UNO Alum - Spring 2007 by UNO Magazine

U N I V E R S I T Y

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N E B R A S K A

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O M A H A

A L U M N I

A S S O C I A T I O N

www.unoalumni.org

Spring 2007

Mojo Makeover Marketing, programs mix to produce a more “traditional” student body

also inside:

U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel makes national headlines at UNO’s Thompson Alumni Center - Page 22

Classical 90.7 KVNO Celebrating 35 Years Since its first broadcast on August 27, 1972, KVNO has served the UNO and Omaha communities through outstanding public broadcasting. In the beginning, KVNO broadcast a variety of programs from the Storz Mansion. Today, the Engineering building is Classical 90.7’s home, and the programming has been refined to showcase what KVNO does best - bringing you beautiful classical music, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Omaha’s ONLY classical radio station

An integral part of UNO The relationship between the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Classical 90.7 KVNO is mutually beneficial. KVNO provides experience through internships, work study positions, and volunteer opportunities for student groups. In return, the station benefits from the contributions of some of the finest students in the country. Powered by the Community More than 50% of KVNO’s annual operating budget comes from the community, and member support is the single largest portion of the station’s income. KVNO thanks all of the members and underwriters who support this community treasure. On the Air, On the Web The KVNO website, www.kvno.org oȔers a variety of features. Visitors can listen to KVNO via the website while checking out the arts calendar, learning about upcoming events, and viewing the program schedule. Contact Us KVNO always welcomes input from listeners. Questions or comments? Please contact: Classical 90.7 KVNO University of Nebraska at Omaha 6001 Dodge St., Engg. 200 Omaha, NE 68182-0564 402-559-5866 www.kvno.org

Contents

Spring 2007

On the cover:

College Pages

The face of the UNO student body is c h a n g i n g , t a k i n g o n a m o re t r a d i t i o n a l l o o k . P a g e 1 8 .

Education

24-25

Grads make mark outside classroom.

Arts & Sciences

26-29

Women in science.

CFAM

30-31

PRSSA gets its own good ink.

IS&T

32-35

Students serving others.

CPACS

36-37

Degree now offered entirely online.

International Studies

38-39

INST grads find their place in the world.

CBA

Students spend day with Warren Buffett.

Features 10

Feet forward Spencer “Skip” Zimmerman is top dog at the Hush Puppies Company.

Editor: Anthony Flott

The Winter of his content

David Yates puts his marketing know-how to work at Florida’s Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Canine caretaker

Former UNO Professor and grad “Aunt Jean” Bressler finds homes for abused and neglected dogs.

MVHC @ 50 The Missouri Valley History Conference makes history of its own with its 50th anniversary.

14 16

UNO grad and U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel hosts a national press conference at the Alumni Center.

Association Departments Alumni Association in Action

2007 Annual Fund: Be a Change Maker; Association board of directors confirmed; Horns come out at 2007 UNO Alumni Night on the Ice.

Class Notes Promotions, marriages, births and more. w w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

In the political spotlight

Contributors: Leo Biga, Adam Bird, Tim Fitzgerald, Eric Francis, Warren Francke, Kevin Howe, Don Kohler, Tom McMahon, Wendy Townley. Alumni Association Officers: Chairman of the Board, Deborah McLarney; Past Chairman, Michael Kudlacz; 1st Vice Chair, Rod Oberle; 2nd Vice Chair, Mark Grieb; Secretary, Patricia Lamberty; Treasurer, Dan Koraleski; Legal Counsel, Martha Ridgway Zajicek; Special appointments, Angelo Passarelli, Kevin Warneke, John Wilson; President & CEO, Lee Denker . Alumni Staff: Lee Denker, President & CEO; Roxanne Miller, Executive Secretary; Sue Gerding, Diane Osborne, Kathy Johnson, Records/Alumni Cards; Sheila King, Activities Coordinator; Greg Trimm, Alumni Center Manager; 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 2007 • 3

Letter from the Dear Alum:

Chancellor

ike many in the campus community and around the nation, I listened with interest as U.S. Sen. (and UNO alum) Chuck Hagel discussed his political future at a media conference March 11. While Senator Hagel left many speculating on specifically what his future might hold, I couldn’t help but reflect on how UNO alumni like the senator are truly impacting and changing the world in ways both large and small on a daily basis. During my time as interim chancellor, and previously as vice chancellor for academic and student affairs, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with alums from all walks of life and from throughout the state, nation and around the globe. They include CEOs from large national corporations, leading environmentalists, successful small business owners, financial and investment experts, and energy company executives. The talents of UNO alumni can be found hung and displayed in prestigious art galleries, under their bylines on the front pages of leading newspapers and magazines, and on Grammynominated CDs. Maverick alumni are protecting our freedoms in battle zones, rebuilding educational systems in war-torn nations, and discovering our collective pasts in dig sites in the Middle East. Closer to home they are managing large and prosperous cities and towns, creating economic opportunity, and keeping our streets and highways safe. UNO alums are on the cutting edge of sophisticated technology development, while others harness new technology applications, creating jobs in fields that did not exist five years ago. Like generations of alumni before them, UNO graduates are educating the next generation in K-12 classrooms, providing compassionate social services and making senior citizen “golden years” productive and enjoyable. UNO alumni are developing relevant public and health policy, while others are entrusted to enact legislation on local, state and national levels. They lead, manage, educate, inform, entertain, protect . . . and the list goes on. In short, there is scarcely a facet of our society in which Maverick alumni are not making their mark, and in turn, improving our world through great achievements and small successes every day. As I listened to Sen. Hagel recall with fondness his days on campus, I was proud that our institution played a role in helping him and thousands of others prepare for the future. As you will read in this issue and every edition of this publication, UNO alumni are remarkable individuals doing extraordinary good in our world. They reflect well on their alma mater, and for that, we are both proud and appreciative. Until next time,

Campus SCENE

Photos by Tim F it zge ra ld, Un iv e r s it y A f f a i rs

Braving the Blizzard: UNO’s campus was closed Thursday, March 1, when the first blizzard in a decade hit Omaha. The storm dumped up to 14 inches of snow on the city. Students were back in classes the next day but off again on March 12, though not because of snow. Students enjoyed their annual Spring Break March 12-18.

John Christensen, Interim UNO Chancellor 4 • Spring 2007

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Spring 2007 â&#x20AC;¢ 5

Alumni Association in Action

2007 Annual Fund: Be a Change Maker ho changed your life during your days as a University of Nebraska at Omaha student?

W Former chair given 2006 OSA he UNO Alumni Association issued its Outstanding Service Award to Adrian Minks during the organization’s Board of Directors Annual Meeting Dec. 19. Instituted in 1974, Outstanding Service Awards honor continuous, outstanding service to the alumni association and/or university. Minks served as chairman of the association in 2005. A 1978 UNO MBA graduate, she is a vice president for Omaha Public Power District. Minks joined the association’s board in 1995. She left the board in 2000 after completing two terms but returned in 2002. In 2005 she became the 82nd UNO graduate since 1913 to serve as the association’s chairman of the board.

Denker named to Young Professionals Council committee NO Alumni Association President Lee Denker n December was mamed to the steering committee of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce 2007 Young Professionals Council. The mission of the Young Professionals Council, notes the Chamber, is “to create excitement about living in Omaha in order to attract and retain diverse young professionals.” The 16-member committee will be chaired by Rick Jeffries, a partner in Kutak Rock LLP.

6 • Spring 2007

That’s the question the UNO Alumni Association is asking graduates as it kicks off its 2007 UNO Annual Fund: “Be a Change Maker.” Why Change Maker? Many graduates point to their education at UNO as a life-altering time that began significant personal, intellectual, social, political and professional development. Whether the catalyst was a professor, a mentor or simply their education as a whole, it all began at UNO. Thus changed, UNO alumni have changed the world in meaningful ways across various frontiers — and continue to do so today. And for more than six decades the UNO Annual Fund has affected positive change in nearly all areas of cam-

pus: scholarships, faculty recognition, building renovations, alumni programs, and so much more. Recent endeavors include a major commitment to the library’s beautiful expansion project. Help change the lives of today’s UNO students — Be a Change Maker by contributing to the 2007 UNO Annual Fund. To do so, just complete the form on the envelope attached to the magazine and return it with your gift. D o n o r B e n e f it s UNO Alumni Card (any donation) • Provides campus discounts, library access, 2-for-1 tickets to select hockey games, HPER membership opportunity, Alumni Center rental savings and more. Centur y Club (gifts of $100 or more) • Alumni Card, Annual Report. • Century Club mementos, Century Club Donor Report. • Inclusion in an opinion survey shared with UNO administration.

Association board of directors confirmed he University of Nebraska at Omaha Alumni Association confirmed new board members during the organization’s Board of Directors Annual Meeting Dec. 19. The board of directors sets policy and oversees the management of the UNO Alumni Association. Deborah D. McLarney (BS, 1975), a senior regional trust manager and vice president with Wells Fargo N.A., was named 2007 chairman of the board. She becomes the 84th graduate to head the board of directors as chairman. Joining the board for Deborah D. McLarney three-year terms were Larry became the 84th Gomez (Greater Omaha chairman of the alumChamber of Commerce), Jamie Herbert (Union Pacific ni association’s board Railroad) and Laura Kapustka of directors.

(Omaha Public Power District). Jim Garbina of Harry Koch Co. was elected to a second three-year term. The complete roster of the 2007 UNO Alumni Association Board of Directors: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairman of the Board: Deb McLarney, Wells Fargo. Past Chairman: Michael Kudlacz, Federal Security Director, Department of Homeland Security, State of Nebraska.

1st Vice Chair: Rodney Oberle, UNO. 2nd Vice Chair: Mark Grieb, AAA Nebraska. Secretary: Patricia Lamberty, Nebraska District Court Judge. Treasurer: Dan Koraleski, KPMG Peat Marwick. Legal Counsel: Martha Ridgway Zajicek, Mutual of Omaha Insurance Co. Special Appointments: Angelo Passarelli, Millard Public Schools; Kevin Warneke, Ronald McDonald House Charities Inc. of Omaha; John Wilson, Durham Resources. President & CEO: Lee Denker, UNO Alumni Association. DIRECTORS 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, Qwest Corp.; Thomas Warren, Omaha Police Dept. Term Expires 2008: Dave Andersen, First Data Corp.; Bob Bruckner, Westside Community Schools; Mark Grieb, AAA Nebraska; Mark Healy; Maggie Lehning, Business Systems Architects; Shirley Spieker, First National Bank; James Temme, University of Nebraska Medical Center. Term Expires 2009: Jim Garbina, Harry Koch Co.; Larry Gomez, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce; Jamie Herbert, Union Pacific Railroad; Laura Kapustka, Omaha Public Power District. Ex-Officio Directors: Interim Chancellor John Christensen; Faculty Senate Representative David Carter; Student Regent Alexander Williams.

UNOALUM

News, Information & Activities

All seats were taken with alum Les Ward, his wife, Mary, and their children and friends. Tim Fitzgerald, University Affairs

Horns come out at 2007 UNO Alumni Night on the Ice he horns were out in force at UNO Alumni Night on the Ice. More than 300 people attended the increasingly popular event hosted by the UNO Alumni Association, gathering for the UNO hockey team’s showdown with the University of Northern Michigan Jan. 26. UNO defeated the Wildcats 5-2. The evening began with a pregame buffet reception at Qwest Convention Center, punctuated by visits from

Coach Mike Kemp brought along a special guest, Northern Michigan fan 1st Lt. James Kolky.

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UNO’s Power Play band and the Mav Dancers. Coach Mike Kemp also addressed the crowd and brought a special guest – U.S. Army 1st Lt. James Kolky, a longtime Northern Michigan fan who in February was to be deployed to Iraq. Children who attended Alumni Night on the Ice received free Mav tattoos, UNO handclappers, inflatable noise sticks and foam “Maverick Mojo” horns to wear. Door prizes also were awarded. “Alumni Night on the Ice has been a great event for us because we get so many young families to attend,” said Sheila King, the association’s activities director. “It’s beginning to rival homecoming in terms of our most popular offerings.” The alumni group watched the game in special lower bowl seating and was recognized during the game. A crowd of 5,594 people saw the Mavericks overcome a 10 deficit to earn the first of two victories over Northern Michigan during the weekend. Visit the UNO hockey website for more information on the Mav season. Now in its fourth year, Alumni Night on the Ice is the first of three major family-oriented events the alumni association will host in 2007. The association next hosts Shakespeare on the Green in June and UNO Homecoming on Sept. 29. For more information on this or other alumni association events, call Sheila King at (402) 554-4802 or tollfree at 866-628-2586. Send her email at sking@mail.unomaha.edu.

Alicia Carerra shows off her Mav tattoo children received at Alumni Night on the Ice.

Anna Nubel with children Christopher (left) and Julia and Mav fan Rick Martin.

Spring 2007 • 7

University News

Education pays Center for Public Affairs Research illustrates graduate gains

ncreasing the college going rate for citizens is an ongoing goal for the entire University of Nebraska system. Common sense indicates that getting more education will have an impact on a person’s life. The UNO Center for Public Affairs Research (CPAR) shows an even wider impact. CPAR explored the possible statewide impact if more citizens pursued bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The presentation estimated a significant economic impact for Nebraska by 2030 if a 25-percent increase in the attainment of bachelor’s and master’s degrees occurs. The center found that more college degrees mean higher income, which has a profound and positive effect. According to its research, if college degrees in Nebraska increase 25 percent by 2030, citizen income would increase by $3.6 billion annually. State and local governments also would experience extremely positive impacts. How big are those impacts? The annual numbers: • Income tax collection increases by $226 million; • Property tax collection increases by $115 million; • State sales tax collection increases by $54 million; and, • Income assistance payouts decline by $20 million. Overall, the annual amount of money gained for state and local governments would be a conservative $415 million (2030 dollars), according to CPAR work. The primary data sources CPAR used came from the

UNO searches continue for AD, Chancellor he search goes on for UNO’s next chancellor and athletic director. The chancellor’s post, open since Nancy Belck’s resignation Sept. 12, has been filled by Interim UNO Chancellor John Christensen. Screening of candidates to replace Belck began in February. University of Nebraska President James B. Milliken has said his goal is to have a permanent chancellor in place at UNO for the beginning of the 20072008 academic year. Shelton Hendricks, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, is chair of the 12-member search committee. Candidates for the university’s athletic director post, meanwhile, began visiting UNO after the university’s spring break ended March 18 and were to meet with various campus and community groups and with Christensen. Five final candidates had been named in March from the UNO Athletic Director Search Committee. The list included UNO Hockey Coach Mike Kemp. No date has been set to make a final decision on the post. More than 70 applicant files were reviewed by the search committee, chaired by UNO College of Education Dean John Langan.

8 • Spring 2007

2005 American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. It calculated Nebraska income taxes based on a married couple filing jointly with one dependent child. The state sales tax rate used was 5.5 percent. CPAR’s presentation also factored an increase from nearly 700,000 households in the state to more than 800,000 by 2030. Simply stated, a more educated population has more—and better—job prospects. Other impacts also likely would happen, too. More income likely would increase home ownership while decreasing criminal behavior and risky behavior like drug abuse. With that in mind, counties and the state also would see an additional decrease in criminal justice and corrections costs.

Mavs unveil new helmet, schedule ead Football Coach Pat Behrns in January unveiled the team’s 2007 schedule and a surprise — new helmets for the Mavericks. The new headgear will be a deeper red, more closely matching the school’s official color of crimson, and will feature a block “O” on each side. It marks the first change in the color of the helmets since 1994, when head coach Pat Behrns switched from black to red. The Maverick logo was removed after the 1995 season and the helmets have been solid red for the past 11 seasons. The 2007 schedule includes a season-opener Sept. 1

at Nebraska-Kearney and a home opener against NCAA Division II runner-up Northwest Missouri State at Caniglia Field on Sept. 15, the first of five home games. Those will be the only two non-conference games on the 10-game schedule. Northwest Missouri State’s only loss in 2006 came in the national championship game, 17-14, to Grand Valley State, the second straight year the Bearcats dropped the title game to the Lakers. UNO will open league play against Western Washington, an affiliate member of the North Central Conference, on Sept. 15 at Caniglia Field. The other home games include a Sept. 29 homecoming clash with Minnesota State, Mankato, an Oct. 20 date with Minnesota Duluth, and a Nov. 3 game with South Dakota. The Mavericks, 8-3 last year, won a share of the NCC title for a third straight season and earned a bye in the first round of the NCAA II playoffs before bowing out to North Dakota.

UNOALUM

Information & Activities

UNO earns Carnegie Foundation classification he Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has included UNO among only 76 U.S. colleges and universities for its new Community Engagement Classification. Unlike the Carnegie Foundation’s other classifications that rely on national data, this is an “elective” classification — institutions are elected to participate by submitting required documentation describing the nature and extent of their engagement with the community, be it local or beyond. UNO has been a leader at the state, regional and national level in servicelearning, says UNO Interim Chancellor John Christensen. “As a metropolitan university, UNO is committed to building bridges between the campus and the community,” he said. “The success of service learning and community engagement serves everyone — students, faculty and our state’s citizens.” The “elective” classification approach enabled the Carnegie Foundation to address elements of institutional mission and distinctiveness that are not represented in the national data on colleges and universities. “The Community Engagement Classification is an exciting move in Carnegie’s work to extend and refine the classification of colleges and universities,” says Alexander McCormick, who directs Carnegie’s classification work. “It represents a significant affirmation of the importance of community engagement in the agenda of higher education.”

it makes what they discuss in the classroom meaningful,” says Paul Sather, director of the UNO Service Learning Academy. “UNO is not a higher education ivory tower. We have faculty and students assisting at non-profit agencies, small businesses, community centers, even the county jail.” S er v i c e t r a d i t i o n e x p a n d s Sather says that UNO now has a community service tradition that even includes student vacation days. Low-income community renovation projects take place during both the fall and spring breaks. Hundreds of students from a cross section of majors take part. “Finding new and better ways to connect with their communities should be a high priority for higher education institutions today,” says Lee S.

