UNO Alum - Summer 2007

U N I V E R S I T Y

O F

N E B R A S K A

A T

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

Summer 2007

Mountain Man UNO Geology Professor Jack Shroder combines discovery with daring and dĂŠtente

also inside: John Christensen named UNO’s 14th chancellor.

Join KING HENRY and his BAND OF BROTHERS at the annual

Shakespeare on the Green Alumni Picnic Thursday, July 5

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Picnic: 6 to 7:15 p.m.

Performance: 8 p.m Thompson Alumni Center (rain or shine)

oin the UNO Alumni Association Thursday, July 5, for the Shakespeare on the Green Alumni Picnic followed by a performance of “King Henry V.” Cost is $12 per person. Here's the lineup: • Picnic Buffet (Chicken, BBQ pork, potato salad, baked beans, cole slaw, cookie, beverages).

• Reserved spot “down front” at the play.

• Reserved parking near the Green.

• “Henry V” preview by UNO Professor Cindy Melby Phaneuf, co-founder/artistic director of Nebraska Shakespeare Festival (NSF).

• Satisfaction knowing part of your fee helps underwrite a donation to the NSF.

“H e n r y V” Synopsis: The young King Henry leads a small but gallant band of soldiers into a slow and arduous war across the French countryside. At the Battle of Agincourt the English faced a French army that outnumbered them five to one. How heavy the crown for young Henry as he rallies the courageous “band of brothers” toward the ultimate challenge and glory.

To register, complete form and remit with payment. Questions? Call Sheila King at 554-4802 or e-mail sking@mail.unomaha.edu

“HENRY V” SHAKESPEARE ON THE GREEN UNO ALUMNI PICNIC REGISTRATION -- Submit by June 30!

Name

Phone

Address

Email

City

State

q I (we) will attend “Henry V” AND the picnic! q I (we) will only attend the picnic.

I have enclosed $ Charge my:

for

people to attend at $12 each. (Make checks payable to UNO Alumni Association).

q Visa q MasterCard q Discover.

Exp. Date ___ / ___ Names for Name Tags

Zip

Signature:

Card No.

Send to: Shakespeare Picnic UNO Alumni Association 6705 Dodge St. Omaha, NE 68182-0010

Contents

Summer 2007

On the cover:

College Pages

Profiling the career of longtime UNO Geology Professor Jack Shroder: Page 16. Photo courtesy Jack Shroder.

Education

Also: UNO Chancellor John Christensen with UNO Student Regent Alexander Williams, right, and Kyla Sanden, chief administrative officer for UNO Student Government.

Arts & Sciences

26-27

Youth on campus for summer blast.

28-31

The heritage of Allwine Prairie.

CPACS

32-33

Focus on college’s diverse alumni.

IS&T

34-37

Tech help wanted: students need apply.

CBA

38

Distinguished Achievement awards.

8

Editor: Anthony Flott

Features Christensen named chancellor

8

John Christensen is named UNO’s 14th chancellor, becoming the first UNO graduate to hold that post.

Tour guides

12

Longtime UNO figures Les Valentine and Oliver Pollak collaborate on a UNO photo history book.

LaCasa’s slice of UNO

16

12

20

Local pizzeria LaCasa boasts extensive UNO ties.

Making a difference while making a grade

22

UNO’s Service-Learning Academy provides lessons outside the classroom.

14

All in the family

39

Omaha’s Gehringer and Monico clans have made a UNO education family affairs.

Association Departments Alumni Association in Action

6

Deadline nears for UNO season hockey ticket drawing; Citation and Alumni Outstanding Teachings awards issued; Association begins outreach to young grads.

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Class Notes Updates from the school of hard knocks.

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Contributors: Leo Biga, Adam Bird, Tim Fitzgerald, Eric Francis, Tom McMahon, Wendy Townley, Melinda Wenner.

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; Business Manager, Brian Schram, 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, (402) 554-2989. 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.

Summer 2007 • 3

Letter from the

Dear Alum:

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Chancellor

ometimes, dreams do come true. Ever since arriving on campus as a faculty member 30 years ago, it has been my goal to serve this institution to the best of my abilities – a passion I know I share with the UNO community. Last fall, our collective desire to serve was put to test as the institution faced a crisis of confidence and trust, previously unknown in its proud history.

The road to recovery has been a long and, at times, difficult one. But, together, we’ve worked through many of those challenges, restoring traditional UNO values and moving the institution forward. I sincerely appreciate the support, vision and encouragement I’ve received during the past eight months as interim chancellor. Quite simply, we would not be where we are today without the combined efforts of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners.

It is indeed an honor and a privilege to be named UNO’s 14th chancellor, an appointment which I find at once both humbling and exhilarating. Humbling because I follow in the footsteps of leaders such as Ron Roskens and Del Weber, who laid the foundation for the modern UNO and for whom I have great respect and admiration. It is exhilarating because everyday I see new possibilities and exciting opportunities for UNO to serve and lead this community, state and region.

I truly believe that, as UNO prepares to enter its next 100 years, the best is yet to come. There is nowhere else I would rather be than at the helm of this great institution on the threshold of a new century of discovery, teaching and learning.

The future offers us unique opportunities and challenges to reach out to our students and community as never before. Now is the time to “think outside the box” or, as I’ve suggested, build a new box. I will encourage the entire campus community and our supporters to share their thoughts on how UNO might approach its important responsibilities to serve students and the community more efficiently and effectively. At the same time, work will continue or begin immediately to: • Organize search committees to fill several key administrative roles, including the vice chancellors for Business and Finance and Academic and Student Affairs; • Explore the feasibility of expanding our academic offerings and operations to encompass a full 12-month schedule; • Develop the enormous potential available on the Pacific and Center Street campuses; and, • Expand our partnerships with our various constituents, including business, industry, education, social services, the arts and public policy.

Since my appointment, I’ve been genuinely moved by the offers of support and assistance from the campus, the community, and our alumni.

Your good wishes mean more than you could ever know.

Now it’s time to roll up our sleeves, continuing our work for this institution about which we care so deeply. Thanks for everything you do, everyday, to make UNO a place we are proud to call our own. Let’s get started . . .

Until Next Time,

Campus SCENE

Photo by Tim Fitz gerald

Under Construction CPACS finally is getting its own home. The College of Public Affairs and Community Service will occupy the former Engineering Building after extensive renovations and additions costing $18.7 million. Construction on the building began earlier this spring and is expected to be completed by August 2008. See details at www.unomaha.edu/cpacs/building

John Christensen, UNO Chancellor

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Summer 2007 • 5

Alumni Association in Action

he UNO Alumni Association kicked off a new outreach to younger alumni on May 16, hosting a Young Alumni Dinner at the Thompson Alumni Center.

The gathering included more than 30 young alumni who share the association's interest in attracting young alumni and expanding opportunities for them.

The group met in roundtables to discuss the events and activities through which that might happen.

It shared those insights with association President & CEO Lee Denker, Director of Activities Sheila King and board member Jamie Herbert of Union Pacific Railroad.

"This group of dynamic leaders is on a mission to create the finest young alumni program around,” Denker says.

“Their enthusiasm for UNO and their level of energy are contagious."

Of the association’s 80,000 living graduates, 45 percent are 40 or younger, including 29 percent who are in their 30s.

Participants at the meeting established a Young Alumni Steering Committee that will develop a young alumni involvement plan for implementation in 2008. The group next will meet in June.

"It was very clear from all in attendance that young alumni are eager for opportunities to remain involved with UNO,” says Denker.

“Our Young Alumni Steering Committee is excited to get to work and make that happen."

Young alumni interested in joining the association’s outreach efforts should contact Activities Director Sheila King at sking@mail.unomaha.edu or call her at (402) 554-4802.

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First National’s Hart receives Citation he UNO Alumni Association bestowed its Citation ber for the boards of Opera Omaha, the Nebraska State for Alumnus Achievement upon Timothy D. Hart Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Nebraska during the university’s spring commencement May Bankers Association. He also has served as state presi4 at the Omaha Civic Auditorium. dent, multistate director and chair of the national planHart, senior vice president and treasurer of First ning committee for Financial Executives International, an National Bank of Nebraska (FNN), received a bachelor’s organization with more than 15,000 CFOs and treasurers. degree in business administration from UNO in 1980.

Currently, Hart is national chair of legislative policy for The Citation, inaugurated in 1949, is presented at FEI’s Private Companies group. each UNO commencement. The association’s highest Hart is past chair of the Nebraska Tax Research honor, it encompasses career achievement, community Council and the Nebraska Choral Arts Society, and is a service, involvement in business and professional associpast board member of the Salvation Army, United Way of ations, and fidelity to UNO. Association President Lee the Midlands Allocations, the Committee to Study Denker presented the award to Hart, the 143rd Citation recipient.

“Tim Hart is truly deserving of the Alumni Citation because he has not only distinguished himself through a very successful banking career, but he also serves UNO and his community in so many meaningful ways,” said Denker.

With more than $16 billion in assets and millions of customers across the United States, First National of UNO Chancellor John Christensen, far left, joined Association President & CEO Lee Nebraska is the largest privately held bank holding com- Denker, far right, to present the Citation for Alumnus Achievement to Tim Hart.

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pany in the United States. Hart joined FNN in 1983 and has held several positions, including chief financial officer, treasurer, corporate secretary and division head. He joined the Board of Directors of First National Bank of Omaha in 1998 and served until December 2006.

Hart’s service outside FNN is extensive. He is a mem-

City/County Merger, and the Governor’s Commission on Welfare Reform. He and his wife, Debbie, a 1979 UNO graduate, are active in the Omaha community and have chaired several fundraisers. The Harts have three children. A California native, Hart attended Westmont High School in Campbell, Calif.

Hockey ticket promotion ends June 30

ll UNO Annual Fund donors who contribute an unrestricted donation of $50 or more by June 30 will be entered in random drawings for pairs of 2006-07 UNO season hockey tickets. Three winners will be selected.

The UNO Alumni Association has added two other random drawings to its 2007 UNO Annual Fund campaign. All donors (unrestricted) of $50 or more also will be included in these drawings: • Grand Prize Drawing — $1,000 gift certificate to Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts.

• Seven First Prize Drawings — Omaha Steaks Gift Packages ($268 average retail value each).

All donors receive the UNO Alumni Card, which provides various benefits and discounts. Century Club donors of $100 or more also receive various mementos corresponding to giving level.

Qualify for the drawings today by completing the donation form inside the attached envelope and returning it to the Alumni Association with your gift.

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UNOALUM

Tim Fitzgerald, University Affairs

Association kicks off Young Alumni Initiative

News, Information & Activities

Shakespeare on the Green Alumni Picnic set for July 5 oin the UNO Alumni Association Thursday, July 5, for the 21st Shakespeare on the Green! The Association is hosting grads and friends for a picnic, followed by a performance of “King Henry V.” Cost is $12 per person.

Here’s the lineup: Picnic: 6 to 7:15 p.m. (rain or shine) at the Thompson Alumni Center Performance: 8 p.m.

All for just $12 per person! Here’s what you get: • Picnic Buffet in the Thompson Alumni Center: Chicken, BBQ pork, potato salad,

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Tim Fitzgerald, University Affairs

Performance Synopsis: The young King Henry leads a small but gallant band of soldiers into a slow and arduous war across the French countryside. At the Battle of Agincourt the English faced a French army that outnumbered them five to one. How heavy the crown for young Henry as he rallies the courageous “band of brothers” toward the ultimate challenge and glory.

baked beans, coleslaw, cookie, beverages.

• Reserved spot “down front” at the play.

• Reserved parking near “The Green.”

• “Henry V” preview by UNO Professor Cindy Melby Phaneuf, co-founder/artistic director of Nebraska Shakespeare Festival.

• Satisfaction knowing part of your fee helps underwrite a donation to the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival.

To register, complete the Shakespeare Registration Form on page 2 and return with payment by June 30. Direct questions to Sheila King at (402) 554-4802.

From left, Neal Grandgenett, Dora Matache, Gary Krause, Jody Neathery-Castro, Ann Fruhling, Lisa Sample and Barbara Pickering. Phani Tej Adidam not shown.

2007 Alumni Outstanding Teaching Awards issued he UNO Alumni Association marked the 11th year of its Alumni Outstanding Teaching Awards program when it presented the honor to nine faculty members at the UNO Faculty Honors Convocation Breakfast April 12.

Association President Lee Denker presented the awards, established in 1997 to honor distinguished teaching in the classroom. Peer committees in each college chose recipients, each of whom received a $1,000 award. Denker presented recipients with commemorative tablets during the convocation breakfast in the Milo Bail Student Center. With the 2007 awards the association has issued $95,000 in AOTAs since the program’s start in 1997.

Bios of the 2007 AOTA recipients follow.

Phani Tej Adida m, marketing and management, College of Business Administration.

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Randall Adkins, political science, College of Arts & Sciences.

Ann Fruhling, information systems and quantitative analysis, College of Information Science and Technology.

Neal Grandgenett, teacher education, College of Education.

Gar y L. Krause, civil engineering, College of Engineering.

Dora Matache, mathematics, College of Arts & Sciences.

Jody Neather y-Castro, political science, College of Arts & Sciences.

Barbara Pickering, communication, College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media.

Li sa Sam ple, criminology and criminal justice, College of Public Affairs and Community Service.

Recipient biographies can be seen on the association's Web site at www.unoalumni.org/awards

Summer 2007 • 7

University News

Christensen tabbed as UNO’s 14th Chancellor

niversity of Nebraska President James B. Milliken on May 8 announced the appointment of Dr. John E. Christensen as UNO’s next Chancellor, doing so at a press conference in the Thompson Alumni Center.

Christensen becomes the 14th chancellor in the university’s 99-year history but the first UNO graduate to lead the institution. He earned a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from UNO in 1974. Christensen, 58, has been interim chancellor since September 2006 following the resignation of Nancy Belck from that post. He was chosen after a national search chaired by College of Arts & Sciences Dean Shelton Hendricks. The appointment was approved by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents May 18.

“Over the past eight months, John has demonstrated integrity and openness and has provided energetic leadership for the campus,” Milliken said. “It's clear that John Christensen loves UNO, and he has an ambitious vision for its future. He has outlined objectives which will ensure that no time or momentum is lost at UNO. “We had an impressive group of candidates and four outstanding finalists for this position, reinforcing what we all know: that UNO is • See page 4 for Chancellor Christensen’s address to UNO an excellent institution with enormous potential.” alumni Christensen has spent his entire academic career at UNO, beginning in 1978 as a faculty member in the College of Education's • Read a previous UNO Alum department of special education and communication disorders. He feature story on Chancellor subsequently served as chair of that department for 12 years. He was Christensen and other stories at www.unoalumni.org/Christensen dean of the College of Education from 1998 to 2003 and vice chancellor for academic and student affairs from 2003 until his appointment as interim chancellor.

Christensen received his bachelor's degree in speech and communication from Dana College and his Ph.D. in speech-language pathology from the University of Kansas. He has been active in Omaha community affairs and in national professional organizations related to his academic field.

A graduate of Omaha Benson High School, Christensen and his wife, Jan, have three adult sons. All three are UNO graduates.

Tim Fitzgerald, University Affairs

Longtime UNO figure elevated from interim status

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University Chancellors, 1908 - 2007 1909-1927 Dan i el Jen ki n s Born in England, 1866. An ordained Presbyterian minister, he was a gifted orator and began teaching at the Omaha Theological Seminary in 1900.

Nine years later he became founding president of the University of Omaha, retaining that position until his death in 1927.

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I n t e r im W. Gil bert James Came to University of Omaha in 1919 as a dean. Was acting president three times (1926-27; 1928; 1930-31) and in 1933 became dean of the newlycreated School of Fine Arts.

Held that post until 1937 then was head of English department until retiring in 1948.

1927-1928 K a r l W ett sto n e Born in Genoa, Italy, in 1893, the son of a missionary.

Also an ordained Presbyterian minister. Replaced Jenkins as OU president in 1927 but left after one year to become pastor of the Bethany Temple Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia.

1928-1930 Ernest Emer y Born near Sedalia, Mo., around 1888.

Ordained minister of the United Brethren Church; with wife served as missionaries for three years in British West Africa.

President of York College in Nebraska from 1927 to 1928. until becoming University of Omaha president.

Top: Christensen’s warm welcome included an embrace from his wife, Jan. Middle: UNO Wrestling Coach Mike Denney was on hand with a warm greeting, too. Bottom: Numerous media attended the appointment conference.

1931-1935 Wi l l ia m S e al o c k Born in Rural Dale, Ohio, in 1877. Dean of Univ. of Nebraska’s Teachers College before appointment in 1931 as first president of what became the Municipal University of Omaha. Remained president until committing suicide in 1935.

1935-1948 Ro w l a n d Ha y n e s Born in 1878 in Worcester, Mass.

Served on President Hoover’s Organization for Unemployment Relief and in 1934 was appointed by President Roosevelt as Nebraska Relief Director. Oversaw university’s move from north Omaha campus to present location.

1948-65 P h i l li p M il o B ai l Born in 1899 in Boonville, Mo.; Served in World War I. Held various educational posts, serving as president of Chevy Chase Junior College and dean of Butler University’s College of Education. Fourth longest-serving president with 17 years in that post.

UNOALUM

Information & Activities

President Milliken on Christensen’s appointment his morning I am announcing the appointment of the next chancellor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

I first want to thank Dean Shelton Hendricks, chair of the search committee, and the other members of the committee for their excellent work. I also want to thank all of you — the faculty, students and staff of UNO and members of the community — who participated in this process.

You attended events, asked good questions, and provided me with valuable advice.

Most of the comments I received first acknowledged the outstanding job John Christensen has done as interim chancellor.

