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UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA KEARNEY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Health Science Education Complex Groundbreaking
Read about Alumni Events
Inside Cover
Upcoming Events
ARIZONA LOPERS: Many Lopers were joined by UNK Athletic Director Paul Plinske and UNK Alumni Association Director Lucas Dart '97 for lunch and a tour at Gordon Biersch and the Arizona University of Phoenix Stadium. Home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals and the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, the 63,400-seat stadium (expandable to 72,200) also will be the site of the 2015 Super Bowl.
September 9/11 9/15 9/26 9/27 9/29
UNK Campus: Loperville tailgate, UNK vs. Washburn UNK campus UNK Campus: UNK Homecoming-- through Sept. 20 (See details on page 4.) Traveling Lopers: in Kansas City Area, Alumni Gathering Traveling Lopers: in Warrensburg, Mo., Loper Tailgate at University of Central MO UNK Campus: James E. Smith Midwest Conference on World Affairs, www.unk.edu/worldaffairs
October
10/3 UNK Campus: Alpha Omicron Pi 45th reunion, through Oct. 4 10/4 UNK Campus: “Taste of Kearney Tailgate,” prior to the UNK football game 10/7 UNK Campus: Fall Career and Graduate School Fair, www.unk.edu/offices/acs 10/8 UNK Campus: “Rehearsal for Death” UNK Theatre Dept. through Oct. 12 10/17 UNK Campus: Class of 1964 Golden Anniversary through Oct. 18 10/21 Traveling Lopers: in Columbus, Alumni Gathering 10/22 Traveling Lopers: in Lincoln, Alumni Gathering through Oct. 23
November
11/7 Traveling Lopers: in Des Moines, Iowa, Alumni Gathering 11/7 UNK Campus: UNK Gold Torch Society women’s mentoring through Nov. 8 11/8 UNK Campus: Women’s Basketball Alumni Gathering 11/13 Traveling Lopers: in Grand Island, Alumni Gathering 11/15 UNK Campus: Men’s Basketball Alumni Gathering
December
12/4 UNK Campus: Blue Gold Brigade (BGBG) Operation Graduation, graduation party for seniors 12/4 UNK Campus: “Die Fledermaus” UNK Theatre Dept. through Dec. 6 12/9 UNK Campus: Alumni Reception prior to Kearney Area Symphony Orchestra 12/19 UNK Campus: Winter Commencement
Spring semester 1/27 2/18 2/20 3/6 3/8 4/25
Traveling Lopers: in Omaha, Alumni Gathering UNK Campus: “Vintage: A Golden-Era Radio Show,” UNK Theatre Dept. through Feb. 22 Traveling Lopers: in Arizona, Alumni Gatherings in Phoenix through Feb. 22 Traveling Lopers: in California, Alumni Gatherings in Southern California through March 8 UNK Campus: Scott D. Morris International Food and Culture Festival UNK Campus: Bike Bowl
Visit unkalumni.org for more UNK Alumni Association events and details and Lopers.com for more information on all sporting events.
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA KEARNEY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
with Chancellor Doug Kristensen and Lucas Dart Chancellor K: Instead of my regular greeting, Lucas and I agreed to share this space… collaborating to voice our mutual passion and vision for UNK. I couldn’t be more pleased with the direction that Pete Kotsiopulos and Lucas have taken the Alumni Association and the Foundation, strengthening both and bringing a unified organization to the place it is today. (See article on page 17.) Lucas: I appreciate the affirmation, Chancellor. It’s true that the Alumni Association and Foundation are enjoying unprecedented success in both fund-raising and alumni engagement. But we have more work to do.
