The View Fall 2017

Fall 2017 | VOLUME 36

REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN University President Dr. Mary Hawkins joined Bill and Evonne Williams to bring the Remembering Our Fallen Tour to Washington D.C.

Also in this issue: Survive, Recover, Strive, Achieve – Dr. Kimberly Vaughn’s Journey to Her Ph.D.

Hopwood’s Rebound Continues

The Magazine for Alumni and Friends of Bellevue University

Metro Community College Advisor Sets Example for Students Fall 2017 | Volume 36 Cover: University President Dr. Mary Hawkins joined Bill and Evonne Williams to bring the Remembering Our Fallen Tour to Washington D.C. in September. Bellevue University has been a longtime sponsor of the tour, a photographic war memorial that honors our country’s military fallen from the War on Terror.

Table of Contents

“Just do it!”

Yolanda Robinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Melanie Standiford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Dennis King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Kimberly Vaughn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Remembering Our Fallen . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Shon Hopwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Boys Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Tony Boldt… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Lyman-Richey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Yolanda Robinson

Brutus’ Bear Cave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Maddie Squiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Julia Cronin-Gilmore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Have you moved, had a name change, or received a promotion at work?

Visit www.bellevue.edu/ student/records/alumni_contact to give us your updated contact info.

That’s the advice that Yolanda Robinson, an academic advisor at Metropolitan Community College (MCC), passes on to those seeking advice about continuing their education. Robinson knows of what she speaks. She is in the final stages of completing her Master of Public Administration degree at Bellevue University, having already earned her undergraduate degree at Kansas State.

Born and raised in Omaha and a graduate of Burke High School, Robinson has always been aware of Bellevue University, but her job at MCC really opened her eyes to the possibilities.

“The active relationship Bellevue University has with MCC really led to me finally returning to earn my graduate degree,” she said. “Everyone that comes here to support the students’ transition to Bellevue University has been very helpful and encouraging. Their honest feedback and genuine interest in me reaching my goals — it was an easy decision for me.”

Robinson walked in the spring commencement ceremony and completed her last few classes this summer.

If you have news for The View, a question, or a suggestion, please contact: alumni@bellevue.edu 402-557-7293 | 800-756-7920, ext. 557-7293

“The whole experience has been a good one. All my professors were experts in the field and open and helpful instructors,” Robinson said. “My last professor, Les Tighe, stands out for several reasons. He also teaches some courses at MCC and gets the culture and all the major changes happening here right now. He was always helpful, encouraging, understanding and will to work with me and my needs. For that, I am truly thankful to him. His constant words of encouragement and availability were priceless in the time where I struggled to finish.”

Robinson relishes her role at MCC helping students reach their goals.

“I assist students with developing and maintaining their education plan to reach their desired goals here at MCC. I am an advocate for their success in school and life,” she said. “I enjoy being a part of the growth, development and education of the students here at MCC.”

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You never stop being a mom — especially when you have nine kids.

Melanie Sand iford balanc ed her stud ies with raising child ren and gran dchildren.

She posted a 4.0 GPA w hile doing it.

Melanie Standiford, the student speaker at Bellevue University’s spring commencement, has juggled her duties as a mother, while earning her Bachelor of Science in Leadership.

“I like to give 100 percent if I can. It’s a huge priority,” Standiford said. “If you do your work, follow instructions and give the professors everything they ask for, it’s done. That’s what I expected of myself.”

How did she do it?

“A lot of late nights,” she said. “Luckily, I don’t require a lot of sleep.”

While several of her children are grown and have kids of their own, that just brings grandma responsibilities into the picture, as well.

“I find that my grown children actually need more of my time,” she said. “Like help with babies or questions on how to do things with kids.”

Standiford didn’t just scrape by en route to graduation. She earned Summa Cum Laude honors with a 4.0 GPA.

Standiford praised the work of her Student Coach, Hollie Richie.

“She was just amazing. We would talk sometimes, anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours,” Standiford said. “She really made me feel like I mattered.”

Standiford earned her associate’s degree at Mid-Plains Community College and learned about Bellevue University from Stan Wudtke, Bellevue University’s Outreach Manager at the North Platte, Nebraska, school.

Wudtke, whom Standiford knew as a counselor and coach at her high school, steered her

toward the Leadership program after learning about what she was looking for in a bachelor’s degree.

“Probably the best educational advice I’ve ever received,” Standiford said. “He just really took the time and really walked me through what I would need to do and how the program worked.”

