Spring 2022 | Volume 43
El Camino Latino Center opens at Bellevue University
Together in Tech Brothers earn scholarships, degrees at the same time
The Healing Power of Nature Professor combats PTSD through fly fishing
TABLE OF
CONTENTS Cover: El Camino Latino Center provides students like Maria Lopez Lopez with community and career resources and connects them to leading employers. Photo by Krystal Sidzyik Message from Mary Hawkins…. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Isaac Tongo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Matt and Jon Hunt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Rick Galusha on the Radio… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Professor Combats PTSD…. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Prep Courses Launch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 El Camino Latino Center…. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Richard Barnes…. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 George Venteicher…. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Dr. John Kyndt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Around Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Top Online College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
CREATING
WHAT’S NEXT One of things that defines the Bellevue University educational experience is the process of discovery. Our students discover career opportunities in our physical and virtual classrooms, and at the same time find out how capable they are. They gain confidence to pursue life-changing opportunities.
Mission Statement Bellevue University provides career-oriented, cost effective, open access education through select undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. Vision In a rapidly changing higher education environment, Bellevue University boldly adapts and innovates so our students and university can be wildly successful. Values Integrity Value of education Student Success Innovate Care for Others
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I like to think that discovering the path you’re best suited for is easier with the right support. We try to provide that support for all students. For example, El Camino Latino Center opened on our campus last year and it’s already helping Latino students at local high schools and here at Bellevue University. Students are gaining valuable connections with top employers and putting themselves on the path to success.
Bellevue University faculty members not only support and guide students, they make their own discoveries. On page 14, you can read about Dr. John Kyndt’s research collaboration that resulted in the definition of a new bacterial family. The team’s work holds vast implications for the creation of sustainable industrial processes. While no one knows exactly what tomorrow holds, I do know that members of the Bellevue University community all around the world are discovering what they can do to create brighter futures for themselves, their families, their employers and their communities.
Dr. Mary Hawkins President, Bellevue University
Student Speaker Gives Back Through Service, Leadership “School was another ball to juggle, but my professor helped me tremendously with deadlines so I could stay enrolled.”
Winter Commencement Speaker Isaac Tongo radiates positivity. “I wake up every day and tell myself I’m going to have a good day,” he said. A newly minted alumnus with a Bachelor of Science in Leadership, he’s also a South Sudanese refugee, a non-commissioned officer in the Army and a father of five. Tongo joined the military in gratitude for the country he loves, and now with his degree in hand, he’s focused on being an even better leader for those serving with him.
Finding Opportunity in America Born in South Sudan, Tongo and his family became refugees as a civil war forced them out of their homeland. “We traveled on foot to Ethiopia,” he said. The family lived in a refugee camp, and one day Tongo’s uncle was able to secure two applications to evacuate to the United States. Opportunities were limited, so Isaac moved to America at 12 years old with his uncle, while his parents remained in Africa. He lived in New Hampshire, then Des Moines, Iowa, and finally Omaha, Nebraska, where he graduated from high school. “I don’t know where I would be if I hadn’t come to the U.S.,” he said. “America is the land of dreams.” Tongo began working after high school, even though he wanted to join the military. As fate would have it, he helped a Navy recruiter while working at Target and decided to enlist. Over the course of two years, he experienced continual setbacks due to extensive background checks. After having to change jobs three times while waiting to start his new military career, Tongo enlisted in the Army instead, and was sworn in within a week. He’s now served for five years.
Gearing Education Toward Service
Sharing, Applying His Experience
The journey to a bachelor’s degree had many twists and turns for Tongo. He completed two years at a community college, then chose Bellevue University when he was moving back to the Omaha area from Colorado. “I chose Bellevue University because the evening classes catered to adult learning,” he said.
When Dr. David Byers nominated Tongo for student speaker, he wasn’t sure if he wanted to do it. “I’ve never spoken in front of that many people before,” he said. He was also busy with military leadership school and preparing for the arrival of his new baby girl, who was born March 10. Ultimately, he decided speaking at graduation was the right opportunity for him.
