on them were really funny things and you just had to shout Hello! to someone else as soon as you could. Then there was even a Hello Assembly which created a huge demand for more and better Hello’s. So Hello Day was filled with Hello! Hello!

And every Hello carried an echo which seemed to say, “I’m your friend”—“I’m your friend.”

May the friendly days increase,—may Hello Days come every day in the year–Hello!

Letha C. Gove, ’29

Elkhorn, Neb., and sends the following Class Note: “After spending two years teaching, I decided that the laboratory was my niche.

Beginning as a lab manager at the Omaha Quaker Chemicals facility laboratory, later as research chemist/microbiologist in 1959 at the Chicago John Stuart Research Laboratories (the research arm of the Quaker Oats Co.). I performed the first work on “health/energy bars,” only no one could be convinced! Moving through the ins and outs of the Cudahy and Campbell Soup corporations, it was time to settle. I opened the Ludvik Laboratories in 1970 in Omaha specializing in foods/animal product research and development until my retirement in 1997. With my wife, Helyn, retiring from the UNO University Division (academic and personal counseling) we are devoting most of our time to our grandchildren and great-grandchild, and to various charitable services. I inadvertently missed the 50th OU graduation celebration gala, and since it would be a stretch to wait

for the 75th I hope to hear from a few friends with whom the Snack Shack was a favorite haunt. I would enjoy correspondence here in the Omaha area at hl37473@navix.net

1957 Charles Housh, BS, lives in Monee, Ill., and notes that he retired in the summer of 2005 “after being in the auction business for over 35 years.”

He previously was owner of Col. Chuck’s Auction Gallery in Monee (28 miles southwest of Chicago).

Prior to that he spent 14 years with Montgomery Wards in management (retail) and mail order.

“Looking forward to the lifestyle of a retiree (chance to get a little more golf in). Will be married 50 years this coming August.”

1960 Henry (Randy) Frost, BGE, lives in Reno, Nevada, and emails the following Class Note: “Retired from the U.S. Army in January 1976. Got my Ph.D. from the University of Continued next page Spring 2006 • 41

Class Notes Colorado (Boulder) in 1978.

Worked for the University of Nevada, Reno, and retired from there in 1995. Held the position of president for five years for a telecommunications company responsible for communications at several convention centers, to include the Javits Convention Center in New York City (until 2000). Currently working as a real estate agent for Assist2Sell in Reno.” Send Frost email at randyfrost@hotmail.com

1961 Jarvis Strong, BGS, takes email at Jarvis.strong@verizon.net.

1965 Pat Halloran, BA, in November celebrated his 25th year with the Memphis Development Foundation.

President of the Orpheum Theatre, Halloran in 2005 received his second Tony Award, as a producer for “Spamalot,” voted best musical. His first Tony Award (2002) was as part of the producing team for “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” selected best musical. The League of American Theatre and Producers also chose him as 1999 Broadway Presenter of the Year. Halloran has overseen two expansions to the theatre and currently is president of the Independent Presenters Network, a consortium of 55 Broadway producers, presenters and theater CEOs that collectively controls the Broadway indus-

try in more than 70 cities in North America and Japan. He serves on the Board of Governors and sits on the executive committee of the League of American Theatre and Producers, the organization that oversees labor, actors, stagehands, and Broadway’s Tony Award program.

1966 R.D. Petersen, BGE, lives in Atlanta and notes that in November 2005 he received with high distinction his doctor of ministry degree in conflict management/family counseling.

1968 Larry Lehmer, BA, lives in Urbandale, Iowa, and reports that he “took early retirement from the Des Moines Register after over 30 years as an editor and reporter to launch his own personal history business in Des Moines, When Words Matter (www.whenwordsmatter.com).” Send him email at lwlehmer@ whenwordsmatter.com

1969 Robert Vandeven, BGS, lives in Colorado Springs, Colo., and writes that he “taught in elementary schools here in Colorado Springs for about 15 years, after my stint at UNO, as a substitute teacher.