In addition to being a full-time mom, Standiford also works part time as a photographer and a florist. Following graduation, she is considering pursing a master’s degree.

Fall 2017 | 3

DAD LEVERAGES DEGREE TO VP ROLE AT SECURITIES AMERICA

that’s my Dad!

Dennis King, a Senior Vice President of Business Development at Omaha-based Securities America, still recalls that shout out from his youngest daughter, Tina.

“I still remember walking the aisle at graduation, having my name called for my diploma, and hearing, from the balcony afar, my daughter yelling out,” King said. “That proud memory still brings me to tears.”

suburb Hazel Park in his high school years. King first attended classes at then-Bellevue College in 1980 toward the end of his Air Force run, before going online to complete his degree in 1999-2000.

our advisors to help them understand all of the services and programs available at Securities America and to coach them to better work with their clients and to grow their investment advisory practices.”

King earned his Bachelor of Science in Global Business Management from Bellevue University in 2000. The University first came on his radar during his 10-year stint (1971-81) as a member of the United States Air Force.

“Bellevue University was one of the few colleges that offered an online degree completion program. It was pretty neat that it was also the college where I previously attended in class courses,” King said. “Having a full-time job and being married and raising a family, my ‘free’ time was quite limited, so the flexibility of ‘going to class’ as it fit into my schedule was immensely important. To this day, I doubt that I would have completed my degree without that opportunity.”

In addition to his Bellevue University degree, King added a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2003. So what advice does he have for other adults seeking to continue their education?

“Bellevue University had a strong presence and value proposition for Air Force personnel.

I attended classes part time and then, later, completed my degree through the online accelerated degree program,” King said.

“One of my main motivations for completing my degree was the realization that my children were coming close to graduating from high school and going to college themselves. I was not going have any of my children get a degree before I did, so I decided to pursue Bellevue’s accelerated degree program to finish my degree work.”

King was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania before moving to Detroit, Michigan

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King began his Securities America career in 2000 and has advanced to his current Senior Vice President position over his 17-year career there.

“I am responsible for all investment advisory business at Securities America. This includes investment management, investment management tools and platforms, financial planning and business development,” King said. “I have a team of business development consultants who work for me that engage with

“Most adults probably face the same limits on their time that I did, so having the ability to complete your degree online is such a tremendous benefit. There were times when I was sitting in my home office in the middle of the night, after my wife and children went to bed, completing my school work,” King said. “It wasn’t easy, nor should it be, but it meant the difference in completing my degree or not. I am so happy to have learned of that opportunity and then to have taken advantage of it. I highly recommend it for anyone struggling to find a way to finish their pursuit of a college degree.”

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SURVIVE ecover

R

Gold Star Wife Earns Ph.D.

Strive

No survivors.

That’s the message delivered to Kimberly Vaughn on August 6, 2011 when a Chinook helicopter, call sign Extortion 17, was shot down in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan. Her husband, U.S. Navy Seal, Aaron Vaughn, was on board along with 29 other military service members.

With a nine-week old daughter and a son under two-years old, Kimberly Vaughn had to survive, and, eventually, recover, strive, and achieve.

On Saturday, June 3, 2017, she reached a milestone in that effort, graduating with her Ph.D. in Human Capital Management from Bellevue University. Her degree was made possible in part by a grant from the Special Operations Fund.

“In the first few years after Aaron’s death I was in a daze. I was basically trying to make sure my kids were bathed, fed, in bed, that there was food on the table, clean laundry, and all the normal day-to-day activities that now seemed insurmountable,” Vaughn said. “But, slowly, I realized I wanted to live the life worthy of Aaron’s sacrifice; and the sacrifice so many military make for us. I wasn’t going to turn down any opportunity provided to me, including the one offered to advance my education.”

Vaughn, a Senior Program Manager for CACI International, Inc., in Norfolk, Virginia, had already earned her Master of Science in Organizational Management (MSOM) from Bellevue University in 2008 and holds a bachelor’s of business administration in computer information systems from James Madison University.

“In 2006, I received an email that introduced a new partnership between CACI and Bellevue University regarding a new MSOM degree,” she said.

“The next thing I know, I had signed myself up and was enrolled in the first cohort.”

Vaughn took on the challenge again, starting her Ph.D. program in 2013.

“Earning my Ph.D. was a self-discovering process. I already knew I had a ‘never-quit’ attitude and this process reminded me that I enjoy challenge,” she said.

