UNK Homecoming Banquet Program 2008 by UNKAlumni

2008 Homecoming Banquet

University of Nebraska at Kearney Friday, October 10

Alumni Association Board of Directors

Program

Officers

Master of Ceremonies Larry Edwards Alumni Association Immediate Past President

Maureen Nickels '74, President - Chapman Brenda Christensen '83, President-elect - Minden Chad Rutar '97, Secretary - Omaha Larry Feather ‘66, Trustee - Grand Junction, CO

Entertainment Thornton String Quartet Dinner

TERM EXPIRING 2008

TERM EXPIRING 2010

Tammy Adelson Hayden ‘90 Kearney Greg Shea ‘89 - Kearney Marsha Wilkerson-Rodehorst ‘90 Kearney Judy Johnson Hall ‘64 - Lincoln Bill O’Neill ‘95 - Omaha Jerry Stine ‘67, MSE ‘76 - Papillion Mary Howington ‘62 - Fort Worth, TX Shelly Marks ‘02, MSE ‘05 - Atlanta, GA Christa Boroff Spencer ‘92 Overland Park, KS

Cynthia Bahler ’94 - Lamar Doug Burritt ’95 - Osceola Denise Christensen ’80 - Kearney Steve James ’77 - Danville,CA Lanny Jorgensen ’63 - Tucson, AZ Bryan Kuntz ’95 - Kearney Holly Nikels ’93 - Bettendorf, IA Nancy Osterbuhr ’95 - Minden

TERM EXPIRING 2009 Andrew Romatzke, J.D. '01 Kearney Deb Schwenka '76 - Minden Fred Arnold '83 - Fairbury Chad Rutar '97 - Omaha Stephanie Hueftle Vogel '89, MAE '96 - Lincoln Sue Batie '73 - Cypress, CA Candy Fernau '96 - Dallas, TX Bob Warren '64 - McMinnville, OR

TERM EXPIRING 2011 Barb Estes ’74 - Kearney Dean Jindra ’85 - Papillion Dee Dee Kitzelman ’90 - Kearney Andrea Miller ’02 - Scottsbluff Ben Rowe ’03 - Kearney Ryan Samuelson ’02 - Phoenix, AZ Troy Schleiger ’95 - Lincoln Ryan Tworek ’98 - Newport Beach, CA Candy Walton ’97 - Vermillion, SD

Greetings Doug Kristensen Chancellor Alumni Welcome Lucas Dart Alumni Executive Director Recognitions Distinguished Alumni Awards Maureen Nickels Alumni Association Association President Distinguished Alumni Service Award Maureen Nickels Alumni Association President Athletic Hall of Fame Inductions Jon McBride Athletic Director Alma Mater Brenda Christensen Alumni Association President-elect

far in the West where the green valleys run And the sweeping hills dip to the plains; Rise the gray, storied walls of the home that we love Alma Mater, we hail thee again. ’Neath thy shade we have gazed over valley and plain On the scenes that enrapture the eye; And our hearts thrill with pride as the Blue and the Gold Proudly floats ’gainst the evening sky.

Alumni Association Board of Directors

Program

Officers

Master of Ceremonies Larry Edwards Alumni Association Immediate Past President

Maureen Nickels '74, President - Chapman Brenda Christensen '83, President-elect - Minden Chad Rutar '97, Secretary - Omaha Larry Feather ‘66, Trustee - Grand Junction, CO

Entertainment Thornton String Quartet Dinner

TERM EXPIRING 2008

TERM EXPIRING 2010

Distinguished Alumni Award

Tom Carman Class of 1971

Tom Carman

om Carman is a career educator who has been a teacher at Omaha Westside High School since graduating in 1971. Carman was a social studies teacher from 1971 to 1996 and since that time has served as head of the social studies department. During the 1998-99 year he was an exchange teacher in Australia. Carman has been president of the Nebraska State Council for the Social Studies and president of the Westside Education Association. His social studies career has taken him around the world as a teacher and consultant. For the National Council for Economic Education, he participated in K-12 school visitation in Estonia and Russia. For the American Councils for International Education, he participated in K-12 school visitations in the Ukraine. Carman has been an Advanced Placement United States History Faculty Consultant. He has received an Economic Fellows Scholarship and an International Teaching Fellowship. Carman has earned two advanced degrees, a master of science in education from UNO and a master of arts in economics from UNL. Tom Carman is a native of Fremont.