People praised his integrity, openness, values, and poise under pressure. They expressed gratitude for the work John has done to get UNO quickly back on track and make sure that morale and momentum were not lost. Without question, we all owe John a debt of gratitude for his service to this campus over the last year.

After all this advice, conversation, referencing and deliberation, I am quite confident in my decision to name John Christensen chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

UNO has great momentum and is very well poised for the future. The success over the last decades has positioned the campus very well. The new physical development of the campus will be transformational, and it is one of the most important opportunities in the life of this institution.

And while bringing in new and fresh ideas is very valuable, I think John’s grounding in Omaha and

Tim Fitzgerald, University Affairs

The following is condensed from an open letter University of Nebraska President James B. Milliken wrote to the UNO community on May 8.

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1965-1967 Leland Traywick Born in Okmulgee, Okla., in 1915.

President of Southwest Missouri State College from 1960 until resigning in 1964. Fired by the Municipal University Regents, in part because of his opposition to the university joining the University of Nebraska system.

1967-1971 K i r k N a y lo r Born in Kansas in 1918. Came to University of Omaha in 1960 as dean of administration and professor of educational administration. Became last OU president in 1967 and first UNO chancellor after merger. Returned to teaching in 1972 until his retirement.

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NU President James Milliken makes way at the Thompson Center podium for John Christensen after announcing his appointment as UNO’s 14th chancellor. on the campus, the high regard in which he is held on campus and in the community, his values and his well-known commitment to UNO will allow him to continue to make important decisions immediately about the future of the campus.

During the interviews and in our private conversations, John has outlined an impressive set of objectives, some of which will ensure that there is new thinking and energy brought to bear right away.

By taking the position immediately, John will be in a position to commence a national search right away for his replacement as vice chancellor

I n te r i m J o hn B l a c k we l l Born in Yale, Okla., in 1919. Came to OU in 1957, eventually becoming dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Was interim chancellor in 1971. Returned to deanship for several years beginning in 1972, then to teaching.

1972-1978 R o n a l d Ro s k e n s Born near Spencer, Iowa, in 1932.

Beginning in 1959 held several positions at Kent State Univ., lastly as executive vice president for administration.

Became UNO chancellor in 1972, serving until he became president of the University of Nebraska system.

for academic affairs — a key position and an essential partner with him in leading the campus.

The same is true for the position of vice chancellor for business and finance.

And the list goes on. John and I have discussed his “punch list” for the next 30, 90, and 180 days, and I am pleased and excited that we will not only not miss a beat, we will significantly advance the campus with a set of decisions and initiatives.

I am grateful for John’s service, but more importantly, I am excited about his leadership for UNO in the future.

1977-1997 D e l b e r t We b e r First native Nebraskan to become UNO chancellor. Born in Columbus, Neb., in 1932. Held positions at Cleveland State University and Arizona State University, the latter as dean and professor of education. Served as UNO chancellor until retiring.

1997-2006 N an cy B el c k Born in Ruston, La. Held posts at the Univ. of Arizona at Tucson, Univ. of Tennessee, Central Michigan Univ., Louisiana State Univ. in Shreveport and Southern Illinois Univ., where she was chancellor. Was first woman chancellor of UNO until resigning in 2006.

2007John Christensen First UNO graduate to lead the institution as chancellor.

Has spent entire academic career at UNO, beginning in 1978 in College of Education's department of special education and communication disorders. Later chaired that department then was dean of College of Ed.

Summer 2007 • 9

University News

ore than 1,200 students received degrees May 4 during UNO’s spring commencement ceremony held at the Civic Auditorium.

Justin Ptacnik, a Blair, Neb., native, presented the student commencement address.

He received a bachelor of science degree in management information systems. Ptacnik will begin working in the Management Trainee Program at First National Bank following graduation and plans to pursue an MBA. The commencement ceremony also recognized Timothy Hart, senior vice president and treasurer of First National Bank of Nebraska (FNN) with the Citation for Alumnus Achievement Award. Read more about Hart on page 6.

Tim Fitzgerald, University Affairs

Commencement features 1,200 grads

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CBA students get high marks nationally NO College of Business Administration students performed near the top nationally based on recent standardized exams from the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

UNO MBA students ranked in the top 5 percent overall while undergraduates ranked in the top 15 percent.

“These scores are extremely gratifying for the college,” said CBA Dean Louis Pol. “Major Field Testing is a national benchmark, and this underscores the quality of our students and programs.”

ETS exams rank student achievement within a field of study to national comparative data. More than 170 UNO students enrolled in the final business course took the Major Field Tests.

Their average scores were in the top 5 percent nationally in accounting, finance, marketing and international issues sections.

Undergrad scores were ranked against 553 colleges and universities, including Rutgers, Texas A&M and Xavier University.

UNO’s 31 MBA students ranked in the top 5 percent nationally in all five sections of the exam: managerial accounting, finance, marketing, management and strategic integration. MBA scores were ranked against results from 109 MBA programs, including Clemson, Minnesota State University Mankato, Xavier and the University of Wyoming.

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10 • Summer 2007

Lindsey Zach, a graduate from UNO’s School of Communication, gets her special message across to her parents during the university’s spring commencement.

Maher, Abdouch receive awards he 2007 UNO Mary Ann Lamanna Award for Excellence in Women’s Studies has been awarded to Susan Maher, a UNO professor of English who nominators cited for “infectious enthusiasm, good sense, deep compassion and enduring feminism.” Maher received the award April 27 at the annual Women’s Studies Program luncheon.

The award recognizes extraordinary service to the UNO program in Women’s Studies and can involve teaching, research/creative activity or service.

Maher, recognized in all Maher . . . a UNO profesthree areas, often teaches sor since 1990. courses focused on female authors — from Jane Austen to Willa Cather to current writers — and encourages students to submit papers to major conferences. Of her students, one nominator noted, nine have continued into Ph.D. programs and numerous others have attended scholarly meetings.

The scope of Maher’s work includes conferences around the nation, a book chapter for “Jane Austen and Mary Shelley and Their Sisters,” and published articles ranging from Chicana writer Sandra Cisneros to children’s author Laura Ingalls to a variety of American West writers. She currently is working on a book-length study of Great Plains nonfiction writers titled “Deep Maps: The Literary Cartography of the Great Plains.”

Maher’s service has included 10 years on the UNO

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Women’s Studies Committee, chairing the “One Book/One State” initiative and serving on the Board of Governors of the Cather Foundation. In 2005 she became the first woman to chair the UNO English Department.

Ron Abdouch on Abdouch, executive director of the Neighborhood Center for Greater Omaha, received the B’nai B’rith Award for his leadership and coordinating role in “Address It Now,” a public safety initiative that assists homeowners post visible addresses on their residences.

He received the honor at the National Safety Council Awards luncheon May 17.

The Neighborhood Center, established in 2001, is a non-profit organization that provides information and assistance to neighborhood associations to enable them to come together and develop their own leadership and decision-making structure and effectively address issues affecting the quality of life in their communities. It is associated with UNO’s College of Public Affairs and Community Service.

The “Address It Now” campaign started last year in six neighborhoods and focused on increasing the proportion of properties with visible house address numbers to improve public safety. The project came about after the neighborhoods participated in Omaha Neighborhood Scan, a joint effort between UNO and the City of Omaha, which collected neighborhood information.

“Address It Now” in April also received an Omaha Community Excellence Award from the City of Omaha. “‘Address It Now” has been a great experience and makes a difference in the community,” Abdouch said.

“Having the campaign honored this way is very gratifying."

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UNOALUM

Information & Activities

Mavericks cap memorable season in College World Series One of the most memorable UNO baseball seasons in school history came to an end in Alabama one day after Memorial Day. There the Mavericks lost 4-2 to Cal State-Los Angeles, eliminating UNO from the Division II College World Series. UNO began the tournament with a 9-2 win over No. 3 seed Kutztown.

Defending national champion Tampa handed the Mavs a 9-2 defeat in UNO’s second game, however, forcing the final contest against Cal State. UNO finished the season 37-24 after making its first-ever appearance in the championship tournament.

Former SMU official assumes post in May

New Mav AD on the job

four years beginning in 1996. He was at SMU from 2000 until Jan. 1, 2007.

Miller earned a master’s degree in sports administration from Ohio University and a bachelor of business administration from Regis University.

He also served in the U.S. Air Force from 1984 to 1995.

NO Chancellor John Christensen on May 17 presented David Miller as UNO’s new director of athletics beginning May 24.

The appointment was approved by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents at its meeting May 18.

“David has impressed us all with his thoughts on college athletics and the importance of placing the student-athlete front and center,” Christensen said at the news conference announcing Miller’s appointment. “David wants the students in his program to succeed both on and off the playing field.”

Miller, former associate athletic director at Southern Methodist University (SMU), replaces David Herbster, who announced his resignation last year.

Herbster came to UNO in 2005. Tom Frette, the UNO Athletic Department’s head athletic trainer, had served as interim athletic director since November.

“I’m excited about coming to UNO. The university has an excellent reputation for athletics and academics,” Miller said. “Being given the opportunity to lead a program like this is a wonderful and rare challenge.”

Miller’s athletic department experience began with the U.S. Air Force Academy program from 1989 through 1995. He then became an assistant athletic director at Truman State (Mo.) before moving to Ohio University for

On the job: David Miller took on his new duties as UNO athletic director beginning May 24.

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Tim Fitzgerald, University Affairs

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Summer 2007 • 11

Tour guides

BY LEO BIGA

TIM FITZGERALD, UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

Two longtime UNO figures team for a photo book taking readers through 100 years of UNO history

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NO history Professor Oliver Pollak looks at the life of his university and sees progress that is “positively relentless.”

Now Pollak can show others just what he means thanks to a new book he has co-authored to give readers a primer on the events and persons shaping the school over its nearly 100-year existence.

The book, simply titled “University of Nebraska at Omaha,” is part of Arcadia Publishing’s “Campus History Series.”

Text for the photo-rich work is mostly

by Pollak, holder of the Martin Chair in History at UNO. He’s taught at the school since 1974 and is the author of two previously published Arcadia books.

Selecting the 200-some images that illustrate the volume’s 128 pages largely fell to Les Valentine, a UNO graduate (BS 1972; MA 1980) who has served as university archivist since 1986. Calling on his deep knowledge of UNO history and his intimate familiarity with the thousands of images and documents in the Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library’s archives, Valentine provided Pollak the context needed to flesh out the narratives and personalities behind the pictures.

Longtime acquaintances, the authors at Pollak’s suggestion teamed for the book — their first collaboration — in the spring of 2006.

“It was fun working with Les,” says Pollak, who notes that each has been at UNO for a third of the school’s existence. “We would get together on Saturday mornings and pull tables together on the lower level of the library and spread out these pictures and mess

12 • Summer 2007

Pollak, left, and Valentine each have been at UNO for a third of its existence.

around with the order . . . what picture should be facing what picture. Les has been working the archives for so long he had stories and newspaper clippings to support the stories.”

Space issues meant only a small fraction of archival materials made the final cut. “It was a selection process,” Pollak says, adding that he and Valentine chose from among digital images, prints, slides and negatives. “There was a variety. We managed to get high-quality

images and I think they got reproduced very well.” Some choices, he says, “are forced by technology and ratios of width to height.” Enough good photos had to be left out that he and Valentine have toyed with the idea of doing a presentation of them. “There’s still some good images out there,” Pollak says. Or, as Valentine put it, “There’s enough to do four or five photo books, easy.”

Continued on Page 14 UNOALUM

Opposite page: The university’s technical institute featured a grounded P-47 Thunderbolt used for student instruction. The plane arrived on campus in 1944 and was scrapped nine years later, the Gateway reporting birds nesting underneath its fuselage. The photo is from 1949.

Top: The OU Cardinals opened their 1927 home campaign at a new football field, located at 24th Street and Ames Avenue and built with help from the North Omaha Business Men’s Association. OU lost its inaugural game there 20-0 to the Grand Island College Zebras. In commemoration of the field’s opening the Overland Tire Company donated a ball, dropped by a low-flying plane.

Left: The Ma-ie Day parade of 1946 featured an Alpha Sigma Lambda Float named “In War and Peace.” Parade judges included journalism department chair Robert Mossholder, far left, and Omaha Mayor Charles W. Leeman.

Photos courtesy the University of Nebraska at Omaha Archives. Information condensed from “University of Nebraska at Omaha.”

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

Summer 2007 • 13

From page 12 Among their favorites making the cut is the cover image of a circa 1971 campus life scene. It pictures a diverse group of students gathered for a concert outside Arts and Sciences Hall, then the administration building. The columned structure’s familiar cupola towers overhead. Pollak calls the photo “the iconic vision” of UNO. “It’s students spread out on the green, it’s 1971, it’s music, it’s diversity, it’s an urban university, it’s a school on a hill, it’s springtime. It was just a natural.”

Adding to its significance is the fact that the 1938 building was the first structure built on the present north campus.

Valentine likes the background cover image, composed of smiling student 14 • Summer 2007

faces and documenting a significant aspect of the school’s past. The picture is from a 1951 mill levy election victory party. During the institution’s municipal era from 1938 to 1968 funding hikes were at the whim of city voters. Often as not, elections went against then-Omaha University. Some students actively campaigned in these elections.

The authors agree on the milestone events in UNO’s history, each well documented in the book: • The school’s 1938 move from its original north Omaha site to the current main campus; and, • The 1968 move from the municipal model into the University of Nebraska system.

Just as the transition from municipal to state funding opened new horizons — including an expansion program that’s never really stopped — the university’s

Top: OU faithful gather at the Douglas County Courthouse for a football pep rally in 1955. The crowd included Gov. Victor Anderson, Mayor Johnny Rosenblatt and Miss Nebraska Sandy Speicher.

Bottom: OU President Milo Bail and Student Council President Ben Tobias unveil the new Philco 17-inch television installed in the student center in 1952.

severing of ties to its Presbyterian roots also ushered in new growth.

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The physical move to the new campus, Pollak said, was key to OU gaining accreditation by the North Central Association, another major event in the school’s life.

“You can’t live without accreditation.

It’s important because it’s sort of like a seal of approval,” says Pollak, who has published two other books with Arcadia: “Jewish Life in Omaha and Lincoln” and “Nebraska Courthouses.”

“You can’t live without a physical plant that’s attractive, just as you couldn’t live on Presbyterians alone.”

He said that the school achieved three major defining goals in the 1930s — to municipalize, to relocate and to be accredited — amidst the constraints and struggles of the Great Depression “is an accomplishment.”

Change runs through UNO’s history, but the authors say its mission of providing a quality higher-ed option to urban, working-class students has remained constant.

What may surprise readers? One thing the authors point to is how early in the school’s life that it welcomed women and racial minorities.

UNO’s latest sea changes, they say, include the addition of dormitories, the development of the south campus and the embrace of information technology.

Pollak says that the way the university adapts to its times “is like a breederreactor” — putting out an ever exponentially greater return than what it takes in.

UNO’s growth, while not always smooth, moves forward.

“Some hiccups, some burps, some setbacks, some waiting a little bit longer than you thought you would want to wait for innovation, and then crafting it in a way that fits Omaha,” Pollak says.

“Some people oppose it because it’s state funds, some because ‘They’re coming into my neighborhood,’ but it’s positively relentless.”

The book is replete with examples through photos documenting the university’s people, programs, activities, classes and rituals. From parades, athletic contests and commencements to groundbreaking ceremonies to visiting dignitaries to student protests to class/team photos to walks in Elmwood w w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

Top: Stumping for his brother, Robert F. Kennedy visited Omaha University’s campus on Sept. 23, 1960. The former “Snack Shack,” a physical education classroom at the time of Kennedy’s visit, was transformed into the “White House” for the day.

Bottom: Lambda Chi Alpha finds out how many members can fit into a Volkswagen in the 1970s.

Park, it’s all charted. Even life in those infamous annexes/Quonset huts.

Valentine says the book should appeal to a wide readership beyond alumni.

“Certainly people in Omaha should enjoy the book. It was their institution,

for years and years and years, and in fact it’s still their institution,” he says.

“We kind of grew up along with the city in many ways.”

The book is available online at www.arcadiapublishing.com and in bookstores.

Summer 2007 • 15

Science, peacemaking and a dash of adventure UNO Geology Professor Jack Shroder combines discovery with daring and dĂŠtente

By Melinda Wenner

COURTESY JACK SHRODER Shroder standing in front of K2 mountain, second highest on the planet at 28,253 feet altitude.

16 • Summer 2007

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with its makeup that he stole a piece of petrified wood. That “little infraction,” as he calls it, was the first manifestation of his love for geology.

Bigger adventures awaited after he completed his studies, which included a doctorate from the University of Utah in 1967. That same year he began working in East Africa, studying high-altitude “bog-burst” landslides on the Nyika Plateau while also mapping the Inselbergs (“Island Mountains”) and various Malawi geologic features.

He later was chosen to represent Malawi at an international geography conference in India. That prompted his first look at the Himalayas — a mountain range he describes as “bigger, better and faster” than the Rockies with plenty of geological phenomena for him to sink his teeth into.

When he returned to the United States from Africa in 1969 to recover from a bout of drug-resistant malaria, he joined the faculty of the University of Omaha. Longing to study the Himalayas, he joined Christian Jung in 1972 to form UNO’s Afghanistan Studies Center. Since then, and as a result of his many travels to the region, he has established himself as one of the world’s great experts on the geography and geology of Afghanistan, the Hindu Kush, the Western Himalayas and Pakistan.

That didn’t sit well with Mr. Shroder, though. “My dad One of his biggest discoveries came in 1983 while studying found out, and he went ballistic,” says Shroder. “He called me Nanga Parbat on the Pakistan-Kashmir border, the ninth highand said he didn’t pay for me to go to college for me to waste est mountain in the world. Working with Pete Zeitler from my life being a damn bum.”