C l a s s i f i c a t i on c a t e g o r i e s Institutions were classified in one of three categories: • Curricular Engagement, which describes teaching, learning and scholarship — which engage faculty, students and the community in mutually beneficial and respectful collaboration; • Outreach and Partnerships, which describes two different but related approaches to community engagement. The first focuses on the application and provision of institutional resources for community use with benefits to both campus and community. The latter focuses on collaborative interactions with community and related scholarship for the mutually beneficial exchange, exploration and application of knowledge, information and resources; and • Curricular Engagement and Outreach and Partnerships, which includes institutions with substantial commitments in both areas described above. UNO was listed in the Curricular Engagement and Outreach and Partnerships category along with 27 other public institutions and 34 private institutions. DePaul University, Michigan State University, New UNO convocation procession. Tim Fitzgerald, University Affairs York University, Tufts University and the University of Pennsylvania are in the same category with UNO. UNO’s category listing can be found online at Shulman, president of the Carnegie Foundation. “The campuses participating www.carnegiefoundation.org/classifications/Community_Engagement/CEOP. in this elective classification provide useful models of engagement around In order to be selected in any of the three categories, institutions had to teaching and learning and around research agendas that benefit from collaboprovide descriptions and examples of institutionalized practices of community rative relationships.” engagement that showed alignment among mission, culture, leadership, The new Community Engagement Classification was developed as part of resources and practices. an extensive overhaul of the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Since 1998 the UNO Service Learning Academy has served more than 200 Education and represents a second phase of work that began last year. The community agencies, and thousands of UNO students have taken servicefoundation, through the work of the Carnegie Commission on Higher learning classes or worked on volunteers efforts that have had taken them out Education, developed the first typology of American colleges and universities of the classroom and into Omaha’s neighborhoods. Earlier this year, UNO also in 1970 as a research tool to describe and represent the diversity of U.S. was included in the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor higher education. The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education continues to be used for a wide range of purposes by academic Roll. researchers, institutional personnel, policymakers and others. “Faculty at our university have embraced community engagement because

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Spring 2007 • 9

Feet forward

s a young man eyeing career possibilities, Spencer “Skip” Zimmerman thought the eyes had it. With his father working as an ophthalmologist, Zimmerman assumed that he, too, would enter that medical profession. Eventually, though, Zimmerman saw things differently and chose not to follow his father’s footsteps. Today he deals with footsteps every day as president of the Hush Puppies Company, a division of Wolverine World Wide in Grand Rapids, Mich.

10 • Spring 2007

By Wendy Townley Photo by Adam Bird That’s quite a ways from the path Zimmerman began in 1964 when he enrolled in a pre-med program at Mount St. Mary’s, a small Catholic college in western Maryland. “I had very little interest in the courses I was taking,” recalls Zimmerman, then living in the Washington, D.C., suburb of Kensington, Md. “As a result, my grades were mediocre. Even summer jobs in related areas did not spark my interest.” While his father might have been disappointed, “he didn’t show it,” says Zimmerman. “I think he was quite proud how my career ultimately ended up.”

After two years of college Zimmerman left school and joined the service. “I knew what I didn’t want to do, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” he recalls. Following initial training he attended officer candidate school and became a commissioned officer with the U.S. Army in 1966. He was stationed as an instructor at the artillery school at Fort Sill, Okla., then saw action in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969. Zimmerman was a forward observer in the Army bringing in artillery fire when the infantry ran low. He made it back stateside safely and in 1971 met and married his wife, Kathy. Two years later, after a tour of duty in Europe, Zimmerman ended his military career. That’s when UNO entered the picture. UNOALUM

Off to UNO

While with the Army Zimmerman served with fellow officers who attended UNO through the Bootstrapper program designed for military personnel to earn a degree. “They spoke highly of UNO, so I decided to check out UNO, as well as other schools, when I left the service,” Zimmerman says. “I had developed an interest in business and had decided to pursue an MBA as well as complete my undergraduate work. The fact that UNO would allow me to take some graduate level work while I was completing my undergraduate studies was a factor in my decision to attend UNO.” Zimmerman would earn his bachelor of general studies degree in 1974 and an MBA one year later. During that time he also worked as a graduate assistant in the school’s research and development office searching for state and federal grant opportunities for UNO professors. That and Kathy’s part-time job in the credit department at JC Penney provided the only income for the Zimmerman family. Kathy spent much of her time at home raising their three children. Memories of Zimmerman’s time at UNO include the destructive tornado of 1975. “ I was working in an office in the library where I had a graduate assistantship position in the development office,” Zimmerman recalls. “We heard reports over the radio of a tornado, so I stepped outside to take a look. I could see the funnel cloud just a few blocks away to the southwest. I ran like crazy to the basement of the library just as the lights were going out.” He credits several professors with influencing his decision to enter the business world. That includes Dr. Bruce Kirchhoff, who led a graduate-level business course Zimmerman took. “During the course we broke into teams and analyzed various companies and businesses. He taught us a great deal about quantitative business analysis. He also drilled into me a lesson about getting to the point: he would write the word ‘fluff’ on top of a report if he felt it contained a lot of extraneous material not relevant to the analysis.” Zimmerman also points to a marketw w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

ing course with Professor Charles Bull, “which first stimulated my interest in brand management. This had a profound impact on my business career and resulted in my aggressive pursuit of a job with Procter & Gamble after graduation.”

Gamble on P&G

That began with an on-campus interview—at the University of Minnesota. Zimmerman followed the eight-hour drive north with another road trip to Cincinnati for a second interview at the company’s home office. He was hired in 1975 as a brand assistant. “This was a terrific starting point for me,” he recalls. “As I learned more about the field of brand management, I set a goal for

“What I love about my job is that there is

no typical work day. Every day is

exciting and it is all about

building this great brand around the globe.”

myself that I wanted to go where the field was pioneered, and that led me to Procter & Gamble. They were an innovator in the field.” Much of Zimmerman’s time was spent on the advertising and promotion of Crest toothpaste, including help developing the notable “Look, Mom, no cavities!” campaign. Three years after his hire Zimmerman left Procter & Gamble for a brand management position with the pet food company Ralston Purina in St. Louis. There he helped launch the Happy Cat food product, which became one of the company’s most popular products. Nearly a decade later Zimmerman moved jobs once more, becoming a vice president of marketing for Brown Shoe Company and its Naturalizer women’s shoes division. In

2001 he was recruited to join Wolverine World Wide to manage its Hush Puppies division. The global footwear brand is marketed in more than 120 countries and sells around 18 million pairs of women’s, men’s and children’s shoes each year as the third largest non-athletic casual brand in the world. And, adds Zimmerman, “Our famous basset hound icon is loved around the globe.”

World Travel

A good part of which Zimmerman sees during frequent travels to work with the company’s sourcing, factories, distributors and licensees. He travels often to Europe to work with Hush Puppies’ product teams to research the latest fashion trends. “A lot of my job is related to our products,” Zimmerman says. “We have been aggressively repositioning the brand while moving the quality and style level forward. We’ve been working with our retail partners to get better distribution channels.” Hush Puppies are sold in 350 Macy’s department stores around the country, as well as in local, independent shoe stores and via the Hush Puppies Web site. “What I love about my job is that there is no typical work day,” Zimmerman says. “Every day is exciting and it is all about building this great brand around the globe.” He’s built his family, too, which now includes three children and four grandchildren. None of his children has followed their father’s footsteps, though; one son is in investment banking and the other develops computer software. And his daughter? An eye muscle specialist. As for those considering a career, Zimmerman encourages students to search for the elusive “spark” in a course or area.“ Learn as much as you can about that field through outside reading and joining clubs where you can interact with people already working in the field,” he says. “I was fortunate that upon graduation I had job offers from companies like Procter & Gamble. Because brand management was what I really wanted, it was a no-brainer to accept the offer.” Spring 2007 • 11

The Winter of his content By Tom McMahon

UNO grad David Yates puts his marketing mojo to work at Florida’s Clearwater Marine Aquarium PHOTO BY KEVIN HOWE Winter’s doing fine, and so is UNO grad David Yates. Man and mammal are at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida.

for spreading the aquarium’s mission. Fishermen found the then-3-month-old dolphin near Cape Canaveral in December 2005. She was tangled in a crab trap, a line of which had wrapped around her tail, strangling the blood supply to it. Over time, it fell off bit by bit. Winter also had wounds in her mouth, on her tongue and under both pectoral fins. “We weren’t sure she’d make it, but now she is completely healthy,” Yates says. “We’re working to get a prosthetic tail for her so she can be released back into the ocean.” In the meantime she remains one of Clearwater’s most popular attractions, thanks in large measure to Yates’ marketing savvy. Capitalizing on the rescue to earn aquarium publicity, Yates spun Winter’s story into an appearance with Matt Lauer on

12 • Spring 2007

UNOALUM

inter in Florida has taken on a whole new meaning for David Yates. A 1985 UNO College of

Business Administration graduate, Yates heads the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, Fla., where “Winter” is more than just a season — it’s also the name of a dolphin the aquarium rescued from an Atlantic Ocean death. “She is the message of what we are all about,” Yates says. Rescuing and reviving injured dolphins, sea turtles and other marine life is the aquarium’s primary focus. It’s also an educational resource and popular tourist stop. As one of its major success stories, Winter, says Yates, is the “poster animal”

NBC’s “Today Show.” She’s also been the subject of dozens of newspaper articles and television news segments. Yates next plans to launch a Winter Web site to highlight the aquarium’s programs, including an adopt-an-injured-animal opportunity.

Flexing muscles with Ironman

Blind Inc., a nonprofit Christian organization performing humanitarian work in Southeast Asia. He became its CEO and continues to oversee its business aspects today. In 2006 Yates became intrigued with the top opening at the Clearwater Aquarium, a favorite Yates family pastime. “We took the kids there many times and I drove by it all the time,” he says. That affinity lured him to apply for the post, and in February 2006 Yates became its chief executive. The organization had been without an executive director for six months and had its troubles, Yates says. He developed a short-term plan and in 11 months saw revenues increase 81 percent.

It’s not the first time Yates, 47, has flexed his marketing muscles. He previously showcased his business acumen promoting the Ironman Triathlon competitions as president and CEO of Ironman Properties from 1989 to 1998. “We launched the Ironman brand globally to promote events all over the world,” Yates says. Items included a Reebok shoe line, Huffy bike and Timex Ironman watch. The latter became that company’s best-selling timepiece during Yates’ tenure. Annual prod‘A wonderful guy’ uct sales soared from $30 million to $170 million. Bruce Veght, Clearwater Marine Aquarium Board treasurer Just what he had trained for while a student at UNO. Yates was on the selection committee that recommended hiring came to the school in 1980, transferring as a freshman from Yates. He hasn’t been disappointed. “David has a unique comTexas Tech University. The move came after Yates’ father took bination of having an excellent financial mind and great mara position with Creighton University School of Medicine. Yates keting knowledge and sensitivity,” Veght says. “By the end of chose UNO. “UNO had such a good business school. It was September he was able to turn a bad year into an acceptable very highly rated,” he says. He has fond memories of the unione.” From October through January revenues skyrocketed versity and of Omaha, though he says he spent too much time and donations increased 184 percent. Veght says Yates also playing pickup basketball in the motivated the board to recruit HPER gym. “I had great years new members, improved staff to there. I loved UNO and am morale and reinvigorated a proud to be a Maverick.” fledgling volunteer program. spend more time with his family. His After graduating in 1985 “The aquarium is very Yates began his career as a CPA happy to have such a fine comdecision to leave while at the top of with Arthur Young and munity leader and well-roundCompany, then with Peter ed family man,” Veght says. his game sparked rumors of cancer Kiewit and Sons. He remembers “He is a wonderful guy.” riding the Kiewit elevator with Yates oversees a 25-person or another serious financial wizard Warren Buffett, staff, 200 volunteers, a $2 milillness. whose office was in the same lion budget and a Marine building. Yates didn’t acquire Animal Stranding Response any business tips from Buffett, Team that is one of the nation’s but he has charted his own sucmost successful 24/7 operacessful business career. tions. Although the team’s goal That accelerated in 1987 is rehabilitation and release, when Yates and his wife, Joan some animals have become per(the two met at an Omaha manent aquarium residents due church and married in 1984), traded icy winters for Florida to the extent of their injuries or permanent disabilities. sand and sun with a move to Clearwater, 20 miles due west of Most of Yates’ time is spent coordinating aquarium operaTampa. Two years later he joined Ironman Properties. During tions and developing its resources, though he has been known his nine-year run there Yates also established alliances with to mop the floor and swim with the dolphins. His initial venNBC and ESPN for expanded television coverage. The series ture into the tank surprised Yates. “I was shocked at how garnered numerous Emmy sports awards during those years. powerful and strong dolphins are,” he says. “You think of The job’s travels, though, took their toll and Yates left them as gentle and social, but they are still animals. I make Ironman to spend more time with his family. “I had four sure they are well fed before I get in.” young kids and was on the road for nine years,” he says. His One of Yates’ sons hopes to follow dad into the water. decision to leave while at the top of his game sparked rumors Chris, a high school senior, wants to be a marine of cancer or another serious illness. “I climbed the corporate biologist/zoologist, Yates says. He and Joan (a Hyannis, Neb., ladder and then jumped off.” native) have three other children: Josh, 21; Jordan, 15; and After leaving Ironman Yates managed his own investments Tiffany, 13. and provided a variety of services to small companies and As for Yates, he says his long-term goal is to return to ministries, including general business planning and markethumanitarian work full time. For now, though, he is content ing. A business associate put him in touch with Light for the with Winter, which no longer is just a season left behind.

Yates left Ironman

“I climbed

the corporate ladder and then jumped off.”

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

Spring 2007 • 13

Canine caretaker

PHOTO BY ERIC FRANCIS

BY WARREN FRANCKE

Former UNO Prof “Aunt Jean” Bressler finds homes for abused and neglected dogs — 113 of them so far

t can be daunting to meet all of Jean Bressler’s dogs the first time one enters her living room. Sleek black Minna is yipping and spinning away from the visitor. Peppy, a little blind poodle, curls her gray form softly into a round bed on the floor. A UNO alum (BA, Spanish, 1950; MA, English, 1958) and former faculty member, Bressler since retiring from the

14 • Spring 2007

College of Education has helped rescue 113 dogs as a volunteer for Hearts United for Animals (HUA). Known as Aunt Jean at the HUA shelter in Auburn, Neb., Bressler introduces the latest overnight guests and full-time residents sharing her house in Omaha. “That’s Sheila,” Bressler says, pointing to a Shih Tzu in plaid “piddle” pants. “She’s mine. Her owner had to go

into a nursing home, and the daughters couldn’t take her, so I brought her home.” There’s also a “Heckman dog” visiting for a day while friends (named Heckman) move. A white Poodle, it wobbles stiff-legged. “That’s little Princess; she had a stroke.” Bressler continues, “The one on the davenport is Cocoa.” A chocolate Poodle, it later joins Minna, “a min pin” UNOALUM

(Miniature Pinscher) in Jean’s lap. Minna’s bones protruded in an earlier photo. She nearly starved before rescuers took her to an emergency clinic. “The vet thought she wouldn’t make it, but she surprised everybody.” Minna begins chewing on the Life Alert pendant dangling from Bressler’s neck, who lovingly scolds, “You’re rotten. You’re just rotten.” Also around are a mottled white Lhasa Apso named Lindbergh (“Here until she gets cataract surgery on Tuesday”) and Danny Boy, a 14-year-old elder with cataracts and no teeth (“He eats whatever I’m having or baby food”).

Going the extra mile

Law permits only three dogs in Omaha but provides latitude for others to come and go. For example, Bressler the previous day drove the 67 miles south to the shelter, picked up a longhaired Dachshund, brought it another 67 miles back home, kept it a very short overnight and arose at 3:30 a.m. to put it on a 5 a.m. flight to Boston, where it was adopted. The next day Katie the Bassett would arrive from Kearney, where it was literally dumped in a ditch. Then Bressler would make a “home visit” to be sure the adopting podiatrist would provide a proper place for another rescued dog. In between she took her cat, Skyler, to the vet for its annual check-up. She adopted it when owners moved to California. Driving the 134-mile roundtrip in a snowy whiteout, Bressler delivered to the Auburn shelter a carload of donations left for the dogs at the Bookworm, the Countryside Village bookstore. On other days she drives halfway and relays dogs after meeting at the Burger King in Plattsmouth. Carol Wheeler, co-founder of the HUA shelter with her husband, says Bressler, her main “transporter,” is “amazing” in her willingness to help. The shelter has a capacity of 200 dogs and operates on a “no-kill” policy: no euthanization except for drastic health problems. The Dachshund Bressler delivered to Boston was the sixth of 31 of that breed rescued from a Missouri puppy mill. Some were pregnant, so the number now includes 19 puppies “not w w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

yet ready to go.” Bressler’s role as a transporter (“It sounds like sci-fi,” she says) might be considered her second career as a volunteer on behalf of animals. While teaching at UNO for 27 years, and supervising secondary education students headed for jobs as journalism, speech and English teachers, she helped Dr. Lee Simmons organize docent training for the Henry Doorly Zoo, starting in 1971 and continuing until 1988.

Olga, Brigitte and Casey

In those days she wrote such zoo articles for the Omaha World-Herald Magazine of the Midlands as “Olga the Pregnant Polar Bear” and others about rhinos, camels and penguins.

“Research has shown that if you pet an

animal, it helps your

physical and emotional

I should be very healthy.”

health.

A baby gorilla’s little black mug contrasted with her blondness in a photo for “My Night with a Gorilla.” “But I’ve never taken care of a baby before,” she began. “No matter,” Dr. Simmons said, “you can learn. It will be a good addition to your education.” As chairman of the zoo executive committee, Bressler was “volunteered” by the zoo director to care for Brigitte, the less-than-5-pound daughter of the star attraction, Casey, the huge silverback lowland gorilla. Jean wrote that “two baby arms with amazingly strong hands gripped at my hair, my neck, my hands, my blouse, anything within reach.” Disengaging cost her “several strands of my long blonde hair. Just as I was wiping her bottom clean, she wet on my hand.” Bressler’s affection for animals began before her schooling. Before kindergarten, “I dragged a stray home,” a mixed breed dog she called Pooch.