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Vaughn’s dissertation, Productive Humor and Leadership Effectiveness: A Grounded Theory Ethnography, was inspired by a weekend retreat for Gold Star Wives with humorist Ron Culberson.

“For the entirety of his time with us, I couldn’t stop laughing. This was a welcome relief from all the grief and tears that accompany loss and that is when I knew I wanted to study something that made me smile and laugh,” she said. “Considering the long hours I knew were going to be put toward this great effort, to enjoy the journey I would need to be enthusiastic about the topic.”

Dr. Stephen Linenberger served as dissertation chair for Vaughn and gives her rave reviews.

“She was a very good student, very focused and very organized,” he said. “She was an absolute pleasure to work with. She did a very cool study and it was very well received by our committee. She sailed through it with flying colors.”

While the grant helped take care of the financial end of earning the degree, the task of tackling a Ph.D. program, while working full time and raising two young children, required a team effort.

“I have an amazing support system. My parents were supportive from the start and offered to help with my children (more than they already do) as my Ph.D. workload increased,” Vaughn said. “As I flew from Virginia to Omaha for the on-campus residencies, they cared for my children and made sure all was taken care of on the home front. Not to mention, they made sure I had a quiet house during tests and, of course, the comprehensive exams and dissertation defense. What a relief!”

Kimberly’s dad, Retired Navy Commander Alan Linberger, earned a special shout out.

“My father has, by far, been my biggest champion with my academic and career endeavors. Don’t get me wrong, I have had a lot of support and cheerleaders along the way, but he’s always reminded me that education is something that can never be taken away from you,” Vaughn said. “Here I am, graduating, 20 years after starting my career with CACI as Dr. Vaughn. Thanks for instilling in me a love of learning, Dad!”

Vaughn was born in Guam and, growing up, lived in Hawaii, Florida, Maine, Spain, and Virginia. After her marriage to Aaron, the couple lived in California and she and her children currently make their home in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Dr. Kimberly Vaughn earned her Ph.D. in Human Capital Management having already earned her master’s degree through Bellevue University.

“Having grown up in a military family, I was instilled with respect for those who serve this great land we live in,” Vaughn said. “Of course, I also remember to honor, and respect, not just my husband, but all those who gave their lives protecting it; not just on Memorial Day, but every day.”

Aaron and Kimberly met while she was performing on a United Services Organization (USO) tour, part of her role as a member of the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders. She was a member of the squad from 1998 through 2007.

“I was on a tour with a stopover in Guam which just so happened to be where he was deployed. He came to a show… we chatted… next thing you know, we exchanged emails… emails led to phone calls… and years later we were married!” she said. “So, suffice to say, I took a lot away from my cheerleading experience!”

Today, Vaughn’s biggest cheerleaders are her son, Reagan, now 7-years old, and her daughter, Chamberlyn, now five.

“Becoming Dr. Vaughn is amazing! I wanted to yell it from the mountain tops, but I’ve been reminded that when you achieve any great accomplishment humility is key. Don’t get me wrong; one of the first things I did was update my workplace email signature block and make a Facebook posting or two, but I also try to keep in mind what I learned from my late husband,” she said. “He was a U.S. Navy SEAL with the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (also known as SEAL Team 6).

When asked what he did for a living, he’d simply reply ‘I’m in the Navy.’ I’ve learned that, although I’m honored to be amongst a distinguished group of individuals, I don’t need to tout my accomplishment. I will still introduce myself as Kimberly Vaughn… and sooner or later, when people find out I have my Ph.D., it will speak for itself.”

Kimberly and Aaron were recognized at a Washington Redskins game after his passing.

From left to right: Meredith Hummel (sister), Catherine Linberger (mother), Reagan Vaughn (son), Dr. Kimberly Vaughn, Chamberlyn Vaughn (daughter), Alan Linberger (father).

Fall 2017 | 7

Bellevue University has been a longtime sponsor of the Remembering Our Fallen. University President Dr. Mary Hawkins was on hand when the tour made its way to the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN ARRIVES IN D.C. Bellevue University Sponsorship Helps Honor Fallen Soldiers Commitment and sacrifice – the Remembering Our Fallen memorial honors those values and recognizes the soldiers who embody them – men and women who have given their lives in the War on Terror since Sept. 11, 2001.

The memorial is the brain-child of Bill and Evonne Williams, a Bellevue University alumnus. The University has been a sponsor of the memorial for over five years. The memorial reached a milestone when unveiled its national Tribute Towers display on the National Mall in Washington D.C. on Sept. 7.