My best wishes to UNO.” Norman Krystopik, BS, lives in Jackson, N.J., and reports that he retired in January after teaching health/physi-

Lost Alums - 1959

James L. Adkins Charles C. Allison Carolyn N. Anderson Julian A. Anderson Dennis S. Arthur Walter L. Baeumler Billie J. Beauford Paul L. Biri Dennis E. . Blackstock Richard G. Bobek Eldon L. Boothby Amos H. Braden Charles A. Broman Eileen Brower Alfred B. Brown Carolyn K. Busse Jacqueline Schroer Cavanaugh Norma S. Cole Stanley P. Converse

42 • Spring 2006

S P R I N G

Elmer Edwin Craig Hubert Crisp Grace Ernest Dade Duane T. Davenport Herbert Davis Herbert Dehart Ada B. Detweiler Oakley J. Dollard Gerald V. Douglas Marvin H. Eatinger Gerald F. Egan Donald D. Farley J. Wilbur Field Barney H. Fleeman Royce E. Friou Henry L. Gantz Robert L. Geisel Loretta Ludwig/Dempsey Gibbons George T. Gregory

John Grotzinger Marilyn L. Hansen Ralph A. Hanson Francis R. Harris Wilfred W. Helm Louis J. Hermanek Ruth Wolfe Hlidek-Gulick Robert A. Hobam George J. Homza John R. Hruska Alexander P. Hunter John Ilich Donald Howard Jersey Howard G. Johns James G. Johnson Kenneth David Jorgenson Sandra Kay Radloff Kah Jimmie Kanaya Ruth M. Craven Kieny R. Kae Knight

cal education in the Plainfield Public Schools (Plainfield, N.J.) for 32 years.

1969 Rudy Smith, BS, last May was featured in an article in Omaha’s The Reader publication. A photographer with the Omaha World-Herald, Smith has had some of his civil rights-era images become part of a new display along the Martin Luther King Pedestrian Bridge connecting the Lewis & Clark Landing and the Qwest Center on Omaha’s riverfront. Married with three children, Smith has remained busy outside of his duties for the paper, reported The Reader. He cofounded a minority investment club and collaborated on the book, “Visions of Freedom on the Great Plains: An Illustrated History of African Americans in Nebraska.” He’s also planning two books and is spearheading a petition drive to get fellow UNO graduate Marlin Briscoe elected into the NFL Hall of Fame.

1970 Ron Euler, BGS, in 2005 relocated to San Antonio from Antelope, Calif., where he had lived for more than 15 years. He now works as a realtor with Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper, Realtor. Send him email at reuler@satx.rr.com 1971 Billy R. Martin, BS, lives in Huntsville, Ala., and emails

this Class Note: “Totally retired from U.S. Army, U.S. Govt., and Raytheon. My wife, Dot, and I travel throughout the U.S. and plan to go to Europe this year. I also teach English as a second language as a volunteer teacher from one to three days a week to foreign national students.” Send him email at bndmartin@knology.net

1972 Charles J. Neumann, BS, lives in LaVista, Neb., and is a fuel compliance officer with the IRS. “I received a plaque for “Thirty years of loyal and devoted service to the Internal Revenue Service” in 2005. There was not a big ceremony involved— the plaque showed up in my mail slot one day with not even a note with it. My wife and I met at UNO and our daughter is working for her degree at UNO. I am a big White Sox fan and was overjoyed with the results of the World Series.”

1972 Charles P. Moriarty, AS, was named chief financial officer and vice president of corporate services-financial for the Omaha Public Power District.

He will oversee financial planning and controls at the utility. Moriarty also has a BS from UNO (1974).

1973 Milton L. Kidder Jr., BS, lives in South Hadley, Mass., and is a retired U.S. Postmaster

Help us find these “Lost Alums” from the Class of 1959.

Send news of their whereabouts to sgerding@mail.unomaha.edu Roberta Kucera Kozeny Gordon T. Lane G. Edythe Larson Lavon J. Lee James E. Lennon Fyllis M. Rubinow Lobe Carolyn Ruge Lorenz Jack E. Lund Irl L. Mabon John C. Marschhausen Arthur J. Matcha Audrey E. Mauro Vincent Mazza Thomas W. McCormick Edgar McGowan Jack N. Merritt Howard T. Moody Larry L. Morrissey Dorothy L. Holyoke Neal Stanley O. Nelson

Charles S. Ness Ronald A. Norman William N. Page Phyllis Parrill Larry D. Petersen David M. Pierce Orville E. Poppe Margaret McCall Pugh Delano B. Purscell Durward W. Randolph Ronald D. Rasmussen Louise Ann Downing Refsell Cleveland Rex Barton F. Richards Don G. Romer Peter A. Ruda Nicholas J. Sabanovich Ronald J. Schneider Robert T. Schrawger

Sandra M. Scott James L. Shanan Elizabeth Hillman Sharer John O. Shoemaker Edgar M. Sinclair Oliver Gordon Sparks Sam Spector Cleveland R. Steward William C. Thielen Harry L. Thrush Thomas G. Toor Alice Irene Vanfosson Otto W. Voit Virginia G. Wallace Robert N. Weaver Frederick A. Werner Oliver A. Willey June M. Williams Patrick H. Wood Gilbert Yolm

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(2002). “My wife, Joyce, and I are now snow birds and travel to and from Massachusetts and Florida each winter.

