Visit today to explore the stunning new 42,000-square-foot Rhonda & Howard Hawks Pavilion and experience the premiere of the Phillip G. Schrager Collection.
5,000 years of human creativity across three buildings. 100 works new to the collection on view. Three outstanding exhibitions. Expanded Cafe and Shop, plus redesigned sculpture gardens. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am–4 pm, late until 8 pm Wednesday and Thursday.
Free general admission to all, always.
Art Museum
Mavericks,
As we embark on another academic year and my third year as UNO’s Chancellor, I want to reflect on what makes this university a destination for learning, growth and innovation.
On September 19, I delivered my second State of the University Address with the theme of Destination Omaha. This year I highlighted our significant progress across all areas of the university. From our groundbreaking research to impressive student accomplishments, our commitment to standing out as an institution dedicated to academic excellence and transformative educational experience is imperative. Our collective efforts are shaping a brighter future for our community.
In today’s rapidly changing world, this commitment is more important than ever. Our university is deeply connected to our community, and we provide our students with opportunities for hands-on experiences. Through our cutting-edge programs, outstanding facilities and dedicated faculty and staff,
our learners are prepared to make meaningful contributions to the community and the world.
UNO is a Destination where our learners are empowered to explore their interests, challenge their assumptions and develop the skills they need to lead. We are proud to offer a variety of programs that cater to a wide range of interests, equipping our learners with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive.
As we move forward with our vision, we must continue to elevate our university as a destination for transformative learning and leadership. I eagerly anticipate the opportunities that lie ahead, and I know that by working together, we are shaping a brighter future for our community. We are the Destination.
Sincerely,
Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA Chancellor
STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY ADDRESS
Together we will continue to make UNO not only a place for learning, but a place where every individual will thrive and contribute to a brighter future for our community. Omaha, our campus, isn’t just part of your journey. It is the Destination.
Despite facing the challenges of immigration and separation, these determined sisters find strength in each other, overcoming obstacles to pursue their dreams at UNO.
Mary and Mayjem Palafox immigrated from the Philippines to the United States in 2019, accompanied by their father and youngest sister. They settled in Omaha, Nebraska. Shortly after arriving, their father had to return home with their younger sister to care for their mother and other siblings, but Mary and Mayjem decided to stay in the U.S. At only 18- and 14-years old, Mary and Mayjem were driven by the hope of accessing greater opportunities.
The sisters’ situation grew more difficult as they were temporarily separated at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mary remained in Nebraska, while Mayjem moved to Colorado to live with a cousin and finish high school. Despite this separation, they stayed strong and focused on their dreams, determined to make the most of their circumstances. This determination would later lead them both to the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO).
For 30 years, Project Achieve has helped Mavericks overcome obstacles to achieve their dream of a college degree from UNO.
by GREG KOZOL
24 RUNAWAY MOTHER CREATIVE SERIES
A series of fiction and c reative writing by UNO alumni, faculty, staff and students by JODY KEISNER
26 HOME IS WHERE THE MAVERICKS ARE
From an orphanage in India to attending UNO, the Kate sisters are now proud to call Omaha home.
by SUSAN HOUSTON KLAUS
28 EMPOWERING PEER ADVOCATES
UNO Counseling researchers have launched a groundbreaking teen mental health program with local high school students. by
MIMI BOSWELL
ALUMNI PROFILES: The stories of four UNO alumni who embody resilience, pages 34–37.
and Paralympic gold medalist
advice for young athletes: have fun, page 10.
Angel Starks shares how the upside of adversity helped her become an award-winner realtor and business owner, page 34.
We are excited to debut a new UNO Magazine in print and online! Like all things with staying power, this publication continues to evolve with the interests and desires of its audience. We will showcase inspiring university advancements, Maverick stories and updates from the UNO alumni community with a fresh look and some fun new features. You can read the issue and web exclusive content on the new UNO Magazine website — unoalumni.org/unomagazine. We hope you are inspired and proud to be a Maverick.
MANAGING EDITOR
Davina Schrier
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Jennifer Arnold Sam Peshek
ART DIRECTION/DESIGN
Heidi Mihelich, cre8ivenergy CONTRIBUTORS
Mimi Boswell, Amanda Craig, Zoë Euteneuer, John Fey, Susan Houston Klaus, Steve Jordan, Jody Keisner, Greg Kozol, Bella Lockwood, Kara Schweiss, Debbie Vihstadt
EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING INQUIRIES contact: 800-432-3216 or unomagazine@unoalumni.org.
Read the full issue and web exclusive content online at: unoalumni.org/unomagazine
UNO MAGAZINE is published three times a year. UNO graduates in Nebraska receive two issues – the fall issue and either the spring or summer issue All UNO graduates receive the fall issue. UNO Fund donors of $25 or more of the past two years receive all three issues.
Do we have your correct name and address? Send all changes to unomagazine@unoalumni.org or visit unoalumni.org/recordupdate.
Resilience by Gerard Pefung. Pefung is a New York and Omaha-based visual artist born in Cameroon, West Africa. He currently works with Fulton Art Fair facilitating art projects in Brooklyn. His work can be viewed on campus in the TRIO Project Achieve space in Hayden House (p. 20–21) and at the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center.
Views expressed within this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the UNO Alumni Association or the University of Nebraska Foundation. The University of Nebraska at Omaha shall not discriminate based upon age, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, gender-identity, sex, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran’s status, marital status, religion, or political affiliation.
by DEBBIE VIHSTADT Communications Specialist, College of Public Affairs and Community Service
Ryan Stepps’s journey from a young aviation enthusiast to the Air Traffic Manager at Omaha Eppley Air Traffic Control Tower illustrates the impact that a well-rounded education and a strong work ethic can have on a professional trajectory.
Ryan Stepp’s career in aviation is a compelling story of how passion, education and perseverance can chart a course to success in one of the world’s most demanding industries. As an alumnus of the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), his journey from a young aviation enthusiast to the Air Traffic Manager at Omaha Eppley Air Traffic Control Tower illustrates the impact that a well-rounded education and a strong work ethic can have on a professional trajectory.
Growing up in Seward, Nebraska, his fascination with aviation began early. A pivotal moment came when he took his first flight on a passenger plane as a child.
“I remember the feeling of lifting off the ground, watching the world get smaller beneath me,” Stepp recalls. “That experience left a mark on me—I knew from that moment that I wanted to be part of the aviation world.” This early encounter with flight sparked a lifelong passion that would eventually shape his career.
Soon after starting his college education in general studies at another school, Ryan realized his true calling was in the skies.
“Aviation has always been in my blood,” Stepp said. “That first flight really solidified it for me—I’d watch planes and feel this pull, knowing that’s where I belonged.”
The journey to becoming an air traffic controller was challenging. The FAA’s rigorous selection process required a series of aptitude tests, psychological evaluations, and a full day of assessments in Chicago. Stepp’s persistence through the process paid off, and in November 2008 he began his training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City—a critical step in what would become a successful career in air traffic control.
Stepp’s first assignment was in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he spent the next decade guiding aircrafts safely through the skies. His ability to be calm under pressure and deep understanding of aviation operations quickly distinguished Ryan as a leader in the field. In 2019, Stepp was promoted to supervisor, a role that required him to manage a team of controllers and make critical decisions that ensured the safety and efficiency of the airspace.
“AVIATION HAS ALWAYS BEEN IN MY BLOOD.”
This realization led him to seek out a UNO program that matched his ambitions—the Bachelor of Science in Aviation, with a concentration in Professional Flight.
“The program at UNO didn’t just teach me how to fly,” Stepp said. “It gave me a deep understanding of the entire aviation ecosystem—from airport operations to airline management. That kind of education is invaluable.”
Stepp graduated in 2008 with a solid foundation in aviation and aspirations to become a pilot. As he began working at the Council Bluffs Airport, a friend suggested he consider a career with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an air traffic controller.
“I was ready to fly for no pay just to get the experience,” Stepp says, “but when the FAA opportunity came up, I knew I had to take it seriously. It was a chance to stay in aviation and make a real impact.”
“One of the most intense moments in my career was when I had to step in and redirect an aircraft that was headed to the wrong runway,” he said. “That decision was recognized by the FAA’s Vice President or Air Traffic, and it’s something I’ll never forget.”
In 2021, Stepp took on a new challenge as the Air Traffic Manager at Omaha Eppley Air Traffic Control Tower where he oversees the daily operations of one of the busiest airports in the region.
“No two days are the same,” he said. “I love the unpredictability and the responsibility that comes with making sure everything runs smoothly. It keeps me on my toes, and that’s what I thrive on.”
Today, the aviation industry is facing a significant need for skilled professionals, especially as many current air traffic controllers are near mandatory retirement. The FAA is actively seeking to recruit thousands of new air traffic controllers, and the demand for well-prepared graduates is higher than ever. Programs like UNO’s Aviation Institute are crucial in meeting this need, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in various aviation roles.