Lehigh University, Shroder noticed that the mountain’s rocks Shroder reconsidered and completed his master’s in geolowere far too young, considering the depth from which they gy at the University of Massachusetts. At that point he fell in came, to be on the surface of the earth. That meant the rocks love with the discipline and “never looked back.” accelerated out of the earth Looking back now, it’s with faster uplift than virtuclear Shroder chose his path ally any place else in the wisely. His has been a career “Water crosses boundaries and world. of discovery, daring and Shroder and Zeitler realeven détente. A quarter-cenclimate pays no attention to ized that they were looking tury ago Shroder uncovered at a “tectonic aneurism.” The a new means by which boundaries. nearby Indus River was mountains radically form. causing such rapid erosion More recently he helped that “this aneurism squeezed identify Osama Bin Laden’s and up out of the ground whereabouts after 9/11, became Nanga Parbat,” making him the subsequent Shroder explains. This type target of death threats and a of mountain building had go-to for bounty hunters. never been known of before, Today he is promoting peace so “everybody got excited in a conflict-ridden part of U N O G e o l o g y about it,” he remembers. the Middle East.

P r o f e s s o r J a c k S h r o d e r Another round of attenShroder, says colleague tion came in 2001. In the and friend Richard Marston days after 9/11, when the from Kansas State United States was trying to locate Osama Bin Laden, a videoUniversity, has “worked in some of the most remote areas on tape of him was widely televised around the globe. “I was the planet” and is even today, at 67, “always looking for fresh watching it, and I yelled to my wife, ‘I know where that is! new adventures.”

That’s the west end of the Spin Ghar range in Afghanistan, just south of Jalalabad,’” Shroder recalls. He considered phonLove of Geology ing Washington to tell them, but “I didn’t think it mattered — That search and his love of the land began early. Shroder, I mean, everybody knew he was in Afghanistan.” who grew up in Vermont, recalls a family cross-country road Shroder casually mentioned to a colleague that he knew trip at the age of 8 to the Grand Canyon. So fascinated was he

Jack Shroder wanted to be a cowboy. And so it was that after graduating from New York’s Union College with a degree in geology, Shroder decided to forgo higher education for what he thought was his higher calling. “I bought a six shooter and cowboy boots,” he recalls. “The whole nine yards.”

We have scientific interests in ignoring the boundaries.”

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Summer 2007 • 17

1973 MAVERICK YEARBOOK Now one of UNO’s most well-known programs, the Center for Afghanistan Studies was founded in 1972 by Shroder and fellow UNO Professor Christian Jung. The center’s start was documented in the 1973 Maverick yearbook. From left: Shroder, Professor Harold Retallick, Professor Gordon Schilz and Jung.

where the video had been recorded. The next thing he knew, “all hell broke loose,” Shroder says. The press hounded him at his workplace and his home, and he became a point of contact for bounty hunters.

He also received a few threats vie email. “All similar in saying how did I think I was going to get away from whomever was noticing that I was threatening the ‘Great man, Bin Laden?’” Shroder recalls. “One threat came from somebody from the old USSR. Other threats came from places I could not identify. One threat came from Bodega Bay, Calif., and that guy got a visit from the FBI. But what happened after that, I never heard.”

The government advised Shroder to lay low and to avoid leaking detailed information to the media, and he followed their advice, all the while trying to help them track Bin Laden.

Ultimately the attempt failed, in Shroder’s opinion because the military refused to deploy enough troops to surround the area.

Strange Bedfellows?

Straddling the realms of science and politics isn’t uncommon to scientists working internationally, Shroder says, especially in countries with which the United States has relation18 • Summer 2007

ships. Science’s greatest potential in the political arena, he says, is in promoting peace. Because science requires multinational collaboration, it is in a sense, he says, borderless.

Geology is especially this way, he says. “If you’re tracking a good geological contact in the rocks, and you arrive at a political border, then you have to backtrack hundreds of miles and come around in a different direction just to get right back where you just were,” he says. “And, of course, water crosses boundaries and climate pays no attention to boundaries. We have scientific interests in ignoring the boundaries.”

The Siachen Glacier region near Kashmir is a good example. Since 1984, India and Pakistan have fought over territorial claims to the area. But when the Kashmir earthquake devastated the region in October 2005, Shroder realized just how important it was for Indians and Pakistanis to be working with, not fighting against, each other. So Shroder, along with Saleem Ali from the University of Vermont and Harry Barnes, the former U.S. ambassador to India, decided to build a “Science Peace Park” in the region.

It’s hoped that the park will allow scientists from both countries and other nations — including China, which has expressed interest — to collaboratively study geology, glaciology, landslides and the effects of climate change on the region.

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COURTESY JACK SHRODER Shroder in 2005 climbed to 15,400 feet at Concordia on the Baltoro Glacier in northern Pakistan. It stands in front of K2.

A group of multinational scientists, including Shroder, are meeting in October in Katmandu, Nepal, to discuss its plans.

The concept would link existing national parks in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India down along the whole of the Siachen Glacier over which Pakistan and India are fighting.

“The earth surface processes of glaciers, landslides, avalanches, catastrophic floods and the deep-earth processes of such unusual lift, however, make it a scientifically enigmatic place that many of us want to keep studying,” Shroder says.

“Hence, a science peace park because it is not worth fighting over and could be a place that will give us some answers to good scientific questions.

“The whole peace park idea is only an idea and has no physicality to it at all. In fact, some scientists don’t want anything at all to do with Siachen Glacier because it is such a dump — literally — of all the human waste, garbage, war trash, chemicals, etc., that have accumulated there as a result of the long-term combat.

“Ultimately, all of this in the Siachen ice will go into the Indus River drainage because it is a headwater area. In ice and permafrost areas, such contaminants do not break down because they are frozen. It should be cleaned up in this otherwise pristine place.” w w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

Working vacation Shroder currently is working on more concrete efforts, helping Pakistani and Afghan scientists maximize their countries’ land and water resources, as well as prepare them for earthquakes, by providing them with geological technologies and remote-sensing capabilities. He’s working in the high-altitude-related portion of China’s Monsoon Asia Integrated Research Studies (MAIRS) program as well.

“He’s one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever met,” according to Marston, who says that at scientific conferences Shroder rather than socializing frequently is seen sneaking off to his hotel room to finish proposals or to round up scientific meetings.

Even Shroder’s upcoming summer vacation is less of a holiday than most, seeming better suited to an adventuresome college kid than a 67-year-old scientist. He’s off to Steamboat Springs, Colo., but not to ski — instead, he plans to climb mountains in preparation for a busy autumn, which includes, in addition to his trip to Nepal, a trip to Kabul and a jaunt up part of Mount Everest.

“I’ve got a lot of stuff to do and I’ve got to get in shape to do it,” he says.

The six-shooter will stay at home.

Summer 2007 • 19

La Casa’s slice of UNO

Midtown icon LaCasa Pizzeria serves up extensive UNO ties

L

a Casa Pizzeria is the answer. The question? “What popular Omaha eatery was mentioned in a 2003 ‘Jeopardy’ episode?”

Here’s the behind-the-scenes connection: the question was asked by Jeopardy head writer and producer Gary Johnson, an Omaha native and UNO graduate. Johnson so loved La Casa’s pizza that he brought show host Alex Trebek to the midtown Omaha restaurant and developed an on-air question about Omaha that included the pizzeria’s name.

That kind of devotion probably comes as no surprise to the La Casa faithful, a following that began more than a half century ago — and that incorporates extensive UNO ties.

Pizza evolution Helen Patane’s immigrant parents, Joseph and Nellie Patane, started the pizzeria in 1953. Helen, who graduated from the University of Omaha with a sociology degree two years earlier, helped at the restaurant. Her four children, three of whom are UNO graduates, now run it. There’s Joel Hahn, who earned a BA in communications in 1978, Victor Hahn (BA, communications, 1981) and Nicole Jesse (BS, business administration, 1984; MBA, 1989). Fellow sibling Danielle Emsick, who attended the College of Saint Mary, also helps.

Joel’s son Brandon, a UNO junior, works at the restaurant part time.

It’s a family of restaurant veterans who began as anything but.

“The first night we opened we ran out of everything,” recalls Patane, whose Sicilian immigrant parents had never before operated a restaurant. “I remember we were all scampering around making the dough.”

She says her father traveled to New York City to get recipe ideas, returning to develop the thin-crusted, Romano cheese-covered pizza that remains La Casa’s signature item. “It evolved,” Patane says. “He added things and took them away.”

While the pizzeria serves a full range of Italian dishes, its unique pizza keeps generations returning to the 45th and Leavenworth streets location (a second La Casa was added at 8216 Grover St.).

“People who’ve moved away and come back for a visit say the first thing they do is come to La Casa,” says Nicole Jesse, general manager.

Joel Hahn, the restaurant’s business manager, says he’s traveled to numerous pizza trade shows throughout the country and has yet to find a product like La 20 • Summer 2007

Casa’s. “Pizza is a basic of our menu,” he says. “Our product is unique, and that is a big plus for us with all the pizza restaurants out there now.”

Assistant Manager Victor Hahn says the family’s pizzeria was the first Omaha eatery to specialize in serving dine-in pizza. “When we opened, it was us and Caniglia’s,” he says, referring to another longtime Italian restaurant.

Growing up LaCasa Patane grew up on Seventh Street near the Caniglia family in the city’s Little Italy neighborhood. Her parents didn’t speak English. “They couldn’t help me with school,” Patane says. “I had to change languages when I got home.”

She credits Central High School teachers and her UNO professors with helping her break the language barrier and attain her college degree. Patane, who took her maiden name after her 1967 divorce, initially used that degree to help children, spending four years as a child welfare worker before focusing her efforts on the family business.

Patane’s children grew up around the restaurant and began busing tables in their preteen years. “I got my first paycheck at 12,” Nicole Jesse says. “Nana (her grandmother Nellie) gave me pocket change before then.”

Jesse never quit the pizzeria, working part time after high school and through her UNO years. She says she considered leaving Omaha and La Casa to pursue her bachelor’s degree but, “I decided it would be stupid to go somewhere else as UNO had one of the best business programs around.”

Her decision to stay resulted in UNO educating yet another La Casa employee. Jesse met her future husband, John, while both were employed at the restaurant. “He got a full ride to Lincoln (UNL), but came to UNO. He blames me for his student loans,” she says with a grin.

Jesse’s husband wasn’t the last Maverick to spend time in La Casa’s kitchen. “We usually have four or five UNO students working for us at any one time,” Joel Hahn says. And the siblings are helping those employees

“We get a lot of old-timers from both UNO and Creighton who say this was a big hangout for them.”

Victor Hahn (BA, 1981), LaCasa assistant manager.

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From left: Joel Hahn, Nicole Jesse, Brandon Hahn, Victor Hahn and and Helen Patane.

reduce their student loan amounts, having initiated a tuition reimbursement program.

None of Patane’s children remember their family’s eatery being a big UNO hangout when they were on campus — Sortino’s and other 72nd St. establishments served that role.

“We get a lot of old-timers from both UNO and Creighton who say this was a big hangout for them,” Victor Hahn says.

He notes that the pizzeria went from being one of the only pizza joints in town to competing with a glut of fast-food and sit-down eateries serving the cheese-laden Italian pie.

“We are really more of a family restaurant,” Joel Hahn says.

La Casa is one of those places where the siblings see successive generations come through the front door. “People who came in as kids are now bringing their youngsters here.”

That’s how the pizzeria’s matriarch remembers it — and prefers it.

A matriarch’s pride Patane takes great pride in the fact that her four children and several grandchildren earn a La Casa paycheck — and that multiple generations continue to come for the thin-crusted pizza her father created more than 50 years ago.

The faithful include 1983 UNO alumna Ann Downey, an Alpha Xi Delta sorority sister of Jesse but never a La Casa w w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

PHOTO BY ERIC FRANCIS

patron until she and her family moved into a nearby neighborhood about 12 years ago. Now she and her family are regulars.

“We kept hearing about it from people in the neighborhood.

The food is excellent, the prices reasonable and the people are really friendly,” Downey says. “It is always crowded.

Sometimes we order carry out so we can enjoy the food and don’t have to wait.”

While Patane has officially retired from the restaurant business, she drops in regularly, experimenting with new recipes between tai chi classes, walks around the nearby University of Nebraska Medical Center indoor track and creating works of art. Patane designed the colorful pizza dough sculpture in La Casa’s foyer. She also created the pizzeria’s bruschetta mix and the creamy Romano salad dressing so popular with customers.

Joel Hahn encourages such kitchen creativity from his mother and other family members. He heads the restaurant’s marketing effort and says adding new menu items is critical to its continued success. That sentiment is reflected in one of his ad campaigns: “Nana’s favorite hits — some with a twist.”

“You have to try new things,” Hahn says. “We live in a culture where people always want new things. Even if they don’t order it, they want to know you are changing some things.”

“It makes the restaurant seem alive to people,” Victor adds.

Summer 2007 • 21

“In the end we could really see how we transformed a house into something livable. We were actually making a difference in someone’s future in that house.”

UNO student Abbey Schindler

Photo: UNO students at work on a Service-Learning project.

22 • Summer 2007

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Tim Fitzgerald, University Affairs

Making a difference while making a grade

Students put theory into practice while giving a helping hand with UNO’s Service Learning Academy

S

upplementing the educational experience within the traditional classroom walls to include the “real world” has become full-time work for UNO’s Service-Learning Academy.

In the nearly 10 years the program has been operational at UNO, the Academy has been witness to tremendous growth.

Its annual enrollment has grown from 133 students in seven courses in 1998 to an average of 1,700 students each academic year spanning 110 courses campus-wide.

Tim Fitzgerald, University Affairs

The program, under the direction of Paul Sather, attempts to provide the “A-ha!” moment educators strive for with students.

“That is a great day,” Sather says with an ear-to-ear grin from his office inside Arts and Sciences Hall. “When at the end of some experience with a student you see those eyes light up and the student says, ‘Oh! I get it.’ There are a lot of ways to achieve that moment, but certainly this practical application of an idea in the community is really a powerful one. The added benefit there is the students see [that their work] really matters. This is not just some hypothetical exercise.”

The practical application Sather refers to brings together UNO students looking for additional experience in their chosen field of study while benefiting a variety of businesses and non-profit organizations. Students provide a variety of services: from mentoring middle school students to teaching English skills to Sudanese women to teaching inmates basic computer skills to use when their lives are no longer lived in orange jumpsuits.

In some cases, professors and instructors from across UNO contact the Academy about identifying a local organization that would provide a semester-long work opportunity for students. In other cases, organizations contact UNO in search of students.

One of the reasons the program has become so successful is UNO’s presence in the heart of the metropolitan area — some-

“The added benefit there is the students see [that their work] really matters. This is not

A UNO graduate (MSW, 1979), Paul Sather heads UNO’s Service-Learning Academy

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just some hypothetical exercise.”

Paul Sather, Director, UNO Service-Learning Academy.

Summer 2007 • 23

Tim Fitzgerald, University Affairs

Service-Learning Academy participants this spring refurbished six homes during “7 Days of Service.”

way,” says Cabrera, 22. “I know the rest of the team share my thing that’s allowed close-knit relationships between school sentiments to make a difference.” and community.

Cabrera has written press releases in class and explored the “The faculty here really embrace the metropolitan mission most effective ways to secure media coverage. Having the of the university,” Sather explains. “UNO is having this seamless, reciprocal relationship with the community. We aren’t vis- opportunity to promote the renovation project with the working media tipped the educational scale in Cabrera’s favor. itors. The community is our partner and community members “Regardless of what you are are also teachers. They are powstudying or hoping to do in life, erful teachers of students. There to put the skills and education is this give-and-take that makes procured in a classroom into a sense to everybody.” real-life situation with the outThe work students perform come entirely dependent on you is closely tied to course content is the best education one could and earn them course credit. A ever receive,” Cabrera explains. learning objective must be “It’s one thing to read and take defined before a project is given tests, but to be entrusted with the green light. the success of an event . . . realUNO student Greg Cabrera, ly puts life into the lectures and who’s majoring in journalism, textbooks. I can only hope that through the Service-Learning more universities require it.”

Academy managed public relaSome do. Schools such as tions for a renovation project at Northern Kentucky University the South Omaha Arts Institute.

UNO student Greg Cabrera and California State University, The program recently sent 150 Monterey Bay, offer similar proUNO volunteers from a variety of grams for students. Sather says UNO is “holding our own” in disciplines to refurbish the facility. Cabrera’s role was to proterms of its number of service academy students compared mote the project in all forms of media. with universities of comparable enrollment.

“I remember that feeling of reward and accomplishment of “We have room to grow but want to do that in a paced, doing something that affected the community in such a great

put the skills and education procured in a classroom into a real-life situation with the outcome “To

entirely dependent on you is the best education one could ever receive.”

24 • Summer 2007

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Helping out UNO’s Service-Learning Academy

T

he following organizations have partnered with the Service-Learning Academy at UNO. For additional information about the program visit www.unomaha.edu/servicelearning.

Girls Inc. of Omaha Girl Scouts of America, Great Plains Council Grace Lutheran Church – Sudanese Greater Omaha Neighborhood Center Heartland Family Services Hope Center for Kids / Hope Skate Joslyn Art Museum Lutheran Family Services – Heartland Refugee Resettlement Near North Side Senior Center (ENOA) Nebraska Aids Project Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Nebraska Raptor Recovery Nebraska Urban Indian Health Centers

fairly deliberate way,” Sather says.

While Sather seeks growth in numbers for the program, his greatest joy as director is to ensure individual growth for each student. The program seeks to instill a lifelong sense of service in students who complete a semester of coursework.