University of Nebraska Foundation

he University of Nebraska Foundation enables students, faculty and friends of the university to pursue a future of promise, expectation and strength. Founded in 1936, the foundation's purpose remains constant - to attract and carefully manage private funds for the benefit of the university and assisting the university in advancing its pursuit of academic excellence. Today's private support is the future of the University of Nebraska. It is upon these gifts that education is built. Contributions from friends and alumni of the university are managed as designated by each donor and invested according to the policies of the University of Nebraska Foundation. On June 30, 2007, the market value of the foundation's assets totaled more than $1.6 billion. Each year, the University of Nebraska develops programs, provides opportunities for students and faculty and enhances campus life through funds transferred from the foundation. During the 2006-2007 fiscal year, the Foundation transferred to the University of Nebraska's four campuses a record $89.5 million including support for academic programs, scholarships, fellowships, faculty, research and building projects. Alumni and friends are the strength of the University of Nebraska Foundation. Thank you for your continuing support. University of Nebraska Foundation - Kearney Office 214 West 39th Street PO Box 2678 Kearney, NE 68848 (308) 698-5270 Jon Abegglen ’75, Vice President, Campus Director of Development Kristin Howard ’00, Director of Development – College of Fine Arts & Humanities, Graduate Studies, Library Phil Kozera, Director of Development – College of Education, Loper Athletics Amy Militti, Director of Development – Colleges of Business & Technology and Natural & Social Sciences Barb McBride, Executive Assistant Laura Miller ‘86, Information Systems Coordinator Jennifer Rieke, Director of Annual Campaigns

Distinguished Alumni Award

Tom Carman Class of 1971

Tom Carman

University of Nebraska Foundation

Alumni Association

Distinguished Alumni Award

n 1906, the first graduating class of then Nebraska State Normal School of Kearney recognized the mission the Alumni Association would pursue when it created the first constitution. “The association is designed to promote in every way the interests of the Normal School, and to foster among its members a sentiment of regard for one another, and attachment to their Alma Mater.” Today, the Alumni Association continues to work to fulfill those goals and others developed during the rich history of the University of Nebraska at Kearney. The Association, with approximately 34,000 members, produces UNK Today, the alumni magazine; works with alumni in developing clubs around the country; coordinates reunions; sponsors activities at Homecoming such as the Homecoming Banquet; recognizes alumni accomplishments with an awards program; cooperates with the admissions office to recruit students; provides scholarships and other programs for students; and assists the Foundation in raising private funds in support of the University. Support of alumni activities and the Alumni House is made possible through gifts to the Alumni Association and to the University of Nebraska Foundation. Since 1980 the Alumni House, 2222 9th Avenue, has been the home of the Association. It is a popular site for receptions, socials, gatherings and other activities. It is also a repository for much of the history of the University. Stop by for a visit or for any of your alumni needs. UNK Alumni Association 2222 9th Avenue PO Box 21 Kearney, NE 68849 (308) 865-8474 Lucas Dart ’97, Executive Director LDart@nufoundation.org Michelle Widger ’90, Assistant Director MWidger@nufoundation.org Jean Starman, Secretary JStarman@nufoundation.org Jim Rundstrom, Alumni Director Emeritus JRundstrom@nufoundation.org