Enjoying retirement immensely and wish all my classmates well.” Send him email at mlkjr@comcast.net

1975 Roberta Penning Megel, BA, in November became chief attorney in the Council Bluffs Public Defender Office.

Megel has worked in the office for 19 years. She is a member of the Iowa and Nebraska State Bar Associations and other professional groups. She also has participated in the Iowa Court Improvement Project, which studies and recommends improvements in the state’s juvenile justice system.

Send her email at rmegel@spd.state.ia.us

Ross F. Ellis, MS, writes: “After graduation I worked as a psychotherapist for a few years in Omaha. I discovered my love of entrepreneurship and started aviation business in Omaha at Millard Airport; sold and . . . owned pizza company in Colorado and Wyoming in 1981. Started [in Omaha, 1985[ an international weather commodities company with partner Jack Sharp, another graduate of the counseling and guidance department and my ex-commanding officer in U.S. Air Force. Sold to Chronicle Broadcasting Co. and started another weather commodity company in 1990. Sold in 1996 to large Philadelphia corp. Assigned to be international director of that company in Europe and South America. In 1996 I received a Ph.D. degree in business development. In 2000 I started an international executive and management training company; trained corporate clients in Russia, Ukraine and USA. I was trained and became a specialist in emotional intelligence, training individually and organizationally for some major U.S. companies. I am a diplomate member of the American Psychotherapy Association and certified by them recentw w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

ly as a master therapist and relationship specialist. I live in Jacksonville, Fla., with my wife, who is a medical doctor (pediatrician) from Russia.

We married in Moldova. She specializes in homeopathic medicine. We have a 2-yearold daughter, Lara.” Send email to ipdi03@netzero.net

1976 Gene C. Seevers Sr., BS, lives in Louisville, Neb. He is

twice retired: first from the U.S. Air Force after 20 years; again in 1997 after 21 years as a teacher with Millard Public Schools. He writes: “future Mavericks are a great-grandson, Jonah Yeoman, and great-granddaughter, Clara Gene Poyland.”

1981 Wm. Thomas (Brother Jonah) Wharff, MS, on Jan. 26 took solemn vows as a

Future Alums

Got a picture of your little tyke? Send it our way as a print or in electronic format and we’ll post it on our website!

Ella Rose Konwinski, daughter of Amie (’05)

and Roger (’91) Konwinski of Omaha.

Benjamin Nicholas Chance, son of Sean and

Maureen (Burns, ’91) Chance of Nebraska City, Neb.

Coryn Marie Riedel, daughter of Brian and Julie (Rief, ’98) Riedel of Omaha.

Holden Wright Nelson, son of Tyre Nelson

and Stephanie M. Himel-Nelson, (’96) of Chesapeake, Va.

Alexandra Nicole Maxton, daughter of Karen

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Trappist-Cistercian monk at New Melleray Abbey near Dubuque, Iowa. “Among my duties here I do the community and guesthouse laundry, change oil on vehicles, bind library journals, and give retreats and spiritual direction.” Send him email at brjonah@newmelleray.org

Cynthia S. Wickstrom, BA, lives in Portland, Ore. Send email to c.wickstrom@att.net

Sons & Daughters of UNO Alumni

Ainsley Madeline Anderson, daughter of Tracie (Mickle, ’93; ’00) and Ethan, ’04) Anderson of Omaha, and granddaughter of UNO Sports Inf. Director Gary Anderson.

Brock Alden Dyer, son of Matt and Amber (McCreary, ’02) Dyer and great-grandson of Ron Bales (’62), all of Glenwood, Iowa.

Kethen Joseph Briten Ahl, son of Katrina

(Hess, ’90) and Chris (’90) Ahl of Omaha.

Andrew Justin Lucas, son of Chad and Jacci

(Livengood, ’03) Lucas of Bellevue, Neb.

Kaleb Sanchez Atkinson, son of Martha and Shawn (’01) Atkinson of Omaha.

Zachary John Fox, son of Chad and Tricia (Kirchmann, ’01) Fox of Wahoo, Neb.

(Walker, ’90) and George (’90) Maxton of Novi, Mich.

Joseph (Jack) Alexadner Carlson, son of

Kristin (Morss, ’02) Jones of Eagle River, Alaska.

(Claman, ’91) and Joseph (’85) Beal of Omaha.

Charlton David Jones, son of Benjamin and Andrew Richard Kula, son of Melissa (Strnad,

Darcy and Cory (’01) Carlson of Omaha.

Carli Christine Beal, daughter of Laura

Morgan Renee Riley, daughter of Amy and

Jeff (’99) Riley of Omaha.