“There’s a huge demand right now,” Stepp said. “We’re looking to hire between 1,500 and 1,800 controllers in the next year or so. The industry is changing fast, but the need for skilled professionals isn’t going away.”
by AMANDA CRAIG
Jeromie Meyer, an Iowa native and University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) alum, joined Team USA at the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games. He competed for the men’s wheelchair basketball team as they took home a gold medal.
As a UNO student, Meyer was part of the wheelchair basketball program, but his history with the university began much earlier.
From when he began playing wheelchair basketball at ten years old through high school, he would have most practices and games in the HPER Center, now called the Wellness Center in the H&K Building.
“UNO was a huge part of my basketball development because it was always a resource and a place where we were welcomed with open arms to compete, practice, or schedule any type of event,” said Meyer.
His high school coach, Mike Kult, then asked him to enroll at UNO and join its new wheelchair basketball program, which Kult was helming. Meyer and a couple of his high school teammates signed on and enjoyed their time as UNO students.
“Going to UNO was what really drove me to become a better basketball player and find ways to further compete at a higher level,” said Meyer. “I have nothing but positive memories. I loved the campus and the atmosphere.”
He currently works in adaptive sports as a program coordinator and is earning his master’s degree in athletic administration at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Over the years, Meyer has continued playing and competing with various teams, winning championships and tournaments striving to keep getting better.
“Not only is he a very good athlete, but he also continues to work hard on improving his game,” shares former coach Kult. “Because of his hard work, he is considered one of the best wheelchair basketball players. I hope he enjoys the journey because he’s earned it.”
“GOING TO UNO WAS WHAT REALLY DROVE ME TO BECOME A BETTER BASKETBALL PLAYER.”
His advice to young athletes is: “First, have fun. Just have fun doing what you’re doing, whether it’s any type of sport or hobby that you’re really wanting to get into, and dive into it fully. Second, pick and choose your battles. Some days will be hard or disappointing, and nothing in life is linear. If you let every obstacle frustrate you, you’re going to lead a miserable life.”
That hard work and talent paid off, earning him a spot on the US team at the Santiago Parapan American Games in November 2023, where the team won gold.
In March, he was notified that he would be going to the Paralympics Games.
“It’s a pretty big accomplishment and honor. A lot goes into getting to this point, a lot of sacrificing and hard work. It just shows that if you manifest and stay on track, you can ultimately accomplish your goals,” said Meyer.
by AMANDA CRAIG
Kolby Brink, a doctoral biomechanics student at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), and Aaron Likens, an assistant professor in UNO’s Department of Biomechanics and Brink’s advisor, received acceptance into The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) journal with their co-written paper “Pink Noise promotes sooner state transitions during bimanual coordination.”
PNAS, one of the top science journals in the U.S., has a highly selective review and acceptance process. This the first PNAS publication for Brink Likens and marks the first time that any paper from UNO’s Department of Biomechanics has been published in the journal. The other contributors on the paper are Seung Kyeom Kim, Joel Sommerfeld, Polemnia Amazeen and Nick Stergiou.
Brink shared, “I’m excited that this paper was accepted at this journal. I’ve been grateful to be on the team that I’m on and surrounded with the advisors and teammates I have. I certainly couldn’t have done this without them.”
The paper’s research began as Brink’s thesis project for his master’s degree. In UNO’s Center of Research in Human Movement Variability (MOVCENTR), he studied movement and coordination in people to better understand ways to improve rehabilitation tools for motor-related disorders.
Working with Likens, his faculty advisor, he focused his research on how to assess the impact that variability has on human coordination. A widely used model in human movement research, the Haken-Kelso-Bunz (HKB) model, measures coordination but does not adequately address the variability in movement that humans naturally have. This variability was shown to be pink noise. “It’s a fundamental property that degrades when you’re injured, have a disease, or through the natural course of aging,” Likens said. “And it seems to be associated with your ability to flexibly adapt to novel circumstances.”
An example of this is when a healthy young person is walking, they can quickly adapt their movements when encountering uneven ground or increasing their speed. When their inherent pink noise has degraded due to a disorder or age, they are not as adaptable to their environment, making them more prone to falls.
Brink was tasked with designing a model that could measure the effect of pink noise on adaptable movement and determine whether a degraded adaptability in coordination could be restored with pink noise exposure.
Through his experiments, his team found that exposing subjects to auditory pink noise positively affected their adaptability in coordinated movements.
FUTURE IMPLICATIONS OF PINK NOISE RESEARCH ON REHABILITATION TOOLS
“I’m hoping this could just be another step towards further developing this,” said Brink. “We had some promising experimental and simulation findings, and I think that sets the stage for future studies to start implementing this newer and modified model.”
Nick Stergiou, the director of MOVCENTR and a senior contributor on the paper, is immensely proud of this accomplishment for Brink and Likens.
“I think it will really impact the careers of Kolby [Brink] and Aaron [Likens] because they are early in their careers and publishing in such a big journal,” said Stergiou. “Also, this research is very important. We are doing incredible things with variability and incorporating pink noise variability into the HKB model. It’s huge. I think it will be utilized by many other scientists around the world.”
REVIEW THE FULL PAPER IN PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (PNAS).
PHOTOS I Top: Aaron Likens, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biomechanics. Bottom: Kolby Brink, Doctorial Research Assistant, Biomechanics
UNO’s fully online master’s degree in cybersecurity gave Larissa Sazama the flexibility she needed for her busy schedule.
Larissa Sazama, a senior transportation engineer at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln (UNL), has worked with the civil engineering faculty for several years to ensure the smooth functioning of transportation systems.
Her expertise spans across various domains, including engineering, traffic operations, parking, signage, transportation planning, signals and lighting. However, behind the scenes, Sazama began to question the security of these systems. She developed a deep-seated interest in cybersecurity, particularly concerning the Internet of Things (IoT) or physical devices with network connectivity crucial to these systems.
“In my job, we set up trailers at intersections with cameras and sensors. Even the devices that we use on our trailers lack adequate security,” said
Sazama, revealing the spark that led her to pursue a master’s degree in cybersecurity.
Despite the challenge of juggling work with further education, Sazama found herself attracted to the fully online master’s degree in cybersecurity at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). With a full-time job already keeping her busy, UNO’s flexible program seemed like the perfect fit.
“UNO’s cybersecurity program stood out because of its flexibility, making it possible for me to pursue it,” said Sazama. “If it weren’t for that, attending in-person classes would not have been possible alongside my job.”
With a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from UNL, Sazama’s deep understanding of information technology and its applications made for a seamless
transition and marked the beginning of her journey towards cybersecurity.
Having been born and raised in rural Nebraska, the idea of safeguarding farming communities resonated with her. Collaborating with experts like UNO’s George Grispos, Ph.D., whose focus on agricultural device security aligned perfectly with her interests, Sazama developed a strong understanding of the advancements in farming technology and its vulnerabilities.
“A lot of research indicates that certain devices used by farmers may not be safe. However, it’s uncertain how many farms in the Midwest are using internet-connected technology,” said Sazama. “Many farmers use their cell phones for social media as well as running equipment. For example, they’re checking Facebook with the same device that is managing irrigation systems, which can pose dangers.”
Sazama’s research aims to uncover the complex relationship between technology and cybersecurity awareness among Midwest farmers and food producers. Through rigorous data collection and analysis, she will gather insights that will inform her own understanding and provide valuable insights to the broader conversation surrounding cybersecurity in agriculture.
Throughout her time at UNO, Sazama has been supported by dedicated faculty members who have nurtured her research endeavors. Despite primarily engaging with online coursework, UNO’s commitment to fostering a supportive academic environment has played a vital role in her academic growth and success.
Looking ahead, she aspires to contribute to the advancement of cybersecurity practices, particularly in areas vulnerable to cyber threats. She envisions a career dedicated to research, education and advocacy in cybersecurity to protect the transportation infrastructure and promote safe cyber practices.
“My goal is to create a device for households that ensures all connected devices are secure,” said Sazama.
The grant will fund a project for the School of Music to collaborate on bringing Lakota culture and music to K-12 students.
by AMANDA CRAIG
The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) has received its first ever grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
The NEA grant will fund an upcoming project through UNO’s School of Music, providing the opportunity for educators and culture bearers to collaborate on bringing Lakota culture and music to K-12 students.
Katrina Cox, UNO professor of music education, worked on securing the grant award and will facilitate the upcoming project. She and UNO professor Shelly Cooper will collaborate with Cindy Krafka of the Sicangu and Skye Junginger of the Santee, along with composer Braeden Ayres, on how to comprehensively and respectfully teach students about the traditions and art of the Lakota.
involved. We aren’t just collecting music to be performed but requesting invitations to learn from and participate alongside culture bearers in what they wish to share.”
When presented with these issues, teachers shared how it can be difficult to create new lesson plans when they lack the time and resources to do the necessary research and cultural consultation.
“THERE IS A NEED TO HAVE ACCESSIBLE MUSIC THAT EDUCATORS HAVE THE RESOURCES TO TEACH WELL.”