“We’ve been planning this for over a year. We wanted it close to 9/11 because it was the defining moment for most of the men and women on these tribute towers,” Evonne Williams said. “When that happened they consciously or sub-consciously made that decision that they were going to serve. In our nation’s capital, flanked between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, you can’t find a more perfect setting.”

University President Dr. Mary Hawkins attended and spoke at the Sept. 7 event in D.C. 8 | the View

“This relationship really comes from the heart. It’s not about business.

It’s about passion and care,” Hawkins said. “Bill and Evonne have sons in the service. I come from a long history of military members. My father and my uncle served in World War II. My husband served in the Gulf, my sister served, and my son now serves.”

Bellevue University itself was founded by Bill Brooks, a World War II veteran who flew in the Battle of Midway. A commitment to providing easy access to education for members of the military was a key part of Brooks’ vision and remains a huge part of the University’s mission today.

“We serve military people all around the world,” Hawkins said. “We’ve been regularly recognized for our commitment to servicemen and women to make education possible for them.”

Remembering Our Fallen consists of photos, both military and personal, of soldiers who have been killed in the War on Terror since Sept. 11, 2001.

The display is designed to travel and 19 state-specific displays have been created and displayed since the memorial program began.

Bill Williams, who founded Remembering Our Fallen, with his wife, Evonne, addresses the crowd at the Washington D.C. event.

Lonnie Ford, from Pender, Nebraska, was on hand for the D.C. event.

Pender’s son, Spc. Joshua Andrew Ford, was killed in Iraq in 2006. Ford has been on hand for several of the state-specific events and was pleased to witness the unveiling in Washington D.C. “The nation needs to remember the sacrifices all these young men and women have made,” Ford said. “They all volunteered. It makes you proud of what they did. They served their country and made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Capt. Nathan Nylander, a graduate of Bellevue University, was killed in Afghanistan on April 27, 2011. His wife, Miriam Hamilton-Nylander, and other family members were in attendance at the Washington D.C. event.

From left to right: Evonne Williams, Congressman Don Bacon (R-Neb.), and University President Dr. Mary Hawkins.

“The number one thing is the faces. I put in a picture with my children.

You could associate a name with a face and a family and realize they gave up something and that person left people behind,” Miriam said. “(Visitors) come down here and they’ve learned a little bit today. And they see faces they may not have otherwise known. These guys died for them.”

Lonnie Ford, from Pender, Neb., attended the Washington D.C. event.

Ford’s son, Spc. Joshua Ford, was killed in Iraq in 2006.

The Remembering Our Fall state tours continue. To see if the memorial is coming to an area near you or to host a memorial, visit www.rememberingourfallen.org/states.

Fall 2017 | 9

HOPWOOD CONTINUES REBOUND AS GEORGETOWN PROFESSOR

The Federal Bureau of Prisons is just a little more than a block away from his office. It serves as a reminder for Shon Hopwood of a distant, past life, but Hopwood has other things on his mind these days. Rather than occupying a cell in the prison system, Hopwood is just getting comfortable in his new office at the Georgetown University Law Center.

Hopwood, after serving 11 years in prison for a series of bank robberies in Nebraska, earned his bachelor’s degree in Pre-Law Studies from Bellevue University in 2011. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Washington in 2014, his Master of Laws from Georgetown in 2017 and is now an Associate Professor of Law at Georgetown. He started teaching his first classes this fall.

Hopwood, from David City, Nebraska, was first profiled by Bill Wax on the Bellevue University Alumni Blog back in September of 2012. His continuing journey was documented in the Washington Post in April of this year.

“I can’t believe this is really happening. It’s real,” Hopwood said. “I wake up most days thinking how blessed I am that I have been given all these second chances from various people.”

An early stop on Hopwood’s journey back from prison was Bellevue University. His wife, Ann Marie, had earned her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from the University in 2009 and raved about the school. A liberal credit transfer policy helped seal the deal.

“I had credits that I had accumulated while in prison from five or six different universities.

Bellevue was one of the schools that were willing to take on those credits. They worked with me on that, transferring those credits over,” Hopwood explained.

Once on campus, Professor emeritus Dr. Judd Patton helped guide him.

“He had a big impact on my time at Bellevue and I really enjoyed getting to know him,” Hopwood said, “He’s one of the other reasons that I chose Bellevue.”

Patton recalled a Hopwood as an engaged student eager to learn.

After 11 years in prison, Shon Hopwood earned his undergraduate degree at Bellevue University and has not stopped advancing since.