Photo taken by Corbey Dorsey, UNK Communications
A Conversation
Chancellor K: That’s right, Lucas. Don’t get too comfortable just yet. Even though we’ve had much to celebrate already in 2014 – as featured here in the pages of UNK Today – we Lopers are determined and relentless in our pursuit of achievement for this university. The April 4 ground-breaking for the new Health Science Education Complex was a historic day. We will remember the dozens of people spilling out of the white tent on that sunny and blue-skied day. We all felt the joy of knowing this event would forever change UNK, the city of Kearney, Nebraska and beyond – and we celebrated the collaborative success achieved among the community, UNMC, health professionals, the Nebraska Legislature and others who realize how this project benefits all Nebraskans. Lucas: Yes, that was a great day. In your talks and presentations around the state and the country, you use the word “momentum” frequently. UNK does have momentum and that momentum is on an upward trajectory. The news last October of our record year in fundraising for UNK – nearly $15.6 million – is an important part of that trajectory. Of those funds, $5.3 million will go to scholarships and $5 million to academic programs. Everyone’s support, whether financial or physical, propels this momentum. Chancellor K: There’s no doubt that it’s an exciting time at UNK. Our faculty earned two major University of Nebraska awards. We unveiled our plans for University Village. We hosted internationally renowned lecturers. We hosted fantastic commencement ceremonies in December and May. And we did so much more. Lucas: We also brought back Bike Bowl. Chancellor, maybe you and I should put a team together for next year? …Chancellor? ... Hello?
ON THE COVER
GROUND-BREAKING: Cole Wycoff of RDg Planning and Design; Joey Hausmann of Hausmann Construction; Dr. Bradley Britigan, UNMC Dean of Medicine; UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen; Dr. Charlie Bicak, UNK; Dr. Jeffrey Gold, UNMC Chancellor; Mike Schnieders, Good Samaritan; Dr. Julie Sebastian, UNMC and Dr. Kyle Meyer, UNMC at the Health Science Education Complex groundbreaking. Cover photo provided by UNK Communications. V I C E P R E S I D E N T O F A LU M N I R E LAT I O N S & D E V ELOP M ENT Lucas Dart ‘97 A S S I S TA N T D I R E C T O R O F C O M M U N I C AT I O N Michelle (Thompson) Widger ‘90 A S S I S TA N T D I R E C T O R O F E N G A G E M E N T Brette (Covington) Ensz ‘06 A D M I N I S T R AT I V E A S S I S TA N T Toni (Winsor) Meyers ‘93 EDITOR, ART DIRECTOR AND GRAPHIC DESIGNER Michelle Widger ‘90, UNK Alumni Association Assistant Director Communication EDITOR EMERITUS Jim Rundstrom ‘64, UNK Alumni Association Director Emeritus MANAGING EDITOR Dorothy Endacott, NU Foundation Asst. Vice President Dir. Communications A S S I S TA N T E D I T O R Kelly Bartling, UNK Assistant Vice Chancellor Communications & Community Relations PHOTOGRAPHY UNK Alumni Association Corbey Dorsey/UNK Athletics UNK Communications
PO S T M A S T E R : Please send address changes to: U N K To d a y University of Nebraska Kearney Campus Box 21 Kearney, Nebraska 68849 Phone 308.865.8474 Fax 308.865.8999 Web: unkalumni.org facebook.com/UNKAlumni twitter.com/UNKAlumni linkedin.com/interests/groups/ University of Nebraska at Kearney Lopers@unkalumni.org
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B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S - O FFI C E R S Gary Reber ‘86, President, Lincoln Dennis Pool ‘70, President-Elect, Omaha Brett Kuhn, Ph.D. ‘86, Past President, Gretna Brenda (Snodgrass) Christensen ‘83, Ex-Officio Emeriti, Minden U N K A LU M N I A S S O C I AT I O N B O A R D O F D I R E C T OR S Herman Baptiste ‘90, Olathe,Kan. Lauren (Mollard) Brandt ‘09, Kearney Mark Felker ‘86, Alliance Abby (Losey) Grenke ‘01, Aurora, Ill. Gregg Grubaugh ‘79, Papillion Robin (Rubenthaler) Hines ‘88, MSE ‘91, North Platte Pat (Kelly) Hoehner ‘57 MSE ‘67 ES ‘82, Kearney Leah (Bruns) Holmberg ‘94, Jordan, Minn. Todd Van Horn ‘93, Kearney Eileen (McDole) Jahn ‘96, Kearney Jack Kreman ‘04, Noblesville, Ind. Norman Lang ‘68, Mill Creek, Wash. Mary (Buchanan) Mach ‘85, Fairbury Barry McFarland ‘00, MAE ’05, ES ’12, Lexington Curt Ott ‘07, Kearney Bill Peard ‘84, Waukee, Iowa Kathy Pollock-Peterson ‘79, Kearney Angela Reynolds ’09, MBA ‘10, Wood River Bethany Spilde ‘06, Olathe, Kan. Katie Swett ‘13, Lincoln Carolyn Wagner-Snyder ‘64, Carbondale, Ill. Heidi Weber ‘07, Hastings Vicki (Vetter) Zikmund ‘74, Kearney UNK Today is published twice a year by the Alumni Association and the University of Nebraska Foundation and is the official alumni publication of the University of Nebraska Kearney.