Bill Dunn Class of 1973

B Bill Dunn

ill Dunn is editor of the Grand Island Independent, a position he has held since returning to his hometown Grand Island. Prior, Dunn was the assistant managing editor of the Minneapolis Star Tribune for eight years. He started his professional career in 1973 at the Lincoln Journal-Star where he was the art and copy supervisor. He then moved to the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Gazette as assistant managing editor of design before becoming director of photography and graphics at Florida Today/USA Today. Dunn was then named graphics editor in 1986 and eventually visual editor at the Orange County Register. He then became graphics editor of the Los Angeles Times before moving to Minneapolis and his duties at the Star Tribune. Dunn has received two lifetime achievement awards from professional journalism groups. He has participated on newspaper industry committees and judged major national and international journalism competitions. In addition, he has been recognized for his illustration work and editorial cartoons which he continues to do on a regular basis for the Independent. He has received numerous awards including the Nebraska Press Association Freedom of Information Award for an editorial written in support of freedom of the press. Dunn has served as board chairman of the American Red Cross Central Plains Chapter in Grand Island. He has served as president of Central Catholic High School Foundation Board of Trustees. He has been on the Nebraska Associated Press board of directors. He also served on the UNK Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Alumni Association

Distinguished Alumni Award

Bill Dunn Class of 1973

B Bill Dunn

Distinguished Alumni Award

Dr. Jean Ochsner Lukesh

Class of 1985, MAE 1990, MSE 1993

D Dr. Jean Ochsner Lukesh

r. Jean Lukesh, who retired from the Grand Island Public Schools in 2006, has made a number of significant contributions to education. A Nebraska history book she wrote for fourth grade students, The Nebraska Adventure, won the 2005 Textbook Excellence Award for humanities and social studies. It also won the 2006 Nebraska Book Award for nonfiction children’s book and the 2006 Moonshell Humanities Council’s Award for Literature. The book is used by more than 65 percent of Nebraska’s fourth grade students. She also edits and reviews books for various national small presses, including adult literacy books. In addition, she has written articles for a number of publications and is working on an authorized biography of Nebraska-born, Japanese-American World War II hero Ben Kuroki, for children and researching and writing other Nebraska biographies and histories. When she graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in middle school education her endorsements were in social sciences, English/language arts, and K-12 educational media. Three years later, she added a science endorsement. Her master’s degrees were in English and history. In 2008, two years after retiring, she earned a doctor of education degree in teaching, learning and curriculum from UNL. Her career with Grand Island Public Schools included school librarian from 1973-1984, middle school media/integration specialist from 1986 to 2004 and American studies teacher from 2004 to 2006.

Athletic Hall of Fame 1994 Dave Burke, ’77 Doug Holtmeier, ’82, MBA ’89 Rebecca Gannon Lehmer, ’80 John Sajevic, ’78 1995 Don Hather, ’64 Les Livingston, Coach 1956-83 Clayton Scott, ’56 Dr. L. R. Smith, Team Physician Brenda Gonnerman Urbanek, ’84 1996 Dayle Fitzke, ’51 Dan Moore, ’66 Bill Roach, ’78 JIll Stenwall, ’80 1997 Barbara Herbek Bergmeier, ’86 Jon Bergmeier, ’85 Tom Journey, ’43 Mike McGlade, ’80 Cathy Weir Renk, ’84 1998 Paul Collison, ’60 Beth Stuart Jurgens, ’87 Tom Kruger, ’79 Ken Vergith, ’78 Jim Zikmund, ’71, MAE ’75 1999 Don Ayres, ’56 LaNell Cox, ’88 Jim Irwin, ’64 Steve Larson, ’73 Phyllis DeBuhr Mazour, ’88 2000 Lane Kinnan, ’81 Bart Kofoed, ’87 Jerry Scott, ’83 Kathy Nelson Swanson, ’85 Charlie Thorell, ’60

2001 Jerry Hueser, Coach ’70-’96 Doug Martin, ’66, MAE ’78 Angie Janicek Reed, ’85 Scot Schug, ’83 Donna Spickelmier-Vallin, ’90 2002 Tom Bales, ’88 Karol McKenzie Nelson, ’79 Jeff Norblade, ’87 Dean Reicks, ’87 Sharon Mullen Zavala, ’74 2003 Brian Hagan, ’91 Susan Johnson Hood, ’95 Ed Kruml, ’66 Gary Welton, ’61 Joan Bailey, Coach, ’63-’97 2004 Ali Elias, ’93 MAE ’95 Dr. Don Lackey, Staff Tom Ritzdorf, ’78 Rob Wennstedt, ’73 MAE ’74 Amy Anderson Wenstrom ’90 2005 Centennial Celebration No awards presented 2006 Steve Altmaier ’77 Ginger Keller Marx ’94 Jerry Stine ’67 MAE ’76 Hylke ‘Hike’ Van der Wal ’62 Bill Windhorst ’78 2007 Wayne Gappa ’66 Ted Mills ’58 Kim Vokolek Peltz ’93 Garry Shubert ’62 Guy Murray, Coach