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“Shon was in my Biblical Economics class. He was excited about the material, devoured it--so to speak--and participated in the online discussions with vigor. Given his prison experience, he quickly grasped one of the organic precepts of the course: the moral realm and economic realm are inexorably tied together,” Patton said. “It’s always a joy for professors to have students who are enthusiastic, hard workers who read and study the material as assigned, participate in lively class discussions, and share their questions and insights with their classmates.

Shon had and has those qualities. No wonder he became a college professor! It was an honor to have him in class.”

Hopwood also praised his academic advisors who helped set him up for success not only at Bellevue University, but for his next step into law school as well.

“They were instrumental in figuring out what I needed to do to be successful and finish my undergrad degree,” he said. “Then they gave me a plan that allowed me to pull it all off, right before I went to law school. I graduated in July in the summer of 2011. Then I moved to Seattle in August and started law school in September 2011. Bellevue really worked with me to design a plan that would get me into law school as quickly as possible.”

“I wake up most days thinking how blessed I am that I have been given all these second chances from various people.”

Hopwood felt well prepared for law school by his Bellevue University education as well as the hard work he had put in while behind bars.

“Many of the things that we covered the first year at law school were things that we had covered at Bellevue,” he said. “My experience with law school is so different from anybody else. I mean I had ten years of being a practicing lawyer in prison that prepared me for law school and so I knew a lot more coming in.”

Hopwood is on the other side of the table this fall teaching students the ins and outs of law. In addition to his teaching duties, Hopwood will be working on criminal justice reform issues.

“I’ve been on Capitol Hill a few times to talk to lawmakers up there about the criminal justice system, he said. “Part of the problem is the punishment never really ends even when someone walks out of prison. In fact, sometimes, the punishment can be worse once people are out. No one will rent them a place to live and no one will hire them. I’m working on papers specifically about people with serious misdemeanor convictions, felony convictions, or sobriety issue that have gone to law school and having to go through the various character and fitness tests.”

It was actually a historic day when Hopwood was hired at Georgetown. He came on board the same day as the new basketball coach, Patrick Ewing. One could get into a healthy debate about who is the better rebounder between Ewing and Hopwood.

Going forward, Hopwood hopes to be the best teacher he can be.

“I want to be a good scholar and a good teacher and to have an impact on criminal justice reform,” he said. “The best thing about working at Georgetown is if I have an issue either in litigation or my policy work there is an expert in just about every legal specialty you can think of here.

I work with some incredibly talented people.”

Boys Town - Bellevue University Partnership Paying Dividends for Students Boys Town, celebrating its 100th anniversary, is committed to changing the way America cares for children, families, and communities. Bellevue University, wrapping up the celebration of its own 50th anniversary, is assisting in that mission through a partnership that has produced over 150 graduates in its 15-year plus history.

The partnership helps Boys Town employees pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees to help better serve the Boys Town community and to enhance their careers.

“We believe this program is essential to not only enhance the expertise and knowledge of our youth care employees, but to help build future leaders of Boys Town,” said Jim Gross, Associate Vice President of National Community Support Services for Boys Town.

While Boys Town employees can choose from a multitude of career relevant degrees, the Master of Science in Human Services Administration is a program offered exclusively for Boys Town employees. The degree provides a strong foundation of management skills, ethical framework, research evaluation perspective, and communication and leadership theory.

“This program was created as a collaborative effort with Boys Town.

The program courses were strategically selected, to provide the most benefit to students in gaining the needed skills to advance into management roles within the Boys Town organization,” said Gail Ortegren, the director for the Human Services Administration program at the University. “There are also clear connections between the curriculum and the organizations strategic plan.”

Thomas Shaw, a Data Analyst for Boys Town, earned his MSHSA in 2016.

“Boys Town and Bellevue University did a great job of putting together a degree program that provides a solid examination of many key aspects of non-profit administration.”

“I enrolled in the first cohort because I wanted to expand my leadership and organizational knowledge,” Shaw said. “I was exposed to so many different ideas on topics such as leadership theory, conflict resolution, and program evaluation. Boys Town and Bellevue University did a great job of putting together a degree program that provides a solid examination of many key aspects of non-profit administration.”

Shaw was able to incorporate the final project of his program into his work.

“My capstone project was integrated into one of Boys Town’s office locations. I created a database and procedures to capture demographic and referral information for families that contact Boys Town’s South Omaha office,” he explained. “I have trained employees how to use the database

and have also created reports that summarize intake data for stakeholders, including the South Omaha director and the manager of programs.”