“There is a need to have accessible music that educators have the resources to teach well and with input from the people of that culture,” said Cox. “Historically, music has often been collected and published in textbooks or scores without adequate amounts of contextual information, or even proof of culture bearer participation and consent. Our profession wants to see this change and the shift is happening, but it takes time, effort, and vulnerability from all those
To address this, the project team will use their research time with Lakota culture bearers to create music and educational materials, which educators can then use in the classroom. The team plans to compose two or three songs, one of which will be funded by UNO.
“We are going to work with teachers and show them the materials we have, teach them the music, and let them make adjustments and modifications. Then, they can feel confident in their ability to teach but also facilitate the culture and the experience,” said Cox.
The NEA is an independent federal agency that strives to increase access to the arts and arts education for everyone in the U.S. Through its grant funding and promotion, more communities can participate in and benefit from creative opportunities.
by BELLA LOCKWOOD
The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is at the forefront of revolutionizing stroke rehabilitation through innovative Virtual Reality (VR) technology. Collaborating between the College of Information Science & Technology and the College of Education, Health, and Human Science’s Department of Biomechanics, researchers aim to enhance therapy outcomes and accessibility for stroke patients.
Every year, more than 795,000 individuals in the United States experience a stroke, which contributes significantly to long-term disability, according to the Center for Disease Control. Many stroke survivors face compromised mobility, cognitive deficits and emotional distress, all of which present multifaceted challenges to rehabilitation.
Traditional methods often lack motivation and personalized treatment plans, leading to low adherence rates among patients. Addressing these challenges demands a comprehensive approach integrating cutting-edge technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize
outcomes and enhance the quality of life for survivors.
GAMIFYING REHABILITATION WITH VR
Brian Knarr, Ph.D., an associate professor of biomechanics at UNO, noticed that patients often grew disengaged and bored with their rehabilitation routines.
Around this time, VR was gaining popularity and becoming more accessible and user-friendly. This led him to envision a novel approach: gamifying rehabilitation using VR technology.
Despite his expertise in upper limb rehabilitation, Knarr lacked knowledge of game design and coding.
To bridge the gap, he collaborated with Brian Ricks, Ph.D., associate professor of computer science at UNO, who had expertise in this area. Together, with assistance from undergraduate students, they developed a series of VR games specifically designed to aid in the rehabilitation process of stroke survivors.
“Our evidence suggests that VR therapy provides equivalent therapeutic effects to traditional rehab. We’ve been deliberate in validating the underlying mechanisms of rehabilitation supported by VR to ensure its efficacy,” said Knarr.
Ricks emphasized the importance of flexibility in their approach, noting that it was crucial to customize games for individual patients’ needs.
“It became evident that the key challenge wasn’t just creating the correct game but ensuring its flexibility. What sets our approach apart is the clinician’s ability to customize the game for each patient, adjusting directly on the screen,” he said.
“With each iteration, we discover the need for increased flexibility to better meet patient needs.”
The collaboration with UNO researchers and QLI, a premier rehabilitation center in Omaha, is transforming the landscape of stroke and neurological disorder rehabilitation through the integration of VR games.
Olivia Ollis, an Occupational Therapist at QLI, highlights the impact of VR technology on rehabilitation and its ability to enhance patient engagement and facilitate progress tracking.
“Using virtual reality activities noticeably increases engagement,” Ollis said.
“Patients are tracking progress week by week, noting improvements, adjusting the game to target different skills and integrating therapeutic elements seamlessly.”
This partnership has led to groundbreaking advancements in stroke rehabilitation, with a focus on formalizing VR game prescriptions, enabling remote therapy sessions and tailoring game experiences to individual patient needs, particularly in rural areas.
PHOTO I QLI Occupational Therapist, Olivia Ollis, works with a patient to utilize VR rehabilitation technology. Courtesy of QLI.
UNO celebrated the grand opening of its newly renovated STEM TRAIL Center, featuring cutting-edge classrooms and collaborative spaces designed to enhance STEM education and workforce development.
by BELLA LOCKWOOD
This fall, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) celebrated the grand opening of its newly renovated Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Teaching, Research and InquiryBased Learning (STEM TRAIL) Center, housed within the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS).
The open house featured remarks from several key figures including Chris Moore, Ph.D., director of the STEM TRAIL Center, UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, U.S. Representative Don Bacon, and Omaha-based artist Lee Emma Running, who contributed commissioned artworks to the space.
Moore kicked off the ceremony, highlighting the center’s mission to elevate human potential through innovative STEM education. He emphasized how the newly redesigned 8,400-square-foot lower level of Roskens Hall, which was previously a series of lecture halls and computer labs, now features cutting-edge classrooms, staff spaces, and flexible research and event areas. Moore noted the center’s role as a hub for educational innovation, stating that it will not only
serve UNO students but also the broader Omaha community through initiatives like the Aim for the Stars summer camps and professional development workshops for area teachers.
Chancellor Li followed, celebrating the collaborative spirit that the STEM TRAIL Center embodies. She described the renovation as a strategic investment in Nebraska’s future, a space where students will be equipped with the skills needed for high-demand STEM careers. Li also emphasized the broader impact of the STEM TRAIL Center’s programs, which aim to diversify and expand the STEM workforce through hands-on learning and community engagement.
“Thank you to our colleagues for their hard work, commitment, and unwavering belief in educating learners—from 3rd grade all the way to 80 years old. This space will forever change our community and the trajectory of many young learners, and anyone who wants to come to UNO and call it home,” said Li.
U.S. Rep. Bacon, who supported the ONE STEM initiative through federal funding, also addressed the crowd. He applauded the center’s potential to drive workforce development, noting that the initiative will prepare a more diverse group of students for highskill, high-wage jobs across the state. Bacon emphasized that the success of this program will have a ripple effect, benefiting both students and Nebraska’s economy.
“UNO plays such an important part in so many families in this community,” said Bacon. “We have a great work ethic here. We want to learn and make things better for our community.”
The newly opened STEM TRAIL Center is part of UNO’s broader ONE STEM initiative, which is dedicated to building a diverse and highly skilled STEM workforce in Nebraska. With innovative programming and a commitment to educational excellence, the center is poised to make a lasting impact on both students and the community, advancing UNO’s mission of fostering social mobility and creating future leaders in STEM fields.
by STEVE JORDAN
Separated by time, Dick Holland and Da’Von George are connected by their shared passion for art and communications — the late Richard D. Holland, Omaha advertising man and Omaha University art graduate, and George, a future graphic designer.
Another connection: George is an inaugural recipient of a scholarship created by the family foundation of Dick Holland and his wife, Mary. He will complete his bachelor’s degree in December at the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media.
The Holland Foundation’s gift adds $2.5 million to a scholarship fund it initially created in 2023 that supports UNO students studying arts and communication. The UNO Richard Holland Endowed Scholarship Fund helps students like George, who is the first in his family to go to college and serves as a role model in his community. George coaches basketball and mentors boys in Omaha’s NorthStar program, which aims to support young men in North Omaha.
“IT TAKES THE WEIGHT OFF MY SHOULDERS ABOUT HAVING TO WORRY ABOUT THE FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF THIS YEAR.”
“A lot of these kids are asking me how to find scholarships and other questions about college,” he said. “It’s always good to get it into their heads that college is an option.”
George said he is grateful for the support he received from the Holland Foundation. “It is so meaningful for me to not have the financial burden,” George said. “I feel honored to be an inaugural recipient of this scholarship.”
Melissa Berke, Ph.D., associate dean of the UNO College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media, said affording college is nearly impossible for some students. “We talk about the economic mobility that a college education provides,” she said, “and to have scholarships that provide that opportunity for students to graduate without enormous amounts of debt is amazing.”
The Holland Scholarship recipients, in turn, will impact their classmates, she said.
“The collaboration that happens between students who may not be as advantaged can broaden everyone’s lifetime experiences.”
I An inaugural recipient of a scholarship endowed by the Holland Foundation, UNO graphic design student Da’Von George.
This campaign will ensure that UNO is accessible to all students and able to help them achieve their goals. It also will invest in our faculty and our academic programs. And it will help us save lives and change lives by increasing our reach as a hub of innovation.
$280.7M
23,983
Of the total dollars committed, nearly 60% is designated for student access and success.
The impact of every gift starts right here in Nebraska and extends far beyond state lines.
2024 Wear Black, Give Back Sets New Records
UNO supporters raised a recordbreaking $907,396 through 6,242 gifts during this year’s Wear Black, Give Back. The results exceeded the target of 5,000 gifts to support UNO’s colleges and programs, scholarships, student groups, Omaha Athletics and other priorities.
Michael B. Jones, M.D., Pledges $1 Million to Create Endowed Chair in Art at UNO
Endowed chairs represent a permanent investment in the university and assist in recruiting and retaining top faculty. The endowed art chair will help to ensure the future vibrancy of UNO’s art history program.
David and Jane Offutt Commit $1 Million to Maverick Hockey
The couple made the commitment in support of the UNO Hockey Excellence Fund, which provides financial support for program priorities such as student-athlete scholarships and dedicated mental health and nutrition personnel.