Athletic Hall of Fame Committee Steve Altmaier Dick Beechner Don Briggs Claire Boroff

Tom Kropp Steve Larson Buck Mahoney Jon McBride

Rosella Meier Rich Osentowski Jim Rundstrom Laure Smith

Peter Yazvac Al Zikmund

Distinguished Alumni Award

Dr. Jean Ochsner Lukesh

Class of 1985, MAE 1990, MSE 1993

D Dr. Jean Ochsner Lukesh

Athletic Hall of Fame Committee Steve Altmaier Dick Beechner Don Briggs Claire Boroff

Tom Kropp Steve Larson Buck Mahoney Jon McBride

Rosella Meier Rich Osentowski Jim Rundstrom Laure Smith

Peter Yazvac Al Zikmund

Distinguished Alumni Award

Athletic Hall of Fame 1977 Charlie Foster, Coach ’45-’71 1980 Ihling ‘Brick’ Carskadon, ’28 Fred Fulmer, Coach ’22-’34 Doyle Fyfe, ’55 Frank Lydic, ’31 John Marrow, ’37 Pat Panek, ’40 Randy Rasmussen, ’67 Art Stegeman, ’32 Merle Trail, ’32 J. L. ‘Cap’ Williams, ’32 1981 Bill Wolcott, ’32 Ken Cook, ’60 Martin ‘Tuck’ Mason, ’62 1982 Ted James, Coach ’30-’33 L. F. ‘Pop’ Klein, Coach ’35-‘44 Jim Lovell, ’30 Rich Osentowski, ’69 Dr. Mike Shada, ’43 Orlie Watts, ’33 1983 Dick Butolph, ’64 Clyde Cox, ’27 Bill Essert, ’17 Bob Hauver, ’49 Marion Marrow, ’39 Gene Turner (posthumously), ’54 1984 Gene Armstrong, ’58 Jill Garlock, ’71 Paul Larsen, ’39 Al Zikmund, Coach ’55-’71 1985 Paul Blessing, ’42 Dode Graham, ’35 Chelys Mattley Hester, ’41 Max Hester, ’40 Larry Jacobsen, ’60

Brenda VanLengen

1986 Carl Cox, ’26 Frank Dusek, ’30 Tom Kropp, ’75 John Makovicka, ’71 Lee Marrow, ’48

Class of 1988

1987 Claire Boroff, ’59 Lee Jacobsen, ’68 Bob Korte (posthumously), ’49 Kathy Welter, ’76 1988 Marilyn Dubbs, ’77 Mitch Johnson, ’77 Carl Meyer, ’42 John Parilek, ’39 Bob Whitehouse, ’66 1989 Merlin Bachman, ’56 Loren Killion, ’77 Warren Monnington, ’50 Dr. Randy Nelson, ’72 Dr. Gary Smidt, ’59 1990 Glen Bartunek, ’41 Dennis Dukesherer, ’69 Louis Ellermeier, ’40 Arlo Gard, ’49 J. Michael Sobieszczyk, ’71 1991 Don Briggs, ’51, MAE ’57 Jerry Dunlap, ’63 LeRoy Sprague, ’58 Dr. B. M. Stevenson, Team Physician 1992 Paul Forch, ’58 Merlin Lawrence, ’62 Doug Peterson, ’79 Danis Richards Willet, ’79 1993 Tim Higgins, ’80, MSE ’97 Ron Laux, ’68 Rosella Zimmerman Meier, ’65 Larry Snell, ’60

