Spring 2019 | Volume 39
Delivering Cheer Every Day Hallmark VP Scott Collignon
Hussein Diop
A Linchpin at LinkedIn
Shark Girl!
“Fascinating� Creatures Inspire Taylor Fluellen
Doctorate of Business Administration Set to Launch
The Magazine for Alumni and Friends of Bellevue University
Spring 2019 | Volume 39 Cover: As Vice President of Logistics at Hallmark, it’s Scott Collignon’s job to deliver cheer each and every day. Collignon, a 2012 graduate of Bellevue University’s Master of Science in Leadership program, is a U.S. Army veteran who earned a Bronze Star while leading a transportation company during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Photo by Brant Brogan Table of Contents: Student Speaker Nathan Zopoula…. . . . . . . . Taylor Fluellen, Shark Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LinkedIn’s Hussein Diop…. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hallmark Logistics VP Scott Collignon… . . . . Psychology Professor Dr. Carlos Del Rio…. . . DBA Set to Launch…. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MSOP & MPA Revised…. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donors Mike Fuchs and Dan Hamann…. . . . Softball Recruit Abigail Harvey…. . . . . . . . . . . Author D.L. Jennings…. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Student Speaker Hits Milestone with Master’s Degree
E
arning an education takes a lot of legwork. Nathan Zopoula, the student speaker at Bellevue University’s 2019 Winter Commencement ceremony, knows that better than most. Growing up outside of Boura, Burkina Faso, a landlocked West African country, he trekked 10 miles to school every morning. “I was very fortunate to go to school,” Zopoula said. “My parents did all they could to help me and my siblings go as far as we could in school.”
Mission Statement Bellevue University effectively engages students in earning awards and degrees that prepare them to thrive in a connected, competitive world. We provide students with a powerful foundation for personal value creation, instilling the confidence they need to take control of their lives and to be responsible citizens of the global community. We teach the value of a free market, capitalist economic system and the importance of preserving our American heritage of a democratic and free way of life.
He’d journey even further when he traveled almost 6,000 miles to pursue his college education in the United States. He started at Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Nebraska, where he earned an Associate of Arts and Sciences in Agronomy and Crop Science in 2013. He continued on to earn his Bachelor of Technology in Agronomy from Northwest Missouri State in 2015. And finally, his Master of Science in Security Management at Bellevue University in 2018. Zopoula began his Bellevue University quest in 2016 around the same time he began working for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. At DHS, Zopoula helps “provide the right immigration benefits to the right people in the right amount of time, while making sure that no beneficiary is a threat to national security.”
Vision The vision of Bellevue University is to be the premier open access university in the United States. Values Integrity in all we do Belief in the transformational value of education Student-centric Market-focused Innovative
Zopoula joined the United States Army Reserve in part to show his appreciation for his adopted country.
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The flexibility that Bellevue University offered would allow Zopoula to balance that job and other responsibilities and was a key point in Zopoula’s decision to attend the University. “With a busy life, Bellevue University made it possible for me to still get my degree. The faculty is always available to help. They are ready to listen and provide solutions,” Zopoula said. “Everyone is working for your success. One day, a classmate from an online class that I never met emailed me to check to see why I hadn’t posted throughout the week on an online discussion. That really helped me. I was going to forget that week’s discussion and get a reduced grade. Even students look out for each other at Bellevue University.”
Love of Country Zopoula also praised his adopted country, the United States, for the opportunities it has provided him. “After looking at schools around the world, I found that the best education is here in the United States,” he said. “I came here to get a degree and the more I studied and learned, the more my love for the country grew.” That love for his adopted country manifested itself when he joined the United States Army Reserve shortly before he began studying at Bellevue University. “I’ll be there as long as I can,” Zopoula said. “I have been waiting for my security clearance to go to Officer Candidate School.”