’99) and John (’01) Kula of Omaha.

David Lee Renard, son of Scott and Elizabeth

’00) and Kevin Chytil (’02) of Bellevue, Neb.

Alexander Mark Newberry, son of Paul and

Sean Matthew Chytil, son of Julie (Foreman,

Esther Anne Staplin, daughter of Ruth and William (’95) Staplin of Des Moines, Iowa

Jacob Daniel Hanson, son of Julie and Chad

(’99) Hanson of Irving, Texas.

Matthew Ryan Austin, son of Sara (Lapacek,

’01) and Mark (’98) Austin of Omaha.

Macson James Rastrelli, son of Peter and

Candice (Thiele, ’97) Rastrelli of Round Lake, Ill.

Submit a Future Alum on the Web —

(Shannon, ’97) Renard of Lincoln, Neb. Karen (Harper, ’91) Newberry of Creedmoor, N.C.

Isabela Maria-Margaret German, daughter of

Carolos and Lisa (Hayford, ’96, ’04) German of Omaha and granddaughter of Margaret (’72, ’83) Hayford of Omaha.

Lindsey Catherine Eden, daughter of

Courtney (Cacioppo, ’98; ’00) and Jon (’98; ’05) Eden of Elkhorn, Neb.

www.unoalumni.org/magazine/submit_future_alum Provide a birth announcement (within 1 year of birth) and we’ll send a T-shirt and certificate, plus publish the good news. Do so online at www.unoalumni.org/magazine/submit_future_alum.

Mail announcements to: Future Alums, UNO Alumni Association, 60th & Dodge, Omaha, NE 68182. FAX info to: (402) 554-3787. Include address, baby’s name, date of birth, parents’ or grandparents’ names and graduation year(s).

Spring 2006 • 43

Class Notes

Timothy Ashford, BS, is an Omaha attorney and last year, in the June issue of Ebony magazine, was named one of 24 “Top Bachelors of the Year” by that publication.

“A prosecutor turned defense attorney, Ashford likes to unwind by jogging up to 20 miles a week, lifting weights and playing chess,” the magazine reported. The 47-yearold shared the honor with such notables as CNN political analyst Carlos Watson, award-winning producer, songwriter and singer Gordon Chambers, and 2004 Olympic gold medalist (100 meters) Justin Gatlin. Ashford has his own law practice and is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Nebraska.

1982 Keith A. Hansen, BM, lives in San Antonio and is a master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force Band of the West located at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. “I perform on trumpet in the concert band, Dimensions in Blue Jazz Ensemble, and lead a group called Herald Brass. Last year I returned from being stationed overseas at Yokota Air Base, Tokyo, Japan. I’m also an avid scuba diver and underwater photographer.”

He is married with three children. Send him email at kvhansen90@sbcglobal.net

Michael Ashford, BA, is a city councilman in Toledo, Ohio. He also is the vice president of urban relations for the YMCA and the executive director of the Wayman Palmer Branch of the YMCA.

1984 Harry Williams Jr., BGS, lives in Granger, Ind., and is director of diagnostic imaging services at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Ind. Send him email at hwilliams04@comcast.net 1985 Debbie Carlson, MS, wrote a children's picture book now available at several retail stores around Omaha. “I have done many book signing events around town. I

44 • Spring 2006

Color Confusion

S P R I N G Flashback File

From the 1915 Gateway student newspaper

T

he combination of the colors “scarlet and black” seems to have presented a most unusual mixture to past student athletic managers.

In the early days when athletics were first inaugurated and when scarlet and black were selected as the official school colors, one of the thankless basketball managers ordered togs entirely black, save a narrow half-inch red stripe setting off the hose and sweaters.

From then on the colors have ranged from an entirely scarlet body with a narrow black stripe to a multicolored combination of zebra stripes. Indeed, one ingenious manager ordered a classy outfit of football sweaters, all flaming scarlet and with stylish low necks. The players turned out to be the Beau Brummels of the season.

Just how far this has been carried may be seen at the beginning of the athletic season, when the regular equipment has not arrived and each candidate has outfitted himself from the odds and ends of the seasons’ leftovers. The assorted color combinations have been most wonderful.

The athletic board, as the body in charge of that matter, should decide on some standard combination that should be the fixed specification from which the student manager should order the desired equipment. This practice is in vogue in all large schools. From year to year, Creighton, Nebraska, South Dakota and all other up-to-date institutions have the same standard equipment.

If for no other reason than from the economical side, this important matter should be attended to at once. The continual use of the same colors allows the use of the older equipment which could not be used to the same advantage in any other way.