Brenda VanLengen

renda VanLengen is vice president of operations for PE4Life, a leading national implementation program for improving physical education program for all children in grades K-12. In addition to helping build PE4life into one of the leading physical education advocates in the nation, VanLengen has established herself as one of the country’s top women’s basketball television analysts. She has called the NCAA Division II National Championship games, and served as a color analyst on ESPN and Fox Sports Net. The Roseland native was a two-time Academic All-American basketball player for the Lopers. After graduating, she began her career as a teacher and coach from 1988 to 1990 at Kearney High School. She was a graduate assistant and then assistant women’s basketball coach at UNL where she earned a master’s degree in 1992. Since moving to Kansas City in 1995, VanLengen has been deeply involved with the local sports and fitness scene. She was executive director of the 1998 NCAA Women’s Final Four in Kansas City. In addition, she served on the executive board for the Women’s Intersport Network for Kansas City as well as the executive board of Greater Kansas City Sports Commission. VanLengen has funded a scholarship for the UNK women’s basketball program, the Ann Stockton Memorial Scholarship. She created the scholarship in memory of a college basketball teammate who died in a motorcycle accident in 1985.

Distinguished Alumni Award

Brenda VanLengen

1986 Carl Cox, ’26 Frank Dusek, ’30 Tom Kropp, ’75 John Makovicka, ’71 Lee Marrow, ’48

Class of 1988

Brenda VanLengen

Distinguished Alumni Service Award

Kathy Horvath Class of 1967

W Kathy Schnase Horvath

hen Kathy Schnase Horvath ’67 and her husband, John ’67 graduated, they took teaching jobs in Palmer, Alaska, and spent their professional careers there. Kathy was an elementary teacher for 23 years. The final 14 years, she served as an advisory teacher for home-schooled students from kindergarten through third grade. She assisted parents with materials, teaching techniques and moral support. “I visited my families who lived in the Bush by small planes, float planes, dog sled, cross country skiing, the Bush Pipeline Radio Show and many miles in my car.” After retiring, Kathy and John moved back to Kearney where she got involved in a number of groups including her college sorority Gamma Phi Beta and the Alumni Association. “I became interested in the Alumni House when I served a three-year term on the Alumni Board from 2001 to 2004. I saw the Alumni House as a peaceful place to return to campus and reminisce for all alumni and visitors.” During her time on the board and since then, Kathy has played key roles in renovation and restoration projects of the Alumni House. She coordinated and actively participated in a major renovation of the main floor. She led the House committee in restoring a second floor room into memorabilia room. “UNK has been an important part of the life of my family for many years. I enjoy attending sporting functions with my 91-year-old father, who rarely misses any game.” Kathy Horvath is a native of Gibbon.

Distinguished Alumni Awards 2002 Curt Coffman, ‘84 Joe Green, ‘75 Dr. Larry Hardesty, ‘69 Dr. Marge Kindvall Harouff, ‘62 2003 Dr. Kip Anderson, ’90 Jack Garlock, ’76 Joe Higgins, ’64 JoAn Scott, ’86 2004 Judge Richard Kopf, ’69 Dr. Larry Peterson, ’79 Karen Wyatt Rhoads, ’81

2005 Centennial Celebration No awards presented 2006 Dr. Norris Haring, ’48 Nancy Montanez Johner, ’94 Dr. Gary Smidt, ’59 Ron Williams ’67 2007 Dwayne “Butch” Brown ’69 Kevin Rader ’84 Judy Henggeler Spohr ’63 Dr. Don Unger ’65, MSE ’69

Distinguished Alumni Service Award

Kathy Horvath Class of 1967

W Kathy Schnase Horvath

Distinguished Alumni Service Award

Distinguished Alumni Awards 1980 Dr. Ewald Ehly, ’58 Dr. Milton Hassel, ’41 Richard Mengler, ’33 Mary Elaine House, ’40 Rae Weimer, ’26 1981 Pete Kotsiopulos, ’70 Dr. Clarence Lindahl, ’27 Dr. Jim Nielsen, ’50 1982 Bill Milldyke, ’58 John Mitchell, ’47 Clayton Morey, ’40 Edross (Kay) Robinson, ’31 1983 Mildred Hansen, ’28 John Marrow, ’40 Wayne Smithey, ’44 Dr. Don Welch, ’54 1984 Stan Miller, ’66 John Payne, ’62 Marilyn Peterson, ’55 Bob Phares, ’62 1985 Homer McConnell, ’27 Wayne McKinney, ’48 Dr. Ward Newcomb, ’44 Burnell Saum, ’50 1986 Leland Holdt, ’71 Dr. Elizabeth McMahan, ’43 Jim Morey, ’66 Dr. Leonard Skov, ’56 Dr. Herbert Welte, ’24