Promise Farm While Zopoula has completed his Master’s Degree in Security Management, he is not done juggling work, school, and other responsibilities. He is giving back through The Promise Farm, a philanthropic endeavor he launched in 2014 that is dedicated to enhancing agricultural development in Burkina Faso. “The Promise Farm was created to help small-scale farmers gain knowledge about soils, seed, and best farming practices,” Zopoula said. “We are currently working only in the country of Burkina Faso. Our goal is to bring agricultural education to farmers. I believe that with the urbanization of Africa, it is wiser to invest in agriculture than any other area because when people eat well, they will be healthy and they will be educated. Instead of giving food to people, help them farm better.” Additionally, he is already pursuing his Ph.D. in Global Security at Henley-Putnam School of Strategic Security at National American University. So when Zopoula walked across the stage during commencement, he had already traveled a great many miles, but his journey is still far from over.
Nathan Zopoula put in a lot of legwork to earn his degree. He had to trek 10 miles to school each day in his native Burkina Faso and then travelled over 6,000 miles to the United States to further his education.
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Fluellen encountered a number of species during her time in the Bahamas including barracuda, stingrays, lemon sharks, and even a tiger shark.
SHARK GIRL! “Fascinating” Creatures Inspire Biology Student Taylor Fluellen Swimming with sharks – is there anything scarier? It’s old hat for Taylor Fluellen, a Bellevue University biology student, who completed a two-month research program at the Bimini Shark Lab this past fall. The lab is part of the Bimini Biological Field Station, located on the island of South Bimini, Bahamas. Even with that experience, Fluellen did have one encounter that made her heart skip a beat or two. She was out on a cloudy September day catching stingrays when a dorsal fin broke the water’s surface. Comfortable in the relative safety of her small boat, she was excited to see what she thought was a lemon
shark. It was a tiger shark, a fish with a much more dangerous reputation than its more docile cousin, the lemon. “We followed it for a bit, but then lost it and decided to go back to catching stingrays,” she said. “Later, I’m just sitting there in the cold water. It’s cloudy and it’s all very quiet. It felt just like one of those shark movies.” On the whole, Fluellen describes her experience as “pretty spectacular” rather than pretty scary. “I saw just about everything I wanted to see in terms of ocean life. My favorite thing to do was trawling. You drive really fast in
Spring 2019 | 5 a boat with a casting line out. Hopefully, you catch some fish. I’ve fished before, but only in a pond. It was deep sea fishing. It was just so much fun.” A 2011 graduate of Bellevue East High School, Fluellen first became interested in sharks and other ocean creatures while watching “Shark Week” on the Discovery Channel as a kid. The daughter of a retired Navy veteran, Fluellen felt studying at her local school was the way to go after experiencing the moves typical of a military career. “I knew I wanted to stay local for school. I just wanted a few more years with my family,” she said of her decision to attend Bellevue University. “It’s been super convenient. I can see the ASB (Administrative Services Building) from my bedroom window.” The renovations have increased the functionality of the lab area and created a “science on display” atmosphere. Fluellen was on campus before the science labs were remodeled in the fall of 2016 and even had a hand in some early prep work for the redesign. “I actually witnessed the whole process. We helped clean out the old labs. I got to keep some old posters which was kind of cool,” she said. “The new labs are beautiful. It’s like walking into the Starship Enterprise.” Fluellen is closing fast on completing her degree. Following graduation she has her sights set on a return to the ocean. “I would love to work in Bimini again if there is an opening,” she said. “I’m looking at other organizations, zoos, and aquariums. There’s a lot of options.”
Taylor Fluellen, a biology major, landed an internship at the Bimini Shark Lab in the Bahamas last summer. She described the experience as “pretty spectacular.”
“It was always a fascination. When I was 7, I wanted to be a trainer at Sea World -- it's always been ocean-related,” Fluellen said. “Sharks happened a little later, but they're an all-consuming passion now. I love them. I think they're fascinating.”
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Hussein Diop went from anchoring the defense for Bellevue University’s man’s basketball squad to playing a key role for LinkedIn, one of the largest social networks for business professionals.