Pictured: 1917 basketball team members Perry Allerton, William Thompson and Howard De Lamatre strike a pose with a mixed bag of OU uniforms.

currently teach early childhood special education classes (3-, 4-, and 5-year-old students with special needs) for the Millard Public Schools.

[The book] is geared at the ages I teach. It is a story about a little boy who cleans up his room as a surprise for his mom, thus the title, “A Big Surprise For Mom." The illustrator I hired, Lara Turco, was taking classes at UNO last year when she did the illustrations.” Debbie is marrried to fellow UNO graduate Ted Carlson (1960).

Michael Behm, BGS, lives in Malcolm, Neb., and is executive director of the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice (Crime Commission).

He was appointed by Governor Dave Heineman in May 2005. He also is a retired (2003) Lt. Colonel with the Nebraska State Patrol.

1987 Ann Stewart Shafer, BGS, lives in Fredericksburg, Texas. She writes: “Widowed in November of 2000. I

moved to Fredericksburg in 2001. In December 2003 I remarried. Art and I live in the country only 15 miles from town where my mom, daughter, son-in-law and grandkids live.”

Mark Allen, BS, writes that “Things here are good. I’m still on ‘Supernanny’ . . . have produced about six episodes so far this season and a few more left. Haven’t been able to speak to a class in a while, as my trips back have been during breaks, but hoping to UNOALUM

pick that back up this year.”

Send him email at markla2363@aol.com

Steve Adkins, BSBA, lives in Valrico, Fla. He writes that “During Spring 2005 I went with a small business team to Morocco. Our goal was to support ongoing efforts to foster and maintain U.S.Moroccan relationships.

Morocco is proud to say that it was the first country to recognize U.S. independence in 1776. Morocco is a Muslim nation with many Western and Eastern influences. My group met with the governor (and advisors) of one of the provinces and educators at two higher learning facilities (including students), played in the Royal Meknes golf tournament (sponsored by the prince), met with the Meknes business chamber of commerce, and facilitated a workshop with the management of a state-run orphanage. We also helped at the orphanage, sponsored local weightlifting tournaments, shared business practices with our business colleagues, etc.

1990 Susan M. Schaeffer, MS, lives in Chadron, Neb., and has been an assistant professor of counseling at Chadron State College since 2003. She received her doctorate in counselor education at the University of Wyoming. Send her email at dreamer72158@aol.com Gail A. Olson, BGS, lives in Albuquerque, N.M., and works for the University of New Mexico Hospital as a clinical therapy manager. The clinic “does 3,600 substance abuse/mh evaluations a year.

I’m also a continuing education presenter. Have a master’s and Ph.D. in psychology, so finally am enjoying the fruits of that labor. Miss friends and family in Nebraska.” Send her email at gailaolson@netzero.net 1992 Curtis D. Freerking, MS, lives in Houston and is the

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English as a second language director at MTI College of Business. Send him email at cfreerking@yahoo.com

1993 Brent Pohlman, MBA, joined Omaha’s Midwest Laboratories, Inc., and will be in charge of market development. The company offers analytical services in the areas of water, air, soil, feed, food, plants, fertilizer and residues. Pohlman has 16 years of professional experience in the areas of consulting, education, accounting, human resources and information technology.

Companies for which he has worked on projects include Mutual of Omaha, Arthur Andersen, Alegent Health, Chicago Tribune, General Motors and HDR Inc. He also is an instructor at Concordia and Nebraska Wesleyan Universities.

1994 Ty Reil, BS, was promoted to assistant vice president— business development and technology with National Indemnity Co., a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of insurance companies. Reil joined National Indemnity in 1995 and has a UNO master’s degree (1997).

Marcus Pelegrimas, BS, is a published author on his own and as a ghostwriter. He has published two Western novels under the name Marcus Galloway: “The Man from Boot Hill” and “The Man from Boot Hill: Burying the Past,” both published by HarperTorch.

Tamara R. Heflebower, MA, graduated in December from the University of NebraskaLincoln with a doctorate in educational administration.

1995 Chip Monahan, BS, lives in Omaha, where he is an independent insurance and investment broker with Asset Strategies. His primary focus is self-employed and small business owners. He develops corporate-like benefits for

self-employed individuals.

Send him email at chipmonahan3@cox.net

Paul G. Bellus, MA, lives in Iowa City, Iowa, and writes that, “Since graduating from Creighton Prep in 1984, I have been coaching debate in both high school and college.