Her parents moved from Sioux City, Iowa, to Omaha in time for her to transfer to North High School. At Omaha University she was active in English and Spanish clubs and held offices in Alpha Zi sorority while working downtown at Beaton Drug and teaching dance for Arthur Murray. She moved to California and taught physical education for two years in the San Diego school system. There, she went to the celebrated Balboa Park zoo “every Sunday.” On return to Nebraska she taught at South High before joining the Omaha U. faculty. “Marion Marsh Brown (also a writer of youth novels) hired me to teach English.” Bressler later evolved into supervising education majors and earned a doctorate in English from UNL.

Part of ‘Dynamic Duo’

Noreen Ward (MS, reading, 1980) was among her first students when Bressler joined Helen Howell in launching a graduate specialty for teaching gifted and high-ability youngsters. “They were such a dynamic duo, with Helen the more serious one and Jean always perky and energetic,” says Ward. “She inspired me and gave me the confidence for an 18-year career. Now I’m turning 70 and still using that gift at Brownell-Talbott.” And Bressler still displays that perky energy more than a half century after earning her first university degree. “I’ve always been taking care of someone — my grandma, my mother, my dad, my sister,” she says. “Now my dogs.” They need daily medications — pills, shots, eye drops. As for her own wellbeing: “Research has shown that if you pet an animal, it helps your physical and emotional health. I should be very healthy.” No matter how healthy, you’d wonder how she keeps track of all those rescued dogs. It’s easy: she has a notebook with upbeat comments and photos of each pooch. It began with Maggie Mae, a Pekinese, “a sweet little thing,” then Johann, a Dachshund that went to Texas, Sam, a Schnauzer to South Dakota, and Mosey, a Poodle to Boise. No. 113, Kate the Bassett from Kearney, is unlikely to be the last to join Aunt Jean. And Sheila, Peppy, Cocoa and various other overnight guests. Spring 2007 • 15

MVHC F

@50 By Leo Adam Biga

PHOTO BY TIM FITZGERALD, UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS

or UNO Associate Professor Moshe Gershovich (above), history “is like a big jigsaw puzzle. One of my hobbies is jigsaw puzzles. You open the box and you find all these pieces which appear unrelated and each one by itself is really meaningless. Only once you start putting them together do you get the picture. “It’s all about connections. You connect one thing from here with another from there and you build a picture.” The difference being, of course, that history is not fixed. “The fascinating thing about history,” Gershovich says, “is that it’s a little bit like a Harry Potter jigsaw puzzle in that the picture keeps changing because new facts and new perceptions are added. Historians bring their own personality and belief system to it. Each makes different selections and so the picture you get will always change.” 16 • Spring 2007

Gershovich recently completed a puzzle of a different sort, organizing the UNO history department’s 50th annual Missouri Valley History Conference. As program chair he fit dozens of presenters, speakers, panelists, commentators and moderators into sessions at the Embassy Suites in the Old Market. “This is really the tapestry, as I call it, of putting together all these disparate parts into something that is coherent and interesting,” he says. The conference is a reflection of its chair, a job that rotates among department faculty. That allowed Gershovich, an Israeli native and expert in Middle Eastern history, to book speakers who address topics “close to my heart.” That included 2007’s featured speaker, University of Chicago Professor Fred Donner, an authority on Islamic history. TRICKETT PHOTO COURTESY Donner’s MVHC talk explored “New CRISS LIBRARY ARCHIVES. Views on the Origins of Islam.” The topic, Gershovich says, also illustrates how the conference examines current issues “of great importance and relevance.” Programs of local interest were offered, too, including panels discussing new research on Omaha’s history, the 1898 TransMississippi Exposition and integration in Omaha Public UNOALUM

Gershovich says, “in terms of people gathering and exchangSchools. ing the fruits of their scholarship and thus promoting The MVHC, which Gershovich believes to be “one of the research.” oldest and largest regional conferences of history in this counUnlike other conferences that rotate among cities, the try,” was the brainchild of former UNO history department MVHC always has been held in Omaha, though at various Chair A. Stanley Trickett (pictured at bottom Page 16). UNO sites in town. Dalstrom, a veteran of nearly every gathering Emeritus history Professor Harl Dalstrom, a graduate student and twice its coordinator in the late 1960s, joined former UNO at then-Omaha University when the conference was devised, says Trickett was a “dynamic and energetic man” who saw the history colleagues at the 2007 conference for an informal oral history panel chronicling the MVHC’s 50 years. He says the event as a means to enhance historical scholarship and to bolconference has survived this long due to the support of the ster the reputation of the department, college and university. College of Arts and Sciences and the university’s administraThe conference began small, held over a day-and-half with tion. an orientation toward the teaching of history. In 1980 the conHe finds it noteworthy that from the start there has been “a ference began operating as an independent nonprofit corporastrong effort to bring in nationally known scholars.” He recalls tion, maintaining close ties to the university. It’s also grown the “tremendous experience” in 1958 of hearing speak John D. considerably. Today it is a three-day, scholarly conference that Hicks, the foremost scholar on the Populist movement. “Great attracts academicians, researchers, authors, students and amascholars,” he says, “come alive for you.” teur history enthusiasts from the Midwest and beyond. A By looking at past programs and landmark events from the record-240 participants from 26 states were scheduled for 2007 conference, Gershovich says, with 140 papers to be presentone can chart where America ed. Unfortunately, a blizzard hit was in relation to certain Omaha on the conference’s “Just the process of listening to social trends. For example, it opening day and one-third of papers and talking with colleagues wasn’t until 1963 that a the participants were unable to woman presented. Similarly, attend. from other institutions, it took until 1965 before there Dalstrom says the growth was a paper on the Africanhas been aided by “the connecAmerican experience. tions we have around the counToday, he noted, women try and around the world with and African-American perMV H C P r o g r a m C h a i r other scholars.” That includes a spectives routinely are close relationship with the Mo s h e G e r s h o v i c h offered. Northern Great Plains He adds that as UNO’s History Conference. “These history curriculum diversitwo meetings are very comfied to include a broader plementary and mutually world perspective, so too supportive,” Dalstrom says. did the conference expand Just as history is all about beyond solely American or connections, a history conferEuropean themes. He said ence is all about the African and Asian subjects exchange of knowledge are increasingly prevalent, as between scholars. “This is are treatises that reexamine really very basic to a conferall sorts of history. Papers at ence,” he says. “I think most this year’s conference, for people come away from example, took revisionist these gatherings better views of the Lewis & Clark informed and certainly reinexpedition and the authorship of Shakespeare’s plays. A longvigorated. Just the process of listening to papers and talking standing emphasis on military history, meanwhile, continues with colleagues from other institutions, you get a new zest for due to the subject’s popularity and the MVHC’s relationship your work.” Opportunities for interaction range from formal with the Society for Military History. panel settings to informal receptions. Gershovich says the conference, like history itself, is not In line with what Gershovich calls “the promotion of just for historians or students or buffs. knowledge,” the conference also affords a forum for graduate “No matter what kind of career or life persons choose for students and others to find possible publication outlets for themselves,” he says, “history helps them sharpen their inteltheir research. The MVHC recognizes the best graduate paper lectual skills. The way I see myself as an educator is as a penwith a cash award. Editors of regional scholarly journals also cil sharpener. I try to help individuals root out more sophisticome looking for material and offer publication guidelines in cated ways of looking at things and of making better connecpanels and roundtable discussions. “It’s really a great opportions.” tunity for students to see how the profession works,”

you get a new zest for your work.”

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

Spring 2007 • 17

18 â&#x20AC;¢ Spring 2007

UNOALUM

hen Kathleen (Aipperspach) Massara was a senior at Omaha Benson High

School in the mid-1970s, her parents made the difficult decision of selecting

the right college much easier for their teenage daughter. “They didn’t want me to go away to college,” recalls Massara. “They preferred that I stay close to home.” Massara did just that, often walking the handful of blocks to classes at the

University of Nebraska at Omaha, where in 1979 she earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational communication. Fast-forward 25 years to a time when Massara and her husband, Robert, a 1981 UNO graduate, began considering college options

with their two children. Though the family lived in Elkhorn, Neb., the Massaras had little hesitation recommending their alma mater as the college of choice.

Mav Mojo

commuter campus,” Nicole “Look at UNO today,” says. “But when I took my tour Kathleen says. “I remember of UNO, I loved the campus hanging out in the OUampi and the feel of it. There is so Room in the student center much to do on campus, and I because that was one of the love living in the apartments. I only ways to meet people. That have met a lot of good friends was our social life. at UNO. I know many people “Today, UNO has an excitwho have gone to other schools ing, state-of-the-art campus and have come back because with housing, the arts, athletics UNO offers all aspects of camand outstanding facilities. UNO pus life.” has everything a college student Nicole and Steven represent needs to succeed. I just wonder By Don Kohler the change to an increasingly how my life would have been younger face of UNO’s student had there been all of those “Since we have moved from a body. That’s due in part to the options that students have many physical changes on the today.” commuter campus to a metropolitan sprawling metropolitan campus She has an idea. Son Steven, in the middle of Nebraska’s UNO’s student body president campus, we are doing a better job of largest city. in 2006, graduated in December It’s also a planned change, with a BS in recreation. He since recruiting and the fruit of a targeted strategy has landed an internship in the last decade by former Washington, D.C., with Sen. maintaining the Chancellor Nancy Belck and Chuck Hagel and this summer other UNO officials to attract plans to begin officer’s training Nebraska students.” traditional-age, college-bound with the U.S. Air Force. students by embracing—not Daughter Nicole, meanwhile, ignoring—the benefits of a metis a sophomore majoring in Student Body President ropolitan campus in recruiting marketing and advertising. She Alexander Williams efforts. lives in the college’s University Village, is a member of five campus organizations, including the Chi Omega sorority, The numbers loves to hang out in the new library and is a frequent supportBased on statistics from the UNO Office of Institutional er at Maverick athletic events. Research, it appears that recruiting strategy — “The The OUampi Room is but a memory, replaced by the Metropolitan Advantage” — is working. Maverick Buffet and food court. The popular gathering spot From 1994 to 1996, 51 percent of the UNO student populafor students today is the cozy Fireplace Lounge. tion was under the age of 24. Today, nearly 80 percent of the “When I was thinking about college I didn’t want to go to a campus fits that demographic, with a majority of those stu-

MAKEOVER

LEFT: UNO’s popular “Maverick Mojo” marketing campaign featured students depicted with Mav “Hair Horns.” See more of the quirky campaign at www.beamav.com

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

Continued Page 20 Spring 2007 • 19

PHOTO BY TIM FITZGERALD / UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS UNO’s changing student body has coincided with the school’s start of a Division I hockey program.

From Page 19

“The college has always offered quality degree programs, but many students are now seeing that UNO has all of the other amenities.”

“There is no doubt that UNO is an attractive place to get a quality education,” Cicotello says. “I have always said dents (9,700) coming from Douglas, Sarpy that it is the academic programs of choice and Lancaster counties in Nebraska. that drive the student’s decision. The colUNO enjoyed record enrollment numlege has always offered quality degree bers in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The programs, but many students are now university’s total headcount grew sharply seeing that UNO has all of the other from 1987 to 1988 (14,210 to 14,985), peakamenities, such as housing, athletics, ing at an all-time high of 16,227 students activities, an abundance of internships, in 1993. and the list goes on. There is a dynamic But the university’s student population atmosphere of a college-wide experience then, says David Cicotello, director of David Cicotello, director of new that is growing at UNO.” new student enrollment services, looked student enrollment services Cicotello says all of the elements he different. mentioned, and others, made a new “We had 50 percent of the students recruitment campaign toward the traditional-age student an who were working adults with another 50 percent that were easier sell. traditional students,” Cicotello says. “The campus has shifted “You have a university located in the only metropolitan to a younger demographic since the peak years when we were region of the state, you have a wave of new campus features a bi-modal campus.” in place and outstanding academic programs,” he says. “In Cicotello says increased competition for the “adult learner” market in the Omaha area forced the university to look at mar- this emerging campus community, we are moving toward becoming a metropolitan university of the 21st century and keting to a younger demographic. “The aggressive competiare striving to be like our peer groups in that regard.” tion for the adult learner market was evident in the Omaha area,” he says. “The fact of the matter is that in the past UNO had become content with opening up the doors and seeing Agents of change who would come.” Looking more closely at the factors contributing to the UNO’s total enrollment for the past nine years has hovered emerging youth movement at UNO, Cicotello points to around 14,000 students, never dipping below the 13,000 mark. changes physical and programmatic. The fall 2006 enrollment of 13,906 was better than the nineThat includes development of student housing. year average as tracked by the Office of Institutional Research. Approximately 1,200 students currently live on campus in 20 • Spring 2007

UNOALUM

University Village (568 beds), Scott Village (480) or Scott Residence Hall (164). Another 400 beds are on the way after recent approval by the NU Regents for more apartment-style residence halls on the Dodge Street campus. The Pacific St. campus development of the Peter Kiewit Institute and the College of Information Science and Technology also has added to a thriving campus atmosphere, as have the recently renovated library (complete with a cyber café), and establishment of Division I hockey. In addition, students can gain membership to more than 100 clubs and organizations or one of 15 fraternities and sororities on campus. UNO also offers intramural activities in almost every sport, many of them held in the university’s Health Physical Education and Recreation building. Alex Williams, 2007 student body president from Beaver Lake, Neb., says being a commuter campus no longer is a negative in the eyes of prospective UNO students. When he was elected student body president, Williams decided to “check the thermometer” of campus life at the other campuses in the University of Nebraska system and was impressed by what he witnessed. “UNO compared favorably in terms of campus feeling, and that is important to the younger stu“The first thing that I talk dents,” says Williams, a senior about when I travel is and political science major. “Our biggest about UNO,” she says. “I advantage is being am so proud of the fact a metropolitan university with all the that I went to UNO.” opportunities that go with being in the middle of a large UNO graduate metropolitan area. Kathleen Massara Things such as jobs for students, internship opportunities and social life are very important to college students today. “First and foremost, UNO is right in the middle of the city, and location is everything. Young students today are still relying on mom and dad and the protective blanket that they provide, and UNO is close to home for a lot of them. Students have the option of either living on campus or driving to campus and enjoying all of the amenities that UNO offers. Since we have moved from a commuter campus to a metropolitan campus, we are doing a better job of recruiting and maintaining the Nebraska students.” Mojo risin’ Williams, an avid hockey fan, says he has witnessed student participation increasing at Maverick athletic events, which adds to the campus pride factor. “Certainly when you have a Division I hockey program that is doing so well, that helps,” he says. Cicotello, the new student recruitment director, says Williams’ comments are evidence that the university’s

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

“Maverick Mojo” marketing campaign is catching on. UNO has blanketed television and radio airwaves with catchy commercials about an emerging campus lifestyle. “What we have done with the Maverick Mojo campaign is to purposefully use the brand of the athletic department to drive the pride and recognition factors in our recruitment efforts,” he says. “College students want to feel that sense of pride in their campus.” That growth in pride extends even to former students, says Kathleen Massara. After staying at home to raise her children, Massara was contemplating her next move when she received a call from Interim UNO Chancellor John Christensen in 1998. “He convinced me to come back to school, and I ended up returning full-time for four years,” Massara says. She earned a master’s degree in speech pathology in 2002 and now works as an independent therapist helping stroke and dementia patients. “The first thing that I talk about when I travel is about UNO,” she says. “I am so proud of the fact that I went to UNO.” She had to walk only a few blocks to campus back then, but both she and her alma mater have come a long way since.

PHOTO BY TIM FITZGERALD / UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS Kathleen Massara, a 1979 UNO graduate, says UNO is much changed compared to the campus her daughter Nicole now attends as a sophomore.

Spring 2007 • 21

In the political spotlight Chuck Hagel makes national headlines at UNO’s Thompson Alumni Center PHOTOS BY TIM FITZGERALD, UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS

irst Chuck Hagel talked about his alma mater, UNO. Then the U.S. Senator from Nebraska talked about his political future. Some in the crowd at UNO’s Thompson Alumni Center, though, felt Hagel didn’t talk much of anything. A 1971 UNO graduate, Hagel reserved the Alumni Center Monday, March 12, to conduct a national press conference about his political future. Most pundits figured the two-term Republican senator would take the dais and announce his intentions to enter the 2008 U.S. presidential race. What he did announce, though, was far less dramatic. “I am here today to announce that my family and I will make a decision on my political future later this year,” Hagel said. “In making this announcement, I believe there will still be political options open to me at a later date. But that will depend on the people of Nebraska and this country.” Many local and national media present were critical of Hagel for holding the conference. The Omaha World-Herald’s lead article on the conference stated that Hagel “may have turned a maverick campaign into a real long shot.” That was backed with a quote from UNO Professor Randy Adkins, a political scientist who later this year will receive a UNO Alumni Outstanding Teaching Award. “He's put himself from being in a long-shot position to a really long-shot position,” Adkins told the WorldHerald. While Hagel might not have drawn rave reviews, UNO did not disappoint throughout its moment in the political spotlight.

22 • Spring 2007

“This institution represents what I think is best about our state and our people.”