Tongo said the Admissions office went above and beyond to help him get started. “There are so many people at BU that were instrumental to my success,” he said. As he took classes, he ultimately decided leadership would be the best fit. He started with in-person classes, but completed his cohort online. This proved crucial, as he was traveling quite often for the military, including a stint overseas and a move to Tennessee. “The program director, Dr. Byers, is an amazing human being,” Tongo said. “I was always moving and always quarantining, but he would not allow me to fail.” Tongo said the leadership program felt like a family and he was happy to be included. “I felt connected to my classmates,” he said. “Everyone was so genuine.” His classmates also appreciated his unique perspective from having experienced war.“When talking about leadership theory and concepts, I had something more personal to offer. I see things differently,” he said. “Everything I endured made me a better person.” Though he sometimes had to sacrifice time with his kids, Tongo was determined to complete his degree.
“I wasn’t sure what to talk about and my mother said, ‘Son, speak from the heart and be yourself.’ That’s what I did,” Tongo said. When he made it to the final selection round for student speaker, he was the only one of the three finalists to fly to Omaha to present his speech in person. “When they told me I had been chosen as the student speaker, I froze. I had no words,” he said. Tongo is already applying his leadership learnings to his career and looks forward to continued growth personally and professionally. “I listen to my men more now,” he said. “I’m more calm and more patient. I ask myself ‘how can I help these soldiers?’”
Isaac with his wife and children, and other family members, celebrated after the commencement ceremony.
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Jon (left) and Matt Hunt
Brothers Earn Scholarships and Cybersecurity Degrees Together at Bellevue University Jon and Matt Hunt are as close as brothers can get.
Matt followed in his footsteps and earned his two-year degree from there in 2020, as well.
Only 13 months apart – Jon was born in August 1997, and Matt in October 1998 – the two are best friends and do almost everything together, including attend Bellevue University for their bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity.
“Jon and I have been extremely close throughout our entire lives,” Matt said. “We would, and still do everything with each other. This meant that we had similar goals and career ideas.”
“Technology has always been a part of our lives,” Jon said. “We grew up using it, but I never really thought of it as being a career option.”
He continued, “After receiving my associate degree, Jon and I felt like we needed to increase our thoughts on career routes. We hadn’t heard much about cybersecurity before, but with our love for technology and the rate at which it is growing, we decided to give it a shot.”
After high school, Jon took a job that required him to gain knowledge about various electronics in new vehicles and walk customers through how to use them. He also attended Metropolitan Community College for his associate degree, which he received in 2018.
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The two ultimately decided to attend Bellevue University because, as Jon said, “It offered a quicker degree from start to finish while also including several important courses along the way.”
The scholarship opportunities available were also a big draw. In fact, both brothers received the Dream Scholarship — a scholarship awarded to undergraduate students for up to five years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned. “My biggest concern going into college was the thought of how I would afford it,” Matt said. “Being a recipient of the Dream Scholarship was a huge stress relief.” Jon added that when he first received notice that he was a recipient of the award, he was shocked. “There were some requirements to be able to receive the scholarship, such as volunteer hours, but Matt and I decided to take the scholarship and do all of those requirements together,” Jon said. “As everyone knows, college tuition is not getting any cheaper, and it can be a real financial burden for most people who attend. Receiving the Dream Scholarship hugely lifted that burden, allowing me to focus solely on my education and work without having to worry as much about how I was going to pay for school.”
“With our love for technology and the rate at which cybersecurity is growing, we decided to give it a shot.” Because Bellevue University’s cybersecurity degree is offered online, the Hunt brothers had the flexibility to pursue it on their own terms. “Taking courses online encouraged me to teach myself at times to obtain a further understanding and a better grasp on the material,” Jon said. “In the end, I am glad that I decided to take the online classes as I think they helped me.” Both brothers will officially complete the remaining course requirements this spring and look forward to the next leg of their journey. For Jon, this means job shadowing a cybersecurity manager at his current place of employment and eventually finding an analyst position somewhere. For Matt, he will move into a full-time role with the same company he had an internship at last summer. Ultimately, for both Jon and Matt, attending Bellevue University together to pursue their degrees in cybersecurity was the experience of a lifetime. “We have the same group of friends, drive the same cars, have the same interests, and basically have the same personality,” Jon said. “It was a great help going through school with him at Bellevue University because if one of us had a question about something that we were learning about, we had somebody we could go to for quick help.”