Michael B. Jones, a dedicated gastroenterologist with a passion for the arts, recently pledged $1 million to establish the Michael Bruce Jones, M.D., Chair in the School of the Arts at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Amy Millicent Morris, Ph.D., director of the UNO School of the Arts, has been named the inaugural recipient. Morris, an art history expert who specializes in Northern Renaissance art, has been teaching at UNO since 2012. She emphasizes that the endowed chair will elevate the school’s ability to provide students with rich, hands-on experiences in art history.
To that end, Dr. Jones hopes his gift will inspire others to support the arts and humanities at UNO. “Art defines what it means to be human,” he said.
This gift is part of Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future, an initiative aimed at raising $300 million to support UNO’s future, including support for its faculty.
Amy Millicent Morris, Ph.D.
Michael Bruce Jones, M.D., Chair in the School of the Arts, UNO
For 30 years, Project Achieve has helped Mavericks overcome obstacles to achieve their dream of a college degree from UNO.
by GREG KOZOL
College students arrive on campus with similar dreams of earning a degree and building a better future through higher education.
But those students don’t share similar backgrounds. Some first-generation college students, along with low-income students and those with disabilities, face significant obstacles on the road to collecting that coveted college diploma.
Racquel Henderson, a first-generation student from a low-income background, remembers her first time walking on UNO’s campus in 2010.
“It was intimidating,” she said. “I didn’t know anybody.”
Henderson might have felt like she was alone, but she wasn’t. TRIO Project Achieve provided the support and direction that helped her navigate the complexities of higher education.
“They have a bigger learning curve,” said Cristina Lamas, director of Project Achieve at UNO. “That’s why it’s important for us to reach out to these students and be hands-on with them. It could be something as simple as not knowing how to manage your time or not knowing how to organize yourself and get ready for the rigor.”
For 30 years, Project Achieve has served qualifying first-generation students, students who meet income
guidelines and students with disabilities. The program flies under the radar but has quietly supported the academic success of hundreds of UNO students who came from low-income backgrounds or dreamed of being the first in their families to attain a college degree.
Project Achieve served 100 students in the fall of 2024 and has reached as many as 185 in past semesters.
“I feel like we choose the students who need the program the most,” said Lamas, who became Project Achieve’s director in 2022. “My goal is to make sure we reach as many students as possible.”
Esau Betancourt encountered Project Achieve when he enrolled at UNO in 2012. He qualified for the program as a first-generation college students who also met the income guidelines.
“One of the best parts of the program is it made you feel like you weren’t completely directionless,” he said. “College is a new experience for everybody, whether you’re first generation or not. You want to have that mentorship.”
Project Achieve receives funding through the U.S. Department of Education’s TRIO program. Project Achieve’s mission aligns with the TRIO program’s goal of reducing barriers for students who are traditionally underserved in higher education. The income threshold for Project Achieve is 150% of the federal poverty level.
At UNO, the program doesn’t provide direct scholarships but links students with resources for financial assistance. Students with disabilities are put in contact with UNO’s Accessibility Services Center.
Students are able to bond with others who come from similar economic or social backgrounds.
Lamas said Project Achieve provides advice on study skills and tips on conducting research. The program connects students with campus resources for tutoring in math, English and other courses. At times, she said, Project Achieve simply reminds students that it’s OK to ask for help or set up an appointment with a professor.
“It’s kind of the reason I’m here,” Lamas said. “I want to help them. That academic support is huge for them.”
The numbers point to the program’s success. Project Achieve’s annual report shows that 96% of participants are in good academic standing (a GPA of 2.0 or higher), 87% persist from one academic year to the next and 64% graduate within six years. All of those measures exceed Department of Education requirements needed to maintain program funding.
Lamas said Project Achieve’s real impact comes with the sense of community that the program builds on campus.
“What we try to do is have every student feel like they can belong here,” said Lamas, who received a BA in psychology and a minor in Spanish from UNO in 1998. “They feel like they have found a safe space, a place where they feel welcomed. I really want them to feel like they could come at any time and get the help that they need.”
Betancourt, who earned a degree in Latin American studies and is now a social media and influence professional for IBM in Austin, Texas, remembers a study table where Project Achieve students could meet in between classes and discuss challenges they faced.
“Everybody just kind of got together to ask questions, work on things together and share some of the same grievances,” he said. “That was fairly important.”
Project Achieve also builds a sense of connection with the wider community in Omaha. The program has established partnerships with numerous nonprofits and charities, including
Habitat for Humanity. Project Achieve students have participated in at least four Habitat construction projects a year since 2014.
Both current students and graduates of Project Achieve have shown a remarkable resilience to stay on track and reach their goal of graduating from college.
Paw Thlay Wah, a senior majoring in public health at UNO, grew up in a refugee camp in Thailand and came to the United States at the age of 10. She was accepted into Project Achieve and believes the program will help her achieve her ultimate goal of attending medical school and becoming a doctor.
“When I was in the refugee camp, I felt like I was a bird in a cage,” said Wah, a first-generation college student. “When I came to the U.S., I felt like I could do anything. Now that I’m in the U.S., I just have to put my mind to it. In the refugee camp, we didn’t have the opportunity.”
Henderson overcame her own challenges to receive bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice and psychology and a master’s in
criminal justice and the disadvantaged community. She was a nontraditional student who had spent time in prison, where she came to appreciate the importance of an education.
“I lost so much as a result of one decision,” she said. “Education is the one thing that no one can take from you.”
Today, Henderson is an adjunct criminal justice instructor at UNO and works as director of programs at EPIC for Girls, an organization that seeks to address inequities in sports for young women of color.
“I would not be here today if it was not for Project Achieve,” she said. “There are so many components.”
For Lamas, the reward comes when she sees a Project Achieve student walk from the stage at graduation, diploma in hand.
“They’ve overcome all these things they’ve experienced in their lives and they’ve translated it into working hard in college,” Lamas said.
PHOTOSI Page 22: Project Achieve students build a learning community. Page 23, top left: Racquel Henderson accepts the 2023 ICAN Leadership Award. An important pillar of the program is giving back to our community. Many TRIO Project Achieve students participate in community service opportunities like the UNO Student Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Above: Project Achive Staff: Cristina Lamas, Director (front); Brigid Johnson, English Specialist (second row, left); Pat Killeen-Brown, Counselor (second row, right); Jonathan Quitl, Project Achieve Specialist (third row); Bob Heitert, Office Associate (back).
by JODY KEISNER UNO Assistant Professor, English
2024 Nebraska Arts Council Indivdual Artist Fellow Recipient
In 2002, a forty-two-year-old mother in Pennsylvania vanished shortly after dropping off her children at school one morning. A sentence from a 2013 CBS News article reads: “She left the half-done laundry, the defrosting dinner and her daughter and son, then 8 and 12 years old,” as if she disappeared into thin air while slogging through domestic tasks. Instead of writing, “The laundry was left half-done, the dinner defrosting” etcetera, the author makes Brenda Heist the subject—“She left.” The choice makes it clear that hers isn’t the story of a woman who’s been abducted or murdered, like Police Detective Sgt. John Schofield said law enforcement commonly assumes when a mother goes missing. Brenda disappeared of her own will. After ditching her 1998 Mercury Mystique in a parking lot, she thumbed rides to South Florida with three strangers who’d earlier found her sitting on a park bench, distraught over the bleak financial and housing situation that would result when she and her husband divorced. Until she reappeared eleven years later, no one else besides the fellow hitchhikers knew Brenda was alive, choosing to leave her household chores halfdone, her children half-grown.
The year Brenda left her family, I was halfheartedly waiting tables at a blues and
barbeque joint, whole-heartedly fooling around by an office door with a manager who snorted cocaine from a shelf in the dry foods storage room. Neither marriage nor motherhood appealed to me, a recent college graduate with no career prospects but a desire to live alone and independently, paying rent in $5 bills, and soon enough, sneaking drinks during shifts and sniffing the manager’s cocaine. Many nights I passed out on my couch after partying into twilight with the other waitstaff. But by the time stories of Brenda Heist made national news over a decade later and began popping up in my social media feeds, I was three-years married to a man who’d never once tried drugs, and parenting a two-year-old girl with nut-brown hair and grey-blue eyes that were just like mine. I had two more degrees in hand and worked full-time as a college writing instructor. Splendid, fifty-year-old trees had drawn us to a house in the suburbs, a thirty-minute commute into artsy downtown Omaha. Things had fallen into place. Occasionally I drank a glass of wine with dinner, my drug experimentation long behind me. I thought I knew who I was—a fulfilled mother and wife, a dedicated professional, a trustworthy friend—and I felt happier than I ever had before in my adult life. One night after my daughter’s bedtime stories, instead of zipping her into a sleep
sack and helping her into her crib, I held her on my lap in a rocking chair. Splinters of light filtered through her curtains with the muted warbling of songbirds in the old ash tree outside her bedroom window. She rested her head on my shoulder. We gazed at each other. Sloppily, she kissed my neck. Her small face in near-dark entranced me. Afterwards, while she slept and my husband watched TV, I ran outside, giddy with dopamine and love, and into the vacant street and looked heavenward and hollered, “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”
The radical changes in who I was and who I became during those eleven years didn’t surprise any of my family and friends, who attributed the transformation to my having emotionally matured, finally learning—as my parents said—“who you really are.” Sergio Chejfec writes in The Planets, translated by Heather Cleary: “Identity is gradual, cumulative; because there is no need for it to manifest itself, it shows itself intermittently, the way a star hints at the pulse of its being by means of its flickering light. But at what moment in this oscillation is our true self manifested? In the darkness or the twinkle?”