U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel

Hagel’s staff booked the Alumni Center and coordinated the conference with the assistance of the office of UNO Interim Chancellor John Christensen. The major news event coincided with the first day of UNO’s spring vacation, leaving plenty of parking for the political dignitaries, media representatives,

Hagel well-wishers and various campus faculty and staff. Hagel, a Vietnam veteran, held his press conference in the Alumni Center’s Bootstrapper Hall, named in honor of those graduates who attended UNO while serving in the military. The crowd of about 150 people included Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman, Attorney General Jon Bruning, former Nebraska Rep. John Y. McCollister, ex-Senate candidate Pete Ricketts and various Hagel family and friends. Also on hand was former UNO Professor Orv Menard, a favorite teacher of Hagel’s during his days as a student. Numerous news organizations also were represented, including CNN and MSNBC. Four satellite trucks were stationed in the Alumni Center parking lot, as were the logo-emblazoned vehicles of numerous other media outlets and various Omaha Police Department vehicles. Two Omaha radio stations, meanwhile, hosted their morning and post-conference shows from inside the building. Hagel entered Bootstrapper Hall precisely at 10 a.m., taking the podium centered between Nebraska and United States flags, a blue curtain for a backdrop. As cameras clicked Hagel made two lighthearted comments about the media in attendance. Then the senator spoke to the reason for holding his conference at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, citing his degree earned as well as the degrees earned by his brother Tom (BS, 1972) and stepsister Betty (Breeding Hurt, BS, 1972). “This institution represents what I think is best about our state and our people,” Hagel said just prior to reading his introductory statement. That might not have been what most of those in attendance wanted to hear, but for UNO administrators, faculty, staff and alumni, those comments from Hagel were good enough. UNOALUM

TOP LEFT: Several dozen media representatives joined Hagel supporters and UNO faculty and staff to fill the Thompson Alumni Center’s Bootstrapper Hall. TOP RIGHT: The national press conference featured Hagel speaking from a UNO podium. CENTER RIGHT: At least four satellite trucks were on hand to air Hagel’s broadcast; CENTER BOTTOM: UNO political science Professor Randy Adkins was a favorite source for various media. BOTTOM LEFT: Hagel took time after his conference to speak with KFAB’s morning show host Scott Voorhees. CENTER LEFT: Hagel visited with his former professor, Orv Menard, and with Menard’s wife, Darlene.

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

Spring 2007 • 23

College of

Education

Success in life began at the College of Education

Common

bond

hat do a state supreme court justice, an executive with a large city chamber of commerce, and the CEO of a successful insurance and finance company have in common? Have their careers been marked with a variety of experiences and successes? Have they provided community leadership? Have they been advocates for persons who have not experienced the same degree of success? Are they recognized as individuals whose achievement is known by many throughout the community and state? The answer to all of the above is yes. But there is another common bond. Each has earned a degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in the field of education. They have used their skills and education to achieve success beyond the schoolhouse door. Following are their profiles.

Wendy Boyer Wendy Boyer’s broad smile and welcoming personality served as a magnet for the elementary students with whom she worked for 11 years as a teacher and elementary administrator with Omaha Public Schools. She was an accomplished educator who earned two degrees from the College of Education — her bachelor’s degree in elementary education (1982) 24 • Spring 2007

Boyer, vice president-education and workforce development for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce.

and her master’s in educational administration (1991). Boyer’s training and personal skills continued her success after leaving the schoolhouse, first as manager of corporate learning at Mutual of Omaha then as executive director of ministries for St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church. Today she is vice president-education and workforce development for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. Boyer’s chamber post provides a city-wide impact. She works to create partnerships among business, education and workforce development communities to ensure that Omaha has a skilled and educated workforce to support the needs of existing businesses, as well as the targeted industries for economic development in the future. “The skills and knowledge I gained from my education at UNO have transferred across various careers,” Boyer says. “Many of the skills successful teachers utilize in their classrooms are the same skills found in successful managers and leaders: setting goals, coaching, giving feedback, evaluating, developing, planning and organizing, as well as strong communication and human relation skills. “I have found that I am and continue to be a teacher in any of the roles or positions I’m put in. The education I received at UNO has helped me to be successful both in and out of the classroom.” D. Nick Caporale etired Nebraska Supreme Court Judge D. Nick Caporale attained his degree in 1949, one year before the College of Education was formally established. He majored in biology. At that time education students took classes in the department of education within the College of Arts and Sciences. Caporale also earned a master’s degree in educational administration in 1954 from the University of Omaha and later his juris doctor degree with distinction from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 1957. After earning his bachelor’s degree Caporale currently is “of counsel” with the Caporale worked Omaha law firm Baird Holm, LLP, specializing in arbitration/mediation and litigation. as a public health

UNOALUM

their college degree. That compares to 29 percent of simieducator with the then-Omaha-Douglas County Health lar groups of students. Department until entry into the armed services in 1952. “As a newly named vice principal of North High Caporale, a lieutenant with the U.S. Army from 1952 to School at the age of 24,” says Davis, “one critical key val1954, served in Korea and earned a Bronze Star. idation was missing in establishing a different professional He currently is “of counsel” with the Omaha law firm Baird Holm, LLP, specializing in arbitration/mediation and creditability: the master’s degree. UNO provided the bridge to success.” litigation. Davis later served in other administrative capacities, Caporale indicated, “My interest in the law developed including an assignment as while in the army through at McMillan Junior assignments on court martial "The skills and knowledge I gained from principal High School. boards and as a non-lawyer Davis, who earned his prosecutor and defense coun- my education at UNO have t ransferred master’s degree in educationsel. At the time, in matters in a c r o s s v a r i o u s c a r e e r s . I ha v e f o u n d t h a t al administration from UNO which imprisonment could I am and continue to be a teacher in any in 1972, left education more not exceed six months, than 25 years ago and now is defense counsel did not need of the roles or positions I’m put in. The CEO of the Davis to be a lawyer if the prosecueducation I received at UNO has helped Companies. The family firm tor was not a lawyer.” was established in 1971. Caporale was selected by m e t o b e s u c c e s s f u l b o t h in a n d o u t o f Today the Davis Companies Governor Thone in 1982 to t h e c l as sr o o m .” consist of Contractor be on the Nebraska Supreme Wendy Boyer Development Services, Davis Court and served through July Insurance Agency, Commercial Finance and Investments, 1998. He previously was a judge of the district court for and Public Risk Management. the Fourth Judicial District and he also practiced law for Davis was recognized in 2005 as a Nebraska more than 20 years in the private sector. Distinguished Entrepreneur and was inducted into the He has been active in the community, serving, for Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame by the University of instance, as president of the Omaha Community Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business Administration. In Playhouse. recognizing Davis they cited that he increased revenues from the Davis companies 10 times in 10 years since his Dick Davis involvement. Davis also was the Greater Omaha Professional, as in football, was the most common tag Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year in that Dick Davis had as he left its ranks for a career in 2000. education. Today if Davis also has served on numerous educational comyou mention Dr. mittees state-wide and currently is serving on the Dick C. E. Davis, Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Post-Secondary people think about Education. He also serves on the State Board of Directors a successful insurfor Teammates. ance and finance Yes, large numbers of College of Education graduates executive who has are excelling in classrooms, in counseling roles, in edudevoted considercational leadership roles, or in careers directly related to able personal and health, physical education, exercise science and recrefinancial support ation. But College of Education alumni also are providing for young people leadership in all sectors of our community and nation. to succeed. We encourage all College of Education alumni to share More than 200 unique or interesting stories about their careers or activiAfrican-American, ties. Send such information to: Dean’s Office, University Latino and Native of Nebraska at Omaha, College of Education, Kayser Hall American students 334, 6001 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68182-0131. have received Davis Chambers Scholarships. Of Happenings schedule those receiving the ollege of Education alumni can read more about fellow alumni, Davis today is CEO of the multifaceted Davis faculty and current students in Happenings, a newsletter mailed awards, 63 percent Companies. The family firm was established in in June. 1971. have completed

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Spring 2007 • 25

College of

Arts & Sciences

women in

SCIENCE

IFoundation, “Women continue to be signifin 2007, according to the National Science

cantly underrepresented in almost all science and engineering fields, constituting only approximately 25 percent of the science and engineering workforce at large and less than 21 percent of science and engineering faculty ….” Despite the societal and institutional challenges women in science face, for most of its history the College of Arts and Sciences has been fortunate to have among its faculty women scientists who are excellent scholars, strong leaders and passionate supporters of the university. Among the early leaders were Nell Ward in chemistry, Margaret Gessaman in mathematics, and Barbara Hayhome in biology. Here, we provide a profile of these UNO pioneers. Nell Ward n 1918, when a newly-founded OU was struggling to stay alive, administrators made the fortuitous decision to hire Nell Ward, who had earned her master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1916. Unlike most of the science faculty from these early years who would teach for a year or two and then move on to more established institutions, Ward stayed. In 1922 she organized Gamma Pi Sigma at UNO, an honorary chemistry fraternity. Ward also sponsored a Pre-Med club and a Chemistry Club. Ward helped build the university’s chemistry program and contributed to the establishment of other science programs. She became dean of sciences in 1927. In 1939 she Nell Ward photo courtesy UNO earned her doctorate in chemchemistry department. istry from the University of

26 • Spring 2007

Omaha University Chemistry Laboratory, 1956. Photo courtesy Criss Library Archives.

Iowa. In 1948, when the chemistry program broke from the other sciences to form a department, Ward became department chair. In the 1940s Ward’s research focused on analysis of cobalt and manganese in the presence of each other. These two metals were critical for war industries during World War II. In 1942 she published “Determination of Cobalt and Manganese by Photometric Methods” with her colleague, Louis Waldbauer of Iowa State, in Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, an American Chemical Society publication. During her career Ward was a member of the American Chemical Society, the American Association for Advancement of Science, the Nebraska Academy of Science, and American Men of Science. Ward retired from UNO in 1955 and passed away in 1986 at the age of 91. Nell Ward Scholarships were established in her honor and are funded through the University of Nebraska Foundation with generous donations from William and Margaret March and Timothy and Florence Leon. That women are fully capable of excelling in the sciences and in academia is evidenced by thousands of cases such as Ward’s nationwide. In fact, in 1870 women constituted one-third of the faculty in institutions of higher learning. By 1970, however, that number had dropped to 10 percent. The number of department chair positions held by women was at less than 1 percent. In 1970 representation in the sciences was lower than in academia in general. UNOALUM

Margaret Gessaman t was in 1970 that Dr. Margaret Gessaman joined the mathematics faculty. Three years later she was appointed chair of the department of mathematics and computer science. Gessaman received her Ph.D. in mathematics from Montana State University in 1966 and taught at Ithaca College for several years before coming to UNO. She remained chair for mathematics and computer science at UNO until 1980, when she was appointed dean of graduate studies and research. Dr. Jack Heidel, current chair of mathematics, writes of Gessaman’s tenure as graduate Margaret Gessaman photo courtesy Criss Library Archives. dean: “As dean her voice was persistently raised in defense of high scholarly standards. She strengthened the graduate college in the crucial areas of academic and curricular quality and rigor. “In the early 1980s Gessaman was instrumental in obtaining for the UNO physics department funds from the new Nebraska Research Initiative to support research in materials science. Along with then-Vice Chancellor Otto Bauer she was successful in persuading system administrators in Lincoln that a UNO unit should be supported by NRI funds. “In the late 1980s Gessaman played an important role in creating a graduate degree program in computer science within the mathematics and computer science department. She used her organizational and political skills to overcome strong opposition from other sectors of the NU system.” In 1983 Gessaman returned to the mathematics faculty and in 1988 once again was appointed department chair. During this period she was active in the UNO Faculty Senate as well as in the continued development of the mathematics program. She remained chair until her retirement in 2000. The Margaret P. Gessaman Doctoral Student Fellowship has been established by the graduate college in recognition of Gessaman’s contributions.

Barbara Hayhome arbara Hayhome earned her Ph.D. in biology at Chicago University in 1970 and went on to teach at California State College at Chico. In 1972 she accepted a three-year research assistantship at Creighton University Medical School, and in 1975 she became a member of the biology faculty at Midland Lutheran College in

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Fremont, Neb. In 1978, when Hayhome accepted a faculty appointment in the biology department of UNO, the debate over gender equity had gained public prominence but the percentage of women in the sciences remained largely unchanged, perhaps improving by 1 or 2 percent during the previous decade. In 1984 Hayhome was appointed chair of the biology department and held that position until she was appointed assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs and associate dean for graduate studies in 1989. During her time in these posts Hayhome is credited with increasing the number of women faculty hired and for helping women faculty advance in their careers. She was honored for those efforts by the Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of Women at UNO in 1995. She also is credited as the driving force in the creation of the undergraduate biotechnology program. Hayhome was a member of the Phycological Society of America, the International Phycological Society, the International Society for Evolutionary Protistology, Sigma Xi, AAAS, AIBS, Botanical Society of America, Genetics Society of America, and the American Microscopical Society. In 1995 Hayhome died of cancer. Her colleague, Dr. David Sutherland writes, “Aware that she was losing the battle against cancer, Barbara Hayhome decided to make a substantial bequest to establish an undergraduate scholarship in biology. “She had to be persuaded to let the scholarship bear her name, but just before her death suggested that donations to the fund be encouraged as the best kind of memorial she could imagine. “Having spent most of her life as instructor, scientist, and administrator, Professor Hayhome placed the highest value on the pursuit of knowledge and fairness, viewing forHayhome photo courtesy mal education as the best path Criss Library Archives. to individual and social improvement, awareness of the wider world, and the keen pleasures of purposeful, useful work and the life of the mind. “Assisting a capable, aspiring student along that path, as the scholarship was designed to do, is an appropriate Hayhome legacy that honors her memory and honors the students who will benefit from Barbara’s generosity and that of her friends and associates.” The scholarship was established through the University of Nebraska Foundation and has been awarded regularly since 1997. Spring 2007 • 27

College of

Arts & Sciences

Vision of past becomes vision of future Couple’s generosity, foresight continues with children and establishment of Martin Fund

harles Martin Sr. and his wife, Mary, knew the value

Cof how a vision of history could inform a vision of

the future. And so it was that Martin, a descendant of the Joseph Barker Sr. family, donated what has become known as the Barker Collection to the Douglas County Historical Society. The Barker collection includes numerous letters written by Joseph Barker Jr. to family in England. In them, 19th century Omaha is described in vivid detail. The Photo of Mary and Charles Matin Sr. letters have been courtesy Fred and Joan Videon published by the historical society in two volumes entitled “Their Man in Omaha.” UNO history professor Patrick Kennedy and Chancellor Emeritus Del Weber were part of a team of editors to compile Volume II of the book. According to Dr. Bruce Garver, history department chair, “Charles Martin Sr. and his brother, Francis Martin, were the owners and managers of a large and successful insurance business in Omaha during the second and third quarters of the 20th century. They also were publicspirited citizens and philanthropists who took a keen interest in history, arts and letters.” Francis Martin, Garver adds, is best known for his bequest of a collection of outstanding 19th century French academic paintings to the Joslyn Art Museum. Although Charles and Mary Martin may be best known for their donation of the Barker Collection, the true value of all their gifts will continue to unfold many years into the future. The couple traveled throughout the American West and created a comprehensive collection of manuscripts, books and articles on the history of the Trans Mississippi West, with particular emphasis upon diaries and other primary accounts of overland journeys and 28 • Spring 2007

exploration. According to the Omaha World Herald’s James Ivey in an article published at the time of Charles Martin’s death, Martin “for three years was president of the local historical society and was a member of the Nebraska State Historical Society. A nationally recognized expert on the Oregon Trail, in 1988 he received the A. E. Sheldon award for significant contributions to the preservation of Nebraska History.” Prior to his death in 2000 Charles Martin established one endowment to support the historical society’s archives and another to install and maintain historical markers across Nebraska. One of the couple’s greatest gifts to future generations was bequeathing $500,000 of stock through the University of Nebraska Foundation for support of teaching and research in history generally and in the history of the Trans Mississippi West in particular. Their children,. Julie Videon of Bozeman, Mont., and Dr. Charles Martin Jr. of Richmond, Ind., consulted with department faculty in creating the Charles W. and Mary C. Martin Fund to Advance Teaching and Publication about Western American History, which is funded by income from the endowment. Among the projects that can be funded are “The City at my feet— undergraduate and gradwas all alight—dotted uate research stipends, graduate thesis fellowthickly over with ships, faculty research lights—Farnham & grants, research equipment and collections, Douglas were quite and teaching enhancement. The fund also pro- brilliant.” vides for two professor— Joseph Barker Jr. , 1869 , ships: The Charles W. s t a n d i n g a t o p t h e h i ll a t and Mary C. Martin 2 0t h a n d F a r n a m Professor of Western American History and The Charles W. and Mary C. Martin Professor of History. Projects funded for the 2005-2006 academic year included travel and other research expenses for two graduate students working on their master’s theses. Brandon Barth is researching Civil War officer Alfred Sully. Sully served in the Nebraska and Dakota territories both before and after the Civil War. In his early years he was known for his skills as an “Indian fighter” and played key roles in later years in supervision of and investigation of Indian affairs. Ted Wehrbein is researching Robert B. Crosby, governor of Nebraska from 1953 to 1955 and known as “the Boy Governor from North Platte.” UNOALUM

Geography’s Retallick remembered Professor’s impact extended 21 years

arold J. Retallick was the “hero

Hcitizen” described in Tom

Brokaw’s book “The Greatest Generation.” When he passed away at the age of 90 in September 2006, his family, this institution and the country bid farewell to one more of that modest and self-sacrificing generation. Professor of Geography Charles Gildersleeve says of his colleague, “There are times when we must pause and thank the well-digger when we take a cool drink of water. Harold was among the best of the well-diggers.” Born in 1916 in Eau Claire, Wisc., Retallick worked his way through college as a laborer, blueprint reader, surveyor and pea grader for a local canning company. He married his high school sweetheart, Lois Gabus, in 1936. After graduating he served

29 • Spring 2007

as principal of Ojibwa Public School and as town constable. He was called to active duty in B Company of the Wisconsin National Guard and deployed to the Pacific theater in 1940. He was twice wounded and four times decorated, receiving the Bronze and Silver Stars for meritorious service above and beyond the call of duty, the Purple Heart, and the Oak Leaf Cluster. After the war, Retallick, as so many other Americans, returned to raise his family and shape a country. He and Lois moved to Worcester, Mass., with their son Richard. There Retallick completed work toward master’s and doctoral degrees in geography. Daughter Kathy was born at this time. Retallick’s dissertation examined the geographical and topographical characteristics of Alaska’s Arctic North Slope prior to the building of the Distant Early Warning System and was considered classified material for some years. After completing his doctorate Retallick taught at Eastern Illinois

State College in Charleston, Ill., where daughter Cheryl was born. He then moved on to Southwest Missouri State, where he would be the geography and geology faculty for the first 10 years. Retallick added to his curriculum with physical geography, economic geography, geomorphology, geography of Missouri, conservation of natural resources, human geography, world geography, geography of the USSR, and conservation education workshop. In 1965 Retallick resigned his post at Missouri to accept an appointment as professor of geography with the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he specialized in physical and urban geography. Retallick remained active in several projects begun while in Missouri, including an excavation sponsored by the Museum of the Great Plains of an 11,000-year-old mammoth kill. At the same time he became active in many local projects and service organizations, including the University of Nebraska Planning Curriculum Committee, Environmental Impact Committee, Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA) for Omaha and Council Bluffs, and the Riverfront Development Program. Retallick retired from UNO in 1986. Gildersleeve remembers Retallick as someone who “contributed so much and was so very loyal to our department, university and mission.” He adds, “It was an honor to serve with him here at UNO.”