At the Center: Diop is Linchpin at LinkedIn Hussein Diop was the anchor of the Bellevue University defense when he played center for the men’s basketball squad in 20082012. At 6-feet, 10-inches, he’s now the tallest link in the chain at LinkedIn, one of the world’s largest social networks for business professionals. Diop brings the lessons that he learned on and off the court at Bellevue University to his new role. As a Small Business Account Manager, Diop sells and supports LinkedIn Talent Solutions, a product that supplies users with recruiting tools aimed at helping them improve their talent acquisition process. Diop handles a book of about 400 clients, introducing them to the product and assisting with its functionality. “My job is to help them with everything and anything – getting them started, helping them maximize its potential, and offering different strategies,” Diop said. “We want to make sure that they are getting as much out of the product as possible.”
Maximizing His Potential Maximizing potential is a particular area of expertise for Diop. He has been doing that ever since he walked into the men’s basketball office as a project with very little basketball experience. But he worked to polish his game.
As a freshman in the 2008-09 season, he averaged 2.2 points per game along with 2.0 rebounds. Maybe most importantly, he contributed 35 blocked shots over 23 games. He appeared in all 32 games as a sophomore upping his averages to 6.6 points, 5.4 rebounds with 67 blocked shots. His game continued to evolve, capped by a senior campaign in which he averaged 9.0 points per game, 8.1 rebounds and blocked 81 shots. The Bruins enjoyed a great deal of success during Diop’s time with the program, including a trip to the NAIA Final Four in 2019. Diop credits Paben’s tough practices with helping him sharpen his focus and hone his time management skills. Assistant coaches Bob Ludwig, Jason Isaacson, and Jack Nelson were also invaluable mentors for Diop, he said. “Between practice, class, games, and travel, you have to be able to manage your time very well,” Diop said. “It also helped with handling pressure. You’re trying to get that win as the clock winds down toward the end of the game. You have to be very mentally sharp,” Diop said. “I don't get ruffled by pressure. Every time it comes in I'm calm and I can think through it. I think that comes from my basketball background.” In addition to support from his coaches, Diop enjoyed a supportive and engaged faculty during his time at Bellevue
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University. He singled out Dr. Dan Warren, former professor in the College of Business, and Dr. Karen Robinson, Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, as being particularly influential. Diop also said Erin Officer, a friend of the University, and her family, Omaha residents at the time, played a key role in his success at Bellevue University.
“They were both fantastic with me,” Diop said. “They challenged me. The faculty is very supportive of the athletic department, but they don’t take it easy on you.” “She and her family just took me in and were like ‘Hey, your family isn’t here. We’ve got you.’ They brought me over for Christmas and the family would come to games,” Diop said.
Setting His Sights on Success Diop is a native of Dakar, Senegal. While many of his schoolmates in Senegal sought additional education in France, Diop had his sights set on the United States. He knew only one person in the U.S., his cousin, Fatou, who was living in some place called “Nebraska.” “She was the person that helped me apply at Bellevue (University) and helped with the translations,” Diop said. “I barely spoke any English when I came here.” Today, Diop is focused on his career at LinkedIn and doing as much travelling as possible. He’s checked off quite a few cities within the United States including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, and Dallas. He recently visited Washington D.C. with his mother and was back in Senegal with a group of LinkedIn employees to help build a school. While Diop has been back to Senegal many times since first coming to the United States, he said this trip was special. “It was an amazing experience. I didn’t know about this project until late. They had already done a lot of fundraising for it. My team got together and raised the funds necessary for me to go in about a week,” Diop said. “That’s just the LinkedIn culture. I work for some amazing people that will not hesitate to do that type of thing. “I spoke to the villagers that we were building the school for and told them, ‘Listen, I am here because there are literally a hundred people who supported me.’ That’s the kind of heart and passion that is going into this school.”
Diop had an opportunity to return to his home country of Senegal to help with the construction of a school. He also took some time to hang out with some lions.