Excerpted from “Runaway Mother,” Fourth Genre Oct. 2021.127-138. Print.
Listed as Notable in Best American Essays 2022
by SUSAN HOUSTON KLAUS
As Manali Kate reflects with her twin sister, Manasi, on their time at the University of Nebraska at Omaha — and as newcomers to the United States and Nebraska — she says it “feels like it was a dream.”
The siblings came to the U.S. from India in 2019, an opportunity made possible by UNO alumni Beverly and Al Thomsen. The Thomsens provided financial support for the Kates, funding the twins’ education expenses as well as personal expenses throughout their years at the university.
Now, as December 2023 honors graduates, the sisters said they’re grateful not only for their education but also the connections they’ve gained and the lifelong friendships they’ve made.
Manali, who received a Bachelor of Studio Arts in Graphic Design, is an executive office coordinator at Refugee Women Rising, a local nonprofit. She’s considering going back to UNO to get her master’s —maybe an MBA.
She credits her UNO professors with teaching her professional skills needed in the workplace, like multitasking, attention to detail and the differences between verbal and written communication.
“These are all things that we did not think of before coming here, and these are very important things in the professional world,” said Manali. “All the projects, all the assignments prepared us to face all the challenges that we had when we started working.”
Manasi received a Bachelor of Science in Communication. While she pursues a Master of Arts in Communication and Media Studies, she’s
working as a graduate teaching assistant, teaching two public speaking classes.
She marvels at what her time as an undergraduate at UNO has prepared her to do, she said.
“I would never [have believed] that I could actually go stand in front of a lot of students and teach them public speaking,” Manasi said. “So, I’m kind of proud of that, but also it gave me opportunity to actually pursue my graduate degree at UNO.”
The opportunities the women had during their time at UNO are different than what they would have back home, said Manasi. Most of their classmates, she said, are married with children and no longer work outside the home.
“But this is totally different,” Manasi said. “Since I got here, I have more experience, I have a lot of connections, I have a lot of motivation to do something new in the world and make change in the society. I think Nebraska kind of changed our life. I think my future looks great because of the education I have.”
The sisters keep in touch with the Thomsens, regularly meeting them for a meal out or just getting together for a chat. The Thomsens provided another generous gift to the sisters after they graduated, writing them recommendation letters and funding six months of living expenses while they found their footing in the work world.
As recent international graduates, the Kates’ time in the United States is never guaranteed.
But as Manasi and Manali start to plan their futures, Nebraska feels less like a dream — and more like home.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE KATE SISTERS’ JOURNEY FROM AN ORPHANAGE IN INDIA TO OMAHA AND THE SUPPORT PROVIDED BY AL AND BEVERLY THOMSEN, READ THE STORY “AL UNCLE, BEV AUNTY AND THE M&M GIRLS” ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON THE UNO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION WEBSITE IN 2022.
“THE MOST IMPACTFUL ACTIVITY WAS THE ROLE PLAYING BECAUSE IT KIND OF SHOWED WHAT MY FUTURE MIGHT LOOK LIKE.”
“… THE PART ABOUT NEEDING TO TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES FIRST BEFORE WE TAKE CARE OF OTHERS BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE I TEND TO BE A PEOPLE PLEASER AND TRY TO FOCUS ON OTHERS MORE THAN MYSELF.”
“THE MOST IMPACTFUL MOMENT FOR ME WAS TALKING ABOUT SUICIDE AND HOW SOMEONE COULD PREVENT IT. I FEEL LIKE MOST SYMPTOMS OR SIGNS THAT GIVE THAT AWAY, MOST PEOPLE DON’T SEE.”
by MIMI BOSWELL Marketing & Communications Manager, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
In response to the rising mental health needs in K-12 schools, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers in the Department of Counseling have introduced a groundbreaking Trauma-Informed Peer Advocate (TIPA) program, which was recently piloted with local high school students.
Supported by a grant from UNO’s Office of Research and Creative Activity, this initiative aims to equip high school students with essential counseling, intervention and advocacy skills. In April, 24 students from Bryan High School participated in the inaugural two-day experience.
Developed by Isak Kim, Ph.D., and Thang Tran, Ph.D., with assistance from graduate students Nate McQueen and Taylor Trainor, the program trains high schoolers as trauma-informed peer advocates and introduces them to behavioral health careers. The curriculum includes mental health literacy, basic counseling skills, traumainformed approaches, crisis intervention strategies and multicultural and social justice advocacy. The TIPA program also emphasizes a crucial referral protocol, training students to recognize situations beyond their capabilities and promptly and confidentially connecting peers with professional school counselors or appropriate mental health resources when necessary. Participants in the April pilot received certificates at a celebratory event marking their completion.
“With half of all mental health disorders beginning by age 14, it’s crucial that we empower students to take an active role in supporting their peers,” said Dr. Kim. “Peer support programs provide a foundation for early intervention and promote positive youth development. By training students as traumainformed peer advocates, we can more effectively address mental health issues in schools and ensure help is available when needed most.”
With the increasing prevalence of mental health issues among youth and the limited capacity of school counselors, peer support programs are becoming more important in addressing these needs. Statistics show that two-thirds of children experience at least one traumatic event by the age of 16, and 1 in 5 high school students report being bullied on school property. The American School Counselors Association recommends a ratio of one counselor for every 250 students, but in Nebraska recent data from 2022 indicates a ratio of one counselor for every 369 students. This gap underscores the importance of peer support models in providing immediate support and connecting students in need with mental health services.
“We are very excited to continue to partner with schools and school districts, but most importantly with students in building and maintaining their resilience while equipping them to enhance the well-being of their peers,” said Dr. Tran.
“As peer advocates work to serve and build up their peers, they will also be improving school climate and strengthening their communities.”
By empowering students to support their classmates, the program aims to foster a supportive school environment, promote positive youth development and introduce students to behavioral health careers. The TIPA program aligns with recommendations from leading mental health organizations to enhance community-driven mental health resources and peer support.
PHOTOS I Top: Dr. Thang Tran, Taylor Trainor, Nate McQueen, and Dr. Isak Kim developed and facilitated the two-day inaugural event. Bottom: Participants practice their new skills in the Community Counseling Clinic at UNO.
A Maverick family aims to move forward after loss, with help from their community.
by JOHN FEY
Not long after Baxter Arena opened, Dave Volenec became a familiar voice for the UNO hockey program, proudly singing the National Anthem at most home games.
But in April 2024, when a devastating tornado struck their west Omaha neighborhood, it was the Mavericks who would lend a hand to Dave and his wife, Gina Prochaska-Volenec, during their time of need.
April 26 etched itself into the Volenecs’ memory, a day that began with a storm and ended with a community rallying together. The tornado left their home in ruins, so severely damaged that it had to be leveled and rebuilt.
Volenec, a lieutenant with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, hurried home that day as the storm was fast approaching, but he wasn’t able to make it to their basement in time. He suffered a leg injury as the twister tore through the neighborhood.
“Tyler Rollwagen was quickly on it and reached out,” Gabinet said. “He asked me if it was OK if they helped out. I said, ‘Absolutely.’ One of our core values is to take initiative and offer before being asked.”
Rollwagen, a junior from Bloomington, Minn., quickly rounded up teammates who were still in Omaha at the time.
“We didn’t have to ask anyone to come out and help,” Rollwagen said. “They were more than willing to do it.”
“WE DIDN’T HAVE TO ASK ANYONE TO COME OUT AND HELP,” ROLLWAGEN SAID. “THEY WERE MORE THAN WILLING TO DO IT.”
In the days following the tornado, as shock gave way to the reality of their loss, help poured in from family, friends, and Maverick hockey players.
Coach Mike Gabinet said the players wasted no time springing into action to aid the Volenecs when word of their misfortune hit social media.
When the players first arrived, they were shocked at the destruction.
“It was surreal,” Rollwagen said. “You had to think to yourself what if that had happened to your own family?”
Months later, Prochaska-Volenec looked back on the players’ part of the recovery effort with amazement.
“They worked with us for two days,” she said. “Besides the work that they did, numerous players and their families donated money to our Facebook GoFundMe page. We were blown away by that.”
Volenec echoed her sentiments, saying, “They were incredible. They pretty much just asked, ‘What can we do to help?’ One of us pointed them in whatever direction needed, and they went and did the work.”
Rollwagen viewed the experience as just the right thing to do.
“It was more of a comforting factor knowing that we were all there to support them,” he said. “We got quite a bit of work done.”
Gabinet, who was preparing his team for another season, couldn’t have been prouder of his players.
“I know we’re probably ultimately judged by wins and losses,” he said, “but for me personally, I also judge the success of our program based on individuals who have done a fantastic job of being ambassadors for our university and hockey program and conducting themselves with extremely high character.”