“We work to build in a notion of a lifetime of service,” Sather explains.

“An ethic of caring and service that students will take with them after they graduate. In some way, they will remember this (experience) when there’s a United Way campaign or when people are in need of volunteers.”

Sather stresses to students that service doesn’t have to mean giving up possessions or moving to a distant country to conduct mission work.

“It can be getting a group of your friends together and running in a corporate cup run, or even making a pledge (to a non-profit group),” Sather says.

Journalism major Abbey Schindler, 24, recently participated in the “7 Days of Service” project where UNO volunteers refurbished six homes. The event occurs during spring break each year and renovates homes in north and south Omaha.

“Coming together as a diverse student body to do something that truly gives back to the community was very rewarding,” says Schindler, who managed public relations for the weeklong project. “We had a fun week and in the end we could really see how we transformed a house into something livable. We were actually making a difference in someone’s future in that house. That realization was very powerful for me.”

Schindler says the educational experience came full-circle when she discovered how such work extends beyond the classroom.

“Service-learning projects build skills and give you the tools necessary to transition from college to the professional world,” she says.

“It is an absolute necessity, as far as I’m concerned, in the

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

North Omaha Good News Bears Omaha Chinese Christian Church Omaha Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition Omaha Housing Authority Omaha Public Schools – Magnet Schools Program Omaha Police Department – NE Precinct One World Community Health Centers Region 6 Behavioral Healthcare Social Settlement Association South Omaha Arts Association – Casa de la Cultura Survival English Program Wells Fargo Bank Wesley House After School Academy

curriculum of any degree. I would never hesitate to take a service-learning project on. The knowledge you gain from that type of project is more than you could ever learn from a textbook.”

There has been discussion of recruiting the volunteer help of UNO alumni on various projects through the Academy. Fall break, spring break and a volunteer day in April are busy times for the program, when volunteers from across campus work together on major community projects. Sather envisions the addition of alumni as beneficial for students, providing them with face-to-face access to adults who may have followed career paths of interest to the students. It’s that reciprocal relationship that Sather and the academy participants find most rewarding.

“There is a kind of caring that goes into this kind of teaching and learning,” he says. “We’re not really OK until we’re all OK. That’s what we’re doing here. Never forget that you’re making a difference.”

Tim Fitzgerald, University Affairs

Bethesda After School Academy Boys and Girls Clubs of Omaha Catholic Charities — Juan Diego Center Charles Drew Health Center Christ Child Society of Omaha Durham Western Heritage Museum Educare El Museo Latino Family Economic Success Initiative Family Housing Advisory Services First National Bank

Homes in north and south Omaha have benefitted from the work of students through the Service-Learning Academy.

Summer 2007 • 25

College of

Education

Participants in the Lewis and Clark Summer Program soak in sun and study during the 2006 program.

Summer Blast College of Ed. programs bring youngsters to campus an you feel the action? Can you sense the excitement? A summer blast is going on within the College of Education, blowing beyond its walls to reach young people of many ages.

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Lewis and Clark Summer Program June 19 through June 22.

Fifty to 60 students from Lewis and Clark Middle School this summer are involved in a variety of activities designed to introduce them to college and motivate them to perform well academically.

Students who have not performed in the classroom, but who have high ability, are invited to participate in the program. UNO faculty members and staff from Lewis and Clark collaborate to make the project a success.

Funded by grants from the University of Nebraska, the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) and Omaha Public Schools, the project is in its second year. UNO faculty and staff deliver most of the activities. The program begins with a campus tour and moves on to a virtual scavenger hunt. A motivational speaker, library activities, cognition exercises, satellite and robotic activities, writing activity, participation in the biomechanics lab, physical education activities, and art activities provide a well-rounded experience for the stu26 • Summer 2007

dents. When asked at the end of the 2006 project, “What was the best thing about the UNO experience?” one student answered, “Everything.”

UNO students serve as interpreters for any middle school student who is enrolled in an English as a second language class. All students receive backpacks, water bottles, lunch on one day and snacks on other days, and $1 with which to begin a college savings plan.

Dr. Connie Schaffer is the program’s coordinator with assistance from Brooke Lampe and Brandy Klipfel, both of whom work in the College of Education Student Services Office. Other UNO personnel involved include: Brooke Wiseman Dowse, Mel Clancy, Melissa Cast-Brede, Jeannette Seaberry, Jim Wolfe, Nancy Chalupa, Joseph Siu, Leslie Decker, Mike Messerole, and Shari Hofschire, Metta VolkerFry and Bob Goeman.

Lewis and Clark staff participants include The Lewis & Clark Summer Program concludes with Principal Lisa a commencement exercise that includes “Pomp and Sterba, Summer Circumstance” and certificates.

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School Principal Mary Claire Morgan, Rita Murphy, Holly to participate in the activities were provided a multitude Ortega, Elizabeth McKeone, Phillip Taylor and Barb of possibilities throughout the very fast four days they Brimmerman. spent on campus. They now The four-day event conhave in their minds they can cludes with a commencement "They now h ave in their minds they can do and be whatever they put exercise that includes “Pomp do and be whatever they put their minds their minds to.” and Circumstance,” mortar The program theme for to.” boards and certificates. this year is “An Excellent L ew i s a n d C l a rk Parents are invited, observConnection!” The theme P ri n ci p a l L i s a S t e r b a ing participants as they are rises from the mottos of the recognized for completing the College of Education activity. (“Building a Legacy of Excellence”) and of Lewis and Principal Sterba wrote in 2006, “Thank you for providClark Middle School (“A Tradition of Excellence”). ing an incredible experience and opening up possibilities “It is a privilege to have these bright, energetic scholars for Lewis and Clark students. The students who were able and their teachers on our campus,” Schaffer notes.

Tim Fitzgerald, University Affairs

Jason Moran observes a clinician's session with his child.

Popular camp helps build speech-language skills Sp ee ch- La ng uag e Su m m er C am p May 29 through July 3 A much younger group of students also are spending parts of their summer with the College of Education, meeting two days a week for five weeks in Kayser Hall.

The students range from 2 to 6 years old. The summer clinic is coordinated by Kathy Miklas, the new speech-language clinic coordinator in the college and a UNO alum of the speech-language program, having received her master’s degree in 1985.

She coordinates two pre-school sessions that run from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. each weekday during the five weeks of the program. On Mondays and Wednesdays nine children ranging in age from 2 to 4 years of age work on specific speech-language concerns that have been identified by their parents, doctors, school or other agency.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, seven children ranging from about 4 to 6 years of age also work on specific speech-language skills.

A “speech-language camp” format is used to deliver the program with a different theme each of the five weeks. Four graduate student speech-language clinicians have developed the camp themes and specific therapeutic activities for individual or small-group sessions during

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the pre-school sessions.

Parents can observe their children through an observation window during the small group sessions.

Many requests were received from parents for their child to participate in the program. So far, the response from parents has been one of appreciation for the services. At the end of the sessions parents will receive a written report of their child’s progress on specific goals and a summary of the camp activities.

Miklas emphasizes that the project is mutually beneficial for the children, the parents and the student clinicians.

“The children we serve are those who are not eligible for summer services from their school districts,” Miklas says. “The speech-language camp gives them an opportunity to develop critical language development skills during the summer.

The parents Kathy Miklas, coordinator, can observe S p ee ch -L a n g u a g e C l i n i c and pick up strategies and techniques they can use at home that will further facilitate the child’s development.”

One of the UNO student clinicians working with the pre-school camp is Betsy Beach. “This experience helps me get ready for practicum in school settings,” said Beach.

During the regular school year student clinicians have experiences working with students in one-on-one situations, though most of them will work with students in groups when they graduate and find employment.

Yes, we are having a blast this summer in the college. Young people in the community are having an opportunity for additional learning experiences and students and faculty in the college are gaining experiences working with program participants.

“ Th e c a m p g iv e s t he m a n o p p o r t un i t y t o d e v e l o p c r i t i c a l la n gu a ge s k ills d uri ng t he summer. ”

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

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College of

Arts & Sciences

Allwine Prairie: Natural heritage Biology and Dean of Graduate Studies at UNO. For the last 30 years Bragg has devoted himself to the preservation of UNO’s Allwine Prairie. Spreading north and west from 144th and State Streets in Omaha, the virgin prairie hosts more than 109 species of birds, 12 species of amphibians and reptiles, 24 species of mammals and more than 250 species of woody and herbaceous plants on 160 acres.

Bragg’s efforts extend well beyond prescribed burning and preserve management. To fully protect and complete the prairie, he has worked for years with local, regional and federal government agencies and with private citizens to fund the purchase of surrounding land. The intention is to protect the prairie from the effects of urban developwelve-thousand to 14,000 years ment by isolating the entire waterago, when the last continental shed. glacier receded north, it left behind Toward that end, Bragg recently vast, largely treeless prairies — grazhas been awarded a $1 million grant ing ground for immense herds of from the Nebraska Environmental bison. To the Trust to help purchase Indians who fol126 acres that would lowed the bison, “This is the last join the existing prairie Mother Earth with Big Papillion moment in time to provided the Creek (see schematic bounty of the protect this resource.” at top left). grasslands, as According to Bragg, well, the plants “This initiative will Biology Professor Tom Bragg also preserve the providing herbs for healing, tanGlacier Creek corridor, nin for tanning hides, berries, conefrom its source on Allwine Prairie flower and sumac stems for baskets. downstream to the riparian habitat Early settlers were similarly bound of the Big Papillion Creek, and to the land, out of which they built improve the environmental quality their homes and lives. of the site by restoring natural feaToday, only 2 percent of tures, such as the addition of a large Nebraska’s prairie land survives in wetland/lowland prairie habitat small parcels guarded by scientists complex.” The inclusion of the entire and environmentalists. array of prairie and related wetland “This land is our natural heritage,” habitats will make this preserve explains Tom Bragg, Professor of unique in this region.

Photo by Eric Francis

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Bragg . . . preserving the prairie for 30 years.

For more information, visit the prairie website at www.unomaha.edu/prairie 28 • Summer 2007

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High Season

“On Sunday morning I rose early and got out of Black Hawk while the dew was still heavy on the long meadow grasses. It was the high season for summer flowers. The pink bee-bush stood tall along the sandy roadsides, and the cone-flowers and rose mallow grew everywhere. Across the wire fence, in the long grass, I saw a clump of flaming orange-coloured milkweed, rare in that part of the state. I left the road and went around through a stretch of pasture that was always cropped short in summer, where the gaillardia came up year after year and matted over the ground with the deep, velvety red that is in Bokhara carpets. The country was empty and solitary except for the larks that Sunday morning, and it seemed to lift itself up to me and to come very close.”

Willa Cather, “My Antonia”

Antonietta Allwine’s work lives on n 1880, Rochus Koehneman purchased today’s Allwine Prairie from O. B. Selden, one of Omaha’s early settlers.

Selden told Koehneman about the important role this piece of land played in westward expansion.

Travelers crossing the Missouri by ferry from Council Bluffs would settle by the creek and wait until enough families had gathered for a safe journey west.

Koehneman’s daughter, Antonietta, grew up with a love for the prairie much as her contemporary Willa Cather did.

In 1942, with her husband Arthur Allwine, Antonietta dedicated the land as a wildlife preserve and began her work to cultivate and protect the native flora and fauna.

The Wilderness Society in the early 1950s honored her for such efforts.

In 1959, with her health failing, Antonietta decided the time had come to pass on her precious charge to the keeping of the Biology faculty at UNO, assured that her work would be continued.

Graphic courtesy Randy Brown Architects

Allwine Prairie: Cultural heritage I

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Research, Education facility among plans B

e c a u s e o f i t s l o c a t i o n w i t h i n 3 0 m i n u t e s o f t h e O m a h a m e t ro p o l i t a n a re a , t h e e x i s t i n g p re s e r v e p r o v i d e s a u n i q u e e d u c a ti o n a l s e t t i n g f o r h a n d s - o n e n v i r o n m e n t a l e x p e r i e n c e fo r a r e a s c h o o l s a n d f o r a v a r i e t y o f i n d i v i d u a l s a n d o rg a n i z a t i o n s .

R a i s i n g f u n d s f o r a r e s e a r c h a n d e d u c a t io n f a c i l i t y t o m a k e t h e p r a i r i e a c c e s s i b le t o t h e g e n e r al public (archit ect ’s rendering above) is high on Bragg’s list of priorities. He has applied for fede r a l fu n d i n g b u t a l s o h a s h i g h h o p e s f o r p r i v a t e d o n a t io n s . T h e 1 0 ,0 0 0 - s q u a r e - fo o t f a c i li t y w i l l i n c lu d e a l a b t o a c c o m m o d a te 1 0 t o 1 5 r e s e a r c h e r s o r s t u d e n t s a n d c l a s s r o o m s p a c e fo r 3 0 . T h e e d u c a t i o n a l c e n t e r w i l l o f f e r i n f o r m a t i v e a c t i v i t i e s fo r v i s i t o r s a n d a p e r m a n e n t r e s i d e n c e f o r a n on-site caretaker.

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Stover Scholarship honors 30-year career lbert Schweitzer wrote, “At times our own light goes

Aout and is rekindled by a spark from another person.

Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”

Former students, family and friends of Professor Dale Stover have worked together to establish a scholarship in his name, showing their gratitude for the flames he lit and honoring a teaching career that spans more than 30 years.

Photos by Tim Fitzgerald, University Affairs

S t o v e r . . . s l o w in g d o w n n o w t h a t t h e “ p r o g r a m i s i n g o o d s h a p e . ”

Each spring, a sophomore in the Religious Studies program will be awarded the Stover Scholarship and $1,000 to put toward educational costs. This year’s recipient is Blythe Fox. “Blythe is a very bright and promising student,” Professor Guy Matalon says. “She distinguished herself by being able to interpret a variety of medieval mystical and philosophical Jewish texts. Moreover, her analytical skills made discussions in the Jewish Ethics course much more lively.”

In addition to excelling in classes, according to Stover, students who compete for the scholarship compose an essay on one of a variety of topics “dear to my heart.”

Each essay addresses religion and one of the following: 30 • Summer 2007

healing, gender, oral narrative, dreaming, plant and animal kinship.

In part, the essay topics reflect Stover’s own search.

“I came of age during the McCarthy era, which taught me to mistrust the political processes of mainstream American culture,” Stover explains. “I went looking for answers in religious studies that might offer meanings that transcended political and cultural borders. Early in my academic career, I focused on hermeneutical theory as the key to understanding the sacred texts that seemed to underly all cultures. Eventually, I shifted to a more empirical and experiential approach, including immersion in religious traditions and practices outside my own cultural experience. For example, I changed my research focus to Islamic studies after 1976, and I changed again after 1986 to focus on indigenous religions, especially North American.

“While I made changes, the search for meanings from beyond my own cultural and intellectual base in the European Enlightenment remained much the same as the original impulse.”

Born on a farm in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, in 1935, Stover received his BA from Washington University in St. Louis in 1957, a bachelor of divinity (1961) and a master’s (1964) in sacred theology from Andover Newton Theological School in Boston, and a Ph.D. from the Faculty of Religious Studies at McGill University, Montreal, in 1967.

In 1968 Stover accepted an assistant professorship at UNO. He was promoted to associate professor in 1971 and to professor in 1979. In 1981 he accepted an adjunct professorship with the Department of Preventive and Societal Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He became a member of the Women’s Studies Faculty in 1988, the Native American Studies Faculty in 1992, and a Fellow of the Center for Great Plains Studies in 1992. Stover also has been active in administrative roles. He served as chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion from 1976 to 1979. He was the first coordinator of the Native American Studies program from 1992 to 1995.

Stover delayed his retirement until this May out of a commitment to the Religious Studies program. He explains, “In my program, the way things happened, all the sudden we lost a lot of senior professors. I was the only senior professor for the last five years. The workload was intense.”

Now, however, he is looking forward to his retirement and “slowing down.” “It’s OK now,” he says. “We’ve recruited for Native American religious studies and Islamic studies. The program is in good shape.”

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Neathery-Castro, Reiter-Palmon honored at Faculty Convocation s usual, College of Arts and Sciences faculty were well-represented at

AUNO’s annual Faculty Honors Convocation held April 12. Jody Neathery-

Photos by Tim Fitzgerald, University Affairs

Castro, political science, was presented with the University Excellence in Teaching Award and Roni Reiter-Palmon, psychology, received the Faculty Award for Outstanding Graduate Mentor.

Jody Neathery-Castro: University Excellence in Teaching Jody Neathery-Castro practices what she teaches: “Get involved.”

Nominators wrote that Neathery-Castro’s teaching displays a unique combination of personal involvement with students while upholding a rigorous model of liberal arts education. She served as the First Year Experience academic advisor from 2002 through 2006, helped coordinate and lead American Democracy Project events at UNO, and has sponsored a two-week student study trip to Britain since 2004.

Her goal as a professor has been to make her subjects accessible and politics exciting.

Neathery-Castro joined the Political Science Department in 1998 with specializations in West European politics, decentralization, and subnational politics. She also is a faculty member in the Women's Studies and International Studies programs. Her bachelor’s degree is from Texas Christian University and her master’s and Ph.D. degrees are from Rice University. Neathery-Castro received UNO’s Outstanding Faculty in Service Learning Award in 2001.

Roni Reiter-Palmon: Outstanding Graduate Mentor It only makes sense that a nationally ranked graduate program such as the Industrial Organizational Psychology Program at UNO would be directed by a faculty member devoted to mentoring.

Roni Reiter-Palmon’s nominators described her as a strong believer in and an advocate for her graduate students, helping them in the pursuit of internships, academic publication and contact work. She routinely involves students in her research and has co-authored 40 articles with students or former students. One student nominator wrote that Reiter-Palmon, “places her students first and defines her success through the career accomplishments of her students.”