“There are times when we must pause and thank the well-digger when we take a cool drink of water. Harold was among the best of the well-diggers.” — Geography professor C ha r le s G i ld e r s le e v e

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College of

Communication, Fine Arts and Media

Committee members pose for a group shot following the 2006 Italian Night fundraiser dinner at the Apple Creek Clubhouse. Students raised $2,500 for student travel, PR campaigns and the Omaha Food Bank.

PRSSA chapter gets good ink of its own By Chantel Crockett UNO student group shares a

Acommon thread of community

support with several local and national non-profit organizations, including the Omaha Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity. UNO’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America has woven this support into an example of nationally recognized community service excellence. 30 • Spring 2007

Honored for its achievements at the 2006 PRSSA National Conference in Salt Lake City in November, UNO’s PRSSA chapter continues to build a national reputation for its public relations planning while evolving into one of UNO’s most active and successful student groups. “It’s a very proactive chapter,” says Lindsay Cosimano, president of the Nebraska chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, PRSSA’s parent organization. “For events, we always have many volunteers from

the chapter come out to help. It provides good PR for Nebraska and the chapter . . . it’s very visible in the community.” UNO’s PRSSA chapter brought back to campus three national conference awards, including first place in the National Organ Donor Awareness Competition (NODAC) for its “License to Give: We Card” campaign. The chapter promoted organ donor awareness on campus through special events encouraging student donations. That included a “Spring into Awareness Barbecue” and a presentation by Brian Holcomb, a 23-year-old liver transplant recipient and Utah president of Donor Dudes. “After our campaign was all said and done, we released nearly 100 green balloons — a symbol of our UNOALUM

Kids enjoyed a pie-eating contest among the many activities at the Kids N’Cans Carnival at Elmwood Park for the Omaha Food Bank.

efforts to ‘raise’ awareness for organ donation,” says Sally Gutschow, NODAC media relations director and former PRSSA publications director. “Watching the balloons go and realizing what a great job my team had done was really priceless. I never would have had that opportunity without the help of Karen [Weber] and PRSSA.” Weber, faculty adviser for UNO’s PRSSA chapter, has been instrumental in encouraging the group’s success during her eight years as adviser. Weber says she is proud of PRSSA’s

accomplishments and national presence, especially considering the chapter’s relatively smaller size with about 40 members. The chapter also earned the first-place National F.H. Teahan award for community and university service, and the third-place PRSSA National Ethics Advocacy award for development of crisis communication plans. “I’m most proud of the process,” Weber says. “As faculty adviser, I get to see the process unfold. From the first seeds of brainstorming to the end of the campaign, I see how hard the students work. I see how they’re equipping themselves with experience you can’t get in a classroom.” Chapter members have raised funds for non-profit organizations through special events on campus and in the community. Weber says this involvement is invaluable because students can take their portfolios to interviews for more tangible hiring. Gutschow experienced this when applying for a recent internship. “The first interview was mostly all

talk about my involvement in the campaign,” Gutschow says. “They were so impressed that I already had real experience writing and sending press releases, putting together and delivering media kits, and being in front of a TV camera.” Weber says hands-on practical experience through PRSSA extends not only to media relations but also to fundraising and event planning. PRSSA raised more than $1,600 for The Omaha Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity through special events last year, including the Kids ‘N’ Cans Carnival and the “Raise the Roof” roof-decorating contest and forum. “The School of Communication is extremely proud of Karen and PRSSA for the role they play in elevating the quality of academic experiences for UNO students,” says Dr. Jeremy Lipschultz, director of the School of Communication. “PRSSA’s numerous awards, their dominance over all other Nebraska campuses in state competition, and their important service to the community are truly appreciated.”

2007 CFAM Outstanding Undergraduate Student Awards he following students will be honored at the CFAM Outstanding Student Honors reception Friday, April 6, and at the 2007 UNO Honors Convocation Friday, April 13.

Sarah Brogren, art education, will graduate in December with a BA in studio art and K-12 certification. After graduation she plans to pursue a graduate degree in fine art or art education. Her hometown is Norfolk, Neb. Sally Gutschow, journalism, will graduate in August with BS. She would like to continue working for Envoy Inc., where she currently interns in public relations. Gutschow’s hometown is South Sioux City, Neb.

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John Her zinger, art history, will graduate with a BA in art history. He plans to go to graduate school in pursuit of a master’s/doctorate in art history or museum studies. His hometown is Omaha.

degree in communication at UNO. Reischl’s hometown is Fort Calhoun, Neb.

MFA and to work as an artist and art educator. His hometown is Bellevue, Neb.

Anna Speed, music performance, will graduate in May with a BM. After graduation she plans to attend graduate school. Her hometown is Grand Island, Neb.

Laura Wapelhorst, broadcasting, will graduate with a BS in the 2007-2008 school year. After graduation she plans to become a television news reporter and, eventually, a news anchor. Wapelhorst’s hometown is Scribner, Neb.

Fran Higgins, Writer’s Workshop, graduated in December 2006 with her BFA in creative writing. She plans to complete work on and publish her memoir and pursue either the advanced writing certificate program in English or the Writer’s Workshop MFA program at UNO. Her hometown is Bellevue.

Maria Vac ha, theatre, will graduate in August with a BA in theatre. Future plans include her upcoming marriage this summer and graduate school at UNO in pursuit of her master of arts in theatre. Vacha’s hometown is Omaha.

Todd Reischl, speech communication, will graduate with a BS in August. After graduation he plans to pursue a graduate

Bart Vargas, studio art, will graduate with a BFA in May. In the near future he plans to attend graduate school in pursuit of an

Alex Wimmer, music education, will graduate in May with a BM and K-12 certification. After graduation he hopes to become a teacher and band director in the Omaha area and, in the future, earn a master of music in conducting, then a Ph.D. Wimmer’s hometown is Gretna, Neb.

Spring 2007 • 31

College of

Information Science and Technology 5 OF A KIND

MATT VIRUS was 16 years old when his parents bought him a graphing calculator. After he hooked the calculator up to a computer, “I decided the computer was a whole lot more interesting.” • JOE WILSON worked for the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, conducting computer research for agents investigating outlaw motorcycle gangs. His duties put him undercover at the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, where he assisted agents by retrieving and preserving evidence gleaned from their computers and cameras. • A product of home-schooling, TREVOR

TAYLOR got his first computer tech support job when he was 17 and soon afterward helped set up and launch the help desk for a large local information corporation. • BEN DAVIS became impressed with the power of computers while watching his father work and began contracting his services out while attending classes at Skutt Catholic High School in Omaha. • RANDY

BOSETTI taught himself the computer programming language C++ when he was 9 years old and started asking some pretty grown-up questions. “I looked around our house and saw that our toaster, our microwave, our TV, everything worked but our computer,” Bosetti recalls. “Our computer kept crashing. I wanted to know why.”

ive unique young men, each drawn like steel to a magnet by the UNO College of Information Science & Technology. The common attraction, they say, is the Nebraska University Consortium on Information Assurance (NUCIA). “I did considerable research online,” says Wilson, 25, of Pierre, S.D. “When I checked into the college and NUCIA, from its certification to the courses in information assurance, I saw it had everything I wanted.” Information assurance (IA) is the design, implementation and support of secure information systems. NUCIA (pronounced “new-sha”) teaches and trains IA students and professionals, conducts applied research and forms partnerships with government entities, corporations and organizations to collaborate on the theory and practice of information assurance. It is a designated National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency. Virus, 25, of Hebron, Neb., is working to obtain his master’s degree in management information systems (MIS)

NUCIA connecting laboratories, UNO

Building Bridges

32 • Spring 2007

with a concentration in IA. He credits NUCIA with cultivating his interest in network security. That interest led him and fellow MIS student Wilson to fill temporary positions at U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) at Offutt Air Force Base. As part of their work they developed and demonstrated open source secure thin client solutions to personnel at USSTRATCOM and Northrop Grumman

Corp. in Bellevue. So pleased are USSTRATCOM officials with the two graduate students’ performance that permanent employment contracts are “in the works.” Undergrad students Bosetti, Davis and Taylor served summer internships the past two years at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland, Wash. PNNL is one of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) 10 national laboratories and is managed by the DOE Office of Science. The lab performs research for other DOE offices, government agencies, universities and private industry. Once again, officials were so impressed with their individual performances that Davis, 20, and Bosetti, 23, have UNOALUM

“The first year they performed really well,” he says. “They were good, solid contributors. The second year, they were able to get much more deeply engaged in the work, and because of that contributed greatly to the success of the project. “That’s unheard of, having your interns become that valuable in that short a period of time.” Burnham hopes to expand the collaboration between PNNL, NUCIA and the college. “We’re looking at future opportunities to establish a rotational relationship with the lab, not just for our students but also for a working exchange between lab personnel and our faculty,” he says. “We’re building a laboratory-university bridge that I hope will be a partnership with synergy that benefits both participants.” Seated, from left, Trevor Taylor and Ben Davis. Standing, left, Joe Wilson, Matt Virus and Randy Other universities provide interns Bosetti. Photo by Tim Fitzgerald / University Affairs to PNNL, “but we’re the only university that has ever stepped up to build a more viable, valubeen granted limited-term employment contracts to conable relationship,” Burnham says. tinue their PNNL projects at UNO, while Taylor, 25, has He says the success of rela“a standing job offer” to work tionships with USSTRATCOM at the laboratory. “TThese kids all come from the pool of and PNNL have more to do Each credits his success to with the quality of students at the opportunities they’ve bright minds that benefits tremendously the college and The Peter received at UNO, both Kiewit Institute (PKI) than any through the Scott Scholar and from the Walter Scott scholarship proconnections he has made. National Science Foundation gram and the other opportunities here at kids all come from Cybercorp scholarship proPKI. They are making a difference in the the“These pool of bright minds that grams and through the leadbenefits tremendously from ership of NUCIA Director Dr. work they do and in the lives they live.” the Walter Scott scholarship Blaine Burnham. Dr. Blaine Burnham, NUCIA Director program and the other oppor“In our case at PNNL, Dr. http://nucia.ist.unomaha.edu tunities here at PKI,” Burnham was incredibly Burnham says. “They are instrumental in getting us making a difference in the work they do and in the lives pulled up there,” Taylor says. “The lab only takes a limitthey live.” ed number of students for internships each year through Bosetti says NUCIA attracts many talented students — all aspects of the work they do, so for the three of us to and that each benefits from the dedication and personal be able to go was a very unique opportunity.” interest shown by Burnham, Associate Director Alex Wilson says the same is true for the chance to work at STRATCOM. “Dr. Burnham is a huge resource for the col- Nicoll, and senior research fellows Matt Myers, Steve Nugen, Matt Payne and Tim Vidas. lege and the students.” “It’s not just us five students who have done this well,” Burnham is a veteran of work with the NSA and inforBosetti says. “Everybody Dr. Burnham talks to ends up at mation assurance duties at the Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia Laboratory in New Mexico. Before a national lab or some prestigious facility. He’s good at coming to UNO he served as director of the Georgia Tech finding the right fit for the right people.” Virus agrees. “Dr. Burnham has a way of recognizing Information Security Center. talent and ability and then putting that person in the best It was the second summer for the NUCIA interns to be position to succeed.” selected for work at PNNL, Burnham says. w w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

Spring 2007 • 33

College of

Information Science and Technology

From left, students Ryan Barber, John Stockwell, Lacey Jacobson and Sarah Asher, instructors Judy Kelsey and Dr. Donna Dufner, students Jeffrey Cosgrove, Devotha Mahai, Amanda Nelson, Cheyanne Swarthout, Fajr Cooperwood and Ashley Hayden.

hen computer science major Andy Behne enrolled in a service-learning course to teach inmates at the Douglas County Corrections Center computer basics, he figured he might meet a burglar or two. Instead, he met a biology major. Behne was assigned to tutor a young man who not only wanted to get out from behind bars but who also knows where he wants to go in life afterward.

34 • Spring 2007

Honors students tutor corrections center inmates through service-learning course

Serving time “He knew computer basics, so instead we began working on his objectives,” says Behne, a Scott Scholar and senior from Brainard, Neb. “We worked up a resume, and because he’s so focused on graduating, we mapped out what he needs to do to get to that point and beyond.” Directed by Donna Dufner, associate professor at the College of Information Science and Technology, the course debuted in the fall of 2006. Thirteen honors students teach basic computer skills to inmates at the jail one day a week. There is one class for men and another for

women. The course is part of UNO’s Service Learning Academy. Five computers were provided by a grant from Metropolitan Community College. Dufner says she got the idea during a tour of the jail facility while part of a Leadership Omaha class. “The inmates all looked so bored, I wanted to see what I could do to help them,” she recalls. “They aren’t all hardened criminals. These are people who have made mistakes. And while they can’t erase what they’ve done, they want to improve their lives and their chances for success.” For many, she says, that comes UNOALUM

down to having a plan. Using a computer to put it all on paper can help. “It’s important for people to have objectives, and I believe if those objectives are written down it improves your chances of reaching those objectives,” she says. “It’s nice to know where you want to go, but you have to know how you plan to get there.” The inmates, whose criminal histories are not shared with Dufner or the student tutors, are courteous and eager to learn. The atmosphere is more classroom than jailhouse.

Devotha Mahai, center, and Fajr Cooperwood, right, tutor a jail inmate.

The UNO students and instructors undergo background checks and wear identification badges and business casual clothes while at the jail. Dufner carries a protective “slap pack” that would instantly summon jail guards if needed, but says she has never felt threatened. “It isn’t a fearful situation at all,” she says. “The only noticeable difference between the people in the room is that some are wearing orange jumpsuits.” The class is limited to low-risk inmates. They use the computers only during the class and do not have access to the Internet. They do not earn college credit for the course but do receive certificates showing that they have received training in Microsoft Windows and Office. With the help of their tutors, the inmates learn how to write letters to their families or to respond to employment advertisements in the newspaper. Some simply want to improve their grammar or their English skills. “We try to provide them some selfesteem and give a little mental

release through the work,” Dufner says. “We want them to relax, enjoy and learn.” The course will continue in the fall, and Dufner hopes it becomes a source for research into criminal justice, computer science and learningexperience projects. A presentation about the course was well received by the Douglas County Board. Friendships between the inmates and their teachers indicate the program’s success. “The end of last semester,” Dufner says, “there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.” She tells the story of an inmate who needed to write a letter for a court appearance that day. When asked why she had waited until the last minute, the woman told Dufner she wasn’t sure anyone would be willing to help. “So I went in on my own outside of class time to help her with that letter,” Dufner says. “When we were done, she fell into my arms and burst into tears, all because someone showed her they cared.”

IS&T students provide IT assistance to north Omaha entrepreneurs

Big dreams, microenterprises E i g h t n o r t h O m a h a m ic r o e n t e r p r i s e s b e n e f it e d d u r i n g t h e f a l l s em es t e r f r o m a s e r v i c e - l e a r n i n g c o u rs e t a u g h t by Professors Peter Wolcott and S a j d a Q u re s h i o f t h e C o l l e g e o f I n f o r m a t i o n S c ie n c e a n d Technology. T h e c o u r s e , IT fo r D e v e l o p me n t , p a r t n e r e d n i n e s t u d e n ts w it h th e m ic r o e n te r p r is e s t o s o l v e is s u e s r e l a ti n g t o t h e u s e o f i n fo r m a t io n t e c h n o lo g y a s a to o l to h e lp g r o w t h e ir b u s i ne ss es. T h e m i c ro e n t e r p r i s e s w e r e recipients of Techquity technolo g y m in i - g r a n t s f r o m th e e B a y F o u n d a ti o n a n d t h e A s s o c ia t io n for Economic Opportunity,

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

a d m i n is t e r e d b y t h e N e w C o m m u n it y D e v e lo p m e n t C o r p o r a t io n . W o l c o t t a t t e n d e d a workshop sponsored by UNO’s Ser v i c e L e ar n i n g A c ad e m y i n J a n u a r y 2 0 0 6 th a t s p a r k e d th e id e a o f U N O s tu d e n t s p a r t n e r i n g w i th g r a n t r e c i p i e n t s t o h e l p th e m a p p l y te c h n o l o g y fo r d e v e l op m e n t . T h e e i g h t m i c r o e n t e r p ri s e s ranged from Lola’s Deli to the D o r o th y B . H a l f w a y H o u s e . Abdelnasse r Abdelaa l and J e r r y E n g l a n d a s s i s te d th e Ha l f wa y H o u s e b y i n s t a l l i n g W i F i L A N fo r i t s g u e s t s . A b d e l a a l s a y s the project w as a valuable experience. “ I l e a r ne d t h a t sc h o ol s ca n

s e r v e a s a n a n c h o r p a r tn e r f o r c o m m u n i t y d e v e l o p m e n t , p a rt i c u l a r l y i n u n d e r s e r v e d o r ru ra l a r e a s , ” h e s a ys . “ I t ’s a win-win s it u a t io n fo r t h e s c h o o ls , s tu d e n t s, l o c al b u si n e s se s a nd t h e community. Students gained e x p e r t is e a n d s c h o o l s g o t engaged with the community. “ I’l l do it again. ” Wolcott says teamwork was a b ig p a r t o f t h e c o u r s e . “ S t u d e n t s w o r k e d a s i n d i v id u a l s a n d i n pa i r s w i t h t h e e nt r e p r en e ur s , a n d t he cl a s s s er v ed a s a s o u n d i n g b o a r d f o r is s u e s a n d p r o p o s e d s o l u t io n s , ” h e says. “The w hole class offered a d v i ce or r e l ev a n t i n f o r m a t i o n a n d c o n st r u c t i ve c r i t i ci s m . ”