The Volenecs’ rebuilt home likely won’t be finished until late summer 2025, but they’ll always be appreciative of the Maverick hockey players.
“I love those guys, and I love being a part of Maverick hockey,” Dave said. “As a UNO alum, it’s like a dream come true.”
Nolan Sullivan’s journey to becoming captain of the Omaha Hockey team hasn’t always been smooth, but it has always been filled with incredible moments that turn into cherished memories. As a student at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), Sullivan arrived in 2019 with a clear goal: to play hockey. Since then, his unwavering positive outlook and dependable leadership have helped move the team toward greatness.
Sullivan’s passion for hockey began early in life. At just three years old, his father helped him lace up his first pair of skates, instilling his first personal connection to the sport. He vividly remembers the thrill of watching his brothers play from the stands when he was just a kid, sparking a love for the sport that has stayed with him ever since. Despite dabbling in other sports throughout his time in high school, Sullivan remained deeply devoted to playing hockey.
Omaha Athletics welcomed five inductees into the UNO Athletics Hall of Fame on Nov. 9 at the UNO Alumni Association’s Alumni Honors Brunch. The inductees were also recognized on the ice during the Omaha hockey game that evening at Baxter Arena.
READ MORE ABOUT THESE MAVERICKS WHO HAVE MADE LASTING CONTRIBUTIONS TO OMAHA ATHLETICS.
The 2024 UNO Alumni Association and Lee Denker scholarship recipients share why they desire to become UNO alumni.
In 2024, the UNO Alumni Association awarded 21 scholarships totaling $48,000.
The reason I want to become an alumnus of UNO is my heritage, devotion to Nebraska and ability to access an exciting educational path.”
Lauren Hills
I want to become a UNO alum because I know that the numerous people and opportunities there will set me up to ultimately succeed in life.”
We welcomed 362 new UNO Alumni Association members, growing the international network of Forever Mavericks to 124,808!
I want to be a part of the building of a community that supports each other while valuing the uniqueness of the backgrounds we come from.”
Audry Srb
The 14th class of young alumni kicked off their year of learning and growing professionally and personally with a social at Sonny’s. Learn more and view the full list of Class of 2025 members: unoalumni.org/yaa
What’s most important to me is that I attend a university that I can feel connected to and proud of.”
Macey Ver Hoef
Thanks to you, WEAR BLACK, GIVE BACK 2024
was a great success. Together, we raised $22,932 for the UNO Alumni Association, more than the first four years of Wear Black, Give Back combined!
GO MAVS!
UNO Alumni Phoenix Mavericks chapter members and friends met for a pregame party and attended the Omaha Men’s Soccer vs. Grand Canyon University. Learn more about UNO Alumni Chapters: unoalumni.org/chapters
260 students suited up for success at the first Fall 2024 Career Closet Pop-up Shop! Learn more at unoalumni.org/careercloset
We honored 10 UNO faculty with 2024 Alumni Outstanding Teaching Awards and by sponsoring a new College Research and Creative Activity Award. Recipients are selected by their respective college, and each receive a $2,000 award and a commemorative plaque.
2024 ALUMNI OUTSTANDING TEACHING AWARDS
DR. XIAOYAN CHENG Accounting College of Business Administration
PAUL W. DENTON Biology College of Arts and Sciences
AMY M. HANSON, PH.D. Gerontology College of Public Affairs and Community Service
PEI-CHI HUANG, PH.D.
Computer Science College of Information Science & Technology
JODY KEISNER
English College of Arts and Sciences
PHILIP D. NORDNESS, PH.D. Special Education & Communication Disorders College of College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
RYAN A. RISKOWSKI Physics College of Arts and Sciences
TODD R. ROBINSON, PH.D. Writer’s Workshop College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media
CLARENCE E. WATERS, PH.D., PE, FAEI Architectural Engineering College of Engineering
2024 COLLEGE RESEARCH AND CREATIVE ACTIVITY AWARD
AMY SCHINDLER
Archives and Special Collections, Criss Library
by KARA SCHWEISS
Mavericks tackle challenges head-on, adapt to change and overcome obstacles with determination. Here are the stories of four UNO alumni who embody resilience.
“I LEARNED A LOT. I MEAN, IT WAS THE SCHOOL OF LIFE. WHAT YOU EXPERIENCE AND HOW YOU HANDLE THINGS IN REAL LIFE IS WHAT GIVES YOU THE GREATEST LESSON.”
Angel Starks showed both initiative and determination in abundance well before she became a realtor and successful business owner. Her career was hard-earned, she said, but has been well worth it – and her years at UNO as a first-generation student and Goodrich scholar were an important part of the journey.
“I learned a lot. I mean, it was the School of Life,” she explained. “What you experience and how you handle things in real life is what gives you the greatest lesson. I learned how to pay attention. I learned how I learned, how I listened. I learned the power of people. I engaged with lots of different organizations. I learned to stand up for myself and be able to articulate.”
Starks took UNO classes for seven years, working full-time in child care most of that time, and often working a second job or side gigs, before earning a bachelor’s degree in nonprofit administration. She also explored multiple career fields.
“I went from education to social work to gerontology to education to nonprofit administration. Spanish was in there too. I was one of those individuals who really needed to feel it in order for me to know if I was making the best decision. That meant every piece of my time that I had available, I was doing something,” she said. “I created these week- to two-week-long internships for myself. I would call and say, ‘Hey, can I donate some time? Can I shadow, do that type of thing?’ And then they would let me… it was great.”
Starks said she also worked through some academic struggles.
“If I’m being honest, there were so many times that I spoke with professors and audited a class first because I was too scared to take the class – because I didn’t want to fail it. And then I took the class for real,” she said. “There were times that I had to take a class over because work got in the way, or life got in the way, and so then I’d have to come back and start again… but I definitely didn’t burn any bridges. I always tried to create relationships with my professors or programs to make sure they understood where I was coming from and also what my end goal was.”
Real estate proved to be at the intersection of Starks’ interests, talents and education. She earned her license in 2011 and is now part of a of Nebraska Realty team of women, Locale Real Estate Services. She’s served in several state-level leadership positions with the Women’s Council of REALTORS®. Starks is starting a real estate school and her future aspirations include earning a master’s degree in educational psychology. Additionally, she’s served several local nonprofit boards including Habitat for Humanity, YMCA and the American Diabetes Association. In 2018, she received UNO’s Young Alumni Award. The tough times are behind her, but as a person who values experience, Starks said there is an upside to adversity.
“It shows you and reminds you of your strength and your ability,” she said. “You don’t know how far and how hard you’re able to go without being tested.”
“ WHO I AM IS SOMEONE WHO TRIES TO FIND THE HUMOR. I WAS VERY HONEST ON SOCIAL MEDIA OF WHAT I WAS GOING THROUGH – THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY, THE FUNNY – AND THAT WAS HELPFUL TO ME.
With courage and wit, Danielle Herzog is straightforwardly sharing her experience of recurring breast cancer.
“Who I am is someone who tries to find the humor,” she said. “I was very honest on social media of what I was going through – the good, the bad, the ugly, the funny – and that was helpful to me, to let the people who love me, care about me, know what was really happening.”
She’s often funny, but Herzog can also be devastatingly frank.
“Four years ago, I had a lumpectomy and radiation, but this time, when I was diagnosed, I had double mastectomy, hysterectomy, oophorectomy and chemotherapy… “I had really, really hard moments. I had a lot of crying in a car with my husband after doctor appointments,” she said. “And, you know, those terrible low moments, they didn’t last long. I don’t sit in those moments; I never have sat in those horrible moments. I sit for a little while, and then I just can’t stay like that. I have to move forward and get through it.”
Herzog’s version of moving forward goes beyond just regaining her health. It includes taking big steps in her career as an educator and in her passion work as a writer. Her current title is Coordinator of District Special Projects for Westside Community Schools, and Herzog has also served the district as an assistant principal and school counselor.
“(What) really changed the trajectory of my educational career was when I had the opportunity to be a school counselor, and that really is where I feel like I gained a different
perspective in education, and then to take that into my role as assistant principal, and then eventually in my current role as coordinator,” she said. “It really gave me a different side of students and family.”
Since 2022, she’s also developed and taught graduate-level school counseling coursework at UNO as an adjunct professor in the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences. Herzog earned her master’s degree in counseling from UNO in 2017 as well as her certificate in elementary and middle school administration/principalship in 2022.
As a freelancer, Herzog has published articles in the Washington Post and Huffington Post, and was known locally as a columnist for the Omaha World Herald’s former Momaha publication. This past May, she published her first book, a children’s picture book titled “What Are You, Lou?” with a theme of identity and self-acceptance.
“It was very much inspired by the students that I’ve had over the years, especially as a counselor,” Herzog said. She added that there are glimmers of her own children, now teenagers (who also provided early critiques), in the characters of her next book, a middlegrade mystery novel slated for a Fall 2025 release.
Herzog said her career, book projects, marriage and children keep her busy and motivated. And that defines her far more than her illness does.