Reiter-Palmon accepted her first position with UNO in 1993, the same year she earned her Ph.D. from George Mason University. As with her Ph.D., her master’s from George Mason also was in industrial/organizational psychology. She completed her BA at Tel-Aviv University.

Four years after Reiter-Palmon accepted the role of Director of the I/O program, the program received national recognition. The IndustrialOrganizational Psychologist published a ranking of programs in its July 2004 issue, ranking UNO’s program No. 6 among more than 100 similar programs.

The ranking was based on a survey of students in such programs. w w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

Lamanna fund to aid visiting speakers octor Mary Ann Lamanna touched countless lives as a sociology teacher and continues to do so now as a University of Nebraska Foundation donor.

Lamanna began teaching at UNO in 1977 and retired as a full professor 24 years later.

Throughout her tenure, Lamanna was frustrated by a lack of department funds available to offer even a small stipend to notable scholars who might otherwise have visited campus.

Thus she recently has established the Mary Ann Lamanna Lectureship in Sociology/ Anthropology endowment fund. The fund eventually will be used to host academics from other institutions to speak to faculty and students in the areas of sociology and/or anthropology.

It’s no surprise that Lamanna’s fund supports dialogue. Discussion in the classroom always was her favorite part of teaching, she says, and UNO’s diversity of students enhanced those discussions.

She also enjoyed working one-on-one with students.

“I tried to see students as individuals — each with personal interests and lives — and always strived to be respectful of all points of view,” she says.

Lamanna received her doctorate in sociology from the University of Notre Dame in 1977 and her master’s from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Her most notable publication, “Marriages and Families: Making Choices in a Diverse Society,” now is in its 10th edition and continues to be the most widely used sociological textbook about marriage and families in the United States.

Those interested in making a contribution to the Mary Ann Lamanna Lectureship in Sociology/ Anthropology fund — or who want to learn more about establishing a fund to support UNO — should contact Mary Bernier, director of development for the University of Nebraska Foundation, at (402) 502-4108.

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College of

Public Affairs and Community Service

CPACS alumni diverse and successful lumni of the College of Public Affairs and Community Service are a cross section of society today, diverse in race, gender, age and lifestyles. Some hold entry-level positions.

Others lead large agencies and organizations.

Some teach. Others are still learning. Yet all share a commonality — an education at UNO that formed the foundation for their careers and lives. Featured here are four CPACS graduates who have earned their doctorate degrees.

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S c o t A d a m s , Ph . D .

Director, Nebraska Department of Hea l th a n d Hu m a n S er vi ce s cot Adams was on his way home from his job at Catholic Charities in Omaha when he had a revelation.

“A couple friends had talked to me about the frustrations in their lives,” he recalls.

“I told them that I thought they were calling change into their lives.

That’s when it dawned on me: I was the one calling change into Adams . . . “I was the one my life.” calling change into my life.”

Adams, who earned his master’s degree in social work from UNO, had 31 years experience at Catholic Charities in organizations serving families in the areas of substance abuse treatment and poverty.

The past 13 years were as executive

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32 • Summer 2007

director. “There was no anger or frustration; I just felt it was time to move on.”

A newspaper article about his decision caught the eye of Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman, who offered Adams directorship at the Department of Health and Human Services. The appointment took effect in March.

Adams is eager to put his experience to work. “There’s a great deal of energy here. Some areas need work, but we have many successes to build upon.”

He values his degree in social work. “Social work in particular teaches a person to look at any issue from a host of different variables, like economics, psychology and so on.

That encouragement to consider an issue from so many points of view really strikes home here because the issues are large and often complex.

“For a social worker, this is the job of a lifetime.”

He advises others to keep in mind that the journey is as important as the outcome. “How you get there, and what happens along the way, will make a difference in your life and the lives of others around you.”

M ark F oxall, P h.D. Assistant Director for Community C o r re c t i o n s , D o u g l a s C o u n t y D e p ar t m e n t o f C o r r e c t i o n s ike many good detectives, Mark Foxall began his career by following a trail.

Foxall’s uncle and father spent decades serving with the Omaha Police Department (OPD). “Watching them as I grew up, I saw how strong the bond was between them and other officers. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t going to be a cop.”

Foxall joined OPD in 1980 and stayed until 1986, the same year he earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from UNO. He Foxall . . . “I love to teach.” spent 10 years as an agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, serving in California on the drug and gang squad.

He returned to Omaha and served as director of Project Impact with the U.S. Attorney’s Office before joining the Douglas County Department of Corrections in 2000.

While his father and uncle inspired him as a law enforcement officer, it was his mother, Martha Foxall, who inspired him academically. She dedicated 54 years to the nursing profession, including 26 years at the UNMC College of Nursing, where she served as professor and department chair until retiring in 2006.

“She has a bachelor’s degree, two master’s and a Ph.D.,” he says. “She is my strongest academic mentor.”

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The trail led Foxall back to UNO, where he earned his master’s degree in public administration (1998) and a doctorate in criminal justice (2005).

His brother, Pitmon Foxall III, is a UNO graduate and serves as a deputy chief with the OPD. Today, Foxall is an adjunct faculty member at UNO in what he considers “one of the top criminal justice departments in the country.”

“I love to teach. I can take the theoretical components and apply them based on my experience in the field.”

He’s truly an instructor with convictions — in the courtroom and the classroom.

Erika D avis Frenzel, P h.D. Assistant Professor, Director of C r i m i n ol o g y A d v i s i n g C e n t e r I n d i a n a U n i v er s i ty o f P e n n s yl va n i a D e p a r t m e n t o f C r i m in o lo g y rika Frenzel is the mother of two children and the academic shepherd and guide for about a thousand more.

In her position as director of the Criminology Advising Center at the Frenzel . . . mother to two, advisor to a thousand.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Frenzel and her three Ph.D. graduate assistants advise undergraduate students regarding scheduling and academic requirements while helping solve any problems they might be encountering.

Frenzel also serves as consultant to the Indiana, Pa., County Drug Treatment Court, where her duties include conducting a process and outcome evaluation of the court.

Born in Omaha, Frenzel “spent half my life growing up in Wahoo and

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half in Auburn.”

She obtained her bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in criminal justice from UNO, and taught classes at UNO and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as a graduate assistant. “The department of criminology has an outstanding faculty widely known in the CJ field. I really enjoyed my experiences there.”

She is proud she stayed committed to obtaining her doctorate while at the time being a new mother. “I know and can relate to the difficulties many students and graduate students have finding that balance between school and family.”

Frenzel intends to remain part of academia. “In five years, I’d like to be tenured and promoted and probably still here. I love Indiana University and the community.”

On weekends she enjoys spending time with her husband, Troy, and her 1-year-old son, Westley, and watching her 9-year-old daughter, Breya, lead cheers for the Indiana pee-wee football team.

It’s good experience for her role cheering on the 1,000 CJ undergrads in her care at Indiana University.

Peter C. Young, Ph.D. E.W. Blanch, Sr. Chair in Risk M an a g em e n t, Un i ve r si t y o f S t . T h o m a s S ch o o l o f B u s i n e s s eter Young took a life filled with risks and uncertainty and turned it into a career.

Young earned a master’s degree in public administration at UNO and went on to obtain a Ph.D. in risk manYoung . . . “This period of time agement really made all the difference.” from the

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University of Minnesota. The author of four books and consultant to numerous organizations and governments, Young is considered to be a leading expert on risk management, particularly in public sector organizations.

He has been a visiting professor at City University in London, Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo and Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland.

Currently, Young is an external scholar and senior advisor at the European Institute for Risk Management in Copenhagen, Denmark, and managing editor of Public Risk Forum, a magazine devoted to international public risk issues.

He’s witnessed a transformation of risk management from its traditional focus on “insurable risk problems” such as fires and injuries to a field of study that looks at all kinds of risks in a broad range of issues. Those range from environmental change to the social aspects of mass immigration such as what is occurring from east into west Europe.

“Risk management today is the study of how organizations and societies address the widest possibilities of risk,” he says.

Young says he benefited tremendously from faculty and administrators at UNO who were instrumental in setting him on his career path.

“Of all the critical moments in my life, this was one where I made a decision almost oblivious to the risks,” he says. “Looking back, this period of time really made all the difference in the world.”

Construction Junction S e e w h a t p r o g r e s s is b e i n g m a d e o n th e $ 1 8 . 7 m i l l i o n i n re n o v a t i o n s a n d e x p a n sion to the CPACS Building by visiting the c o l le g e We b s it e a t www.unomaha.edu/cpacs/building S e e p a g e 2 fo r a C a m p u s S c e n e p h o t o o f c o n s tr u c tio n fr o m J u n e .

Summer 2007 • 33

College of

Tim Fitzgerald, University Affairs

Information Science and Technology

The IS&T Advisory Committee includes, from left, Associate Dean Deepak Khazanchi, Craig Stemple of Qwest, Philip R. Ruhlman of the Gallup Organization, Dean Hesham Ali, George Royce of Mutual of Omaha, Joe Hutchings of First National Bank, Lynne Baldwin of Baldwin, Hackett & Meeks Inc.; and Dave Poutre of the MITRE Corp.

the jobs that are available and will support future growth.”

Lynden Tennison, senior vice president and CIO at Union Pacific Corporation, says he would love to fill information technology (IT) division internships and job openings with graduates from Omaha and the immediate region. If he could find them.

Headquartered in Omaha, Union Pacific has been hiring between 60 and 80 people annually for its approximately 1,400-person IT division, Tennison says. The openings are due to company growth, natural attrition and retirements.

The railroad giant also makes about 20 to 30 internship opportunities available each year. The internships often lead to “very well-paying jobs,” Tennison says.

That is why he and other members of the College of IS&T Advisory Committee are finding it hard to comprehend why interest in computer-related majors and enrollments aren’t increasing.

“It has become a challenge for us to find qualified

Tech Help Wanted: Students Need Apply S ome of Omaha’s largest employers say they have information technology jobs and internships available but not enough qualified people to fill them.

And they don’t understand why.

Hesham Ali, Dean of the College of Information Science & Technology at The Peter Kiewit Institute, says rumors regarding widespread cost-cutting measures like outsourcing and offshoring may be to blame for cutting interest – and enrollments – in computer science degree programs.

“Not just here at UNO but at other universities,” Ali says. “Potential students are worried that there won’t be jobs waiting for them, when in actuality, companies are worried there won’t be enough qualified graduates to fill

34 • Summer 2007

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interns and graduates, particularly in electrical engineermiles away.” ing and computer science,” Tennison says, “not just in Outsourcing is not always prudent, says George Royce, numbers but also when it comes to diversity, especially vice president of strategic technology development at women, African-Americans and Hispanics.”

Mutual of Omaha.

Dean Ali says reports regarding outsourcing and off“It’s a fantasy that you can outsource or offshore everyshoring of jobs don’t tell the whole story. Outsourcing is thing,” says Royce, who also teaches information systems the delegation of work from within a particular company classes at the College of IS&T. “You need key people in to an external entity that specializes in that job or operakey places right here at home.” tion, often to reduce costs. Offshoring is the delegation of Rather than count on jobs to be offshored to their counwork from a company within the United States to a comtries, some students have been traveling from India and pany in another country, usually one where either proAsia to the United States because of the availability of duction or labor costs are lower. jobs here.

Microsoft Corp. for example, has invested more than These non-U.S. residents are filling jobs that offer com$1.5 billion in its facilities in India and hired thousands of petitive salaries and the possibility of promotion not Indian workers. Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates said durfound in their home countries. ing a panel discussion at the Library of Congress that it’s For American companies, however, hiring non-U.S. resnot an effort to save money. “We’re just not seeing an idents typically means higher costs, such as legal fees available labor pool.” paid to meet Immigration and Naturalization Service For some companies, requirements. however, outsourcing and “We are paying these fees offshoring are neither prof- “ because we’re not finding itable nor practical. enough qualified candidates , David Poutre is senior locally,” Tennison says. principal engineer with the opens a huge opporUNO and PKI are marvelous resources. If you “That MITRE Corp., a not-fortunity for UNO to bring in profit company that operstudents who will come out get into the profession and are willing to ates Federally Funded with solid degrees in electriResearch and Development learn new things, cal engineering, computer Centers for the governscience and advanced math .” ment. Poutre works with ready to step into some of the U.S. Strategic these jobs.”

G e o r g e R o y c e , Vi c e p r e s i d e n t o f s t r a t e g i c Command (USSTRATCOM) The demand for IT t ec h n o l o g y d ev el o p m e n t, M u tu al o f O m ah a headquartered at Offutt Air interns and graduates localForce Base south of Omaha ly “is significant,’ says Lynne in Bellevue.

Baldwin, president of Baldwin Hackett & Meeks Inc., a “Outsourcing is a national trend but it is a pendulum software applications development corporation in that is going to swing back,” says Poutre, who also serves Omaha. on the College of IS&T Advisory Committee. “In the “There are jobs available and we project a need for Department of Defense arena, the nature of our work more people qualified in computer-related fields,” says requires employees to be screened and cleared by the Baldwin, another IS&T Advisory Committee member. government. You can’t offshore work like that.”

“Students would not be making a mistake if they choose The number of Department of Defense contractors with to major in computer science or computer engineering.” operations in the Omaha area is rising. The Greater Mutual of Omaha would “love to take advantage of a Omaha Chamber of Commerce estimates more than 50 local pool of smart, talented interns and graduates,” defense contractors do business here, among them Royce says.

Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, resulting in “If you’re interested in computer science or computer more than 2,500 defense-related jobs. engineering, UNO and PKI are marvelous resources right Tennison says Union Pacific offshores the equivalent of here in Omaha,” he says. “If you get into the profession 30 jobs, “and I never see that going above 25 to 30 perand are willing to learn new things, you’ve got a bright cent of the workforce. career ahead.”

“A lot of our development processes require gathering Union Pacific’s Tennison agrees. information today and developing code tomorrow. Doing “UNO students and graduates are valued members of that successfully requires face time with people here in our workforce and we expect great things from them in the corporation, and that would be impossible from 5,000 the future,” he says. “I’d just like to see more of them.”

If you’re interested in computer science or computer engineering

you’ve got a bright

career ahead

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

Summer 2007 • 35

College of

Information Science and Technology

UNO students and faculty pose outside the pyramid-shaped media center at the Infosys company campus in Bangalore, India.

Trip to India an ‘Unforgettable experience’ for faculty, students

Going global tudents and faculty from UNO were among a group that traveled to India to experience the meaning of globalization.

The trip, from March 6-18, was themed “Unity in Diversity.” The seven faculty and 32 students, the majority from UNO, were a cross section of the university system, representing the departments of International Studies and Programs, Foreign Languages and Literatures, Sociology and Anthropology and the UNO College of Information Science and Technology (IS&T), as well as the fields of architectural engineering, English, history, religion, communications, pre-medicine and biology.

The group visited the cities of Bangalore, Delhi and Kolkata. They toured the company sites of Infosys and Biocon, the Vinod Gupta School of Management and the campus of the Indian Institute of TechnologyKharagpur. UNO and IIT signed a sister university affiliation agreement in 2004.

Gupta, founder, chairman and CEO of Omaha-headquartered infoUSA, Inc., is a 1967 graduate of IIT Kharagpur, near Kolkata. He created the IIT Foundation and the school which bears his name. InfoUSA President Rakesh Gupta (no relation to Vinod) also is an IIT graduate and assisted in developing the IIT/UNO program. The students’ visit was sponsored by infoUSA. It was the first trip to India for Ilze Zigurs, professor of Management

S

36 • Summer 2007

Information Systems at IS&T. “It was an unforgettable experience,” she says. “I have many professional colleagues and friends who are from India and I had read and heard so much about the country, so it was especially meaningful to experience it all firsthand.”

Zigurs says the group was fortunate to visit a variety of businesses and cities, Computer Science student Jared Brower stands in “and we were treated front of the Taj Mahal, one of many historic landwith such gracious marks the UNO group visited. hospitality everywhere we went. The access that we had to different businesses and sites was a very special part of the experience, and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to our hosts and all the people who worked so hard to make all the remarkable arrangements.”

She says the UNO group saw why India is becoming a force in business and technology. “Professionally, I learned firsthand and in a richer way about information technology trends and practices and globalization, and what all this means to people in their daily lives.”

For more about the trip, see http://unoindia.vox.com/.

UNOALUM

Future is now for UNO Institute for Collaboration Science n his keynote address to the Interop business technolo-

Igy conference in May, Cisco Systems CEO John

Chambers told the audience, “Group innovation and collaboration . . . is the future.”

The future is now at the UNO Institute for Collaboration Science.

Collaboration science is the study of concepts affecting the outcomes of joint efforts toward achieving mutual goals. Though it can be summarized as teamwork, the precise examination of collaboration involves complex issues that intrigue a variety of academic disciplines.

The UNO institute was formed in July 2006 with a $300,000 gift from UNO alum and founder of Quantum Alliance (QA3) Steve Wild, a $125,000 grant from the University of Nebraska Foundation and $50,000 from the university’s technology fee. Among the founders are 12 faculty members representing all six colleges at UNO. The Institute’s director is G.J. de Vreede, Ph.D., of the College of Information Science and Technology.

Robert Briggs, Ph.D., of the College of Business Administration serves as director of academic affairs, while psychology Professor Roni ReiterPalmon is the research director.

De Vreede says the institute has made great strides in its first year. “If you look at the wide range of people and colleges involved, so far G.J. de Vreede: “If you look at the we’re the only group I wide range of people and colleges see in the nation that is involved, so far we’re the only group I building such a largesee in the nation that is building such scale, integrated effort.” a large-scale, integrated effort.”