Wolcott says the students g ai n ed k no w l e dg e b ey on d t h e w or k en t a i l e d i n t h e p r oj ec t s . “They l earned t o be sensi tive t o t he e n t r ep r e n e ur s ’ n e ed s , a t t i t ud es , s c he du l es a nd bu si n es s e s, ” h e s ay s . “They also learned f irsthand t o a p p r e c i a t e t h e n e e d f o r te c h n o lo g y s o lu ti o n s th a t c a n b e e a s i l y ma i n t a i n e d o v e r t i m e a n d a r e c o m p a t ib l e w i th t e c h n o l o g y s k i l l s , co m f or t l e v e l s a n d ec o no m i c ci r cum st an ce s. “ I t h i n k t h e y al l gr e w i n t h e i r a d m i r a ti o n f o r m i c r o e n t e r p r is e o w n er s , p e op l e w ho ha v e t he d et er m i n at i on a nd c ou r ag e t o s t a r t th e i r o w n b u s i n e s s e s i n th e f a c e o f ma n y c h a l l e n g e s . ”

Spring 2007 • 35

College of Public Affairs and Community Service

Division of Continuing Studies

UNO program is first in Nebraska system to offer an entire degree online

Online all the way When Lynn Hans goes to class, it might be at her daughter’s softball game or at her desk at the Norfolk, Neb., Public Library during her lunch break. When Alan Koenig teaches his class in American Civil War and Reconstruction, he does it from the HQ First Army offices at Georgia’s Fort Gillem on the out skirts of Atlanta. Whether they are studying or teaching, Hans and Koenig are making history. 36 • Spring 2007

Photo by Tim Fitzgerald / University Affairs

UNO online student Lynn Hans, left, meets with DCS advisor Mary Zeleny.

hey are part of the distance education program that is growing at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. The online bachelor of general studies degree offered by the UNO Division of Continuing Studies (DCS) is the first fully online undergraduate degree program in the University of Nebraska system, says Kathy Menke, assistant dean at the College of Public Affairs and Community Service, which houses the DCS. “There are several online graduate degrees available across the system,” says Menke. “We’re particularly proud because this is the first completely online undergraduate degree.” The online BGS, offered in collaboration with the University of Nebraska-Kearney (UNK), is designed to attract adult learners 21 and older whose work schedules, locations or lifestyles make it difficult if not impossible to sign up for traditional on-campus classes. The online BGS is a 125-credithour program. At least five online courses are offered every fall, spring

and summer semester, and there is no minimum credit hour requirement. UNO provides the instruction and materials for the general education and sociology courses. UNK provides the business and communication courses. Instructors and students communicate through email, online discussion forums and chat groups. This is the second semester the online degree has been available. Ten students registered, and news of the degree “has created a lot of interest,” Menke says. “This is a great option for so many people,” she says. “Our biggest challenge at this point is to properly manage the growth of the program.” The DCS has hired a part-time distance education manager to act as a point of contact for the students. Additionally, students are assigned an academic advisor with whom they can meet in person, on the telephone or through email. “The quality of advising is just as high for our online students as it is for our traditional students,” Menke says. Studies indicate that more than 2.3 UNOALUM

million people nationwide are taking at least one online course, a number that has increased 35.1 percent from 2002 through 2004. Menke says the numbers likely will continue to grow as more online courses become available. Areas of concentration currently available online within the BGS degree program include aviation (offered through UNO’s Aviation Institute) and library science (available through the College of Education). Three others are being developed: management information systems (MIS), in conjunction with the College of Information Science and Technology; plus non-profit administration and criminal justice, through CPACS. The Norfolk student, Hans, is focusing her studies on library science. “I’ve always been an avid reader and had an interest in libraries,” she says, “so I got a part-time job at the Norfolk library. I found what I really wanted.” She took her first online classes while studying for her associate’s degree at an area community college. Online distance learning requires more discipline than attending regularly scheduled, on-campus classes, she says. “An online class gives you the syllabus for the whole semester right at the beginning and it’s up to you when you get it all done,” Hans says. “I fit my studying in sometimes late at night, sometimes during my lunch hours. But I like books and learning so much, it doesn’t bother me to be doing something like that while I’m eating lunch.” Hans says her 12-year-old daughter plays softball during the summer, “so the books will go with me to the diamonds and I’ll study at the games.” The online degree is expected to be attractive to military personnel, especially those who might have taken classes while at Offutt Air Force w w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

Base but then were deployed or transferred, says Hayley Patton, manager of Offutt and off-campus programs for the DCS. “The online degree is a great opportunity for the military community,” she says. “We can now give them the option of taking classes online and finishing them via computer no matter where they are. They may find themselves halfway around the world, but they can still finish

beyond what they see on the screen, but they give me plenty of feedback so I try to fine-tune the course as necessary.” Koenig says he gets students busy early to avoid procrastination while staying flexible to accommodate their often busy schedules. “Online learning requires self-discipline, a good work ethic, the ability to meet deadlines, some patience, reading, a degree of computerInternet competence and a willingness to keep the instructor apprised of problems,” he says. “In short, it’s not too much different from regular college courses in many ways.” He says online courses improve UNO’s value by offering scheduling flexibility. “Many students work full time and attend college full time, and while I often rail against that, they will continue no matter what I say.” As a student, Hans says that if distance learning were not available, “I’d probably have to move to Omaha.” More information about the online BGS degree is available by contacting Program Manager Christina Davis at 877-894-8187, 402-554-4833 or email at csdavis@mail.unomaha.edu, or by visiting the DCS Web site at http://dcs.unomaha.edu/.

their coursework and earn their degree from UNO.” Koenig, the UNO adjunct history instructor living in Georgia, has served more than 20 years in the U.S. Army Reserve and taught Russian history as well as American military, Civil War and world history. He started teaching at UNO in 1997 and began teaching online for UNO in 2000 while stationed at HQ U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. “In the seven years I’ve been teaching online, I’ve never met one of my students face to face,” he says. “We still develop good relationships, and since I’m a fast typist I work well in this medium. Sometimes I feel a little ‘out of it’ since I haven’t spent much time at UNO Koenig was teaching history for UNO online and working as a and don’t exactly know what historian for V Corps when he posed for this photo at a forthe students are experiencing mer Iraqi Air Force base near Balad in Iraq in 2004.

Spring 2007 • 37

International Studies and Programs Czech Republic • Ross Chambers (‘06)

INST Grads B Find Their Place in the World When International Studies & Programs (IS&P) was established in 1973 to provide development and coordination of the university’s rapidly growing international dimensions, no one could have imagined the impact the program would have on the lives of countless UNO graduates or the national recognition the program would receive. Today more than 200 International Studies (INST) majors benefit from contact with the more than 1,000 international students — from more than 100 countries — who study at UNO. Current INST majors join a long list of illustrious graduates who not only have learned how to make a difference but who do make a difference.

38 • Spring 2007

eing a pioneer comes naturally to Ross Chambers. As he explains it, “I come from several generations of pioneers . . . my great-great-grandfather, great-grandfather and grandfather were always heading west. My grandfather was one of the last real cowboys and founded the city of Eagle, Colo. For my ancestors, it was always important to explore and find new places.” After 9/11, Chambers decided to begin a new chapter in the spirit of his pioneering family—a journey to international understanding—and UNO’s INST became the practical path to reach this dream. A 2006 UNO graduate, Chambers says, “The INST major was extremely helpful in assisting me to achieve my goals. It is a program that opens doors and encourages students to do what they never thought could be possible. And for those who dream, it helps them to find a practical path to reaching those dreams.” Now living in the Czech Republic and consulting for projects funded by the European Union, Chambers also finds time to teach legal and business English, and to import and sell HarleyDavidson motorcycles. His next goal is to dedicate two years of his life to a Third World humanitarian program. “I am very proud to be an alumnus of UNO and International Studies. I truly believe that without this education I would not Chambers’ efforts in the Czech Republic have realized my goals of pioneering a new interconnected and include the import of Harley-Davidsons. inter-dependent world.”

United States • Joseph Chapuran (‘94) oe Chapuran’s career philosophy is simple—globalization. Chapuran came to UNO as a computer science major. He had not traveled much — never on an airplane — and vacations always were in the United States. Then everything changed. As he explains, “I was inspired to go into the INST major because of the international friends I met at UNO. It made me realize that it is a big world out there, and I had to go experience some of it.” Chapuran started with Japan. From 1990 to 1991 he traveled to Shizuoka on a Japanese Ministry of Education scholarship and studied Japanese and Economics. At Shizuoka he joined the university tennis team and participated in the martial arts club. In 1994 Chapuran spent a semester abroad in the Czech Republic and Belgium, then graduated from UNO with a bachelor’s degree in INST with a specialization in international management and business (IMB) and a minor in marketing. Now working for the Nebraska Department of Economic Development as the international development manager, Chapuran uses his position to help Nebraska grow in a globalized economy, enter new markets, create joint ventures with foreign companies and organ- Chapuran with then-Nebraska ize trade missions. Gov. Mike Johanns.

Japan • Pamela Jewell (‘94) am Jewell’s interest in Japan and the world outside of Omaha began in high school when she participated in a sister city exchange program visiting Shizuoka City for three weeks. Once she enrolled at UNO and chose INST as her major, Jewell explains, “My experiences and study abroad exposed me to a wide variety of people and lifestyles.” Jewell was on her way to becoming a citizen of the world. In 1992 as the recipient of a Japanese Ministry of Education Scholarship, Jewell returned to Shizuoka for a year of study at UNO’s sibling institution, Shizuoka University. Afterward, an internship with the Omaha Sister Cities Association seemed a natural step for her when she returned to Omaha. In 1994 Jewell graduated from UNO with a major in INST and specializations in East Asia studies and international management and business (IMB), and headed back to Shizuoka. For many years she was the English language face of Shizuoka City Hall, where she served as coordinator and translator for the organization that manages Shizuoka’s Sister City activities. This past year Jewell joined the private sector, working for Hexa Project as a graphic designer in a job that takes her to Europe and Asia to present her company’s products to others.

Jewell working at Shizuoka City Hall as an interpreter.

UNOALUM

United States • Hiro Makino (‘91) iro Makino is quick to credit the education he received at UNO for the success he has enjoyed in his career. “Majoring in international studies opened up the world for me. Without the opportunity to learn about other cultures and to meet people from around the world, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” Where he is today is in California serving as vice president of operations for Tamiya America Inc., a global leader in the design and production of plastic models. Makino joined Tamiya shortly after graduating from UNO and spent most of his time at the company’s headquarters in Shizuoka, Japan, where he was responsible for licensing and overseas purchasing. For many Omahans, Shizuoka and the Makino Family are nearly synonymous. Hiro’s father, Yutaka Makino, was instrumental in the development of the sister city relationship between Omaha and Shizuoka. An enthusiastic and tireless supporter of cultural exchange, the senior Makino visited Omaha 27 times throughout his life and eventually sent his son Hiro to Omaha to study. Today Hiro and his family continue to maintain their UNO ties, having made a generous contribution Makino today is vice president of Tamiya to the university in memory of his late father. The fund helps to support educational exchange between Shizuoka and Omaha. America Inc.

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 . . . They are “Finding Their Place in the World.”

Singapore • Mark Steele (‘89)

Seven more

United States • Jody Manning (‘92) ody Manning’s love of international travel began in high school when she lived in Germany and traveled throughout Europe while her father was on a three-year assignment with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. When she entered UNO as an accounting major and needed an elective for honors credit, she chose international studies. As Manning explains, “I was hooked immediately — I changed my major to INST halfway through the semester and have never looked back!” After UNO Jody attended law school and reports, “My UNO education was great preparation for the global workplace. In graduate school I found myself in class next to people who had graduated from some pretty big-name schools, and I was just as prepared as they were, or more, from an academic standpoint. I succeeded with the confidence that only comes from knowing I had a good academic foundation.” In 1998 Manning was appointed to the U.S. Department of State as a foreign affairs officer assisting the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues and worked to develop strategic objectives for an international task force to promote Holocaust education and remembrance. From 2003 to 2005 she served in London as chief of staff to former U.S. Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger and Manning now lives in Washington, worked with international corporations and victims’ rights groups. D.C., and is an independent consultant. Manning says the foundation she received in cross-cultural communication, beginning with her time at UNO, helped her overcome ambiguous situations, cultural conflicts and difficult negotiations. Now living in Washington, D.C., Manning is an independent consultant for non-profit organizations and involved with efforts to rebuild homes that were damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Currently, she has another important international project in the works. She and her husband, an electrical engineer with the Department of Defense, are in the final stages of adopting their first child from Kazakhstan.

ark Steele has climbed Mount Everest, led an expedition to the North Pole, run a 150-mile footrace across the Sahara Desert and traversed the Patagonian ice cap. Next up — the South Pole. No, he’s not an extreme athlete. Steele serves as CEO of Asia-Pacific at Tele Atlas, which produces digital maps and content that power the world’s essential navigation and location services. Based in Singapore, Steele has called the Asia-Pacific region home since 1993. But it was his study at UNO that first took him there. In 1988, as an INST major, Steele received a scholarship to study in Japan. He acquired Japanese language skills, had internships with GM and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, then returned to UNO with a clear career goal. “UNO . . . positioned me for my career in international business. I couldn’t imagine taking the path I have without the preparations I received during my enrollment in the International Studies Program.” In 2004 that path led Steele to head his company’s tsunami Steele with Presidents Clinton and Bush relief efforts in Sri Lanka, where he was recognized by former in tsunami-devastated Sri Lanka. presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton.

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NST grads have stayed close to home to work at various UNO offices: • Lori Arias, IS&P international student adviser. • Jean Worshek, IS&P International Admissions. • Barb Stelmaszek, IS&P International Admissions. • Vickie Stone, IS&P Dean’s office. • Sara Pirtle, UNMC / IS&P coordinator. • Craig Adler, UNO Admissions. • Emily Seybert, UNO College of Education.

Spring 2007 • 39

College of

Business Administration

Day with Buffett leaves its mark

he 38 UNO CBA students will never forget their time

Twith Warren Buffett.

UNO CBA seniors in investment portfolio management and MBA students in the fixed income management classes visited Buffett Feb. 19, spending the morning with him at Berkshire Hathaway followed by lunch at Gorat’s Steak House. After welcoming students at Berkshire, Buffett opened the floor to questions, and the students were ready: • “What is the relevance of commodity prices in today’s global economy and how should companies use them in their financial planning?” • “Would you credit your success as an investor to an accurate foresight of the future, company fundamentals coupled with a strategic vision, or something else?” • “In determining the ‘margin of safety’ for a company and ‘intrinsic value,’ could you please explain these concepts in more detail?” Buffett was ready, too, explaining the global relevance

Buffett warmly welcomed CBA students, including Destynie J. Jenkins (left) and Kate Clark.

of commodity prices, information requirements needed by an investor, and his take on the margin of safety. Students in UNO’s Maverick Investment program relished Buffett’s advice to get their feet wet and then dive in, which is just what they had been doing. First National Bank of Omaha gave the program’s graduate students the opportunity to manage a $1 million fixed income asset account. A contribution by UNO CBA alumnus Colonel Guy M. Cloud created a separate portfolio that is managed by undergraduates in the portfolio management 40 • Spring 2007

course. Students’ investment decisions earned the portfolio an 18-percent return in 2006 to keep alive the Mav’s streak of outperforming the S&P 500 every year since the fund’s inception in 2000. But Buffett did far more than share his views about investing. He encouraged students to recognize the “He has a way of valuable resources they had making people been handed by life and to invest in their own success. appreciate what they John Szalewski appreciathave. He has a great ed Buffett’s analogy about every human on earth draw- outlook on life.” ing their life’s ‘ticket’ from a barrel. Buffett asked stuUNO student dents to consider whether J o h n S z a le ws k i they would be willing to trade their current ticket for 100 more draws from the barrel. “That really hit home with me,” said Szalewski. “He has a way of making people appreciate what they have. He has a great outlook on life.” Tyler Cary enjoyed Buffett’s appreciation of his good timing historically. “My favorite comment was when he said, ‘If I had been born 1,000 years ago, some animal would be chasing me. I’d be yelling, “I allocate capital!” and the animal would be thinking, “Those are the kind that taste the best!”’ That was pretty funny.” Students also appreciated Buffett’s emphasis on energetic hard work to improve one’s skills, e.g., public speaking. Nolan Anderson and Michael Asmus noted that Buffett recognized that public speaking can be very difficult but that he believes it can be learned and improved. The two students were encouraged to hear about Buffett’s own efforts to improve his skills because he believed, “That although some will be better than others, anyone can become a proficient speaker and writer — with practice.” Early in his professional career Buffett purposefully developed his speaking skills by teaching several courses in investment at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Prior to the day with Buffett UNO students hosted a reception for students from the University of California, Davis. Professor David Volkman, chair of the department of finance, banking, and law, said that UNO students enjoyed hosting and networking with UC Davis students, who shared the next day’s meetings. The students also visited and received business strategy presentations from two Berkshire Hathaway companies: Nebraska Furniture Mart and Borsheims. “They anticipated that Warren Buffett would be impressive, but they did not expect his humor,” said Volkman. Said UNO MBA student Kate Clark: “I’m still flying high! What an honor.” UNOALUM

Class Notes

S P R I N G

2 0 0 7

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

1938 Dale Wolf, BA, celebrated his 70th wedding anniversary with wife, Clara, during an open house at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Omaha. The couple’s three children hosted the event. The Wolf family includes eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

1950 Milo Treska, BSBA, lives in Colorado Springs, Colo., and is retired after serving as a colonel in the U.S. Air Force. After UNO Treska received an MBA from Northwestern University School of Management (now Kellogg School of Management). He served in the Air Force until 1981, holding posts such as deputy associate auditor general in the Pentagon and director of accounting and finance/ comptroller at major command level. He was attached for duty with the Defense Contract Audit Agency in Vietnam in 1966. He celebrates 49 years of marriage in 2007. He has five children and six grandchildren. 1951 Andrew M. Hansen, BA, writes from his home in Wilmette, Ill., that he is a “fugitive from full-time retirement.” He recently completed 10 years in his fourth career in the field of librarianship as a parttime/substitute reference librarian in the adult and youth services departments of the Wilmette, Ill., public library. He previously was head librarian in Bismark, N.D., and Sioux City, Iowa, public libraries. He also was an instructor at the School of Library Science at the University of Iowa and was a division executive for the American Library Association in Chicago. Send him email at w w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

andrewmhansen@comcast.net

radkova@sbcglobal.net

1957 Margery Radek Pope, BS, lives in Sherman Oaks, Calif., where she’s been for six years since retiring from Labcorp in Indianapolis, Ind. She now is a National Park Service volunteer at Franklin Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains. “Love the mountains, the San Fernando Valley and the beaches,” she writes. “Indulge my love of opera by attending outstanding performances by LA Opera.” Send her email at

1958 Gayle Chapman Crawford, BA, lives in Omaha and is retired after serving as a media librarian with Creighton University’s Reinert Alumni Library. She is active in her hobby of color painting and as a volunteer with the Open Door Mission.