Scott Collignon, now the Vice President of Logistics for Hallmark, earned his bachelor’s degree at Bellevue University through a partnership with his former employer, Cabela’s. Photo by Brant Bogan
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Delivering Cheer Every Day Scott Collignon Heads Up Logistics, Visual Merchandising for Hallmark Every day is a holiday! Which translates into a lot of job security for Scott Collignon, Vice President of Logistics for Hallmark, the greeting card company headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Collignon, who earned his Master of Science in Leadership from Bellevue University in 2012, oversees all of Hallmark’s transportation network, its North America distribution, and fixture manufacturing facilities. He also leads the visual merchandising design team. While the Christmas season is huge for Hallmark, it’s followed quickly by Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and, a Bellevue University favorite, graduation. Heck, every day is somebody’s birthday. “The joy for me is really seeing our process of delivery and merchandising from start to finish. I get to be a part of the whole supply chain process here and help Hallmark make meaningful connections each and every day,” Collignon said.
Cabela’s Partnership Collignon has been in his position with Hallmark for close to two years following a nearly 12-year career with Cabela’s, the outdoor outfitter headquartered in Sidney, Nebraska. Collignon first became interested in Bellevue University through the school’s partnership with Cabela’s.
“I started leafing through Bellevue (University’s) offerings and landed on the leadership program,” he said. “Having come from the military, I had already learned a lot about leadership theories and practices and was interested in learning more.” Once enrolled in the program, Collignon benefited from the mentorship of the late adjunct professor Kathryn Fenner, a veteran of the U.S. Navy. “She was phenomenal,” Collignon said. “Working remotely, raising a family, having a full-time job — she understood the rigors of it all. She was very open to calls and conversations regarding projects. I could not have asked for a better experience based on where I was in my life.” Collignon grew up in Madison, South Dakota and began his collegiate career at the University of South Dakota. In Vermillion, he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology, while also competing for the University’s track team throwing the discus. He was also a member of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.
Bronze Star He joined the United States Army in 1992 and served for over 10 years — including combat duty in Iraq in 2003. Collignon commanded a transportation company
of over 260 soldiers in a hostile environment during Operation Iraqi Freedom and was awarded a Bronze Star for his efforts. “One thing that the military teaches you — despite all the fancy equipment and all the technology — it’s still centered around people. If you learned how to lead people very early in your career that just carries over through any kind of career change that you make,” Collignon said. “It takes a servant-leadership mindset which is nothing more than I’m here to serve the folks that work for me and make their lives better. Then the mission or the job generally takes care of itself. I found that to be my guiding principle in any job, at any leadership level.” Those leadership lessons were reinforced by his master’s program at Bellevue University. Collignon encouraged others to take advantage of the opportunities, as well. “Bellevue University really understands the working adult, the working parent. They strive to make the learning opportunities and assignments flexible, achievable, and interactive,” Collignon said. “Bellevue University is a great place to learn and grow for working adults.”
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Dr. Carlos Del Rio brings a wealth of experience to his role at Bellevue University.
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Engagement is the Key Del Rio Brings Passion to Clinical Counseling Program
H
e’s engaged. Well, he’s married, but Dr. Carlos Del Rio does not hesitate to make connections or to have open conversations with his students or his colleagues at Bellevue University. In his current role as an Associate Professor in the College of Arts and Sciences Clinical Counseling program, he has instructed various courses like research methods, ethics, group therapy, and couples and family therapy, which is a specialty area for him. In fact, Del Rio met his wife at a counseling center after a difficult time following his mother’s death. She essentially loved him back to life in that environment. “Therapy,” he states, “means healing,” and he is happy he has become a therapist. Del Rio has paid his gratitude forward, even prior to entering the education field, through several years spent working in the pastoral ministry. When he was called in the mid-1980s to work at the Vatican, he spent time working with both U.S. Navy personnel stationed in Italy, as well as the reigning Catholic pontiff at the time, Pope John Paul II. It was during this time he lost his mother, found his wife, and settled in southern Illinois for 30 years before coming to Bellevue University.
Multidisciplinary Life His life has not ceased to be multidisciplinary, his inspiration coming mostly from his wife, a mental health practitioner who he describes as his hero with a good soul and pragmatic parameters, and also from American scientist Carl Sagan, who taught him that through education everything is possible, including coming to know the vast universe. When recalling the additional experiences that have shaped his life, he includes his daily 5K, or as he describes
it “a simple three-mile routine.” This routine began when he raised money for a fundraiser in which he ran the length of the country around his neighborhood for a friend with cystic fibrosis who eventually passed away from complications. The routine he began as a gesture to his friend helped him discover the value of running as mind, body, and spiritual healing, and it is now a practice he does for health and wellness benefits.