In the fall of 2006 the institute was awarded a $120,000 contract from the U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) to develop longw w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

range infrastructure strategies for the military agency.

That grant has been extended to fund phase two of the project, which is titled “Raising the Collaborative Capacity of the Warfighter.”

De Vreede reports other first-year successes, including: • Publication of 16 journal and 30 conference papers and seven book chapters; • The redesign of the Collaboration Lab at The Peter Kiewit Institute, the redesign and funding for a collaboration space at the College of Business Administration and a proposal to create a “collaborative commons” in the new College of Public Affairs and Community Service (CPACS) building, formerly the Engineering building; • The launch of the first study course, Principles of

“News of our efforts has resulted in

quite a bit of interest from local businesses and organizations asking us to submit additional proposals.”

G.J. de Vreede , P h.D, Director, U N O I n s t i t u t e f o r C o ll a b o r a t i o n S c i e n c e Collaboration, a class that quickly reached the maximum of 24 students and that will be held again this fall. A class in facilitation of collaborative problem solving with groupware also will be held. Both are destined to become part of a curriculum for a concentration in Collaboration Science; • Inception of a distinguished speaker series; • Application for more than $8.5 million in grants and proposals for research projects; and, • The establishment of 13 internships and assistant positions for students.

“We are also actively reaching out to the community and assisting in a number of projects,” de Vreede says.

“News of our efforts has resulted in quite a bit of interest from local businesses and organizations asking us to submit additional proposals.”

He says it is common for an academic endeavor such as the Institute to take three years to fully establish itself – one year where the seeds are planted, one year to nurture the crop and the third year when the first results are harvested.

“Clearly, though we are completing only our first year, we are already seeing some fruits of our labors,” he says.

“So things are moving very rapidly.”

More information about the Institute is available at http://ics.ist.unomaha.edu.

Summer 2007 • 37

College of

Business Administration

Four honored as CBA Distinguished Alumni NO’s College of Business Administration honored four

Ualumni at its 2007 Distinguished Achievement Award

luncheon in May. Of 18,000 CBA alumni, only 69 have received this award. Profiles of this year’s honorees follow.

Donald E. Deter President and Owner, Deter Motor Company Don Deter received his bachelor of science degree in business administration from the University of Omaha in 1952.

After working for Buick Motor Division in Omaha and as sales manager for Salsness Buick in Sioux City, Iowa, Deter acquired the Chevrolet and Buick franchises in Atlantic, Iowa, in 1964. He obtained the Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Cadillac franchises in 1983 and added the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep franchises in 1992.

Deter was a director for the Iowa Auto Dealers Association and was on the board of Midwest Warehouse in Des Moines. He served on the General Motors Dealer Council and has been a member of dealer advertising boards for Chevrolet, Buick and Oldsmobile. He is a member of the Cass County Memorial Hospital Foundation board and has served on many local community boards.

Deter and his wife, Jane, have three children and three grandchildren. Born in Omaha, he was raised in Sarpy County, Neb., and graduated from Papillion High School.

He also served with the United States Marine Corps.

David Emry Managing Shareholder, Darst & Associates David Emry earned his BSBA from UNO in 1970. He began his accounting career in 1968, became partner with Ken Johnson & Co. in 1976 and merged that firm with Darst & Associates in 1981. He has served as managing shareholder for a number of years and has overseen the tremendous growth of the firm.

Emry provides accounting, auditing, tax compliance and planning services for clients in a variety of areas. A growing percentage of his work focuses on technology consulting and includes systems analysis to assure that clients receive the information they need.

Emry is actively involved in both professional and community activities, including service as president of the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants, which honored him with its Distinguished Service to the Profession Award in 1996. Emry also is a past council member, AICPA. He received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award in 1997 from the Lions Club International. He also has volunteered with the Shriners and with the youth group at his church.

38 • Summer 2007

Emry is married and has two grown children and two grandchildren. He grew up in Fremont, Neb., and is a graduate of Fremont High School.

Clifford S. Hayes Private Investor Clifford Hayes transferred to the University of Omaha from Cornell College and earned his degree with a major in finance in 1965.

Hayes was a principal in Chiles, Heider & Co. Inc. where he was a vice president of securities trading and a member of the board of directors. He was a registered investment adviser, registered option principal and a member of the Chicago Board of Options before becoming a private investor. A thorough researcher and highly soughtafter investment analyst, he was a personal broker for Warren Buffett for several years.

Hayes served on the boards of Travel and Transport Co. and Happy Hollow Club in Omaha, and of Esplanade condominium in Naples, Fla., where he and his wife, Meredith, spend a portion of their time.

Hayes was born and raised in Atlantic, Iowa, and graduated from Atlantic Public Schools.

Ross Ridenoure Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer, OPPD Ross Ridenoure earned undergraduate degrees in sociology and nuclear engineering technology from Excelsior College, and an MBA (Executive program) from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2002.

Ridenoure was named vice president and chief nuclear officer for the Omaha Public Power District’s (OPPD) Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station in 2003. He holds an senior reactor operator (SRO) license or certification on three of the four types of nuclear power plants operating in the United States. Ridenoure joined OPPD operations in 1989 after serving as a nuclear training instructor at the Clinton Nuclear Station and, previously, as nuclear training engineer at the Zion and Braidwood Nuclear Stations for Westinghouse.

Ridenoure recently retired from the U.S. Navy after nearly 29 years of service. His eight years of active duty were spent as a submarine nuclear reactor prototype instructor and on a nuclear power fleet ballistic missile submarine. He was active in the Naval Reserves at the U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base until retirement in 2005.

Active in the community, Mr. Ridenoure serves on CBA’s national advisory board.

UNOALUM

Family Affairs f Omaha’s Monico and Gehringer families ever get together, there would be enough sheepskins around to start a small herd.

Omaha World-Herald columnist Mike Kelly gave ink to both clans in May after UNO’s spring commencement. Why so? When Christine Monico earned her BA in accounting, she became the sixth child of Chuck and Kathy (Circo) Monico to earn a degree from UNO. “Can any family beat the record of the Monicos?” Kelly wrote. “A UNO spokesman said school officials know of no other family in recent times that can match the Monicos.”

Two weeks later, Kelly had his answer — the family of Peg and the late Bob Gehringer boast eight UNO graduates with a combined 12 degrees. “The winners so far, and maybe for good,” Kelly wrote.

Ironically, both families began with Creighton grads. Chuck and Kathy Monico have a degree from Creighton, as did Bob Gehringer. All 14 children, though, list UNO as their alma mater.

I

G e h r in g e r s Here’s the Gehringer roll call: 1. Mary Elizabeth, MS, education administration, 1979; 2. Robert Jr., BS, elementary education, 1972; MS, education, 1980; Ph.D., education, 2006; 3. Terese, BS, elementary education, 1974; 4. Thomas, BSED, secondary education, 1992; 5. Michele, BS, education, 1977; MS, educational administration, 1995; 6. Dennis, BS, education, 1980; 7. Margaret, BA, mathematics, 1983; 8. Barbara Helen, BA, studio art, 1989; BA, art history, 1990.

Six of the Gehringers went on to careers in education. Mary Elizabeth, now a nun, is superintendent of Catholic schools for the Archdiocese of Detroit while Robert is superintendent of schools at Boys Town. Terese (Johnson) is a kindergarten teacher at Omaha’s Prairie Wind Elementary and Michele is assistant principal at Millard’s Russell Middle School (the former Maverick w w w. u n o a l u m n i . o r g

PHOTO BY TIM FITZGERALD, UNIVERSITY RELATIONS The Monicos, from left: Charles, Andrea, Christine, Michelle, Gregory and Lisa.

PHOTO COMPLIMENTS OF BRAD JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY The Gehringers. Front row, from left: Margaret (Nicolini), Peg, Micky, Sister Mary.

Back row, left: Bob Jr., Barbara, Terese (Johnson) and Dennis.

softball player also is in the school’s athletic hall of fame). Thomas, who died of colon cancer in 2002, taught at Omaha North and Burke High Schools. Dennis is executive director of the Omaha Education Association representing teachers in the Omaha Public Schools.

Margaret (Nicolini) is a longtime employee at Union Pacific while Barb owns a picture framing shop in Fremont, Neb. Also boasting UNO degrees are the wives of Thomas (Patricia Brunkow, BA, dietetics, 1976) and Dennis (Robin Wiar, MA, secondary education, 1981). Robert, meanwhile, has two children with UNO diplomas (Andrew, BGS, computer science, 2006; Rebecca, BS, biology, 2007).

Monicos Here’s the Monico lineup: 1. Charles Jr., BSBA, accounting, 1993; 2. Lisa, BSED, secondary education, 1995; 3. Andrea, BSED, secondary education, 1999; 4. Gregory, BSCJ, criminal justice, 2002; 5. Michelle, BSED, elementary education, 2004; 6.

Christine, BSBA, accounting, 2007.

Chuck is president of CM’S Custom Lawn & Landscape in Omaha. The company also employs Andrea as office manager and Christine as accounts payable manager.

Lisa (Kalamaja) is a stay-at-home mother, Greg is a deputy sheriff with the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Department, and Michelle (Maher) is a second-grade teacher with Omaha Public Schools.

Summer 2007 • 39

Hall Pass

Three UNO grads inducted into new Omaha Sports Hall of Fame

hree of the first 10 inductees in the new Omaha Sports Hall of Fame — including the only woman — are UNO graduates.

The inaugural class was introduced May 23 during a ceremony at the Durham Western Heritage Museum. Included were UNO graduates Marlin Briscoe, Connie Claussen and Roger Sayers. Also inducted were Bob Boozer, Eric Crouch, Bob Gibson, Nile Kinnick, Dave Rimington, Johnny Rodgers and Gale Sayers, brother of Roger.

A crowd of about 400 people attended a banquet introducing the class. The hall’s exhibit at the Durham will include interactive displays where visitors can review video highlights, photographs, artifacts and documentation of the athletes and their careers.

Briscoe, a 1969 graduate, was an AllAmerican quarterback at UNO. He finished his OU days with 22 school records, becoming the school’s career leader in total offense (6,505 yards), passing yards (5,114), pass completions/attempts (348/639), completion average (.545) and touchdown passes (53).

The American Football League’s Denver Broncos then drafted him, and in game 4 of his rookie season in 1968 Briscoe became the first black quarterback to start a professional football game. He stayed there for the rest of the year, setting numerous Bronco records, some of which still stand.

Briscoe later played as a receiver with Buffalo from 1969 to 1971, leading the AFC in receptions in 1970 and earning All-Pro status. He then spent three years with Miami, winning two Super Bowl rings and playing on the 1973 Dolphin squad that went 17-0, the only NFL team ever to go undefeated. He finished his pro career at New England and left the NFL after playing nine years. In 1975 he was inducted into the inaugural UNO Athletic Hall of Fame.

Reflecting on his recent honor, Briscoe said, “I would not have received the award if it was not for the University of Omaha and Al Caniglia,” Briscoe said. “He gave me the

40 • Summer 2007

Tim Fitzgerald, University Affairs

T

Inaugural inductees of the Omaha Sports Hall of Fame. From left: Roger Sayers, Connie Claussen and Marlin Briscoe. Above each are archived photos from their time at UNO.

chance to play quarterback when other colleges would not have.”

Claussen, a 1961 graduate, started and nurtured the growth of UNO women’s athletics. She began teaching physical education at OU in 1963, serving as chair of the women's physical education department from 1964-74.

She started UNO’s women’s athletics department in 1969, serving as a softball and volleyball coach along the way. In 1975 her softball team won the national championship.

She also led the United States to a gold medal at the Pan-American Games.

Later becoming UNO’s associate athletic director, Claussen in 1985 began the Diet Pepsi/UNO Women’s Walk fundraiser, raising $12,000 for the inaugural event. The annual walk in 2007 raised nearly $335,000, pushing the cumulative total to more than $3 million.

Claussen also has served as chair of the Women Softball College World Series and as a member of the NCAA Executive Committee.

She was named to UNO’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1983 and received the UNO Alumni Association’s prestigious Citation for

Alumnus Achievement in 1997.

Asked to reflect on her career, Claussen stated, “I would especially want to mention Paul Kennedy. He was a great supporter of women’s athletics and was also a consistent contributor personally and financially.”

Sayers, an all-state athlete at Omaha Central, was a two-sport star at UNO, excelling in track and football.

He began his OU track career by winning 28 consecutive races as a freshman in 1961.

The next year “Roger the Rocket” outstretched world-record holder Bob Hayes in the 100-yard dash to win the 1962 NAIA Championship. He was NAIA national champion in 1963 and was a member of the 1962 U.S. track team, competing in duals against Poland and the Soviet Union.

He put his speed to good use on the football field, eventually establishing seven school records, including a 99-yard touchdown reception that also stands as an NAIA record. Sayers is a member of the NAIA Track Hall of Fame and joined Briscoe in UNO’s inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame class in 1975.

UNOALUM

Class Notes SUMMER 2007

1955 Robert A. Harling, BSBA, lives in Southern Pines, N.C., and provides this account of a recent trip: “In March we took a great trip to Greece and also decided to take the optional four-day Greek Island cruise on the cruise ship Sea Diamond. This was a fine cruise until the last stop at Santorini Island.

Our ship hit a volcanic reef entering the harbor and began taking on water, causing it to list. My wife, MarJeanne, went off in a lifeboat, but I had to wait over three hours to get off. They brought a small ferry up to our ship and everyone exited one at a time. There were almost 1,600 passengers. After 14 hours the Sea Diamond sunk. Two people are missing and presumed drowned.

We were able to get on another ship and back to Athens in time to catch our scheduled flight home — sans all our personal belongings.” Send Harling email at bobharling@yahoo.com

1961 John Crookham, MS, in March was inducted into the Omaha Technical High School Hall of Fame. He worked 33 years with Omaha Public Schools, including 13 years as assistant principal at Tech. He is retired.

1962 Jon W. Nelson, BS, lives in Estes Park, Colo., and writes that “UNO was the guiding light for my life in many ways, from the career assessment office (be a salesman or a teacher, they told me) to many great professors (Charlie Bull in marketing, especially) who not only inspired me to teach in that field but helped me mightily to procure a full scholarship even though I started a semester late after a disastrous quarter in engineering at Iowa State University.”

Nelson later spent 30 years teaching at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

“I tried to pattern my relationships with

UNO Flashback File

students after those fine examples and apparently did a fair job of it, as I was recognized both officially and unofficially as a top teacher at KSC/UNK. My wife and I moved here to Estes Park 11 years ago and within a week I bought a small rundown indoor flea market, quadrupled its size and made it into a prosperous business. That still left plenty of time for hiking in ‘my’ Rocky Mountains, as I had since childhood, volunteer work at Crossroads Ministries, and travel. If you get to Estes Park stop by the flea market at the west end of main street. I’d also be happy to hear from any old friends via email: jon-nelson@msn.com.”

1964 George Wachtler Jr. , BS, in Omaha was inducted into the Omaha Technical High School Hall of Fame. He worked nearly 40 years for the Omaha World-Herald before retiring in 2004.

1966 Ward Schumaker, BFA, lives in San Francisco and in June held his first art show in China, “I AM BIG HEAVEN,” shown at the Stir Gallery in Shanghai.

Schumaker, a widely published and exhibited artist, has created a series of large works on paper employing cutpaper texts, paint spills and deft brushwork — the culmination of five years of

Victory Bell still missing

U

NO’s Victory Bell is missing.

Not the victory bell purchased in 2003 to commemorate the football series between UNO and UNK, but one that dates a half century earlier in the university’s history.

In 1955, graduating seniors presented Omaha University President Milo Bail with a “Victory Bell” to be used for games, victory celebrations, parades and other school activities. The Class TKEs stole it in 1957 (above) and the Pi Kaps in 1961, but the Victory Bell returned to campus of 1955 purchased the bell from both times. Its location today, however, is unknown.

Union Pacific Railroad for $150.

The bell was used throughout Leslie were unaware of the bell’s existence. A plea to UNO the late 1950s and into the 1960s. In 1957 it was “stolen” faculty and staff turned up no leads. then returned by Tau Kappa Epsilon. A similar stunt was Perhaps the bell was stolen again, only never returned. repeated in 1961 by Pi Kappa Alpha, which welded its Perhaps it was put into storage and forgotten. initials onto the bell.

If you know the whereabouts of the bell — or have any After that, the bell is seen in various yearbook photos. information related to it — please contact alumni Its last definite appearance was in the 1966 Tomahawk association Director of Communications Anthony Flott at yearbook, though it likely also appears in the background (402) 554-2989 (toll-free at UNO-MAV-ALUM) or email of a photo in the 1970 yearbook. aflott@mail.unomaha.edu No one knows its whereabouts today, though. UNO Read archive stories about the Victory Bell and see Archivist Les Valentine, Sports Information Director Gary additional photos on the association’s Web site at Anderson and former alumni association President Jim www.unoalumni.org/VB

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

Summer 2007 • 41

Class Notes

almost exclusive bookmaking. The texts can be read as abstract shapes or read literally — the texts are derived from the Hindu Gitas, European musical theater, and the artist’s dreams. “China’s a hotbed for art and I look forward to seeing and being involved in it firsthand,” Schumaker said prior to the show. “I’ll be showing large works with words, on paper. See some of them on my website at: www.warddraw.com.” Schumaker’s work has appeared in more than 150 periodicals, including the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, New Yorker, Esquire Japan and Le Monde. He has illustrated two limited edition letterpress books for the famed Yolla Bolly Press: “Two Kitchens in Provence” by MFK Fisher and “Paris France” by Gertrude Stein. His work on the Stein book won a silver medal from the Society of Illustrators. He also is author/illustrator of three children’s books. He has received numerous awards and his work hangs in the Zimmerli Museum of Rutgers University and in Omaha’s Joslyn Art Museum.