Scholarships & Grants Support Diverse Students The Dream Scholarship the Hunt brothers received is just one of the renewable scholarships awarded by Bellevue University. Some renewable scholarships, like the TeamMates Dream Scholarship or the Quest Forward Academy Scholarship, are available through community partnerships. There are also renewable scholarships like the Dream Scholarship, and others that may be awarded to eligible undergraduate students. According to Johnna Hargens-Brown, Director of Scholarships and Grants, “The (Dream Scholarship) awards play a vital role in assisting motivated students who are pursuing their own dreams of a better life for themselves and their families.” The Scholarships and Grants team also awards: •
Annual and Endowed Scholarships funded by organizations or individuals, with criteria set up by the donor.
•
Emergency Grants to help students overcome unexpected emergencies and continue advancing toward graduation.
In academic year 2021-22, Bellevue University awarded more than $3.4 million in scholarships to more than 500 students. For more information on contributing to student scholarships or establishing an endowed scholarship, please contact advancement@bellevue.edu.
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From top, clockwise: 1-Professor and Pacific Street Blues radio show host Rick Galusha admits his program is driven by his personal musical tastes; 2-Galusha with his son, and blues musicians James Cotton and Hubert Sumlin; 3-Galusha with the Rolling Stones.
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Professor Celebrates Three Decades of ‘Pacific Street Blues’ Radio Show Omaha’s award-winning radio program Pacific Street Blues & Americana celebrated 30 years on air last December. It’s a Sunday morning staple for several thousand loyal listeners, who trust the show’s founder and host, Rick Galusha, to take them on a joy ride, one track at a time. Galusha, a political science professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, brings plenty of personality to the three-hour program. He describes his style as “eclec-tricity.”
A Skill for Speaking Behind the mic, Galusha prefers to ad-lib without notes or a script. “I want it to be like you’re sitting on my couch and I’m playing records for you,” says the seasoned host and music fan, who’s recorded more than 1,500 shows over three decades. Skill for speaking, it seems, is encoded in his DNA. “Generally, Galushas are politicians, preachers, or teachers,” he says. It just so happens he teaches politics. Galusha directs Bellevue University’s esteemed Kirkpatrick Signature Series, which explores citizenship and civics across three required undergraduate courses. Recently, he finished a doctoral degree in political science. Outside Galusha’s role at the university, his radio program functions loosely as another teaching outlet. Mostly, though, it’s a passion project, cultivated from his 25-year career in record retailing. As the president of Homer’s Music, Galusha developed a knack for discovering new talent, a deep knowledge of the industry, and a wide network. Over the years, he’s crossed paths with many of the greats – such as Pete Townshend from The Who, Bonnie Raitt, BB King, as well as James Cotton from Muddy Waters Band and Hubert Sumlin of Howlin’ Wolf’s Band.
The Art of an Interview
Championing Local Music Aside from interviewing, Galusha also brings artful intention to the broadcast. “It’s a constant process of weaving,” he says about his song selection, mindful that listeners are easing into their Sunday mornings. During the first hour, he selects softer tracks and gradually crescendos to “more ruckus, louder music.” Throughout the process, Galusha weaves together old and new blues, classic rock, Americana, and — closest to his heart — local tunes. “I feel it’s incumbent upon noncommercial radio to promote the local arts,” he says. Every December for many years, Galusha hosts a simulcast in conjunction with a fundraiser and toy drive for the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, organized by Omaha musician Lash LaRue. The simulcast commemorates the radio program’s anniversary while showcasing dozens of area artists.