1987 Dr. Carlisle Anderson, ’36 Bill Beavers, ’58 Thelma Lang, ’59 Dr. Clifford Trump, ’59 1988 Dr. Gary Haller, ’62 Dr. Jim Hansen, ’58 Larry Ludden, ’46 Scott Nelson, ’71 1989 Dr. Neal Dunning, ’44 Larry Hall, ’64 Dr. Charles Lindly, ’52 DiAnna Schimek, ’63 1990 Dr. Halvor Christensen, ’35 Dr. Louis Kenney, ’39 Celann LaGreca, ’79 Dr. Joe Lutjeharms, ’58 1991 James Barton, ’38 Dr. Lynn Casey, ’65 Dr. Helen Stauffer, ’64 Dr. Dick Triplett, ’56 1992 Betty Kort, ’64 Dr. Daniel Lydiatt, ’73 Norman Otto, ’49 Jaunetta Strohmyer, ’66

1995 Ronald Crampton, ’63 Dr. Elisabeth Wright Erling, ’42 Dr. Daniel Mowrey, ’73 Dr. Larry Peterson, ’58 1996 Merle Hinrichs, ’64 Bettelee Frahm Lewis, ’47 Mark Lundeen, ’81 Dr. Paul Paulman, ’74 1997 George Beattie, ’69 Dr. Tom Green, ’77 Joyce Bryan Strout, ’70 Dr. Gary Thomas, ’55 1998 Dr. Tyler Martin, ’81 Dr. Verla Worthing Robbins, ’43 Dr. Mike Shada, ’43 Jacklyn Brunke Smith, ’72 1999 Dr. Dianne Gabrukiewicz Bystrom, ‘75 Dayle Fitzke, ‘51 Judge Karen Lueck Hunt, ‘61 Dr. Robert Kupper, ‘73

1993 Karen Kilgarin, ’79 Duane Obermier, ‘65 Dr. Kenneth Schroer, ’69 E. K. Yanney, ’49

2000 Ron ‘Gus’ Gustafson, ‘88 Jerry Kriha, ‘59 Marilyn Prososki McGahan, ‘65, MAE ‘77 Paul Younes, ‘75

1994 Jim Griess, ’63, MSE’68 Lucile Wiley Ring, ’44 Dr. Warren Treptow, ’75 Barc Wade, ’48

2001 Joyce Focken Blackwell, ‘79 Lori Goa McClurg, Class ‘82 Dennis Nelson, ‘73 Larry Schulte, ‘70, MA ‘78

Dallas & Cheryl Wymore Class of 1974

Dallas and Cheryl Wymore

allas Wymore, a four-year football letterman, and his wife Cheryl Wymore, spent a major part of his career in Alaska. After teaching three years at Kearney High School, Dallas moved to Alaska where he worked security on the Alaska Pipeline for 22 years, from 1977 to 1999. Since 1978, he has also been a co-owner of a Wasilla, Alaska, restaurant. While in San Diego, the Wymores got involved in the Southern California Alumni Association and continued that in Kearney. Dallas served on the board of directors from 2001 to 2004. He and Sheryl have been consummate volunteers for a number of Alumni House projects. They coordinated and spent nearly two weeks spearheading a volunteer effort to paint the outside of the House. When the Association recently remodeled the California Room, Dallas and Sheryl played an integral role on the volunteer team that oversaw the project. That work included removing posts between the two areas that form the California Room, new carpet, new counters with granite tops, lighting, painting and window dressings. Dallas and Sheryl have also played key roles hosting the Association’s most popular event, the Loper Luncheon held at Homecoming. “Dallas and Sheryl are model alumni volunteers. They’ve stepped up and beyond on every occasion,” said alumni director Lucas Dart. They are Cambridge natives.