Ortegren said the Capstone course can pay immediate dividends for both the student and Boys Town.

“I love the Capstone course,” she said. “This is where the students develop a project proposal, specific to their location. Throughout the program, students identify the specific need for their location, along with collaboration from their administration, and begin collecting data to create a proposal to address this need.

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Boldt Builds

CAREER at Nebraska Furniture Mart

Tony Boldt, a 2011 graduate of Bellevue University, was named Chief Operating Officer at Nebraska Furniture Mart this past June.

Tony Boldt is a mover, shaker, and leader. Those attributes have helped him climb the ranks to the top rungs at Nebraska Furniture Mart (NFM), the Omaha-based home furnishings giant. He took over for Ron Blumkin as President and Chief Operating Officer in June 2017.

Boldt, who earned his Bachelor of Science in Management at Bellevue University in 2011, will oversee store operations in all regions, with responsibilities including human resources, security, finance, customer care, and information technology. Boldt will also work with the Chief Executive Officer, Irv Blumkin, on corporate strategy.

“It takes a large team working together seamlessly to provide the customer experience we are looking for,” said Boldt, a graduate of City High in Iowa City, Iowa. “With the thousands of positive customer surveys we get, these are great examples of a solid team working together to achieve what we value most which is customer appreciation. I also enjoy constantly looking for better ways to do things. Thinking outside the box on how we can engage our customers in an experience they value. I am very passionate about having fun with our customers and with our staff. We really believe that happy staff equals happy customers.”

Boldt started his NFM career at Homemakers Furniture in Des Moines, Iowa, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NFM, about 15 years ago. He moved up to Warehouse Manager at NFM of Des Moines, Flooring Builder Sales Manager, and then to Des Moines Store Manager. After about four years in that role, he moved to Omaha and was the Appliance and Electronics General Sales Manager for two years before moving to Kansas City to be the NFM Kansas City Store Director.

“The more information that you can get and apply, the more it all makes sense,” “When I started my career at NFM, I did not envision that I would be in the role of President of NFM someday,” Boldt said. “I have been incredibly fortunate that I have had great mentors that have helped me grow as a leader. I am a very driven person and I have always wanted to broaden my circle of influence to continue to build an environment where people want to work and shop. I am looking forward to my new role so that I can continue that evolution for me and my team.”

Boldt took advantage of the partnership between Bellevue University and NFM to earn his degree.

“I was looking to finish my degree and NFM had built a great relationship with Bellevue University, so I decided to give it a shot. It was a great experience.” Boldt said. “I was part of an online cohort program. I was in class with several of my fellow NFM teammates from different regions. We could independently write papers about our experiences and some of the leadership situations that we faced. It allowed us to bond and brainstorm some bigger ideas to continuously improve at NFM.”

Boldt said he was able to take what he learned in the classroom and apply it on the job.

“The more information that you can get and apply, the more it all makes sense,” he said. “Leadership is always evolving in all of us regardless of title and it is important to keep learning and practicing your skills.”

Juggling school in addition to work and family responsibilities can be challenging, but it is manageable, Boldt said.

“I hear from a lot of people that, ‘they just don’t have time,’” he said. “At the time I went back to school, I had two kids, a wife that was working very hard at her career, and I was running the Des Moines Store. It does take time management and discipline, but it can be done if you commit to it. I think it is safe to say that I would not be in my role had I not finished my degree. It was an important part of my development.”

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Lyman-Richey HR Finds a Fit with Bellevue University Grads Angela Conner, Kathy Snoddy, and Kelly Hayduk have all found careers in the Human Resources department at Lyman-Richey.

“Receiving my degree in Human Resource Management really allowed me to advance further then I could have otherwise,”

Lyman-Richey’s Human Resources department has developed into a bit of a Bruin den. Three employees, Angela Conner, Kelly Hayduk, and Kathy Snoddy, all have earned degrees at Bellevue University.

Conner, who has been with Lyman-Richey, one of the region’s leading concrete and construction materials providers, for a year as a Human Resources Generalist. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Management of Human Resources in 2011, after first acquiring an Associate’s degree through Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs.

“I had been looking at HR Programs throughout the Omaha area and found that the accelerated program fit the bill for me. I had talked to a few other graduates and really thought they had a good outlook after graduating. It seemed like Bellevue was perfect for me,” Conner said.

Hayduk earned her Bachelor of Science in Management of Human Resources in 2014 and has been with Lyman-Richey for nine months, as well.