During my 21 years of coaching I have coached students to 11 national titles [and am] the first person in the history of the activity to coach both high school and college national champions. My fondest memory of UNO was the rigor of the master's program in communication studies. The intellectual tests advanced by the professors still contribute to my instruction of students and serve as a model for my classrooms. I am currently the coordinator of forensics at the University of Iowa.” Send him email at paul-bellus@uiowa.edu

1996 Stephanie M. Himel-Nelson, BA, recently moved from the Washington, D.C., area to the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. She is an attorney with Vandeventer Black, LLP in Norfolk, Va. She and her husband, Tyre Nelson, recently welcomed their second son, Holden Wright Nelson, born Jan. 6, 2006, in Norfolk.

Send her email at steph-trey@att.net 1998 Tugba Kalafatoglu, BA, lives in Istanbul, Turkey. She recently was chosen to “Who’s Who in the World 2006.” Send her email at tugba@tugbakalafatoglu.com

1999 Amanda Shaul Temoshek, BS, was selected one of “Ten Outstanding Young Omahans of 2005” by the Omaha Jaycee’s. It was the 73rd year the Jaycees have issued such an honor, to individuals age 21 to 40 “who strive for excellence and have a strong commitment to service in the community as well as personal and professional development.” Temoshek is founder and president of Heartland

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Campaign Management, Inc., which offers fundraising consulting services to non-profit organizations. She is the state representative for the American Association of Grant Professionals and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

She has served various community groups, including: Leadership Circle; Mosaic Community Development; Omaha Street School; American Business Women Association; and the UNO Alumni Association’s Publications Committee.

Dave Nutsch, ASET, lives in Omaha and in October married fellow UNO graduate Heather R. Brady Nutsch (2003). He works for the Electric Company of Omaha.

Heather works for the University of Nebraska Medical Center in cancer research.

2000 Mike Francis, MA, lives in Omaha and is parks and recreation director for the City of Waverly, Neb., and the president of the Nebraska Recreation and Parks Association. Send him email at mike.francis@yahoo.com 2001 Jeff Leanna, BS, lives in Washington, D.C., and writes that he is “happy to report that I graduated this past December with my master’s degree in public administration. I am the vice president for Students and Youth for the Young Democrats of America, one of the largest 527 organizations in the country.” Leanna also has founded Prairiefire Campaigns, a political/organizational consulting firm.

Send him email at vpstudentsyouth@yda.org

Michael J. Robinson Jr., BS, was appointed executive of The Christ Child Society of Omaha, a social service agency serving Omaha for 100 years and dedicated to serving neighborhoods along the eastern edge of Omaha.

The agency maintains three

Spring 2006 • 45

Class Notes centers and diverse programs serving individuals and families young and old. Christ Child is dedicated to meeting the needs of families and children, youth at risk, and the elderly. It also is a United Way of the Midlands Agency.

Robinson previously was a district executive with Boy Scouts of America, MidAmerica Council. “We are thrilled to have a leader of Michael’s caliber join the Christ Child Society. He brings the dedication and drive to ensure the Christ Child Society’s viability as we enter our second century of service to the city of Omaha,” said Mary Honke, president of the Board of Directors. “Michael Robinson hopes to help Christ Child become a community catalyst for cooperation and co-sponsorship of programming with other social service agencies in our area.”

2002 Athena Ramos, BS, was selected one of “Ten Outstanding Young Omahans of 2005” by the Omaha Jaycee’s. It was the 73rd year the Jaycees have issued such an honor to individuals age 21 to 40 “who strive for excellence and have a strong commitment to service in the community as well as personal and professional develop-

Class Notes

S P R I N G

ment.” Ramos is a health educator with the Cardiac Center of Creighton University’s Tobacco Research and Control Program, where she directs tobacco prevention and advocacy activities. She also has a master’s degree from UNO in urban studies. She serves several area organizations, including: Metro Omaha Tobacco Action Coalition; South Omaha Neighborhood Association; PRIDE–Omaha; American Heart Association; Heartland Latino Leadership Conference; United Way Heartland; Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce; the National Latino Council on Alcohol and Tobacco Prevention Network; and, the National Tobacco Parity Alliance.

Melissa Garner, BFA, lives in Gaithersburg, Md., and works at Marriott Corporate Headquarters in Bethesda, Md., as a revenue manager.

She has been with Marriott for three years since graduating from UNO. She still acts and assists with the theatre as a side hobby. Send her email at malissia007@yahoo.com 2003 Heather R. Brady Nutsch, MS, lives in Omaha and in October married fellow UNO graduate Dave Nutsch (1999).

She works for the University of Nebraska Medical Center in cancer research. Dave works for the Electric Company of Omaha.

Armando Salgado, BA, was named director of programs and services for the Christ Child Society of Omaha. He is charged with initiating and directing all programs offered by the Christ Child agency.