“I want it to be like you’re sitting on my couch and I’m playing records for you.” Although Galusha hopes to captivate a wide swath of music fans, he admits the show is uniquely driven by his personal tastes — a rarity for radio these days. Creative freedom and variety are what keep Galusha going, and his listeners coming back, after all these years. Rather than defaulting to the same tired tracks, Galusha aims to excite and inspire by introducing new music that evokes “that joy, that art, that expression of humanity,” he says. “When you’re listening, you’re all in.” Catch Pacific Blues on pomomatic.com/podcasts/kiwrblues
Topping the long list of national acts featured on Pacific Street Blues is The Rolling Stones, an all-time favorite of Galusha’s. “One of the skills I think I’ve developed is the ability to do a pretty good interview,” says Galusha, recalling a memorable conversation last year with the Stones’ bass player, Bill Wyman. “At the end of the interview, he paused and said, ‘You know I have to tell you, I’ve been doing this a long time, and this is one of the best interviews I’ve ever had.’” The trick, Galusha says, is to foster an authentic conversation, allowing the artists to talk about what they want to talk about.
Galusha with Kris Lager, one of the many local artists featured on Pacific Street Blues.
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University Launches IndustryRecognized Certification Prep Courses This spring, Bellevue University began offering two highly recognizable and respected industry certification training programs — the PMP® Exam Prep and SHRM Prep – through the College of Continuing and Professional Education. As an Authorized Training Provider with the Project Management Institute (PMI®), Bellevue University will offer PMP exam preparation in a five-week online course. Professionals who register for the PMP exam preparation course can expect high quality content and course curriculum developed by PMI. The instructor-led courses taught by highly credentialed faculty include tools and resources to assist you to prepare for the exam. “The PMP exam preparation course offered through Bellevue University will prepare you to be the best at people and processes and help you better understand the business environment,” Dr. Terrence Duncan, adjunct professor, said. “The PMP credential signifies that you are an expert in project management.”
University Also Launches Online HR SHRM Prep Courses Earlier this year, the university also launched an online preparation course for two globally recognized human resource certificates in partnership with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). SHRM is the leading global HR professional organization that works to create better workplaces where employers and employees thrive together. The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP™) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP™) certifications “reflect what HR practitioners need to know to be leaders in their organizations and in the profession and we’re excited to offer professionals a flexible option at Bellevue University when it comes to continuing their education,” Associate Professor Angela Longe said. Longe said Bellevue University’s SHRM Certification Preparation Course will broaden and update participant’s knowledge and skills including interactive online sessions with expert instruction and peer discussions. The SHRM’s Certification Preparation Course is based on the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge™ (SHRM BASK™) and includes the 2022 SHRM Learning System, which provides interactive tools and a roadmap. For more information on all of Bellevue University’s certification programs, visit bellevue.edu/degrees/continuing-education/
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Bellevue University Professor Uses Fly Fishing and Therapy to Treat PTSD “Being inside so much was really getting to me, and I felt like it was more important than ever to get outside,” Parmenter said. “I was reminded of my great experiences of fly-fishing when I worked in a PTSD treatment program for uniformed service professionals a few years back. Plus, I live near a river, so I thought I’d give fly-fishing another try.” Parmenter uses a specific type of fly-fishing called Tenkara, which uses a fixed line attached to a fishing rod, without a reel or any other moving parts. It was out on the river when he realized the process of fly-fishing has similarities to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of trauma and other disturbing life experiences. Parmenter trained in EMDR after working as a professional counselor for some years. He is now a Certified EMDR Therapist and professional consultant with the EMDR International Association and the Parnell Institute for Attachment-Focused EMDR.
Tony Parmenter, adjunct professor in the College of Arts & Sciences at Bellevue University, published a paper in January titled “Treating Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder using Therapeutic Fly-Fishing with EMDR” in the Journal of Military and Veterans’ Health. This is the first official and published integration of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with a form of fly-fishing, and a serious call for integrating naturebased interventions into EMDR therapy, he said. Parmenter, a licensed mental health professional, first became interested in treating PTSD after serving in the military and then helping service members on an English-speaking crisis telephone line in Japan, and while completing his undergraduate degree with Bellevue University.