“Always remain curious about learning and seek balance in your life. Go beyond what is expected academically and make education your personal goal.”
Values are what motivated Del Rio to come to Bellevue University. The “Real Learning for Real Life” motto was very important to him, as well as the support the University gives to the military. His daughter, is now a cadet at West Point. While directing another psychology program, Del Rio desired a more personal role outside of administration, and came to Bellevue University. The Clinical Counseling department’s work toward the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accreditation, a gold standard in the clinical counseling field that the University’s Clinical Counseling program has recently obtained, was a large motivator in this decision. Del Rio stated that the genuine, committed, and openminded faculty of the Clinical Counseling program is why he has stayed, and why he hopes to become a permanent professor.
Be Yourself When asked what words of encouragement he would share with young scholars, he stated that it is most important to be yourself, but to be open to the transformation that follows through education. Del Rio is living his own advice. He is currently implementing research on the best practices of online group work and its benefits, has published a chapter in a book focused on teaching therapeutic approaches, and has editorially reviewed several books on clinical mental health counseling. Next up? He would like to publish a textbook on human functioning and its relation to therapeutic approaches. “How we define human nature impacts everything we do as professionals, so teaching people about humanity is essential.” Del Rio is sharing his humanity in his work at the University’s Military and Veteran Services Center, where he shares office space with another Clinical Counseling professor, Dr. Jon Kayne. While offering counseling services to veterans at the center, they hope to add staff and be able to provide therapeutic assistance to both military and other students on campus. Their vision is to create a resource that meets the needs of mental health consumers and, which eventually will serve as a professional training institute for mental health practitioners in the region. In the meantime, Del Rio is always here, as a professor, a counselor, as a human being — ready to engage. By Jessica Fleming, Bellevue University Communications Assistant
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NEW DBA DEGREE DISRUPTS BUSINESS AS USUAL 100% Online and Applied Program Designed for Forward-Thinking Leaders & Employers Bellevue University recently launched a new 100% online Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) degree program that addresses both real life challenges faced by students seeking doctoral-level education and modern organizational needs. “Today’s organizations are facing significant change, internally and externally,” said Bellevue University President Dr. Mary Hawkins. “They’re dealing with issues involving how to recruit and retain talent, how to pursue growth and manage it and how to operate in an increasingly more connected world. These challenges require leaders able to work across the organization, and their industry, to address complex, system-wide issues.” “We created a DBA degree,” said Dr. Hawkins, “to prepare leaders who are wellqualified to diagnose these multi-dimensional issues and help their enterprises solve their most pressing business challenges.”
“Students will emerge as experts on their topic, and as thought leaders in their industry,” said Dr. Cronin-Gilmore.
Bellevue University’s DBA program offers a different approach than traditional doctoral programs that typically prepare students for careers in academia, said Rebecca Murdock, Dean of the College of Business. “Our degree prepares students in leadership positions to address the complex challenges with future forward solutions.” Unlike other doctoral programs, Bellevue University DBA students will not write a dissertation. Dr. Julia Cronin-Gilmore, DBA Program Director, said students will undertake an applied, research-based doctoral project instead. She explained that the project follows a similar structure as a dissertation and uses the same methodologies, but doctoral students will work on the project throughout the three-year DBA program instead of starting it after course work is completed. The Bellevue University DBA degree also stands out as one of the few 100%, fully online programs at the doctoral level. “We created a plan addressing the obstacles that often stand in the way of working adults who want to pursue their doctorate,” said Dr. Cronin-Gilmore. Other programs may offer online DBA courses, but still require students to come to campus for residencies, she added. A clear and structured three-years-start-to-finish program means “students are able to see the end from the beginning,” said Dean Murdock. Two-week breaks between courses, she said, “allows students to attain their educational goal while at the same time meeting their professional and family obligations.”