1970 Don Jenkins, BS, in May retired from teaching and coaching at Iowa’s Atlantic High School, where he’s been since 1979. The Omaha World-Herald’s Western Iowa Coach of the Year in 1990, Jenkins coached Atlantic in girls basketball, volleyball, softball and track.

In 25 seasons as basketball coach, the World-Herald reported, Jenkins led Atlantic to 451 wins, nine state tourney appearances and one state title.

Maria Ridgway Moran, BSBA, lives in Omaha and has become a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in America. Founded in 1950, the college is composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States and Canada.

Fellowship is extended by invitation only after careful investigation of those expe-

rienced trial lawyers who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality.

Lawyers must have a minimum of 15 years trial experience before they can be considered for fellowship. Membership in the college cannot exceed 1 per cent of the total lawyer population of any state. Moran is an assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska and has been practicing in Omaha for more than 23 years. Send her email at maria.moran@usdoj.gov

Kenneth Webb, BS, recently released “Essences,” a collection of poetry that explores a broad range of topics, including religion, science and society.

“I hope my readers live with some wonderment about this world,” Webb wrote in a release. “This is what I wish to share with you.” RoseDog Books of Pittsburgh published the book.

1971 Howard Hawks, MBA, in February was awarded the Medallion for Entrepreneurship from Beta Gamma Sigma, the national honor society for higher education business programs. The medallion was established to recognize individuals and firms that contribute significantly to the vitality and strength of the economy while combing innovative business achievement with service to humanity. UNO’s College of Business Administration made the nomination and CBA Dean Louis Pol accepted the award on behalf of Hawks during a cer-

Lost Alums - 1962

Frederick T. Abt Louis Aclin Ralph W. Adams Arlyle D. Adams Jamie L. Aiken Melvin S. Ames Tamara Anderson Chris B. Andrich Leslie H. Armen Arletta Robinson Aronson Leland F. Asa Marshall S. Austin James J. Baber Orvil C. Bachmann

42 • Summer 2007

Jimmie D. Bailey Irwin L. Bailie Robert W. Baker Judith K. Baker Ralph T. Ballard William E. Banks Robert V. Banks Edwin F. Barber William C. Barnes William Barnett Irvin J. Barney William C. Barnsley John R. Barr Alfred W. Barrett Charles W. Barry

Eugene R. Bauer Lydia Lopez Beal Fay Beavers Joseph L. Begin Charles Arnold Bell Charles T. Bell Miguel A. Benitez Carl F. Bergstrom John C. Bernhartsen Mary E. Berry Gary Franklin Biggs Sandra Deckert F. Blakeway Charles O. Blaser Henry F. Bockstage

emony in Las Vegas. Hawks is founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Tenaska Inc., an Omaha-based energy company and the 16th largest privately held company in the United States.

Hawks and a small group of associates formed the company in 1987 amidst a newly de-regulated energy market. With Hawks at the helm, Tenaska has raised $7.8 billion in financing and the company’s assets have tripled from $800 million in 2001 to more than $2.6 billion in 2006. In recent years Tenaska also has expanded its focus to bio-fuels, clean coal generation and coal-to-liquid production of diesel fuels. “Tenaska’s expanded focus has the potential to lower energy costs, enhance energy efficiency and reduce pollution,” Pol said. Hawks is a University of Nebraska Regent and serves as a director for Creighton University. The Hawks Foundation, created in 1994, has funded hundreds of university scholarships.

Martha Bruckner, BS, was appointed the first female superintendent of Council Bluffs Community Schools.

Bruckner, the district’s 24th superintendent, was among 45 candidates and six finalists considered. She previously was the associate superintendent for educational services in the 21,600-student Millard Public Schools in Omaha.

She has served as a teacher, assistant principal, district strategic planning coordinator, high school principal and board of education member for the Ralston Public School District. She also had been professor and chairperson of educational administration and supervision at UNO. Bruckner, who also earned an MS in education from UNO in 1974, served as a non-officio member of the UNO Alumni Association Board of Directors in 2002 as the university’s faculty senate representative. Her husband, fellow graduate Robert Bruckner, is a current association board member.

Her Council Bluffs predecessor, Richard

Christie, also is a UNO graduate (Ed.D., 2003) and in 2004 became the first Citation for Alumnus Achievement recipient to have earned a doctorate from UNO. He had been CBCSD superintendent since 1988.

Robert Franzese, BA, lives in Norman, Okla., and is a teacher at the University of Oklahoma. He recently received major teaching awards there: the University of Oklahoma Student Association Outstanding Faculty Member Award and the University of Oklahoma 2007 OU Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award. Send Franzese email at franzese@ou.edu 1974 Gene Haynes, MS, in March was inducted into the Omaha Technical High School Hall of Fame. He taught at Tech beginning in 1967 and later was its basketball coach for 13 years. He currently is principal at Omaha North High.

1975 Royce Engstrom, BS, was named provost and vice president for academic affairs at the University of Montana. He held the same post at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. At Montana he will serve as the second highestranking executive officer on the Missoula campus and will work closely with President George Dennison to provide direction and leadership for the university. Engstrom at South Dakota has been vice president for research and dean of graduate education and was a Regents Fellow on the South Dakota Board of Regents in 2003-04.

He began teaching in the USD’s chemistry department as an assistant professor in 1979 and served as department chair from 1984 to 1995.

1978 Larr y Saxton, BSBA, lives in Omaha and is president of Saxton Appraisals Inc.

Help us find these “Lost Alums” from the Class of 1962.

Send news of their whereabouts to sgerding@mail.unomaha.edu

Bart Body Roxilu Bohrer K. Bohrer Robert D. Boles Sonia C. Borges Peter R. Bowman Thomas O. Boyd Albert W. Braun Harry W. Brooks Joseph E. Brooks Lloyd A. Brown Deloris Browning L. Browning Joe B. Bruce Carol Temme Bryant

Frank Buchholz Edwin L. Bulson Daniel P. Buono Peter G. Burbules Mervyn J Burns John D. Busick Thomas D. Byrne James Richard Carey Vernon W. Carlson Woodus A. Carter William Herbert Casper Bernese M. Chaffin Fred D. Chapman M. Lorraine Cheleen

Harvey R. Clark Edwin M. Clay Jimmie L Collins Eugene B. Conrad Richard R. Cook James D Coville Roy L. Cowan Randall O. Cox John Andrew Coze Cleatis M. Crain James J. Crawley Virgil Creech Charles L. Croghan Leonard A. Crosby Robert P. Crossley

Roger A. Culbertson Julie Klingforth J. Dahlke Ann Davis Dannibale Edwin G. Davis James C. Dean Roger E. Deitrick Robert V. Delay Frederick G. Dempsey Desmond D. Dewey Hampton Dews June J. Dimsdale Arthur Dimsdle Ersel M. Doan Eugene Dolfi

UNOALUM

He has been awarded the Appraisal Institute’s SRA designation for appraisers involved in the valuation and analysis of residential real estate. SRAs are recognized experts in appraising residential properties and form a business network encompassing markets nationwide and in Canada. Send him email at larry@saxton.omhcoxmail.com Terri Nutzman, BS, in April was appointed by Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman as administrator for the Office of Juvenile Services (OJS) within the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). OJS is responsible for managing evaluation or treatment programs for juveniles who are made wards of the state after committing a criminal offense. OJS also operates the state’s two youth rehabilitation and treatment centers. “Terri has a strong commitment to public service and brings a wealth of knowledge to this position,” Gov. Heineman said in a release. Nutzman since 2003 has served as senior attorney in the medical division of the Nebraska Attorney General’s office, which she joined in 2000 working with the Child Protection Division prosecuting felony sexual assault child abuse cases. She also has served as a deputy county attorney for Douglas County, worked in private practice, and has experience as an adult and juvenile probation officer.

1980 Paul J. Strawhecker, MPA, will lead the board of directors of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Foundation for Philanthropy in 2007.

Strawhecker is president and founder of Paul Strawhecker Inc., a fundraising consulting and resource development firm based in Omaha that works exclusively with nonprofit organizations (www.pjstraw.com).

Strawhecker has more than 30 years experience working in fundraising consulting/development with a marketing, planning and public relations orientation. Before starting his own business in 1995 he was responsible for initiating the planned giving program at Girls and Boys Town that raised more than $50 million. Prior to that he oversaw the fundraising programs for a system of

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Future Alums

Anne Margaret Poole, daughter of Colleen Fransiscus (’01) and Chris Poole (’00, ’04) of Ralston.

Anna Romayne DiGiacinto, daughter of David and Martha (Kuykendall, ’99) DiGiacinto of Omaha.

Jackson Daniel Mandolfo, son of Dan and Amy (Steffel, ’97) Mandolfo of Sioux Falls, S.D.

Send us a picture of your Future Alum via mail or email and and we’ll post it on our website.

William Joseph Johnson, son of Tara (Coughlin, ’06) and Joseph (’06) Johnson of David City, Neb.

S U M M E R

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Sons & Daughters of UNO Alumni

Giovanni Antonio Vincentini, son of Diane (Mach, ’93) and Chris (’90) Vincentini of Omaha and grandson of Jerry Vincentini (’64) of Bennington, Neb.

Jameson John Page, son of David Page and Natasha Ludwig-Page (’05) of Bennington, Neb. Andrew Jacob Barnes, son of Sara and Ian (’98) Barnes of Greensboro, N.C., and grandson of Joyce Hamilton (’68) of Omaha and Timothy Barnes (’72) of Omaha.

Alexander Nicholas Schuler, son of Amy (Linton, ’97) and Nicholas (’00) Schuler of Fort Calhoun, Neb. Caleb Jordan Williams, son of Joshua and Jennifer (Redlinger, ’02) Williams of Sauk Rapids, Minn.

Holiday Ann Kirk, daughter of Doug and Cinda (Lund, ’02) Kirk of Omaha.

Nolan Curtis Gayer, son of Eric and Sheree (Anderson, ’97) Gayer of Omaha.

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).

75 hospitals and nursing homes at Lutheran Health System. Strawhecker also has published several fundraisingfocused texts and is an adjunct professor at UNO. He works in conjunction with UNO to orchestrate Certificate in Fundraising Management courses offered twice a year.

Doris M. Fyfe, MA, lives in Omaha and writes that she is “finishing 60 years in education this spring. I taught 43 years in public schools of Nebraska and Wyoming. Retired in 1990 but have been substituting in Omaha Public Schools and Trinity Christian School to the present time. I also have been supervising student teachers for UNL, Grace University (where I serve as adjunct faculty), and for Faith Bible College of Ankeny, Iowa. I serve as a volunteer weekly at Uta Halee and am very involved in my church. I traveled to Ukraine in 1994 and again in 1995, by invitation from the Ukraine minister of education to help train teachers (“How to teach Christian Ethics and Morality in the Public Schools”). For 20 summers I traveled to Northern Canada near Thompson, Manitoba, to direct a Bible camp for Cree Indian and other local children. My life story has been teaching children, which I do now at our local church on Wednesday nights.”

Send Fyfe email at FyfeD@aol.com

Scott Robinson, MS, is an adjunct faculty member with UNO’s geography and geology department.

1981 Timothy Malloy, BS, in March received the inaugural Medical Director of the Year award from the American Medical Directors Association (AMDA). Malloy is medical director of Hillcrest Health and Rehab in Bellevue, Neb. He was chosen for his “exemplary work as a physician leader, educator, patient advocate and clinician.” The award was presented in front of 1,800 attendees at the AMDA’s 2007 Annual Symposium in Hollywood, Fla. AMDA is the professional association of medical directors and physicians practicing in the long-term care continuum.

1982 Steven Baumert, MPA, was appointed president and CEO of Jennie Edmundson Memorial Hospital in Council Bluffs.

Baumert joined Jennie Edmundson in 1981 as assistant director of physical therapy. He was promoted to director of

physical therapy in 1983, was elevated to vice president in 1992, and six years later was named senior vice president of operations. In his new position Baumert also assumes the presidency of three other organizations: Jennie Edmundson Memorial Hospital Foundation, Women’s Christian Association and Healthcare Partners of Western Iowa. In his capacity as a senior administrator, Baumert has played key roles in a number of construction projects and facility upgrades. He currently sits on several boards of directors and has leadership roles with other Iowa organizations. He and his wife, Kathy, a speech pathologist, have two children: Stephanie, 23, and Marc, 17.

Cynthia R. Har vey, BA, writes that after 12 years as the pastor of Hector and Lodi Presbyterian Churches in the Finger Lakes region of New York she has accepted a call to become pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Kearney, Neb. "I left Nebraska 20 years ago to attend seminary and I’m finally coming home.” Send her email at crharv@aol.com 1983 Cher yl Lindly, MA, lives in Omaha and recently was recognized as the 2007 Nebraska Physician Assistant of the Year. She has worked for Alegent Health Family Practice for the past 16 years.

She also works on the development

Summer 2007 • 43

Class Notes Top Teachers

NO graduates once again dominated the annual Alice Buffett Outstanding Teacher Awards. Issued by the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, the awards are presented annually to 15 teachers in the Omaha Public Schools system.

Recipients receive $10,000 each.

Eleven of the 2007 recipients have UNO degrees. Their names, degrees and current teaching assignments:

U

J e n n a B u c k l ey BSED 1986 Elementary Education Rose Hill Elementary, kindergarten Sharon Daugherty BS 1989 Elementary Education Ponca Elementary, first grade J en n i f er D i R u o cc o BSED 2000 Elementary Education Fullerton Elementary, first grade J o An n F l a xb e ar d BS 1982 Elementary Education Washington Elementary, second grade team for the Quick Care clinics opening in area Hy-Vee stores.” Send her email at clindly3184@aol.com

Pa me la G al u s BSED 1992 Secondary Education MS 2005 Elementary Education Lothrop Elementary, science Na nc y Ge ngl e r BS 1975 Teaching Mentally Retarded MS 1982 Special Learning Disabilities.

Central Park Elementary, special education resource V i r gi n i a G e r ha r dt MA 1993 Elementary Education Walnut Hill Elementary, pre-kindergarten S a n dr a G uz a l l i s MS 1978 Education Administration Beveridge Middle School, social studies S u s a n a L ar a BSED 1997 Secondary Education South High School, Spanish/English as a second language J e n n if e r L o g e s MS 1999 Elementary Education Picotte Elementary, first grade Je n n i f e r S t as t n y MA 2004 English Central High School, English you a photo of me wearing the Mav hat.

Here it is. This is me in front of the former Baath Party House located on Camp Slayer in Baghdad. I was there about two weeks ago for a few days. I am now safely in Kuwait and should be heading back to the states in four or five more days. Thank you and the alumni again for your support and kindness! Go Mavs!” Send him email at scottie.parsons@gmail.com Thomas H. Warren Sr. , MS, in March was inducted into the Omaha Technical High School Hall of Fame. He is chief of the Omaha Police Department and is a current member of the UNO Alumni Association Board of Directors.

1989 D. Scott Parsons, BSED, wrote the alumni association shortly before leaving Kuwait for the United States after service in Iraq: “I just wanted to keep my promise to you. When you sent me the care package I told you that I'd send

44 • Summer 2007

1990 Susan Bazis, BSCJ, was appointed by Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman to serve as a Douglas County judge in the Fourth Judicial District. “Her knowledge of the law is impressive and I know she will bring genuine enthusiasm to her new role as a county court judge,” Gov. Heineman said in a release. Bazis comes to the county court bench from a private practice she started in 2001.

Prior to that she was an associate with Paragas Law Offices and had worked for Kelly, Lehan & Hall, P.C. She also

spent two years as an assistant public defender in the Douglas County Public Defender’s office. Bazis was named special prosecutor in 2004 as part of a grand jury investigation and again in 2006 for several cases. As a member of the Nebraska State Bar Association (NSBA) she serves as a member of the NSBA House of Delegates. Bazis also served as a member of NSBA’s Criminal Practice and Procedure Committee from 1999 to 2002. She has served on the board of directors of the Ollie Webb Center, an organization providing support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, and has donated her time and services as part of the Legal Aid Society’s Pro Bono Project.

Brandie Ta r vin, BA, lives in Jacksonville, Fla., and has had two short stories published in mainstream science fiction/fantasy anthologies. The first was in 2005 as part of Hasbro’s “Transformers: Legends” anthology. The second was this May with Popcorn Press’ “Pirates of the Blue Kingdoms” anthology (www.PopcornPress.com).

During the day Tarvin works as a database administrator.

1993 Kevin R. Lunt, BA, lives in Omaha and writes, “During the day, my world is courthouses and jails, lawyers and the accused.

During the night, my world is medical clinics and the ER, doctors and patients.

Over the weekend, it is loan officers and title agents, homebuyers and home sellers.

How is that for variety?” Lunt is a medical interpreter with the Nebraska Medical Center. He also has been an interpreter for the Chicano Awareness Center for the Nebraska State Bar Association’s VLP clinic consultations.

“Just last year I became one of about 20 interpreters in the state to achieve the highly-regarded Nebraska Supreme Court Interpreter certification. Now I get calls to travel to Fremont, Tecumseh, Lexington, etc., or over to Iowa as well.” Lunt, son of former UNO biology professor Steele R. Lunt, since graduation has earned a black belt in Kenpo Karate and earned medals in both fenc-

ing and tae kwon do at the Cornhusker State Games. He also is a real estate agent working out of the South Omaha NP Dodge office. Visit his Web page at www.npdodge.com/KevinLunt James Richard Thibodeau, BS, lives in Omaha and writes that, “After spending seven years working in the Douglas County Attorney’s office I was recently hired as the director of labor relationsgeneral counsel for Metropolitan Community College in Omaha.” Send him email at jimmyt70@yahoo.com 1994 Mar y (Betsy) Vicknair Conway, BGS, lives in Omaha and has been appointed director of major gifts and planned giving at the Visiting Nurse Association in Omaha. Prior to joining VNA Betsy had 12 years of experience working with planned giving donors within a threestate area for the Salvation Army. She also completed advanced studies in planned giving at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va. “Visiting Nurse Association has a stellar reputation and a history of 110 years of service in the Omaha community and surrounding areas,” Conway says. “VNA is highly respected for their efforts in the community health, hospice and maternal health fields. I am looking forward to working with VNA, providing information to donors eager to help VNA expand their mission.” She is married with two grown sons. Send her email at bconway@vnaomaha.org Pat McDermott, MBE, joined Cassling Diagnostic Imaging as its director of strategy and business development.