After spending some time on the river fly-fishing and doing EMDR, Parmenter decided to write the paper as a way to document it for himself. It was during his research he learned that while therapeutic fly-fishing programs exist, none appear to use trained mental health professionals even though most focus on treating issues related to trauma. He also realized that even though therapeutic fly-fishing programs are researched, the literature only focused on the use of fly-fishing as an adjunctive activity for mental health care – fly-fishing simply done as usual, and not as a form of treatment itself. Parmenter submitted the paper to the Journal of Military and Veterans’ Health upon realizing that his approach was unique. “The benefit of using therapeutic fly-fishing, or another nature-based activity, is that it lets you do counseling or therapy outside of the office in a way that allows it to be a more authentic and engaging process for people,” Parmenter said. “Clients also learn to do a safe activity that they can do when not in therapy. My hope is that as they continue to go fishing and spend time outdoors, it will allow any healing that is happening to continue taking place naturally.”
After earning a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science from Bellevue University in 2009, he returned to the States to complete a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University New England in 2012. In 2020, he founded Seiyu Institute for Health & Training – a psychotherapy and trauma consultation practice based in southeastern Vermont – which he operated while working full time for the State of Vermont. Because of the pandemic, Parmenter worked remotely out of his barn, oftentimes putting in over 65 hours a week, which was hard on his mental health, he said.
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Moises Saucedo, College Experience Coach; Gina Ponce, Director, Latino Community Outreach; and Maria Lopez Lopez, student employee.
El Camino Latino Center Connects Students to Careers When Gina Ponce decided she wanted to open Bellevue University’s El Camino Latino Center, she had two goals in mind: Serve incoming and current Latino students and their families and connect them directly with community business partners. Ponce, who has been in Omaha, Neb., for over 30 years serving the Latino community, is the Director of El Camino Latino Center. For many years, a Latino center was just an idea, but that idea turned into reality in August 2021 when El Camino Latino Center opened inside the Freeman/Lozier Library on the University’s main Bellevue campus.
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“El Camino translates to ‘the road’ and we believe it represents a path forward that will change the way the university supports and engages with Latino students,” Ponce said. To provide that path forward, the Center’s focus is to connect Latino students to career counseling, workforce opportunities with employers in Bellevue and Omaha, financial aid and academic advising, and more so they can achieve their education goals and find the career of their dreams. What makes the Center unique is how it connects future and current students to its business partners. Each local
employer partner has a physical office space on campus in the Center where students can learn about various opportunities like internships and career options across several industries. El Camino Latino Center currently partners with six organizations including Omaha Bridges, Mundo Latino Newspaper, Heartland Workforce Center, U.S. Bank, Women on a Mission for Change and Goodwill Industries. Each partner serves as a connection for students to meet professionals where they can learn about various opportunities and careers.
“We give incoming students and current students the support they need to be really successful when they’re at Bellevue University,” Ponce said. “The Center provides additional support in the form of mentoring, networking events, conferences, and through connecting students with different employment opportunities. We want students to apply for jobs in the fields they’ve studied in college and this Center makes sure that happens.” Moises Saucedo, the Center’s College Experience Coach, also helps to ensure Latino students who attend Bellevue University excel. In his position, he oversees outreach of future students and helps facilitate their journey from start to finish to ensure they’re successful at Bellevue University. He also connects students to the right opportunities with the Center’s business partners.
“El Camino translates to ‘the road’ and we believe it represents a path forward that will change the way the university supports and engages with Latino students.”
Conference for High School Seniors Advances the Center’s Mission About 80 Latino high school seniors from 14 Nebraska high schools had the opportunity to connect with representatives from Google, Union Pacific Railroad, Methodist Health System, Hawkins Constructions and others at El Camino Latino Conference held in late February. Keynote speaker Armando Salgado, a successful entrepreneur and business owner inspired students to pursue higher education. Salgado’s multiple businesses focus on connections between Spanishspeaking and English-speaking communities. Students also heard from a professional panel and a student panel. “This conference was all about connecting students with Omaha’s top employers,” said Gina Ponce, Director, El Camino Latino Center. “We wanted them to leave feeling like they have a plan on how to continue their education and land the career of their dreams.”