He previously was a district executive for Boy Scouts of America’s Mid-America Council in Omaha, bringing the scouting program to urban youth. He and his wife, Yamy, reside in Omaha.

The Christ Child Society of Omaha in 2006 is commemorating the 100th anniversary year of its founding. The nonprofit agency is committed to the delivery of human service to youth, the elderly and families through three neighborhood community centers in east Omaha.

2004 Nancy Peters, MBA, was promoted to assistant vice president—legal with National Indemnity Company, a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of insurance companies. Peters, who joined National Indemnity Company in 1992, continues to serve as associate general counsel. She also has a bache-

lor’s degree from Creighton University and a doctor of jurisprudence from Creighton Law School.

Crystalle M. Cotton, BSMIS, lives in Arnold, Mo., and currently is pursuing a BS in business/management online via the University of Phoenix.

Send her email at cmc6954@hotmail.com

2005 Kayla Kapels, BA, was elected as an officer for the 200506 Student Association for Rural Health (SARH) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. SARH promotes interest in health careers in rural areas of Nebraska by hosting monthly seminars on rural health issues.

Pete Pirsch, MBA, lives in Omaha and notes that he “has filed to run for election to the state legislature in District 4. The election is on May 9. I currently serve as a criminal prosecutor in Omaha and as a governorappointed board member of the Nebraska Crime Commission. The opportunity to help improve the lives of a great number of people through service in the legislature really excites me.” Send him email at papirsch@yahoo.com

Submit your class note over the web at www.unoalumni.org

What have you been doing since graduating from UNO? Your fellow alumni would like to know! Give us an update by filling out the form below. We’ll publish the news in a future issue of the UNO Alum and on our website. Send the news to Class Notes Editor, UNO Alum, 67th & Dodge, Omaha, NE 68182-0010, or Fax to (402) 554-3787.

Name__________________________________________

Employer ___________________________________

Class Year_______Degree________

Position_____________________________________

Address________________________________________

Career/Personal News__________________________

City ___________________________ State, Zip______________________

Is this a new

q Yes q No address?

Phone_____________________________ E-mail_________________________________________ May we post your email address in the next Alum?

q Yes q No

46 • Spring 2006

May we include your name in our website’s email directory (email addresses not shown)?

q Yes q No

May the Alumni Association periodically share info with you via e-mail?

q Yes q No

_______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________

In Memoriam 1934 A. Burd Arganbright Stuart E. Fried 1938 Ermagrace Reilly 1940 Frank V. Norall 1942 Edmund O. Barker Norma C. Smith Shirck 1943 Kenneth A. Blinn Gwen Lindevall Decker Isabelle L. Gathmann 1947 Frederick A. Tillwick William H. Wallander 1948 Charles A. Barker Jr. George C. Liebers 1949 Roberta J. Norall Callaway Frank F. Catania John E. Chesnut Jr. Leonard Weiner 1950 Elton E. Hector George Laitner John D. O’Brien Ronald E. Smith 1951 Amos Nosal Wayne E. Stevens 1953 Joan B. Mendes Phister 1954 Wendell P. Clark 1955 Gladys M. SmallcrossBetz Melvyn E. Thomas 1956 Hazel I. Fugate Frost Jeanne Lunger Pawloski 1957 Rena M. Gibson Marjorie L. Goodrich Miller 1958 Alice T. Hall Charles M. Rice Jr. 1959 Jack P. Dillender Thomas C. Fischer Virginia L. Frank Jose A. Inclan Erin M. Pollat 1960 Alice G. Baynes 1960 Quentin J. Hruska Frank D. Owens

1961 John L. Browne 1962 Kenneth I. Condra Leon Schwerdtfeger 1963 James Guthrie Edward W. Karohl H. M. Locker Martha E. O’Day Joseph W. Oliver Paul C. Rapp Oliver D. Shope 1964 William O. Bolinger Nancy Norton Edell Hazel I. Miller 1965 Donald E. Carter Robert E. Fawver Oscar V. Johnson George S. Miles Walter C. Newton Thompson L. Raney Betty K. Micke Romano 1966 Arlene M. Baker Alexander J. Karkota Leon T. Ross 1967 John L. Cloyd Frank A. Goodall William Morgan Margaret E. Thomas 1968 Mary K. Bogatz Coleman Don W. Crum Robert H. Disbrow Richard A. Gillette Daniel L. Labasse Waldo Wilson Ports Jr. 1969 Margretta J. Cook Burke Diane K. Donelson Robert D. Grande Charles F. Hughes Kenneth D. Lambrecht George L. Landon Jr. Raymond C. Martin Nathan S. Mitchell 1970 Thomas W. Halberstadt Virginia A. Holmquist Dennis B. Nevins 1971 Richard P. Destremps Robert R. Douglas Anthony H. Gargano