“I feel like I’ve been given this gift of life… Your life doesn’t stop when you get cancer, right?” she said. “All of the other things keep going.”
“I BELIEVE THAT BECAUSE OF MY JOURNEY, I’M PERSISTENT. I SET A GOAL, AND NO MATTER HOW LONG IT TAKES ME TO GET TO THAT POINT, MY EYES ARE FORWARD.”
Since August, Garry Clark, Jr. has been adjusting to his new role as President & CEO/Executive Director of PartnerTulsa, the city’s economic development authority. The incredible career opportunity also meant relocation, so Clark is also adjusting to a new community—something he takes in stride. As he detailed in his 2019 memoir “Unlikely Viking – From the D.C. Projects to Rural Nebraska” and highlighted in a 2019 TEDxOmaha Talk, “Running Shoes, Food Stamps, and Cornfields,” Clark grew up in more than a dozen different homes all over Washington, D.C. as his family battled both poverty and addiction.
It was athletics that brought him to the Midwest, where he became the Viking referenced in his book title—a Dana College Viking. The gifted athlete set 11 track records at the former private college in rural Blair, Nebraska. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Dana followed by a master’s degree in urban studies/political administration from UNO in 2006.
“I believe that because of my journey, I'm persistent,” he said. “I set a goal, and no matter how long it takes me to get to that point, my eyes are forward.”
His career milestones include leadership positions with North Capitol Main Street in Washington, D.C.; the Greater Fremont Development Council in Fremont, Nebraska; Cuming County Nebraska; and City of Newberry, Florida. He’s also become a nationally recognized speaker on economic development as well as motivation and inclusion.
Clark said his UNO studies were key to his professional success.
“I think the Urban Studies program was a godsend to me, because I had turned down an opportunity to run in Europe, and I kind of had this fledgling Puma endorsement thing, but I didn't want to run marathons,” he said. A sociology instructor steered him toward a scholarship program with internship opportunities, solidifying his route to a UNO master’s degree.
“It became a pathway for me to realize what I could do in my career,” Clark explained. “I did an internship with the planning department in Council Bluffs and did a life-changing internship with Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, NIFA; to this day I still have connections with that organization and almost 20 years later, and I'm doing tax increment finance for PartnerTulsa.”
Clark not only changed the trajectory of his own life, he’s been able to provide the kind of stable footing for his three children—ages 15, 9 and 7—that he never had growing up.
“They are the reason why I continue to get up every day and try to make a difference and be the best example I can be to them,” he said. “I don't feel like I'm quite done yet. You know, I feel like my canvas, so to speak, is—I'm still working on it. I'm still doing the ‘Jackson Pollock’ flashes.”
And there are more flashes ahead.
“I want to be in the public space,” he said. “I see myself wanting to run for Congress one day, and just really enjoying being a part of the American diaspora to create change.”
Looking back on his up-and-down-and-up-again journey, Corey Hahn says that life “isn’t meant to be linear.”
“It’s not meant to be mistake-free,” he said. “I think it’s about navigating it and keeping your character and your wit about you.”
Hahn was on top of the world when he graduated from UNO in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in business management. He’d played basketball for four years, serving two years as team captain and earning both Academic All-Conference and All-Conference honors. An insurance industry job was already lined up on the West Coast.
“I started a career in the San Francisco area, did really well for three or four years, made a bunch of money,” Hahn said. “I was having a ball.”
It was also a time of self-discovery.
“I started to read and write and tap into a little bit more of my creative side. I decided to take a hiatus,” he said. “I was going to do a year trip to Central and South America.”
The trip was lifechanging, but not how Hahn had expected. “I ended up conceiving a child about four months into my trip,” he said.
Hahn stepped up to parenting responsibilities, but the mother of the child, a native Nicaraguan, decided she did not want to be similarly involved. Hahn was willing to return to the United States and raise his son alone, but local laws and the mother’s wishes restricted him from leaving the country with his child. His financial security crumbled over time.
“All the money I saved up had run out; It’s very hard to find jobs down there that are sustainable. So, I ended up
“IT’S NOT MEANT TO BE MISTAKE-FREE. I THINK IT’S ABOUT NAVIGATING IT AND KEEPING YOUR CHARACTER AND YOUR WIT ABOUT YOU.”
becoming a single dad while living in Costa Rica with very, very limited resources—at one point, even being homeless,” he said.
Despite the hardships, Hahn refused to abandon his child. He eventually found more stable work and housing. Hahn’s son’s mother married and started a family, and in 2015 finally agreed to allow Hahn to take their son to the U.S.
Hahn didn’t look back. It took some time to regain his footing, but he eventually returned to the insurance sector with a focus on employee benefits consulting. And now Hahn is back on top.
“Year after year since then, I’ve just continually done better. Now I’m vice president, so it’s quite a journey,” he said.
Hahn’s been open about his past struggles, which were at times compounded by clinical depression, wishing to instill hope in others. His experiences have also inspired him to spearhead projects benefiting others, like a park renovation to provide recreation primarily for youth experiencing poverty, or a golf tournament with proceeds earmarked for men’s mental health support.
Hahn is thriving personally, too. He’s married now, and in addition to his now-teenage son, Hahn is father to another son and a daughter.
“There’s a quote I have tattooed on me; it’s from ‘Slaughterhouse Five.’ Kurt Vonnegut says, ‘Everything is beautiful and nothing hurts.’ I kind of live by that,” he said. “You have to take the good with the bad and keep on going.”
At my age, every day is a blessing. I walk a couple miles a day, do some pushups daily (100). I noodle around on my computer, drive to town for coffee 4-5 mornings a week. Follow college football and basketball. I really enjoyed Olympic track and field plus women’s gymnastics. I really enjoyed my time at UNO and being mentored by Dr. Paul Kennedy.”
KEITH BAILEY, MS 62 keithjean1953@gmail.com
GUNNAR DAHL, BGE 66 earned his degree via the Operation Bootstrap program. He was in the Air Force at the time. Dahl later went on to earn an MA in Economics from Stony Brook University in New York. He worked in the insurance industry in claims management, prior to his retirement in 2008. He has lived in Richmond, VA since 1977.
RUBY RUSSO, BA 71 taught elementary school at Walnut Hill and Joslyn Elementary. She retired in 1985 and celebrated her 100th birthday in April 2024. She has seven grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and is expecting a great-great grandchild in November.
DALE ANDERSON, AS 72 went on to earn a BS in Engineering Technology from NU in 1976 and an MBA in Sustainability from the San Francisco Institute of Architecture in 2013. He is a licensed architect in five states and nationally (NCARB, AIA), certified as a specialist in sustainable design (LEED AP BD+C, CSBA, GGP) and media planning (EDAC, ACHA). He retired at the end of 2022 after presenting at many local, regional, national and international conferences and authoring multiple online educational programs and over a dozen publication articles.
MARK NICHOLSON, BS 79 marked many milestones of great service to the US Air Force Auxiliary this year with a new rank of Lt Col and training private pilots as a flight instructor. nichmark@hotmail.com
GAYLE SPENCER, BS 83 currently serves as the President of the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) and is the Director of the Illinois Leadership Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. drgaylespencer1@gmail.com
GREG LONDON, BS 87, MPA 09 was recently appointed Sarpy County Sheriff by the Sarpy County board of commissioners. London has been the county’s Chief Deputy for the past decade and has worked in the County Sheriff’s office since 1988.
GREGORY CLARK, BGS 88 celebrated his 65th birthday by going on a 7-day Alaska and Canada cruise with his three siblings.
JOHN WHITE, MA 12 moved to Cairo, Egypt with his family in August of 2023 to begin teaching at Cairo American College. His new home is in the shadows of the Great Pyramids.
GARY COPSEY, BA 74 was elected Vice Chairman of the Board, Education for the Air & Space Forces Association. A retired Air Force colonel, Copsey commanded a flying squadron and served as actingoperations group commander. He received the 1994 MacKay Trophy for Most Meritorious Flight of the Year and 8th Air Force Historical Society Ira C. Eaker Outstanding Airmanship Award. At HQ MAC, he managed more than $1 billion in programs for Special Operations Forces and Rescue and managed a multi-milliondollar budget as squadron commander.
I have three grown children and the best grandson ever! Loving Life.”
ALLISON BROWNCORSON, BS, MS 90 is the first Development Director for Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership/Bellevue Pantry. abrowncorson@gmail.com
TIM WAGNER, BA 91 attended his 30th Brickyard 400 motorsport weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Alumni Chapter, formed in 2007, supports the students and officers in UNO ROTC Detachment 470 with scholarships and gifts to graduating cadets among other contributions. The group hosts reunions and activities for members.
WILLIAM MURPHY, BGS 90 AFROTC Alumni Chapter member, is transitioning from his role as Mobilization Assistant to the Commander at the Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) Enterprise Center.
“I MAY HAVE TRANSITIONED OUT OF THE NEC, BUT REST ASSURED, I AM STILL GOING TO BE ACTIVE IN THIS IMPORTANT ENTERPRISE, AS I CONTINUE TO SERVE AS SPECIAL ASSISTANT ON NC3 MATTERS AT USSTRATCOM.”