“We provide partners with office space so they can be closer to the students,” Saucedo said. “Connecting our students to the right people and opportunities while providing a great support system through Bellevue University’s El Camino Latino Center allows students to develop their skills through mentorship and real-world experiences which propels them to be excellent future leaders,” he said. For more information about El Camino Latino Center, visit bellevue.edu/studentsupport/el-camino-latino.
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Walmart Associate Takes Advantage of Opportunity to Earn a College Degree Richard Barnes is a Bellevue University adult learning success story. A long-distance success story.
“If I ever met Rachael in person, I would hug her until her bones broke.”
In Richard’s day-to-day job, mileage may matter. But not when gaining professional skills and a degree from Bellevue University.
Last year, Richard was able to meet Doug McMillon, President and CEO of Walmart, in person. McMillon was touring various distribution centers within the company, and when he came to Opelika, Richard asked his manager to arrange a meeting between the two. When they met on the production floor, “I handed him my diploma and told him ‘thank you for the opportunity for me to get this,’” Barnes said.
Living in eastern Alabama, nearly a thousand miles from campus, Richard took advantage of a generous offer from his employer. Barnes, a logistics worker at a Walmart Distribution Center in Opelika, Alabama, turned to Walmart’s Live Better U program. The program allows Walmart associates to continue their education and, now, earn their college degree with 100% of the costs covered by Walmart. Bellevue University is part of Guild Education’s academic network and serves Walmart associates through the program.
Barnes was so impressed with Bellevue University, he continued with classes and obtained a People and Business Leadership certificate. Reflecting on where he is now, Barnes said he feels completely confident in the advanced use of key business tools he uses every day – and truly grateful for the support he received.
When Walmart started the Live Better U program in 2018, Barnes was quick to see the benefits. “I was in the first crop of students to take advantage of the program,” he said. Barnes started classes at Bellevue University in September 2018 and obtained a degree in Supply Chain, Transportation and Logistics Management in March 2020. Though Barnes has been an associate of Walmart for 20 years, this was not his first attempt at continuing his education. Barnes participated in a program through a previous employer, but the company encountered financial difficulties and pulled funding. Barnes still wanted to get his degree but didn’t want to incur debt. Barnes noted that as an adult going back to school, “It’s always a big fear when you go back to school that you just don’t know how you’re going to be treated.” Bellevue University removed all doubt. “Everyone at Bellevue University was great. Great faculty, great administrators, great staff.”
“I handed him my diploma and told him ‘thank you for the opportunity for me to get this’.” Barnes also pointed out one helpful person in particular: Tutoring & Study Skills Program Manager Rachael Davis.
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Richard Barnes, longtime, Walmart associate, met Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon last year and thanked him for making his education possible through the company’s Live Better U program
Dr. Rick Pennington, Bellevue University’s Supply Chain Transportation Logistics Program Director and one of Richard’s professors, noted that as Richard progressed, he became a stronger student. “He had a little tougher time in the beginning because he had been out of school for so long. But as he took feedback from the instructors, he became a leader in the courses,” Dr. Pennington said. During Richard’s time at Bellevue University, he made the Dean’s List three times. When asked what challenges adult learners face that Bellevue University helps them with, Dr. Pennington said, “The biggest challenge of adult students is being out of school. But here, there’s great tutoring support to help them overcome that.”