All Smiles From the Fall 1971 Breakaway yearbook

erhaps it’s true that “smilin’ faces, sometimes they don’t tell the truth,” just as the song says. Undisputed through it may be, the truth remains that these faces have been around Midwesterners since early summer. The fad is dying, some say. The campus and its students have been smiled to death in the form of purses, playing cards, teeshirts, puppets, pillows, necklaces, rings and almost anything merchandised in our local stores. KOIL displays the likeness on their Good Guy Hitline survey sheets and on their “Have a Happy Day” bumper stickers. King’s Food Hot and Hinky

1959 Virgil L. Danielson, BGS, lives in Enterprise, Ala., and sends this letter: “I am a 1959 gradu-

ate under the United States Army’s Bootstrap Program. I and several other officers in the Army were the first to attend the University under this program in the Fall of 1958. We were given a six-month permissive travel authorization to attend the university by being able to qualify for a degree within a six-month time frame. We were paid our regular military pay and paid all fees attendant to enrollment. It was a great program, both for the Army and the individual. It Continued Page 42

Flashback File

Dinky both use the symbol locally to develop their own institutional advertising. Smiling face stickers and buttons have been a big seller. Even campus ministers the Rev. Leonard Barry and the Rev. Dave Kehret can be seen walking around campus with the glowing faces pinned to their lapels. On rare occasions the bootstrappers have been known to replace the “America, Love It or Leave It” sticker on their briefcases with a smiling face or two. “I’m sick of the faces,” said junior Rosemary Hilgert. “They’re plastic and they demand a plastic response.” Many other students predict that the seeming smiles will smother in their hypocrisy. Despite the supposed artificial picture painted by these smiles, the fact is that these happy little faces have proven to be actually useful for a number of UNO

students. “I use them in student teaching,” replied senior Paulette Connor. Paulette instructs 11 mentally retarded children in the Westgate Cottages for her student teaching assignment. “I have a smiling face puppet I use there for teaching language arts,” she continued, “and I use the stickers to put on the good papers my students turn in.” The buttons and stickers are also used in hospitals where many UNO students work to help boost patient morale. Whether or not the happy faces contribute to the cause of happiness around them or simply provide a commercial vehicle for new and successful products — it’s not known. But the response that they’ve received certainly indicates a desire for some type of happiness. Perhaps it’s just that warm feeling people like to experience upon seeing a “real” smiling face. Spring 2007 • 41

Class Notes

From Page 41

enhanced the promotion opportunities of those involved and contributed to the overall effectiveness of the military establishment. I was a newly promoted captain when in attendance and went on to retire in 1970 with 30 years of service as a lieutenant colonel. I seriously doubt that I would have had the opportunity to serve that long and reach that rank had it not been for the degree granted in 1959. I entered the Army in December 1940 as a 16-year-old high school dropout. Two of my classmates at UNO were promoted to general officer rank in the ensuing years. Lieutenant Jack Merrit earned four-star rank and Major Oliver Dillard earned two-star rank. I am acquainted with and served under several alumni who also advanced to general officer rank. I am a retired army aviator and served three tours of duty at the U.S. Army Aviation School and Center at Fort Rucker, Ala. Three of the commanding generals of that installation over the years were UNO alumni. Several other senior officers who are UNO alumni also live in the immediate area of Fort Rucker. I have lived here since my retirement in July of 1970.” 1963 Thomas Utts, BA, lives in Chula Vista, Calif., and notes that he recently published his

book, “G.I. Joe Doesn’t Live Here Anymore: A History of Clark Air Base, America’s Mighty Air Force Bastion in the Philippines.” The oral history (mostly via e-mail), is part of Utts’ Clark history project. That includes his Web site (zcap.freeyellow.com/clark.ht ml) and the Clark Air Base Scrapbook featuring photos sent in by former Clark veterans. Utts, retired from the Air Force in 1963, also is author of the novel “Korea Blue.” Send email to zcap@usa.net 1966 Mike Moran, BS, in December was honored with the United States Sports Academy’s Distinguished Service Award, given annually to those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to national or international sports through instruction, research or service. Moran is a sports and media consultant and director of communications for the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation after a long career as public relations executive for the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). Moran joined the USOC in 1979 after a decade as sports information director at the University of Colorado. He was the USOC’s chief communications officer and media spokesman for almost a quarter century and 13 Olympic Games. He retired in 2003 and became senior communications counselor for NYC2012, the organization

Lost Alums - 1961

Atsushi A. Miyamoto Edgar W. Moody John P. Moore Harry G. Morris Roger A. Morris John H. Morrison Leonard F. Morse William D. Moulton James E. Muldoon Herbert A. Munday Powell D. Murphy William J. Murphy Stancill M. Nanney Edward J. Neal Roger A. Neal Joseph F. Nelligan Robert V. Nelson Dennis R. Nicewander

42 • Spring 2007

William G. Nicholson Brent J. Norlem Lowell E. Oder Theodore L. Osborne George S. Ostrowski Douglas C. Otto Mitchell E. Pace Jimmie J. Painter Paul F. Paulsen Frances M. Pearson Charles L. Peek Joseph C. Pell Robert V. Pelletier Ray Pence Herman A. Perkins C. Robert Perry Max R. Pfanzelter George E. Pierman

Daniel L. Plevak William S. Poppleton Alton G. Post James R. Pottenger Aileen M. Powell John R. Prager Frank B. Preston Wilbur F. Price Mark J. Prody A. T. Pumphrey Emil T. Quast Leoncio Quinones Frank A. Rademacher Zacarias F. Rael Paul J. Raisig Helen Peabody Peabody Ramas Francisco J. Ramos

leading New York City’s bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games. He remains involved with Edelman Public Relations as a consultant in the firm’s sports and sponsorship division. Moran was sports information director at Omaha University from 1966 until joining Colorado. 1967 Gary D. Johnson, BA, lives in Topanga, Calif., and writes, “I have just published a book of poetry, ‘Head Trauma: Sonnets and Other Poems’ which was given a very good review by Kirkus Discoveries: ‘Witty and often irreverent,’ ‘acerbic yet playful,’ ‘funny, unassuming and thoughtful.’” Send Johnson email at gmsjohnson2002@yahoo.com 1968 Thomas Vaughn, BGS, lives in McMinnville, Tenn., and writes, “It’s hard to believe it’s been 38 years since I graduated from OU. My degree was a ‘gate-opening’ experience — one that led to the next level of a very successful and satisfying career in the United States Army. From mentors like Dr. W.C.B. Lambert I learned the value of lifelong learning. I retired from the Army as a colonel in 1988. Since then I’ve been very busy, doing whatever engaged my interests. I’ve been president & CEO of Bob White Music Inc. since 1990, an adjunct professor in political science and public speaking at

Motlow State Community College since 1988, and a talk show host for Clear Channel Radio and now for public radio. I also write a weekly newspaper column. Ironically, as a former infantryman, I’ve become an avid hiker in recent years. I look forward to returning soon to Omaha for a little urban hiking.” Send Vaughn email at tbvbwm@blomand.net 1970 Carl Lindberg, BGS, lives in Seattle and writes, “Hello to my BGS classmates! After graduating I went on to earn master’s degrees in urban affairs and business administration. I first enjoyed a career in city planning, finishing as the director of planning for two cities in the Pacific Northwest. After my city planning experiences I worked for the Boeing Company as an industrial engineer and later as a manager in management/organizational development work. I next worked for a university teaching in the United States, Europe and Asia helping to develop teaching skills for adjunct instructors. As I prepare for retirement, I’m doing consulting work and putting the finishing touches on our second home by Lake Chelan on the East side of the Cascade Mountains. Cheers!” Send emails to cal1advise@aol.com 1971 Bob J. Franzese, BA, lives in Norman, Okla., and writes, “I

Help us find these “Lost Alums” from the Class of 1961. Send news of their whereabouts to sgerding@mail.unomaha.edu

Ralph J. Rashid Anthony Raudelunas Roy E. Reed Ruth Rykhus Rhykus Morris E. Rickel Max E. Rigney Daniel W. Riordan Arthur J. Ritter John V. Roberts Henry M. Robinett Charles E. Robinson Howard Henry Roehr Murray J. Rose John D. Ross Charles J. Russ Gerald K. Russell John F. Sadler Ted J. Sanders

Wilburn L. Sanders Elmer P. Scalet William E. Scannell Roy E. Schauer Henry Scheingold Robert W. Schneck Neil C. Schroeder Norman C. Schroeder Herman E. Schubarth Norbert C. Schweikert Norman N. Semon Jack F. Senechal Richard G. Shank James T. Sharp Shirley M. Silgres Jerry Singer Wilfred F. Skinner Anderson Q. Smith

Carroll W. Smith Donald Smith Magnus L. Smith Elmer L. Somoskey Gerald T. Soukop Daniel Spelling Gerald J. Sperling Julius Spitzberg Donald M. Squier James E. Starkey Fred A. Stepanek G. H. Storm Donald F. Stratman Emily C. Cobb Stuart Klaus H. Stuecklen Edward L. Sullivan Carolyn Ann Svalina Leonard V. Svoboda

Thomas C. Taylor William D. Taylor Jacob A. Tenore Mildred N. Terry Mary J. Theodoroff William E. Tickel Wilbert A. Tieman Pedro W. Tirhdo Seiko Tokuda John N. Traylor Norman H. Trede Harry E. Trigg James T. Tuberty Robert F. Tugman Guy I. Tutwiler Harold H. Vischer Rowena Parks Voss Arlene Dergan Walker

UNOALUM

recently had published the third edition of ‘Youth Gangs,’ a book that is a general overview of youth street gangs in the United States and internationally. I am using it in my classes at the University of Oklahoma, where I am a faculty member in the department of sociology. The book is coauthored with Herb Covey, who teaches at the University of Colorado (master’s degree from UNO in 1975) and Scott Menard, a faculty member in the School of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University. ‘Youth Gangs’ covers gang theories and research; gender, race/ethnicity and gangs; gang intervention and prevention; gangs in western history; and, gangs around the world.” Franzese also earned an MA from UNO (1974). Send him email at franzese@ou.edu 1973 David Hittner, BGS, lives in Scottsbluff, Neb., and writes, “I am going to pharmacy tech through the mail and will finish a nutrition and physical fitness course for a certificate. Trying to get a master’s in general psychology on the Internet.” He also is taking piano and singing lessons and works at Johnson Cashway Lumber part time. 1974 Amy Dean, BSW, lives in Sacramento, Calif., and retired from state legislature staff work. She now does policy work in the youth development field. 1977 Richard G. Cummings, BGS, lives in Papillion, Neb., and is twice retired, first from the U.S. Air Force, then as a civilian technical security advisor. He and his wife, Susan, “are enjoying time with our children, grandchildren and volunteer activities.” Bob Henningsen, BS, lives in Des Moines, Iowa, and is married with four children. He is a w w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

Future Alums

Riley Marie Hill, daughter of Tricia (Malinowski, ‘97) and Kevin (‘96) Hill of Catonsville, Md., and granddaughter of John Hill (UNO Professor) of Omaha and Nancy Hill (‘99) of Warrenville, Ill.

Got a picture of your Future Alum? Send it as a print or in electronic format and we’ll post it on our website.

Clara Jane Barkley, daughter of Henry Clay Barkley III and Andrea (Burns, ‘86) Barkley of Huntersville, N.C., and granddaughter of Carolyn and Robert (‘76) Burns of Omaha.

Porter Roy Friskopp, son of Aron and Amanda (Herd, ‘00;’02) Friskopp of Omaha. Charlotte Rose Boardman, daughter of Tina (Padilla, ‘97) and Brent (‘96) Boardman of Maricopa, Ariz.. Brody Brandon Peterson, son of Angela (Meisinger, ‘95) and Kirk (‘95) Peterson of Omaha.

S P R I N G

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Sons & Daughters of UNO Alumni

Madison Lea Jones, daughter of Jill (Hovinga, ‘96) and Chuck (‘97) Jones of Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Izabella Nicole Vlasek, daughter of Karisa (Kane, ‘97,’99) and Scott (‘95,’99) Vlasek of Omaha.

Nathaniel Wayne Brinkley, grandson of Sharon and Jerry Vaca (‘71) of Duncanville, Texas.

Ada Lynn Wilkinson, daughter of Eric and Jlynn (Asher, ‘97) Wilkinson of Keller, Texas.

Jason Patrick Snow, son of Jay and Patricia (Quinn, ‘90) Snow of Omaha.

Owen Robert Elsasser and Lilly Mae Elsasser, twin son and daughter of Adam and Lisa (Winkler, ‘02, ‘06) Elsasser of Omaha.

Michael McLaughlin, son of Scott McLaughlin and Javine Horani (‘97) of Colorado Springs, Colo. Andrew Stephen Carlson, son of Tracy (Glass, ‘94) and Ed (‘94) Carlson of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and grandson of UNO Professor Robert Carlson.

Kieran Patrick Thompson, son of Chris and Kelli (Smith (‘97) Thompson of Omaha. Zachary Dean Hazelwood, son of Leitha and Michael (‘00) Hazelwood of Sandy, Utah.

Submit a Future Alum on the Web: 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).

partner with the Midwestbased consulting firm Smart Solutions Group Inc. Henningsen co-founded the firm five years ago and the company has grown steadily since its inception. It now is one of the most prominent economic and business development consulting organizations in the Midwest. Prior to starting Smart Solutions Group Henningsen spent more than 13 years with the Iowa Department of Economic Development as director of marketing and business development. The Web site for Smart Solutions Group is www.smartsolutionsgroup.net 1978 Patricia DeLancey, BS, lives in Lincoln, Neb., and was honored as a Nebraska Health and Human Services System (HHSS) Employee of the Year for 2006. At the time of her selection she worked in the financial services division for

HHSS. Her nomination reflected her commitment to ensure that constituents receive quality work and timely responses. During the 2006 Nebraska legislative session DeLancey had the responsibility to ensure that the HHSS fiscal notes process ran smoothly and that timelines were met. She currently works for the Nebraska Office of Public Health. Prior to working for Nebraska HHSS she was the executive director of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, a non-profit organization. Send her email at pd02559@alltel.net Robert Arp, MS, lives in Columbus, Neb., and is a high school principal with Lakeview Community Schools. He received the 2006 Nebraska Association of Secondary School Principals Distinguished Service Award. He and his wife, Wilma, also received the 2006 Project Extra Mile Education Award of

Excellence. 1981 Amy Lynn Frost, BS, lives in Las Vegas and recently published an article in the Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine. It was titled “Living your Purpose while Working Your Treatment” and is included in the Winter 2007 issue, which can be seen online at www.breastcancerwellness.org /magazine.html. Frost is CCO of Authentic Success Teams LLC and co-director of NAFE Las Vegas. Send her email at amy@amyfrost.com Bill Ojile, BSBA, lives in Englewood, Colo., and recently was named senior vice president-chief legal and compliance officer for Alta Colleges Inc., a Denver-based company that operates career colleges across the country. For the previous six years he had served Continued Page 44 Spring 2007 • 43

Class Notes

From Page 43

as senior vice president, chief legal officer and secretary for Valor Communications Group Inc. Send him email at bill.ojile@msn.com 1982 Sally Ball Rhys, MS, lives in Portland, Ore., and is the director of ethics and compliance at Portland General Electric in Portland, Ore. She writes that, “After successful years as an organizational psychology consultant, the ethics and compliance role — one of setting culture for a company — is a natural.” She also has earned certification as a coach specializing in career and ethics coaching. Send her email at sallyrhys@msn.com 1983 Patrick Stibbs, BA, lives in Omaha and is a marketing consultant for Connoisseur Radio. He is involved in Connoisseur’s planning of their new radio station, which will debut on 107.7 FM this summer. Stibbs also is the owner of On the Spot Productions, which for more than two decades has written and produced radio commercials for local, regional and national clients. Stibbs last year received three 2006 Nebraska Broadcaster Awards in commercial excellence and recently was recognized by the Omaha Federation of Advertising with its ADDY Award. The latter was given for Stibbs’ Simmonds Restaurant Management/Burger King commercials. Stibbs also has written two screenplays, a horror thriller (“The Call”) and a family film entitled “Ghost in the Graveyard” (based on an idea from his son Christopher). Stibbs currently is writing the screenplay “Spinks,” a project he is developing with former heavyweight champion Leon Spinks based on the boxing legend’s life. Patrick and his wife, Monica (‘84), last 44 • Spring 2007

September celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. They have three children, two of whom, Kathleen and Nora, attend UNO. Visit his website at www.onthespotradio.com or send Stibbs email at patrick@onthespotradio.com

1985 Donald A. Carlson, BS, lives in Parkersburg, W. Va., and is dean of corporate and community education/division chair for business and economics at West Virginia University at Parkersburg. Carlson, who also has an MBA from UNO (1988), takes his email at dac_dakota@yahoo.com Steve Miserez, BS, has published “Indictments on Life,” more than 300 short writings of thoughts, poetry, aphorisms and satire . . . “seen through the eyes of a world-weary police officer,” notes a press release from Dorrance Publishing Co. Miserez has a son, enjoys playing classical guitar and writes. This is his first book. Paul Currier, BA, lives in Scottsdale, Ariz., and recently was promoted to regional director of Daiichi Samkyo, a pharmaceutical sales company. Prior to joining DSI he worked for TAP Pharmaceuticals. He is married and has a daughter. John Ewing Jr., BGS, was one of five people honored with the City of Omaha’s “Living the Dream” awards presented on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Ewing is a Douglas County treasurer and a former deputy chief of the Omaha Police Department. He has been involved with various community organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, the Siena-Francis House, the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, the Holy Name Board of Education, YMCA and others.