Distinguished Alumni Service Award

1993 Karen Kilgarin, ’79 Duane Obermier, ‘65 Dr. Kenneth Schroer, ’69 E. K. Yanney, ’49

2000 Ron ‘Gus’ Gustafson, ‘88 Jerry Kriha, ‘59 Marilyn Prososki McGahan, ‘65, MAE ‘77 Paul Younes, ‘75

1994 Jim Griess, ’63, MSE’68 Lucile Wiley Ring, ’44 Dr. Warren Treptow, ’75 Barc Wade, ’48

2001 Joyce Focken Blackwell, ‘79 Lori Goa McClurg, Class ‘82 Dennis Nelson, ‘73 Larry Schulte, ‘70, MA ‘78

Dallas & Cheryl Wymore Class of 1974

Dallas and Cheryl Wymore

Distinguished Alumni Service Awards

Athletic Hall of Fame

Ivan Ivanov Class of 1996

I Ivan Ivanov

van Ivanov was a six-time All-American for the Lopers from 1994 to 1996 after transferring from Butler Community College. In cross country, the Bulgaria native was sixth as a junior and fourth as a senior at the NCAA Division II National Championships. As a team, UNK finished fourth and eighth those two years. In outdoor track, Ivanov was the 1996 3,000 meter steeplechase national champion as a senior and runner-up in the same event as a junior in 1995. His steeplechase title was the first NCAA championship by a Loper athlete. UNK joined the NCAA in 1991. At the NCAA Indoor meet, Ivanov was fourth in the 5,000-meter run as a junior and seventh as a senior. He set a number of school records including the outdoor 3,000-meter steeplechase and the 5,000 along with the indoor 3,000 and 5,000. Ivanov is a physical education teacher with the Lincoln Public Schools. He and his wife, Lynette Taubenheim, who he met while working in the cafeteria at UNK, have three children. Ivan Ivanov is a native of Bulgaria.

1982 Jim Rundstrom, ’64 1983 Earl Rademacher, ’54 1984 Don Briggs, ’51 MAE ’57 1985 Barry Sherman, ’64 1986 Connie Shivers Hatcher, ’69 1987 Dr. Ora Lindau, ’41 1988 Dallas Sinnen, ’56

1995 Jean Nama, ’53 June Nama Murty, ’55 1996 Dick Hock, ’48 1997 Ethel Rother, ’73 1998 Dottie Holcomb Lowe 1999 Jim Van Marter, ’53 2000 Jennie Silas Gutierrez ’73, MAE ’81 Dale Kastens, ’64