“Bellevue offered night and online classes, which was a huge plus for me. I was working full time and had 3 kids so I needed flexibility.”

Snoddy is the veteran of the group, having been at Lyman-Richey for almost four years. She earned her degree in 2013.

“The accelerated program prompted me to visit and attend Bellevue University,” Snoddy said.

“The professors were great.”

Conner and Hayduk both praised the Kirkpatrick Signature Series. The series focuses on various institutions and traditions of Western Civilization that have achieved unprecedented success in the United States. It explores the intellectual, social, and cultural progress resulting through

the productive tensions that can arise among tradition, change, freedom, and responsibility.

Conner said her professor, adjunct Chip Greene, made the material come alive for her.

“His way of teaching and constant questions made me really appreciate his teaching style,” she said. “He came in with a bright outlook on life and was constantly teaching us to question life and everything else. It really made me appreciate the classes and enjoy my time in the Kirkpatrick Series.”

Hayduk’s Signature Series classes were taught by the late Dr. Ed Rauchut.

“He has since passed away, but he made many of my classes a positive experience,” she said.

A varied work experience each day is what keeps the three engaged at Lyman-Richey.

“I enjoy the diversity of my job, claim resolution, different projects,” Snoddy said. “I have experience and knowledge of all aspects of HR being with the same company and being here the longest.”

Conner echoed those sentiments, “The fact that no two days are the same. Things are constantly changing and moving and no incident is like the one before. I like having some variety and seeing what a new day will bring. It’s never boring.

“Receiving my degree in Human Resource Management really allowed me to advance further then I could have otherwise,” said Conner.

“I learned so many life lessons from Bellevue and it really helped me grow into the person I am today. It was an amazing experience and I loved the fact that the people they have teaching their classes have real life experiences. They teach because they enjoy it, but they have the life skills and experience to know what they are talking about.”

Fall 2017 | 13

BRUTUS’

NEW BEAR CAVE

Brutus has a new bear cave… and he’s digging it.

Brutus lends a hand to Elexis Martinez and Fabiola Aviles while moving into the new student housing.

g to Brutus gives a hu

a future Bruin.

Karissa Moreland, Sarah Zeleny, and Mike Cardenas all lend a hand to help with move-in duties.

Students, including mascot Brutus, moved into new student housing units in time for the Fall term. The new units are located just south of the main campus along the east side of Betz Road.

According to University President Mary Hawkins, the new student housing units fill a long-standing need near the main campus to house an increasing student population of athletes, international students, and recent high school graduates.

“This new student housing not only supports Bellevue University’s efforts to meet the needs of students who are transitioning to college and crave independence,” she said, “but who will also benefit from receiving support and guidance in a safe environment.” Hawkins said that about half of the student residents are first- or second-year students and nearly 75 percent are new to Bellevue University.

The new student housing complex consists of 18 apartment-style units that can house a total of 72 students. Each unit has four bedrooms, two 14 | the View

University President Dr. Mary Hawkins (right) fills in Jim Grotrian, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, as well as Board President Mike Cassling, and Board Member Larry Courtnage, and his wife, Kathy, on the amenities of the new student housing.

bathrooms, a kitchen, and a living area and is complete with basic furnishings to include beds, dressers, wardrobes, and a washer and dryer.

Sounds just big enough for three students and a bear.

The living area and efficiency kitchen also have basic furniture. Student resident advisors will live in the housing units to provide on-site support and guidance. The new units are already at full capacity as students moved in in late August and early September in preparation for their Fall term.

Since 2015, Bellevue University has maintained leased student housing in a nearby apartment complex and made those units available to students.

Alaina Smith, Director of Student Life and Support Services, said the combined university owned and leased housing space stands at just over 330 and the new housing units have a room and board cost of $2,842 per term, one of the lowest in Omaha.

BELLEVUE

ATHLETICS

SQUIERS LIVES UP To Bruin Setter Standards

Trish Siedlik, Bellevue University’s Head Volleyball Coach, doesn’t ask much of her freshman setters. Just replace the All-American that came before you.

Maddie Squiers was up to the task last season, earning second-team NAIA All-American honors from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) in addition to being named the AVCA NAIA National Freshman of the Year. Squiers stepped into the setting role vacated by the graduation of thee-year starter Beth Walker, a third-team All-American herself.

“I was pretty nervous. I knew I had big shoes to fill,” Squiers said. “The first few weeks of practice were pretty rough, but then I got into the rhythm and I knew that they chose me for a reason.”