Terry L. Rhedin, BS, lives in San Diego and writes, “Just wanted to let you know that I’m a girl. I was listed in the last magazine as a ‘he.’ No big deal. It’s happened to me all my life.” In a separate email she writes: “I just returned from Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, where I was the media operations chief and public affairs officer for the Humanitarian Over the Shore 2007 exercise. My team and I covered the movement ashore of nearly 400 pieces of equipment donated by the United States to Guatemala and Belize to help rebuild their infrastructure. Nearly 1,300 Army, Navy, Air Force, National Guard and Reserve participated.” Send Rhedin email at navydog@hotmail.com Dan McElligott, BSBA, recently became a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the top healthcare management credential as issued by the nation’s leading professional society for healthcare leaders. McElligott is chief operating officer for Saint Francis Medical Center in Grand Island, Neb. To obtain fellow status candidates must pass a comprehensive examination, meet academic and experiential criteria, earn continuing education credits and demonstrate professional and community involvement. McElligott joined Saint Francis Medical Center in 1995 after serving as controller of Parkview Community Hospital in Riverside, Calif. He held various posts of corporate responsibility before being named chief operating officer in 2003. 1987 Maxine Fawcett-Yeske, MM is an associate professor of music at Nebraska Wesleyan University. During a ceremony in Washington, D.C., in November she received the 2006 Professor of the Year Award for the state of

Nebraska from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and the Carnegie Foundation. FawcettYeske was cited for sharing her passion for music, for establishing the Nebraska Wesleyan World Music Concert Series, and for advocating for facilities and services for students with disabilities. The efforts contributed to establishment of the Students with Disabilities Staff Specialist position and the installation of an elevator in the Rogers Fine Arts Center on the Wesleyan campus. FawcettYeske also is the current recipient of an Ameritas Fellowship in support of her sabbatical research on the life and music of Olgivanna Lloyd Wright. Send her email at mfy@nebrwesleyan.edu 1988 Andrew S. Fox, MBA, lives in Manlius, N.Y., and writes that, “After 20 years in the corrugated packaging industry, I became president/CEO of NEEDS, Inc., an international mail-order catalog business based in East Syracuse, N.Y. NEEDS (www.needs.com) specializes in vitamins/supplements, environmental equipment such as air and water purification, and personal care items for chemically-sensitive individuals.” Send him email at andy@needs.com Jeffrey Helaney, BS, lives in Omaha. Last year he retired as the assistant chief of police with the Alliance, Ohio, Police Department. Currently, he is working as the Prevention System (ATOD) Services manager for Region 6 Behavioral Healthcare. Send emails to jeffreyhelaney@aol.com 1989 Karin Hjerpstedt, MS, lives in Omaha and is a realtor with N.P. Dodge. “I’m using my reading degree in more creative ways,” she writes. “Building a real estate business is a challenge for this semi-retired UNOALUM

S P R I N G school teacher. I welcome any seriously buying or selling clients.” Send her email at khjerpstedt@npdodge.com Richard L. Cummings, BS, lives in Waverly, Neb., and is a business analyst for Perot Systems. He also is continuing with his old car and video game hobbies. His wife, Natalie, is director of alumni at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Joe Worthing, BSBA, lives in Omaha and is executive director of Project Moses, a nonprofit organization. “This organization erects Ten Commandments monuments throughout North America on private Church grounds for public display. These monuments are funding the construction of a National Ten Commandments Memorial in Washington, D.C., similar in scope to the Jefferson Memorial.” Since April 2004 Project Moses has erected 265 of the 64-inch tall, 850-pound monuments on private property in 40 states and more than 10,000 Ten Commandments plaques in homes. The group also has partnered with Girls and Boys Town to make its Ten

Class Notes

Commandments curriculum available to parents and youth directors. Worthing also has started NEI Radio, a non-profit that builds Catholic radio stations. NEI also works with existing Catholic radio groups in the areas of development, marketing, imaging, programming and Web needs. It has clients throughout North America and now in Southern Sudan. Worthing also is on the board of the Omaha Conservatory of Music. He and his wife, Christine, have five children, all of whom are home-schooled. Send him email at jworthing@projectmoses.com 1993 George G. Gresham, EMBA, lives in Corpus Christi, Texas, and is an assistant professor of management and marketing at Texas A&M-Kingsville. He earned his Ph.D. from Old Dominion University. Send him email at george.gresham@tamuk.edu 1994 Traci Bosen, BS, lives in Las Vegas and writes, “Recently left one federal job for a position with Immigration,

Customs Enforcement.” Judy Jaben Epstein, BS, lives in Las Vegas and is an eighthgrade world geography teacher with Clark County Schools. She writes, “I earned my national board certificate of teaching. It is the teaching profession’s top credential. National board certification strengthens and reaffirms quality teaching strategies and represents the profession’s highest standards. I was part of UNO’s CADRE project for new teachers from 1995 to 1996.” Send her email at judyjaben@earthlink.net 1997 Javine Horani, BSBA, lives in Colorado Springs, Colo., and with her husband, Scott McLaughlin, welcomed their baby boy, Kian Michael McLaughlin, born Dec. 8. Send Javine email at jhobgyn@gmail.com 1998 Tugba Kalafatoglu, BA, lives in Istanbul, Turkey, and has been included in Who’s Who in the World 2007, an honor also accorded her in 2006. The honor distinguishes her as one of the leading achievers from

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around the world. Send her email at tugba@ tugbakalafatoglu.com 1999 Robyn Aerni Lammers, MS, was married to fellow UNO graduate Ross Lammers (‘03) in July 2006 at St. Stephen the Martyr church in Omaha. Robyn is a first-grade teacher in the Papillion LaVista school district and Ross is a first officer with American Eagle Airlines. 2003 Ross Lammers, BS, was married to fellow UNO graduate Robyn Aerni Lammers in July 2006 at St. Stephen the Martyr church in Omaha. Robyn is a first-grade teacher in the Papillion LaVista school district and Ross is a first officer with American Eagle Airlines. Nathan George, MPA, lives in Fishers, Ind., and writes that, “Since graduation from UNO in 2003 I’ve been busily engaged in public service in local government. I am currently the deputy town manager of Fishers(population 63,00), Continued Page 46

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________

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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?

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

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Spring 2007 • 45

Class Notes From Page 45

which was ranked the 24th Best Place to Live in 2005 by CNN’s Money Magazine (33rd in 2006). My wife and I have one son and one daughter and our son is a true Cornhusker born in Omaha.” 2004 Carla Ann Fellers, MA, lives in Guthrie, Okla., where she moved to in 2006. She and her husband, Phill, manage a multi-state sales organization. “We enjoy our acreage where the deer and the armadillos play. I continue to write, working on creative nonfiction,

In Memoriam 1934 Glendora McLean Glass Philip E. Heflin 1935 Ruth Wallace Ross 1937 Howard H. “Red” Nelson 1938 Francis J. “Frank” Crawford 1939 Elsie C. Stahmer Anthes Virginia F. Elfrink Jorgensen Eloise E. Johnson Westfall 1941 Mary K. Miles Brown 1942 Mary J. Egan Drewelow Walter J. Engel 1943 Patricia A. Thornton Larsen 1944 Alfred J. Eggers Jr. 1947 Eleanor R. Steinman Smith John C. Trude 1948 M. Lillian Bedell Myrton L. Parker 1949 Betty M. Gylling Blanke Dalone A. Pilger McKenna 1951 Winifred M. Tinley 1952 Harriette Finnell Deeds Robert D. Harwick 1953 Douglas D. Epperson Elton G. Greenwall Ruthe L. Griffith 1954 Margie Gendler Alperson James V. McCart 1955 Robert J. Randle 1956 Virginia B. McAleer Pierce Donald E. Summers 1957 Wilhelmina Myers Henry Jack F. Hubbard Jr McKenzie Francois J. “Frank” Saculla 46 • Spring 2007

illustrated memoirs and newsletters. Invite any writers to contact me; I am looking for writing partners.“ Send her email at cafellers@msn.com

2005 Buck Rasmussen, BS, lives in Bennington, Neb., and takes email at unomav67@yahoo.com

Liberal Youth (IFLRY). He is a representative to IFLRY through the Young Democrats of America (YDA), where he serves as a national vice president and as a member of the YDA Board of Directors. Representing YDA and IFLRY has sent Leanna to 11 countries on three continents and to functions at the headquarters of the United Nations and the Council of Europe. Send him email at jeff@jeffleanna.com

Jeff Leanna, MPA, lives in Omaha and was named an editor of Libel: The International Political Journal of the International Federation of

2006 Philip C. Green, MPA, lives in Blair, Neb., and was elected to the executive board of the Nebraska City Management

Jake Dinan, BSBA, lives in Omaha and takes email at jdinan@saionline.com

1957 Joan R. Schroeder Kenneth W. Ryker 1958 Martin H. Gureasko Bettie L. Hadley Robert G. Ingraham A. Keith Logsdon 1959 Robert A. Bathke William A. Harriman III 1960 Ruby M. Otten Huebner Harry W. Protzeller Robert L. Smith Artur Villup 1961 Vaughn G. Evans John C. Faurot James E. Freestone Joseph W. Gause Jr Norbert Gonzales Roland W. Graham Roy E. Gudmundson Stanley C. Hack Jr. Paul H. Hagerty Jr. Herman J. Hale James M. Hall William V. Hamilton John C. Hansen Harold G. Hartley Bobby R. Heath Milo D. Hedges Robert T. Higdon Floyd D. Hoefler James H. Jackmond Louis L. Jacobs Jr. Albert Johnson Jack H. Johnson Mina D. Johnson Robert E. Jordan Calvin H. Kehn Leonard Kimmick Jr. Charles W. Lindquist Jr. Albert R. May Jr. Edward S. May Eleanor Hepfinger Penney Phillip H. Smith Sr.

1961 Milton Herman Werner Harry E. Trigg 1962 Virgil R. Greany Max L. Lake Elmer L. Leinaar Curtis F. Livingston George W. McAnelly William H. Rice Richard K. Stewart 1963 Robert L. Dorman Lura B. Riggle From Royce H. Gregory Frederick W. Johnsen Albert F. Johnson John W. McClain Robert E. Whitbeck 1964 Boyd W. Greene George K. Miller William H. Nelson Charles L. “Larry” Ortman George E. Williams 1965 Don W. Heisley John R. Barclay Norman B. Hemingway Sr. James “Lee” Mutum Richard W. Goode H. Keith Richey 1966 Robert E. Budine Nancy C. Lunsford Gillis Lorayne M. Griffin Frank E. Nocita Leon A. Smith Harvey O. Sweeney 1967 Lois M. Kirkpatrick Vala William Sterling 1968 Franklin G. Pierce Norman H. Runge 1969 Linda B. Baker William R. Loomis Douglas Pfenninger Philip A. Sterling 1970 Philip H. Jacobsen

Association as secretary/treasurer during the association’s midwinter conference in February. Send emails to PCGreen@ci.blair.ne.us Andrea Olejnik Simmons, BGS, notes that after graduating she and her husband moved to Ramstein, Germany, where her husband is stationed in the Air Force. “I am currently working at the community college as a counselor. I am also an instructor for a program that introduces Americans to Germany, its customs, language and traditions.“

1970 Dorothy L. Henningsen Herman R. Johnson 1971 William H. Dodd Leo J. Gauvreau Gary L. Krebs 1972 William E. Parks Daniel C. Petersen 1973 Jay F. Johnson Howard J. Kensinger James D. Stanton 1974 John R. Demory Richard A. Kenny William S. Mitchell Raymond F. Robbins Josalyn N. Rutledge Lloyd A. Stromer 1975 David F. “Buster” Martin Dan (Dyer) Carthage 1977 William D. Esters 1978 Jerry G. Ball Michael L. Bonner Priscilla Gatchell Talle Douglas A. Plack Luber King Jr. 1982 Kevin J. Wallace 1984 Diane C. Caldwell Patrick M. Kucera Mark L. Magnusson David L. Petersen 1985 Margaret I. Lau Muhleka 1986 Ronald G. Herzinger 1987 Larry D. Kletke 1989 Mary Ann Pedersen Enslow Marilyn C. Brich Perez 1991 Sandra M. Richardson Kirchmann 1992 Janet Y. Shober 1994 Gregg A. Barth 1998 John C. Adams Dennis F. Snyder 2001 Leon C. Covell IV 2002 Erin P. Doll Kimberly Harris Black UNOALUM

UNO Century Club he UNO Century Club was inaugurated in 1973 with 44 charter members contributing to the UNO Annual Fund. Today, the Century Club features thousands of members each year. 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.

Christine M. Condon David P. Hawk Jonna L. & Timothy F. Holland Thomas & Ruth Marie Jamieson Hugo Kahn Stephen Brent Kass David H. Ludwig Martha Dean Miller Todd C. Mullen Michael J. Nolan Christie L. Olsen Kathryn A. Schwartz Judy L. Seeman Roger L. Sorenson Joseph & Debra Vetro Nancy J. Watson Wilson A. Young Jr.

Thanks to these upgraded Century Club donors! (Dec. 1 to March 9, 2007) To Diamond ($1,000 or more) Ilze Zigurs To Gold ($500 or more) Brian D. Asmus Vicki L. Beyer Sarah E. Birdwell Diane M. Cameron John E. & Janis K. Christensen Jarold & Gail Kohll Mary Kay Miller William M. & Diane Ojile Beverly S. Schaffer Deborah Smith Howell Dara J. Spivack

Gold ($500 or more) Wei Wu Silver ($250 or more) Nancy L. Austin Virgil V. Carlsen Sarah C. Huls Rebecca Lewis Sherry P. Nguyen Bronze ($100 or more) Dr. Georgina Anderson Drauer Neil D. Apker Dale R. Barnes Joseph H. Batorski Robert L. Berry Patrick J. Buckley Tom & Deb Burchard Frederick W. Cherota James H. Conley William E. Conley Ltc. (Ret) Richard E. Crotty John P. & Marilyn J. Curran Lana Danielson Amy T. Dean Evelyn F. Dugger Barbara L. Edgar Robert L. Egermeyer

Welcome to these first-time Century Club donors! (Dec. 1 to March 9, 2007) Platinum ($2,500 or more) Thompson H. & Jane E. Rogers

To Silver ($250 or more) Charles C. Barbera

2007 UNO Annual Fund Donation Form

1- Giving level q q

2- Tax-deductible gift information (select one)

Change Maker $50 or more

Check enclosed for $

Bronze Century $100 or more

PLEDGE: Bill me for $

q Silver Century

$250 or more

q Golden Century $1,000 or more

my gift of $

Visa

through my:

MasterCard

3 - Complete Name and Address Name__________________________________________________________________

Address________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip____________________________________________________________

Discover Expiration Date:____/_____ Phone__________________________________________________________________

Card No.:

$2,500 or more $___________

The UNO Annual Fund: Serving UNO since 1953

. month

q Platinum Century q Other

Gary W. Lemons Joseph R. Lengyel Marsha K. Marron Marvin Nevins Sheppard E. Perkins Scott D. Peterson Lois A. Peterson Jeffrey & Elizabeth Reher Harrison & Nancy Rider Thomas F. Roth Sheila A. Ryan Scott A. Schmidt Magnus R. Schuldt Richard H. Sheumaker Kenny Smith Karyl L. Smith Richard & JoAnn Smith Donald A. Spooner Jason R. Thomas Wayne & Mary Claire Wagner Sol L. Weinberg Dean Williamson Ruth E. Wisner Michael C. & Monica A. Yankus Lawrence J. Zahn

As you wish it to appear in the Annual Report

q I authorize the UNO Alumni Association to collect

$500 or more

q Diamond Century

. Payable to UNO Annual Fund.

Joseph Engelbert Barbara A. Fried Robert M. Gallerane Ann E. Godwin Amanda S. Hahne Timothy J. Hall Eric R. Hansen Lucille E. Hansen Donna & Randy Hathaway Russell F. Heins Anne E. Hellbusch James A. Herman Michael T. Hesser JoAnn K. Hicks William H. Hill Alan & Sally Hoss Donald R. Hotz, Jr. Keith & Deirdre Hunter Kathleen Jamrozy James Kasperbauer Peter Kink, Jr. Daniel F. Klepper Donald R. Kotrc James L. Kreger Scott R. Kubie Jackie & Trent Larson Gary R. Leavitt Kathy Leinenkugel

E-mail: _______________________________________________________________________

Signature

Thank you for being a Change Maker and supporting UNO! Remember, yo ur gift is t ax-ded uctible.

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

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q Yes q No

Spring 2007 â&#x20AC;˘ 47

Be a Change Maker

2007 UNO Annual Fund

More than 500 UNO students traded sandy beaches for hammers and paint brushes this spring break, refurbishing six homes in north and south Omaha as part of UNO’s “Seven Days of Service.” Even while having their own lives changed, UNO students are changing lives, too.

Who changed your life during your days as a UNO student?

Many graduates point to their education at UNO as a life-altering time of personal, intellectual, social, political and professional development.

You can help change the lives of today’s UNO students. Please, Be a Change Maker today by contributing to the 2007 UNO Annual Fund. For more information see the envelope attached inside or visit www.unoalumni.org/give_to_uno

University of Nebraska at Omaha Alumni Association 6705 Dodge St. Omaha, NE 68182-0010 Address Service Requested

2007 UNO Annual Fund

Be a Change Maker

Tel (402) 554-2444 Toll-free, UNO-MAV-ALUM www.unoalumni.org NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #301 OMAHA, NE