McDermott will oversee strategic plan initiatives and help explore business development opportunities for Cassling, a full-line sales and service distributor for Siemens Medical Solutions.

1995 Matthew James Streett, BFA, lives in Columbia, Md., and writes that, “late last year I was transferred from my pastorship of a small parish in Virginia to the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Baltimore, the largest Greek Orthodox church in the mid-Atlantic. I've never been so busy in my entire life, but it's a very fulfilling job.”

1996 Ken Archer, BS, lives in Summerfield, Fla. He recently received an Edward R. Murrow award and a First Place Associated Press Award for producing

UNOALUM

S U M M E R parts two and three of the Villages Media Group’s “Faces of Freedom — America’s Frontline Heroes” and for “America’s Seaborne Heroes,” four 30minute specials honoring the men and women who fought during World War II and in Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq. Archer also accepted a position at The Villages High School to take over its communication academy and teach TV news, TV production and journalism while beginning work toward a master’s degree. Send him email at Ken-Archer@excite.com David P. Worden, BS, lives near Winston-Salem, N.C., and is a project manager for Lowe's Companies Inc., headquartered in Mooresville, N.C. Worden was the “Official Voice of the Spirit of the Heartland” for the UNO Marching Mavericks, announcing the band at home and away football games.

He and his wife, Christine, also a UNO alum, moved to North Carolina with their two children in 2006. Send him email at dpworden@triad.rr.com Brent Boardman, BA, lives in Maricopa, Ariz., and is a curriculum development manager for the College of Undergraduate Business & Management with the University of Phoenix. He and his wife, fellow UNO graduate Tina Padilla Boardman (BS, 1997) have been married for six years.

Both have earned MBAs from the WP Carey School of Business. The couple welcomed their first child, Charlotte, in March 2006.

Class Notes

1997 Ti na Padi lla B oardma n, BS, lives in Maricopa, Ariz., and is the quality systems manager for Genzyme Genetics, a clinical genetic testing laboratory in Phoenix. She and her husband, fellow UNO graduate Brent Boardman (BA, 1996) have been married for six years.

Both have earned MBAs from the WP Carey School of Business. The couple welcomed their first child, Charlotte, in March 2006. Send Tina email at tinaphx@yahoo.com.

Paul Larson, BS, lives in Omaha and is an attorney with Berens & Tate. He writes, “After receiving an excellent and affordable education at UNO, I went to law school at Creighton, graduated in 2000 and have been practicing law ever since. My practice is focused on representing employers in Nebraska and across the nation with their respective workers’ compensation and employment needs.” Send him email at paull@berenstate.com Venesa Torres, BS, lives in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains in Maryville, Tenn., “with my DH and yorkie Zoey.

Still a licensed registered dietician, but I now have a great new hobby that is quickly becoming my new life . . . I’m a glass artist. If you would like to see what I’ve been up to check it out at www.VenusBeads.com.” Send email to VenusBeads@charter.net

1998 Tugba Kalafatogl u, BA, lives in Istanbul, Turkey, and recently was named Woman of the Year 2007 by the Governing Board of Editors of the American Biographical Institute. The honor is presented annually to an individual from across the globe who exhibits extraordinary achievement and determination based on American ideals of entrepreneurship and success along with community involvement.”

Send her email at tugba@tugbakalafatoglu.com 1999 LeeAnn Vaughan, BSED, is a teacher at Omaha North High School who in May received the Biotechnology Institute’s Genzyme-Invitrogen Biotech Educator Award, the nation’s top award for biotechnology education. The award, sponsored by Genzyme Corporation and Invitrogen Corporation, was presented at the Biotechnology Institute’s annual conference on biotechnology education in Boston. Established by the Biotechnology Institute, the national biotechnology education organization, the award recognizes premier high school level educators who provide an array of expertise to help improve the teaching and learning of biotechnology

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in their classrooms. “LeeAnn represents the best of the teachers we work with every day,” says Paul A. Hanle, president of the Biotechnology Institute.

“These dynamic teachers are sharing their passion about science and biotechnology and energizing the next generation of biotechnology innovators.” Ten finalists were identified from a nationwide applicant pool from among more than 1,000 educators in the institute’s National Biotechnology TeacherLeader Program. Vaughan received $10,000 with the honor.

2001 Dav id Bla ir, MBE, lives in Omaha and has joined Manarin Investment Counsel as an investment advisor.

2003 Armando Salgado, BA, recently was featured in an Omaha World-Herald article focusing on his new business LingDocs, a resource for English- and Spanish-speaking players in the real estate industry. The company offers various bilingual services. Salgado also is director of programs and services for Christ Child Society of Omaha.

2005 Jamie Cooper, BA, was awarded an annual diversity scholarship by Butler Rubin Saltarelli & Boyd LLP. A Northwestern University School of Law student, Cooper is the second scholarship recipient of the program Butler Rubin established with Northwestern to foster diversity in the legal profession.

Cooper will receive a $10,000 scholar-

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

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

Name__________________________________________

Employer ___________________________________

Class Year_______Degree________

Position_____________________________________

Address________________________________________

Career/Personal News__________________________

City ___________________________ State, Zip______________________

Is this a new

q Yes q No address?

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

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

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_______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________

Summer 2007 • 45

Class Notes ship for tuition and other expenses and will work as a summer associate at Butler Rubin. The scholarship is renewable for her second and third year of study. Cooper also will work at Butler Rubin for at least two weeks after her second year of law school. A magna cum laude graduate of UNO with a degree in Spanish, Cooper at Northwestern participates in the Black Women Lawyers Association of Greater Chicago, the Black Law Student Association, the Latino Law Student Association, the Women’s Leadership Coalition, and the Council on Legal Opportunity and Education.

2006 Matthew Schultz, BS, was named a recipient of the 2007 National Park Service Exceptional IT Service Award.

Created in 2004, the award recognizes exemplary work, innovative thinking and dedication in the performance of IT

service in the NPS. Schultz was cited for his highly developed technical skill in tackling and quickly learning new technologies, using that knowledge to benefit NPS, and “his winning attitude.”

Following many summers of volunteer service with the NPS, Schultz began his professional career with the agency in 1999. Upon graduating from UNO he became a full-time permanent employee in the Midwest Regional Office’s information technology division. Schultz currently serves on the NPS Systems Management Server (SMS) Alliance working to deploy SMS throughout the 13-state Midwest Region. Schultz also volunteers as the network administrator and web developer for St. Mark Lutheran Church in Omaha.

Kenny Onatolu, BGS, signed a contract in March to play football for the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League. The 6-foot-2, 225-

In Memoriam 1923 Ethelwyn Hodge 1936 Kenneth O. Turner 1937 Sarah Elizabeth “Betty” Majors Kozak Amy A. Rohacek Sutton 1939 Wade E. Knapp 1944 Alfred J. Eggers Jr. 1947 George W. Ireland Thelma V. Melton Roe 1948 Everett J. Bush Laura Tondreau Piepgras Robert W. Somers 1950 James C. Edick Sr. Robert G. Murray Robert E. Westergard 1952 Lorraine Peters Carter John R. Potts Edward L. Schapsmeier 1953 Edmund W. Edmonds Carmen A. Peterson W. Dale Womer 1954 Kenneth C. Borcher Frank P. Rymer 1956 Joseph C. Corey Joseph L. Slavik Donald E. Summers Clarence Everett Giraud 1957 John K. Miller 1958 Thomas J. Barr 1959 Wayne C. Ahrens Stanley P. Converse Oakley J. Dollard Donald H. Jersey John C. Marschhausen Rose Lagman Richman Shirley F. Nelson Rosse Ronald J. Schneider 1960 Louis E. Arczynski

46 • Summer 2007

1960 William R. Austin Robert E. Bennett Charles S. Dearborn Janice Walters Lambeth Essie “Grace” Matthews Daniel G. Traver Noyes Weltmer Jr. 1961 John H. Barnett John B. Beckham Richard A. Kupau Walter J. Klein John W. Klingelhoefer Paul F. Kreft Joseph F. Lange John C. Leeds Jr. Richard Lepore Steve J. Mack Walter E. Mann Jr. Carlos R. Marquez Charles W. Martino Wallace A. Mason Edward E. Mayer Robert W. McFadden Nelson McFarley Jr. Charles R. McNeilly Charles F. Meyer Vaughan Miller Jr. William T. Minor Rafael Miranda Robert F. Tugman 1962 Edward F. Astarita Arsene P. Bonifas Wallace W. Crompton James E. Dempsey Jack D. Dougherty Edward A. Koster William C. Glisson Edna E. Manter

pound Onatolu ended his UNO career last fall, finishing with 324 tackles to rank fifth on the university’s career tackles list. Twin brother Taiwo Onatolu, who played for the Mavs from 20022005, ranks second with 371 tackles.

Kenny Onatolu was an All-North Central Conference second-team selection as a sophomore and NCC first-team as a junior and senior. Edmonton is one of the most successful teams in CFL history with 13 Grey Cup championships and a North American pro-sports record of 34 consecutive years in the playoffs.

The Eskimos opened their season June 15 against the Calgary Stampeders. See more at www.esks.com Zac Herold, BGS, signed a free agent contract to play football for the San Francisco 49ers. A 6-foot-6, 261-pound tight end (right), Herold finished his Maverick career last fall with 23 receptions for 358 yards. For his career

1962 Hugh A. MacDonald Lewis E. Spencer 1963 Robert G. Belles Carolyn H. Brenton Kenneth W. Bevan Robert J. Billington Dorothy E. Hansen Hirst Clinton L. Kimsey Paul E. Nally Lillian Nelson Peterson Anne E. Brown Rickels 1964 Wyndham H. Bammer Zeb Blackmon Jr David F. Bouchard Sharon K. Hays Brown Ann C. DeStefano Carretto Richard F. Collins Charles D. Decker Robert L. Engleson Mark H. Hahney Howard A. Jones Merle D. Kenney Norma J. Cleary Ludwig Beverly H. Randall 1965 Frank B. Amado Major W. Amos William R. Bentley Philip O. Berry Christos C. Bogiages Jr. Irving W. Boswell Russell A. Cecala Arthur L. Consta Richard G. Davis John N. Dick, Jr. Daniel L. Dienstbier Thomas W. Donovan Florence “Joyce” Doty Stella Graham Bryant Downing Donald G. Duff

Herold played in 39 games and had 73 receptions for 1,048 yards and eight touchdowns. In 2005 he was named a first-team All-American by D2Football.com and was an All-North Central Conference pick. He came to UNO from Prairie High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

1965 Lawrence H. Flood William R. Goode Howard “Mike” Harvey William A. Haskins Larry G. Hill Norman R. Jackson Robert C. Kingston Rosalea A. Weskirchen Maher Harry W. Moore John W. Olsen Darlene F. Santee Angela Remund Steele Archie W. Tucker Woodrow L. Vandrew 1966 Arthur M. Bliss Robert A. Bonifacio Gene T. Broyles Lionel A. Danis Leo H. Dodson Ronald E. Dunlap Harold E. Justice John G. McCormick Ronald B. Montague John R. Petkosek Richard L. Powell 1967 William E. Beck Robert P. Caputo Jackie N. Caraway Joy Shum Rishel King William A. Meikle 1968 Otmer "Ronald" Gorrell Marshall D. Johnson Ottis V. Stephenson Sr. 1969 Marvin L. Cook Kenneth R. Jacobs Dale R. Meierhenry Ronald D. Olsen Francis E. Politte 1970 Duane E. Kosmicki Robert C. Learch

1970 Richard W. Lee Inez L. Naumann 1971 Edward S. Broderick David H. French Carl Goins Leo B. Hunt Dorothy Kemp McClain Phyllis A. Fedman Tejral 1972 Basil V. Harrington 1974 Richard A. Bouker Edwin W. Corwin Steven H. Lee 1974 Michael G. O'Connor James L. Oliger Jr. Mary "Kathleen" Ring Raymond J. Tarlton Jr. 1975 James E. Bruscino 1977 Edward L. Moore Norma C. Mosley Merrill T. Powell Margaret E. Dineen Prendergast 1978 Herbert "Bud" Curdts Jr. Ronald R. Geiger 1979 John J. Moriarty 1980 William H. Dieatric Jr. 1981 Virginia A. Pleiss 1982 Doug D. Adams William R. Fogarty William C. Pierce Margaret E. “Maggie” Kerkhove Randall 1988 Christopher L. Draney Robert J. “R.J.” Nebe Virginia Prawl Winegar 1990 Karla E. Jones 1991 Michele M. Cathro 1994 Rhonda L. Rollerson 1997 Erin R. Keeler 2000 Ronald R. Carlson Anthony M. Welsh

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.

T

John A. & Cheryl A. Mascarello Paul L. & Anne M. Hays Walter C. Nodean Linda Placzek William L. & Laura M. Powers Edwin D. Rasmussen Marilyn R. Raupe T. Patrick Ryan Fred L. Sgroi

Thanks to these upgraded Century Club donors!

(March 16 to May 31, 2007) To Gold ($500 or more) Susan K. Bizzarri Wallace A. Burkett Mary A. Ferdig James L. Gammon Patrick M. Gerbus David M. Juenenmann Deena R. Murphy Tom & Joan Quinlin Ginny Tworek

Welcome to these first-time Century Club donors!

(March 16 to May 31, 2007) D ia m o n d ( $ 1 , 0 0 0 o r m o re ) Brig. Gen. (Ret) Paul E. Smith

To Silver ($250 or more) Sharon A. Appleby Duke Burgess Craig S. Clawson Rodney A. & Annette R. Conser Dorothy "Dee" Hall Theodore W. Heise Daniel L. Jaksich James J. Kozak Kenneth E. Krawczyk

Gold ($500 or more) Jon C. Gum S ilv e r ( $ 2 5 0 o r m o r e ) R.D. Langhammer James K. Perkins Raschelle Serghini Burton

2007 UNO Annual Fund Donation Form

I will 1Give- YES! to the UNO

2- Tax-deductible gift information (select one)

q

Check enclosed for $

$50 or more

q

PLEDGE: Bill me for $

$100 or more

q I authorize the UNO Alumni Association to collect

Annual Fund!

q Change Maker q Bronze Century q Silver Century

q Golden Century $500 or more

Glenna G. Lee Sherri Macht Virginia Maciel Harold (Hal) Mandell Francine J. Martin Thomas E. Matza Darrel L. Morrison John M. O'Doherty Ronald L. Orndorff Ralph L. & Jean D. Pettit Richard R. Rankin Diane M. Ruskamp Curt J. & Linda M. Safranek Daniel & Kathryn Saniuk Larry Saxton Gregory C. Schaecher Scott Schneider Daniel J. Showalter Jr. Barbara H. Staples Joan C. Stoner Marlyn & Judy Taylor Kathy Tibke Thomas N. Tomaszewski Gustave Vinas D.G. Waller Paul A. Williams Harry Williams Jr. Carolyn A. Winkel

The UNO Annual Fund: Serving UNO since 1953

3 - Complete Name and Address Name__________________________________________________________________ As you wish it to appear in the Annual Report

in

. month

my gift of $

q

$250 or more

. Payable to UNO Annual Fund.

Bronze ($100 or more) Daniel E. Adams Gary M. Anderson Jeffrey J. Anderson John F. Arkwright Brig. Gen. (Ret) Rolland E. Ballow Eben S. Battaglia Lonnie & Jean Bernth Eric L. & Janet L. Bremers Cody Francis Carse Col. (Ret) Melvin G. Cash Rev. Robert R. Clay Tamara & Scott Coburn Judith Davies Hubert R. Davis Herbert E. Detloff Genevieve I. Evankovich Maureen FitzGerald Rothfuss Floyd D. Foreman Col. (Ret) James E. Foster Gary Lee Frantz Ronald N. Gass William S. Glickfield Timothy E. Hamel Col. (Ret) Richard Harwood John H. Hoehne Richard D. Kostopoulos Cynthia & William Lambert Jr.

Visa

through my:

q

MasterCard

q

City/State/Zip____________________________________________________________

Discover Expiration Date:____/_____ Phone__________________________________________________________________

Card No.:

q Diamond Century

Address________________________________________________________________

-

-

-

E-mail:

$1,000 or more

q Platinum Century $2,500 or more

q Other

$___________

_______________________________________________________________________ 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

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

q Yes q No

Summer 2007 • 47

The Thompson Center at UNO

10% room rental discount for UNO Alumni Card holders!

An elegant, versatile event facility, ideally located and open to the public

— Newly remodeled and expanded!

— Rooms for large & small events — Private and shaded park-like grounds — Professional staff on-site — Free parking Catering by Brandeis with full and varied menu and event-planning assistance

• • • •

Weddings & Receptions Beautiful Outdoor Weddings Breakfasts & Brunches Luncheons & Dinners

Ask about Friday night discounts!

Book your next event online —

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

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Meetings & Seminars Banquets & Conferences State-of-the-art A/V Free high-speed Wi-Fi

67th & Dodge

554-3368

www.thethompsoncenter.org

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