Former Board Member George Venteicher’s Life Devoted to Journey of Success It’s been said that “Success is a journey, not a destination.” Omahan George W. Venteicher’s 85-year journey included building a top law firm and a premier regional real estate development company. Along the way, Venteicher quietly spearheaded ventures in Omaha and other communities, building multiple properties in five states from Florida to Arizona, while generously sharing the fruits of his labor with many causes and organizations he believed in and cared about, including Bellevue University. Venteicher, who died March 3, 2022, personified the American Dream for many of his business and professional peers. He was born in Carroll, Iowa, a rural community of about 10,000 located 75 miles northeast of Omaha. Springing from humble but solid Midwestern roots, he graduated high school, then Creighton University in Omaha, and in 1962, Creighton’s law school. He spent three years as an Assistant Attorney General of Nebraska before moving into the private sector in 1967 and founding a law firm specializing in real estate. The firm went on to develop millions of square feet of commercial and residential space. In 1981, Venteicher and his business partners founded KVI Associates, a development company that built multiple projects in the Omaha area, including Oak View Mall and North Park, northeast of 120th and Blondo streets. In the mid-1990s, Bellevue University was leasing classroom and support space in a strip mall near 120th and Center streets in western Omaha and actively seeking a permanent western location. Venteicher made an affordable building site available in KVI’s North Park
George Venteicher, who recently passed away, and his wife, Susan, provided major support for Bellevue University. The Venteicher Wellness Center on the University’s main Bellevue campus is named for them.
development. Bellevue University’s 20,000 square-foot Lozier Professional Center opened there in 1998, with classrooms, technology, and faculty and support space that has served thousands of students, graduates, and corporate clients ever since. The building underwent a major renovation, including space repurposing and learning technology upgrades in 2019. Venteicher served actively on the University’s Board of Directors from 2001 to 2016, when he became an emeritus director. In 2007, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Commerce degree from Bellevue University, for his service to his profession, the community and the University. He felt strongly about the value of education and the University’s mission to make college affordable and attainable by a diverse student population. “It serves a special niche — the secondchance students and others who deserve
an opportunity,” he once said of the University. “It has a definite place, and the community benefits from it. If it weren’t here, a lot of those students wouldn’t be getting their education, and education is really important.” Venteicher also supported outreach initiatives by Bellevue University’s American Vision and Values program, which emphasizes American founding principles like freedom, personal responsibility, free enterprise, and service to others. “Bellevue University teaches values, and that’s how you become a good citizen and benefit your community,” he said. Over the years, he and his wife, Susan, provided generous major support for the University, and the Venteicher Wellness Center on the Bellevue campus is named for them. He also served a decade on the Board of Brownell-Talbot preparatory school, and was a strong supporter of Creighton University, his alma mater.
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Science Professor Part of a Team That Defines New Bacterical Family Bellevue University Associate Professor Dr. John Kyndt collaborated with researchers at the University of Arizona and at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel, Germany, and earlier this spring the team published a paper in Microorganisms defining the Halorhodospiraceae bacterial family. “Being able to define a new bacterial family is like discovering a new breed of animal,” explained Dr. Kyndt, an Associate Professor of Microbiology, Nutrition and Sustainability. “It doesn’t happen a lot,” he said. The bacterial family the team classified – extremely halophilic, purple sulfur bacteria, to be specific – was first discovered in a sample of water from Summer Lake in Oregon state. The new bacterial family has potential use in industrial applications, Dr. Kyndt said. Enzymes from extremophilic bacteria play an important role in industrial processes because they are stable at high temperature or extreme conditions that are used to produce and purify materials. For example, extremophilic enzymes are used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, or textile or paper processing.
“Being able to define a new bacterial family is like discovering a new breed of animal.” Dr. Kyndt’s primary role in the research involved mapping and sequencing the genomes of the bacterial family. Sequencing the genomes is an essential part of building the bacterial family’s taxonomy. Bacterial taxonomy is used to classify different types of bacteria on the basis of their mutual similarity or evolutionary relatedness. To conduct the genomic analysis, Dr. Kyndt used the Illumina MiniSeq and Illumina sequencing software. Illumina is a global leader in genomics and Next Generation sequencing. The company’s innovative sequencing and array technologies are fueling groundbreaking advancements in life science research, translational and consumer genomics, and molecular diagnostics. The research team was able to distinguish the new bacterial family from other bacterial families. According to Dr. Kyndt, the team’s work sets an important foundation for future research related to sustainable industrial processes.