1971 Howard C. Hardman Obert A. Lund 1972 Verne R. Davis Mary K. Whitmore Fox Hannah J. Genoways Victor W. Jacko Jr. Eileen Millingship Lund John G. McKay Jr. Glenn F. Pardee Jr. Arthur A. Sklar Richard C. Walton 1973 Sherman E. Davis Glenn A. Gamble Jerry S. Goerig 1974 Elizabeth F. Henshall Allsup Robert L. Bechdolt Jr. Robert “Frank” Gallant George E. Giddings William S. Koperksi Jr. 1975 Robert L. Hodges 1977 Cynthia B. Lane McLaughlin 1978 Robert E. Richardson 1980 Wilfred M. Macaulay Jr. Monte K. Olmstead 1981 Waddell “Craig” Robinson 1982 Earl J. Steinhoff 1985 Shelly R. Johannsen Lewis 1986 Lynne R. Johnson Bratcher 1987 Michael M. Berman Kevin M. Grabowski 1988 Patricia J. Cooney Richard M. Coyle Judith E. Tucker Muessigmann 1990 Nancy J. Sims Hutchinson 1991 Daniel A. Buechner IV 1992 Arlen R. Lazaroff 1994 Deborah D. Hussey White 1996 Molly F. McCann

2006 UNO Annual Fund Donation Form

STEP 1—Check level

q

Alumni Card Donor Less than $25

q Calendar Donor $25 or more

q Gold Card Donor $50 or more

q Bronze Century $100 or more

q Silver Century q

$250 or more

Golden Century $500 or more

STEP 2—Mark payment information A.q Check enclosed for $ B.q Bill me for $

q

q

Visa

q

MasterCard

Expiration Date:__________

Card No.:

$1,000 or more

Signature

q

Discover

U

NO’s military science department on March 3 conducted a dedication tribute in honor of UNO graduate Joel Cahill (1999), who on Nov. 6, 2005, was killed in Iraq by an IED. The dedication consists of a biography, picture, and flag posted on the department’s Memorial Wall in the MS Building on the Creighton campus, where UNO’s Army ROTC program is headquartered.

Cahill was a graduate of Papillion-LaVista High School and enlisted in the Army, where he served with the 82nd Airborne and Ranger Battalion, After his initial service, Cahill returned to UNO and studied criminal justice, graduating with honors in 1999. He was commissioned as an infantry officer.

He was deployed to Afghanistan, then to Iraq. He was returning from a mission when his convoy was struck by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) and he was killed.

Cahill is buried in Arlington Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and their two daughters, Faith (4) and Brenna (3).

Name month

.

C.q I authorize the UNO Alumni Association to collect my through my: gift of $

q Diamond Century Platinum Century $2,500 or more

in

Fallen soldier Cahill honored in tribute

STEP 3—Complete Name and Address

.

Payable to UNO Annual Fund.

2 0 0 6

As you wish it to appear in our 2006 Annual Report

Address City/State/Zip Phone E-mail Save time and a stamp . . .

Donate online at www.unoalumni.org

_______________________________________________ UNOALUM

w w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

Spring 2006 • 47

It’s in the Cards 2006 Annual Fund

H

ow does UNO make a difference? The UNO Alumni Association is telling Annual Fund donors “It’s in the Cards.”

All donors of $25 or more in 2006 will receive a customized deck of playing cards, each one telling of an impressive UNO-related fact.

Something else will be in the cards, too—after donors are recorded for each quarter, we’ll randomly select five donors to receive an iPod “Shuffle” MP3 player (cards, shuffle—get it?).

How can you tell if you’ve won? Shuffle through the cards and see if you’ve received a special “Prize Card” indicating so!

e to r mor Fund o 0 5 ual te $ Dona UNO Ann random 6 00 na the 2 entered i ing for e aw and b d Prize Dr Grand Gran inch Sony a 50- EGA(tm) W TV! ction e j o r P

Also in the cards for 2006—all donors of $50 or more also will be entered in our random Grand Prize Drawing for a 50-inch Sony Grand WEGA(tm) Projection TV (2005 model shown above). We’ll conduct the Grand Prize Drawing in early 2007 after all 2006 donations have been recorded.

Donate today at www.unoalumni.org/give_to_uno or fill out the form on page 47 and return it to us today. Questions? Call us toll-free at UNO-MAV-ALUM (866-628-2586).

University of Nebraska at Omaha Alumni Association W.H. Thompson Alumni Center Omaha, NE 68182-0010 Address Service Requested

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #301 OMAHA, NE