Squiers came into the Bruin program with a pedigree. She is the daughter of Rick Squiers, the head volleyball coach at the University of Nebraska-Kearney, a highly accomplished program at the NCAA Division II level.

Squiers may have been under-recruited with many coaches assuming she would go to UNK. “I think some coaches did believe she would come to UNK, but she was also a bit of a late bloomer as a setter,” Rick Squiers said. “By the spring of her club season she was starting to play at a pretty high level. We had a freshman setter in our program, so the timing wasn’t ideal for Maddie to come here. It did feel strange seeing her go elsewhere.”

Siedlik was among the coaches assuming Maddie Squiers was out of reach, but the younger Squiers reached out to her to open up the recruiting process.

“I thought there’s no way. There’s no way we’re gonna get this kid,” Siedlik said. “So we just happen to get an email one day and I wrote (Assistant

Coach Steve Field) and I’m like ‘Oh, my gosh! Maddie Squiers wrote us.’ “ Papa Squiers was able to keep tabs on his daughter’s progress throughout last season while leading his own squad to a 35-2 record.

“I was able to see one match live and several others online. Bellevue does a great job with the livestream and radio broadcast. I watch as many as I can – including some of the road matches. Very nerve wracking!” he said.

“I don’t think her first year could have gone much better. It’s very hard to play any position as a freshman, let alone set for a program like Bellevue and follow in the shoes of an All-American like Beth. I think the coaching staff did a great job of bringing her along and allowing her to gain some confidence. It was fun to watch her progress.”

After Squiers’ standout freshman season, Siedlik is receiving calls and emails from other potential recruits who want to play with a setter who can get them the ball.

“When we have recruits, we always mention her,” Siedlik said. “She’s our ambassador right now. Who would not want to play with a setter that’s already all-American, that’s already one of the best in the country?”

The Bruins posted a 32-12 record in 2016 including a 13-3 mark in the North Star Athletic Conference. The team also advanced to the NAIA National Tournament last year. This year’s team was ranked 20th in the preseason poll, but behind NSAA rivals Viterbo (No. 6) and Jamestown (No. 17).

Siedlik said the squad will be looking to make it back to the national tournament this season.

Fall 2017 | 15

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Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools • www.ncahlc.org • 800-621-7440 • Bellevue University has received specialization accreditation for its Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and Masters of Business Administration degree programs in business through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), Olathe, Kansas. Bellevue University is a member of AACSB International – the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business • www.aacsb.edu • Bellevue University does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability in the educational programs and activities it operates.

AN UNPRETENTIOUS APPROACH Cronin-Glimore Claims Distance Learning Award A welcoming atmosphere was a one of the things that attracted Dr. Julia Cronin-Gilmore to Bellevue University in 2007. Ten years later, she still works hard to project that atmosphere into both her online and in-class students.

Cronin-Gilmore exemplified those attributes by earning top honors in the United States Distance Learning Association’s (USDLA) 2017 international awards program. Cronin-Gilmore received the USDLA Excellence in Teaching/Training Award in the category of Online Technology – Higher Education.

“I found out I was being nominated and helped prepare the entry. It started out as a paragraph and was 13 pages when I completed it,” Cronin-Gilmore said. “At Bellevue University, we are very innovative using engaging and interactive tools/assignments. I provided links and examples of what my students were completing so there was evidence in the application. Plus, I am sure it was kind of fun for the reviewers to actually walk through some of the assignments and see firsthand what it was like for the students.”

Bellevue University President Dr. Mary Hawkins praised Cronin-Gilmore for the excellence that led to earning the USDLA award.

“Dr. Cronin-Gilmore’s approach to supporting the needs of learners excelling in the constantly changing career of marketing exemplifies Bellevue University’s commitment to innovative learning models.” Cronin-Gilmore was one of five educators nationwide honored with an award of excellence, and according to Dr. Hawkins, “she effectively combines technology-based 16 | the View

From left to right: Collin Gilmore, Julia Cronin-Gilmore, Alan Gilmore, Anna Gilmore, and Garrett Gilmore.

instructional strategies with learning outcomes, and a true love for teaching both undergraduate and graduate students.”

Cronin-Gilmore, a Professor in the College of Business and the Director of Marketing degrees embraces the flexibility offered by online learning.

“I want students to learn, have an opportunity to practice their skills, and create new skill sets,” Cronin-Gilmore said. “The advantage of taking courses online is that it works with your schedule and is available where there is an Internet connection. People work, travel, and take courses.”