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University Partners with City to Add New Fields at Haworth Park GROUNDBREAKING ON THE PROJECT ANTICIPATED TO START LATER THIS YEAR Bellevue University and the City of Bellevue have initiated a project that will add two new regulation fields for softball and soccer, and add lighting, bleachers, locker rooms, restrooms and a press box to Haworth Park, 2502 Payne Drive. The new fields will be located just north of the existing fields at the park and just minutes from the university’s main campus.
The construction costs for the facilities will be paid for by Bellevue University while the City of Bellevue will cover the costs associated with sewer infrastructure improvements and a lift station connecting to American Heroes Park. A Memorandum of Understanding agreed upon by both the City and the University will guide and govern the construction and future maintenance responsibilities.
According to Bellevue Community Development Director Mark Elbert, “The City of Bellevue has been working in conjunction with Bellevue University for several months on a joint partnership on improving the facilities in Haworth Park. This is an exciting project and we look forward to a continued partnership in providing a sports complex of this magnitude for softball and soccer in the park.”
Head Softball Coach Michala Cimino is excited about the project. “Having a new athletic facility gives our current and future student-athletes a sense of pride in having their own home field,” Cimino said. “It also allows us to continue to recruit the highest level of student-athletes.”
“Having a place where we can call home for our soccer players will give us so much pride.”
Bellevue University President Dr. Mary Hawkins echoed Coach Cimino’s comments. “We believe this project will be highly beneficial for both the University and the City of Bellevue. We are looking forward to starting construction this year, if possible.” The Bellevue University men’s and women’s soccer teams are also looking forward to the new facilities. Tom White, Head Coach of women’s soccer said, “Having a place where we can call home for our soccer players will give us so much pride. With this foundation being in the city of Bellevue, it will continue to 112.1' 57.4' help us recruit some top-level student-athletes.”
The facilities will be shared between the City and the university. Bellevue University softball and soccer teams will use the fields for athletic practices, games and hostedMISSION events.AVE. 9'
8.
19
FUTURE SOCCER
25-30 lockers
4 lockers
25-30 lockers
LOCKER ROOM
25-30 lockers
15' X 22'
STORAGE
TRAINING 12' X 22'
REST ROOM
REST ROOM LOCKER ROOM
REST ROOM
LOCKER ROOM
REST ROOM
REST ROOM
LOCKER ROOM
25-30 lockers
SOCCER
FAST PITCH SOFTBALL
LOCKER ROOM
EASE
MENT
329.6'
1087.1'
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E DR
PAYN
.4'
1270
The new regulation-sized soccer and softballSOFTBALL fields will be located just north of the existing fields at the park.
Spring 2022 The View | 15
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Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org). Bellevue University is committed to providing an environment that is free from harassment and discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military obligations, or status in any other group protected by local, state, or federal law.
Newsweek Ranks Bellevue University Among America’s Top Online Colleges Bellevue University is one of America’s top online colleges and universities, according to Newsweek. The university is one of 75 institutions to receive a five-star rating – the recognition list’s highest honor. The Newsweek ranking is split into two groups: America’s Top Online Colleges, which include colleges and universities that offer online degree programs; and America’s Top Online Learning Providers, which includes other organizations that provide access to their own or third-party online courses. “This ranking highlights Bellevue University’s commitment and ongoing investment into providing students with the access and flexibility they need to pursue a high-quality education and successfully earn their degree,” said President Dr. Mary Hawkins.
16 | The View Spring 2022
Bellevue University ranked #67 overall among public and private universities in Newsweek’s first-ever ranking of online colleges and universities.The magazine worked with marketing and consumer data firm Statista to rank the institutions and released the list in October 2021. The rankings are based on an online survey of U.S. residents who have used online learning services to obtain an academic degree or acquire knowledge and skills for their job (professional development) or hobbies (personal development). The criteria for the ranking include institutional indicators like enrollment and graduation statistics; rating of experience; overall satisfaction; and recommendation.