ROBERT RAPP, MBA 92 is District Governor Elect 202425 of Rotary District 5650 in Nebraska/Iowa. robert@robertrappinsurance.com
MARY WALLEN, BS 99 finished all of her course work for a Doctorate in Elementary Education and Curriculum Instruction at Liberty University. She is working on her dissertation this fall. mary.wallen01@gmail.com
JOHN DUNN, BS 00 was recently promoted to lead the sales team as VP of Sales at OneShield Software, a global software company serving the insurance industry. John and his wife Susie (BS, ‘01) continue to be active supporting UNO and were recently invited to serve as Trustees for the University of Nebraska Foundation. They also serve on the capital campaign
social media ambassador for the UNO Alumni Association and Susie recently joined the Board of Directors for the Maverick Blue Line Club.
I have not paid a bill or earned a single dollar that hasn’t come from my singing voice in over a decade and a half right here in Omaha, Nebraska!”
DANIEL GARCIA, BS 97 has been self-employed and working as a full-time musician with Lemon Fresh Day for 16 years as of August 2.
We extend our condolences to the family and friends of these graduates. Reported to the University of Nebraska Foundation June 26–Oct. 3, 2024.
1946
1952
Wesley R. Reisser
Alfred W. Petersen
Winifred I. Ravenscroft
1958 Phillip E. Bede
1960 Sharron G. Potadle
1964 Harvey R. Hornig
Marilou E. Thibault
Dale E. Jorgenson
1966
Marilyn Lamontia
1968 John M. Cann
John C. Furstenberg
1969 Judith Hanefeldt
Charles R. Johnson
Fred O. Wyant
Bruce C. Decheine
1970 Joseph G. Engelbert
1971 Alan A. Dusatko
1972
Harvey C. Pittman
Duane C. Singsaas
Barbara J. Goodrich
Gerald M. Carlstedt
Richard R. France
Jesse B. Graham
1973 Marian F. Freberg
James E. Swanson
1974 Dean C. Mueller
Paul G. Saathoff
Lycurgus C. Curry
Anita M. Ekstrom
Elizabeth A. O’Brien
Deborah A. Engler
Mac A. Johnson
1977 Terry G. Cox
1978 Henry C. Annis
Joseph A. Atencio
1979 Joseph A. Perina
1980 Betty Bender
Joyce L. Slaughter
Larry L. Gries
1981 Kimberly M. Ohr
Richard D. Provost
Jack D. Rose
1983 Michael A. Melhorn
Mark A. Johnson
1984 Philip A. Kass
Margaret J. Mahon
Dee A. Linse
1986 Douglas V. Horacek
1987 Nancy M. Meyers
John F. Walter
1988 Ruth R. Martens
1989 Gail L. DiDonato
1991 Stephen Shafer
1992 Zolana J. Baumel
Alessandro Sarda
1993 David A. England
Gerald R. Stehno
1994 Linda B. Schneider
1996 Ginger L. Riffel
1997 Neil D. Plugge
1998 Patrick K. Milliken
1999 Michelle M. Gerhardt
Patrick A. McCormick
2001 Keith L. Long
SHEENA KENNEDY HELGENBERGER, BA 08 is now the community partnership coordinator for Omaha Public Schools, after serving as the director of community for The Wellbeing Partners since 2015. sheenamariek@gmail.com
DWYER ACRE, BS 09 has been elected as a member of the American Law Institute as of July of 2024 after serving as President of the Virgin Islands Bar Association, State Chair for the Virgin Islands in the American Bar Association Council of Appellate Lawyers, as a member of the Nebraska Supreme Court Committee on Practice and Procedure, and as a chair of the Nebraska State Bar Assocation Practice and Procedure Committee. Dwyer.Arce@KutakRock.com
RUTH MILLS, BS 09 received her license to practice mental health therapy. ruthie825@gmail.com
TONI MONETTE, BS 12 has been elected for a second term as Board Secretary on the National League of Women Voters of the United States board from 2024-2026. The League’s mission is to empower voters and defend democracy. Toni will continue to co-chair the National Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee as part of her role as well. tmonette@unomaha.edu
Year after year, we are growing since I’ve been here. Small towns and small companies are not something to shy away from.”
HUNTER MULLIGAN, BA 18 and his wife bought their first house and had a second child. Three years ago, Mulligan took his dream job at a motorcycle parts manufacturer based out of South Dakota. hmullig@gmail.com
Maverick sweethearts YUHAN CHEN (BSBA, ‘20) and LIAN DUAN (BS, ‘20) live in Canada but returned to UNO for their engagement! They celebrated eight years together on Sept. 28, 2024. “We are very glad that we met at UNO!”
DID YOU MEET YOUR FOREVER MAVERICK AT UNO? Share your story and photos at unoalumni.org/class-notes!
I am incredibly grateful for my time at UNO, the education and support provided to me by the university has been invaluable in helping me to achieve my career goals!”
KAYLEE LAHTI, BS, BA 24 has been selected to receive a Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship, which will help offset the cost of her first year of graduate school or professional study. She plans on attending Law School this fall.
LEONARD SOMMER BS 76 the SOA Advisory Board Chair Emeritus, has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Public Service Award by the Nebraska Society of CPAs. He is a current member of the society, as well as a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Previously, he has served on various nonprofit boards and committees, and in 2015 he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of Business Administration. Sommer has directed the award money as a scholarship in his name to a deserving accounting student in the UNO School of Accounting.
The DANIEL MORRIS BA 96 podcast “Tracing The Path” won its 5th Award for Best History Podcast. Ripley’s Believe it or Not, the makers of the Oregon Trail Game, Paul Harvey, Jr., Levi’s, the History of Medicine and Childrens Book Almanac have all lauded the podcast. TRI4TIME@hotmail.com
HAVE YOU BEEN HONORED FOR YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS? IT’S OK TO BRAG A LITTLE!
Share your news at unoalumni.org/ class-notes!
MARISOL (NOVOTNY) BS 15 and JACOB ANDRESON, BA 15 welcomed their son Apollo Anderson.
MAGALY CASILLAS, BS 24 welcomed son Jaziel Campo.
KIRSTINE (PAULSEN) FORESTA, BS 15 welcomed daughter Abigail Foresta.
ASHLEY (SPURLOCK), BS 16, MBA 22 and Nick Ostransky welcomed daughter Blaire Avery Ostransky.
BAILEY (ROSECRANS), BS 16 and MICHAEL WENZL, MS 20 welcomed daughter Molly Wenzl.
DID YOU RECENTLY ADD A FUTURE MAVERICK TO YOUR FAMILY?
Submit your birth announcement at unoalumni.org/futuremavs to be featured in a future issue of UNO Magazine (optional) and we will send you an O BABY! t-shirt!
Future Maverick Elliott
Elizabeth Smoyer, daughter of GINA (HALBOM), MAE 12 and Matthew Smoyer of Omaha, proudly sports her O BABY! shirt.
STEPHAN A. SALAYCIK, MS 81 published “Uncorked: The Life Story of Jon I. Cork.” Salaycik was struck by the messages now uncorked for the reader. sasalaycik@cox.net
LEO BIGA, BS 92 published “Triumph After Trauma: How a Scrappy Battle-Scarred Refugee Insured His Own Success and Can Inspire Yours.” He co-authored this memoir with Cyrus Jaffery, an Afghan refugee turned serial entrepreneur who shares his story of resilience and lessons learned for overcoming trauma and other obstacles. The project marks Biga’s sixth published book.
CHRIS BILDER, BS 94 published “Analysis of Categorical Data with R, 2nd Edition”. It is a book for MS and PhD students in Statistics and other disciplines. chrisbilder.com/categorical ARE YOU A PUBLISHED AUTHOR? Tell us about it at unoalumni.org/class-notes!
In collaboration with Criss Library and UNO Archives and Special Collections
The grass field and track were used for intermural sports, clubs and other events such as the UNO Women’s Walk (now the Maverick Run), which began in 1984.
Omaha University assistant coach Don Benning, head coach Al Caniglia and assistant coach Lou Miloni circa 1960. The stadium is named after the program’s 12th head football coach in school history, Al Caniglia. Cangilia coached the Mavericks in 1960-73 and finished as the fourth-winningest coach in program history with a 74-55-5 overall record.
Caniglia Field was renovated in 2012 to become the practice and competition facility for the Omaha men’s and women’s soccer programs. In 2019, it was named one of the top 11 places in the nation to experience college soccer after the NCAA polled college soccer fans for their favorite places to watch the sport.
Generations of students have made memories on Caniglia Field including athletes, cheerleaders, baton twirlers, color guard, dance team and members of the marching band.
On October 1, 1949, the university played its first football game on Caniglia Field. Since then, the field has hosted football, track and field, soccer, fundraising walks, marching bands, flaming batons, intramural sports, graduation ceremonies and more.
CANIGLIA FIELD AT 75, 1949-2024 BY UNO ARCHIVES AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS IS ON DISPLAY ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF CRISS LIBRARY THROUGH JANUARY 9, 2025. LEARN MORE AND PLAN YOUR VISIT.
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