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BEST OF BOTH WORLDS MSOP, MPA Offer Access to Certifications
Trying to weigh the benefits of earning a master’s degree versus pursuing a certification such as Project Management Professional® (PMP) or Six Sigma improvement methodology? Why not do both? Bellevue University recently enhanced its Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree and its Master of Science in Organizational Performance (MSOP) degree by further aligning the program curriculums with highly recognized industry certifications, such as the PMP and other widely recognized industry certifications. Both programs now have six core courses focused on essential knowledge and skills as defined by employers, and each core course runs concurrently with a one credit hour applied project course that Program Director John Patterson said brings the learning to life. “During the applied project courses, students may supplement their preparation for a recognized industry certification credential or develop actual work products,” he said, “such as a grant or a project plan aligned with the student’s educational goals and career path.” Although the programs are distinct in their curriculum and learning outcomes, Patterson said that both programs share a career-centric focus in how they were designed “We took into account what would make students more competitive and more valuable,” he said. Both programs’ calendars have also been redesigned to fit into the lives of students who may be balancing work, family, volunteer activities, military service and more. Patterson said that both the MPA and MSOP degree programs utilize 10-week courses – whether students are attending 100% online or inperson classes. Each 10-week course will typically have approximately a threeweek break prior to the next course starting. The schedule is
Professor John Patterson has redesigned the Master of Science in Organizational Performance and the Master of Public Administration programs to include opportunities to earn widely recognized industry certifications.
built in such a way as to allow students to start the program at any established offering time (January, April, July, or October), and take their courses in a row – because the programs will not require students to start with one particular course. “Students can just take the courses right in a row if they want. If they need a quarter off, they can do that,” Patterson said. “Every new student joins existing students in the same program. One of the ideas there is that existing students can help mentor the new ones.” The typical three-week breaks in the program fall conveniently around major holidays including July 4 and Christmas. “The scheduling will really appeal to people,” Patterson said. “This scheduling methodology will provide our students with an appropriate amount of time to rest, recharge, and then get back to work.”
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Since Bellevue University’s founding as Bellevue College in 1966, most of its Board of Directors, including the original five-member Board, have been business and civic leaders. Each of the nearly 100 who have served on the Board contributed time, expertise, and support to fulfill the University’s ongoing mission to educate students and meet workforce needs. Two of them, J. Michael Fuchs and Daniel Hamann, are profiled here.
Donors and Directors Fuchs, Hamann Recognized for Service to the University
Fuchs Sees University Come of Age Bellevue University came of age during Mike Fuchs’ three-decade association with the University. Fuchs was Chairman and CEO of Omahabased Fuchs Machinery, Inc., a regional distributor of industrial equipment and supplies, when he joined the Bellevue College Board of Directors in 1980. Fuchs was active on the Board for more than two decades before becoming an emeritus Director, eventually resigning in 2010. During his tenure, Bellevue University became Nebraska’s largest private college or university with more than 10,000 students enrolled and nearly 3,000 graduated each year. He sold his company in 2011 and is retired and living in the Denver area. He and his wife, Charlene, visited Bellevue University’s campus in September 2018, visiting the University’s recognition wall, which bears the names of nearly 100 individuals, companies, and charitable foundations who have contributed $100,000 or more of support to the University and its educational mission.
Hamann Continues a Family Tradition of Service One of six second-generation members to serve on the University’s Board of Directors, Dan Hamann personifies the exceptional talent and experience that have helped make Bellevue University an innovative leader in higher education. His father, Deryl, an Omaha attorney and business leader, served 22 years on the University Board, including two as Chair, before retiring to emeritus Director status in 2012. Hamann’s educational background, financial expertise and civic involvement all have been pluses for the University. He earned a B.A. in Architecture degree from Iowa State University and an M.B.A. in Finance from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School. Charlene and Mike Fuchs
He is Chairman of family-owned Spectrum Financial Services, Inc., which includes an insurance agency and a diversified investment portfolio. He previously spent 15 years working for Great Western Bancorporation, Inc., including time as the company’s President. He supports local economic growth through participating in a network of angel investors that tracks investment deals and startup companies seeking capital to build and expand their businesses. Hamann joined the University Board in 2013 and was Treasurer of the Board’s Executive Committee and served on the Finance and Audit Committee and the Strategic Business Committee. He recently retired to emeritus status on the Board. He also served on the boards of the Omaha Community Foundation, Westside Community School Foundation, and Children’s Hospital and Medical Center.