1989 Ron Landstrom, ’53

2001 Jim Armagost, ’65, MAE ’67 Betty Jo Gillespie Armagost, ’67

1990 Maureen Neary Miller, ’74

2002 Janell Godberson Beveridge, ’79

1991 Dale Falter, ’59 Joan Christ Falter, ‘59

2003 Paul Wagner, ’58

1992 Joe Davenport, ’53 1993 Lori Lienhart Waters, ’74 1994 Al Lybarger, ’57 Addie Lewis Lybarger, ’55

2004 Roger Jones, ’65 2005 Centennial Celebration 2006 Sue Batie, ’73 2007 Jeff Stelling, ’93

Distinguished Alumni Service Awards

Athletic Hall of Fame

Ivan Ivanov Class of 1996

I Ivan Ivanov

1989 Ron Landstrom, ’53

2001 Jim Armagost, ’65, MAE ’67 Betty Jo Gillespie Armagost, ’67

1990 Maureen Neary Miller, ’74

2002 Janell Godberson Beveridge, ’79

1991 Dale Falter, ’59 Joan Christ Falter, ‘59

2003 Paul Wagner, ’58

1992 Joe Davenport, ’53 1993 Lori Lienhart Waters, ’74 1994 Al Lybarger, ’57 Addie Lewis Lybarger, ’55

2004 Roger Jones, ’65 2005 Centennial Celebration 2006 Sue Batie, ’73 2007 Jeff Stelling, ’93

Athletic Hall of Fame

Roger Wachholtz

Gene Lawhead

oger Wachholtz was a two-time NAIA All-American as a defensive lineman for Coach Claire Boroff. The 6-4, 270pound Wachholtz earned second team honors as a junior in 1976. That team finished the year 9-1 and was ranked sixth nationally. Wachholtz was a first team selection as a senior in 1977 when the Lopers went 8-2-1 and lost in the second round of the NAIA national playoffs to Southwestern Oklahoma. In addition to his All-American honors, Wachholtz was a first team Nebraska College Conference selection as a junior and senior and first team Central States Intercollegiate Conference selection as a senior. Wachholtz died from exposure during a snow storm in northeastern Nebraska on December 16, 2005. Roger Wachholtz was a graduate of Plainview High School.

ene Lawhead earned 11 letters in football, track and basketball during his career from 1956 to 1960. A quarterback in football, the Cozad athlete earned Nebraska College Conference honors twice and was a two-time Little All-American honorable mention. As a senior, he also was the leading punter for Coach Al Zikmundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team. In the four years Lawhead played, the Lopers lost only three games. Following his career at Kearney, Lawhead played three years with the Omaha Mustangs semi-professional team. All four years as a track athlete, Lawhead was the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top high jumper, setting the school record. He also competed in pole vault and the shot put. Finally, Lawhead was a three-year letter winner as a guard for the basketball team. After college, Lawhead has been in sales, most of his career was in the natural gas industry. He retired from the Chevron Corporation in 2002. He married Patsy Lou Schmidt in 1962 and they had two daughters. She died in 2000. Gene Lawhead is a graduate of Cozad High School.

Class of 1978

Class of 1960

R Roger Wachholtz

G Gene Lawhead

Athletic Hall of Fame

Roger Wachholtz

Gene Lawhead

Class of 1978

Class of 1960

R Roger Wachholtz

G Gene Lawhead

Athletic Hall of Fame

Brian Nielsen

Jennifer Warner Ramsey

Class of 1993

Class of 1997

Jennifer Warner Ramsey

ennifer Warner Ramsey was the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball Player of the Year in 1996 and 1997, the two years she played for Coach Amy Stephens. During those two years, UNK compiled two of its best seasons amassing a 54-8 record. Warner Ramsey began her collegiate career at Iowa State where she was a two-year starter. Her junior year, UNK played a full schedule of league competition for the first time, went undefeated and swept through the conference tournament on its way to a 26-5 record and a spot in the NCAA Division II Regional Tournament. At that regional tournament, the Lopers defeated Missouri-Rolla 83-60 before losing to the No. 1 ranked team in the country, Abilene Christian 71-58. The 5-9 point guard who graduated from St. Paul High School, averaged 13.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2.9 steals. Her steals and assists were school records. As a senior, UNK finished its best season ever (28-3), earned a No. 7 national ranking, won the RMAC for the second year and won a NCAA regional game over the University of Northern Colorado 82-76 in overtime. In a second round game, they lost to No. 1 ranked North Dakota State. Warner Ramsey averaged 10 points and four assists. She and her husband, Clay, live in Sidney with their three children. Jennifer is a teacher and coach. Jennifer Warner Ramsey is a graduate of St. Paul High School.

Brian Nielsen

hen Brian Nielsen completed his fouryear basketball career in 1993, he was chosen the Omaha World-Herald and the Lincoln Journal-Star Nebraska College Athlete of the Year. The 6-7 center from Millard South started every game but one for the Lopers and was second in career scoring and third in career rebounding when he graduated. His 2,066 points trailed only Hall of Famer Loren Killion at the time and his 926 rebounds were behind Hall of Fame members Paul Collison and Tom Kropp. He was also first in career blocks with 185. Among his other achievements on the court were top five career marks in scoring per game (18.4) and rebounds per game (8.23). field goals made (856) and field goal percentage (.555). He also played on the first UNK team (1990-91) that made the NCAA Division II Tournament. Nielsen, a certified public accountant in Omaha, works for Blackman & Associates. Brian Nielsen is a graduate of Millard South High School.

Athletic Hall of Fame

Brian Nielsen

Jennifer Warner Ramsey

Class of 1993

Class of 1997

Jennifer Warner Ramsey

Brian Nielsen