Dan Hamann
The Hamann Family has contributed to worthy causes over the years, and Bellevue University is proud to have the Hamann Family’s name on its donor Wall of Recognition.
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BELLEVUE
ATHLETICS
Sought-After Recruit Makes a Major Impact 7-Year-Old with Spina Bifida Signs Letter of Intent with Bruins Bellevue University’s softball team has signed its most sought-after, and perhaps youngest, recruit. Seven-year-old Abigail Harvey, who was born with spina bifida, signed with the team November 29 at the Hitchcock Humanities Center. With the help of Team IMPACT, a Boston-based nonprofit organization that helps pair children who have chronic illnesses to university athletic teams, Abigail is learning how to cope with her illness and be part of a team. The Bruins signing drew a crowd of around 100, and Abigail got a standing ovation after signing and singing along to the Bellevue University fight song. Adam Harvey, Abigail’s father, said he was “amazed” at how many people attended. “I didn’t know what to expect, but that was overwhelming,” he said. Softball coach Michala Cimino said the softball team jumped at the opportunity to sign Abigail.
“Whatever we do, she’ll be the 20th member on our team,” Cimino said.
“It’s important to realize how lucky we are in our own lives and give back,” Cimino said. Bellevue University was contacted by Team IMPACT to see which team would sign Abigail, Cimino said. The organization bases recruits on proximity. BU was the closest university to Abigail, who’s from Plattsmouth. “There’s a lot of college athletics (programs) who want to do this and are on waiting lists to get that done, and we just happened to be matched,” Cimino said. Cimino said the team has already developed a bond to Abigail and her family. “I love how gritty she is, upbeat, positive and never complains,” Cimino said. “We’re talking about a lady who’s had 21 surgeries — you would never know it. She’s brought so much to our team already.” Adam said this experience has been lifechanging for the family. “She’s averaged about three surgeries a year, and for her to be able to have another group of people who rally around her is just awesome,” he said. “She’s already developed such a bond with the girls, and it’s been a great experience for her.” With her letter of intent, Abigail will have several duties with the team: attending practices, attending team bonding days and attending games.
By Cheyenne Alexis/Bellevue Leader Originally published Dec. 20, 2018 | Reprinted with permission
Abigail Harvey, a 7-year old with spina bifida, signed a letter of intent with the Bellevue University softball team.
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Security Management Grad Pens “Gift of the Shaper” Jonesing for your fantasy fix once Game of Thrones comes to an end? Fortunately, Bellevue University graduate and U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. D.L. Jennings can help you out. Jennings is the author of “Gift of the Shaper,” the first in a planned fantasy trilogy. Jennings started the book while on a deployment to Africa, where spotty internet access left him with some extra free time himself. “I had found the upper limit of the times you can play Candy Crush on an iPad, and happened to be reading a book from Robert Jordan’s incredible fantasy series ’The Wheel of Time.’ During one of my bouts of boredom, I thought to myself that I knew the basics of good
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storytelling,” he said. “That was when I made the conscious effort to stop wasting time and start writing a story.” A 2008 graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Security Management program, Jennings posted a 4.0 grade point average despite being deployed at times during his studies. Jennings was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base as an Airborne Korean linguist when Bellevue University first came on his radar. The flexibility that was offered by Bellevue University’s online courses was a key component for Jennings. “It meant I was able to do it whenever I had free time. The way that the courses were set up were one right after the other and geared
heavily toward how well you could write,” Jennings said. “I had always had an idea that I was a capable writer, but the courses really solidified that opinion as I found myself writing quality papers and getting good grades based on the criteria.”
D.L. Jennings wrote “Gift of the Shaper” during downtime while deployed in Africa.