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA KEARNEY
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Fall 2014
IN THIS ISSUE 4
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Eight Alumni to Receive Recognition
New awards luncheon to celebrate outstanding alumni
Five Athletes Inducted into Hall of Fame
Former players celebrated during ceremonies at Homecoming in September
7 Homecoming Schedule of Events 8
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12
Joel Johnson Receives Cope Award
Cope Cornerstone of Excellence Awarded to Johnson
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Bike Bowl Back After 13 Years
Campus, alumni, community and students competed in the Competition
University Village Plans Unveiled
Planning stage complete for the 104-acre site now known as University Village
UNK Facility Improvements
Building renovations underway for athletics
15 Gift is Joyful Refrain for Music Department Anonymous donor gives another $1 million-plus gift for music programs
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18 Biology Receives Teaching Award
Award based on successes and hard work of students and faculty
22 Loper Spring Sports
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The University of Nebraska is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution. Individuals needing accommodation under ADA should contact the ADA Coordinator at UNK, 308.865.8655.
Homecoming 2014
Eight Alumni to Receive Recognition New awards luncheon to celebrate outstanding alumni
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ight alumni will be recognized by the UNK Alumni Association during Homecoming activities the weekend of Sept. 19-20. The awards will be presented at the homecoming awards luncheon on Friday, Sept. 19. This will be the 35th annual awards ceremony. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at www. unkalumni.org/homecoming or contact the UNK Alumni Office at 308.865.8474. Check-in and social start at 11:30 a.m. The program will start at noon. Robert Hippe, J.D., '63 of Gering, Dr. David Jacox '72 of Omaha and Mary Vaughn '78 of Parker, Colo., will receive Distinguished Alumni Awards. Ron Glandt '80, Gregg Grubaugh '79 and Myron Placek '80 all of Omaha will receive the Jim Rundstrom Distinguished Alumni Service Award. Travis Hollman '00 and his wife, Dr. Angela (Emrick) Hollman '01 of Kearney will receive the Young Alumnus Awards. Robert Hippe, J.D., '63 is a retired district judge from Nebraska’s 12th District, a position he held for 30 years Hon. Robert Hippe, '63 before retiring in 2007.
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In retirement, he joined the Pahlke Law Group as a staff litigator. He also maintains a separate mediation service. After graduating from UNK, Hippe taught for two years before attending Nebraska University College of Law where he graduated in 1968. He practiced in Scottsbluff for eight years and was elected Scotts Bluff County attorney for two years before his appointment as district judge. Hippe was a founder of the Scottsbluff Senior Citizen’s Center, the Panhandle Legal Services office, radio station KCMI, Panhandle Mediation Center and Nebraska Child Support Guidelines. He has been an active member of various community service organizations. During his legal career, he has served on the Nebraska Dispute Resolution Advisory Council, the advisory board of the Nebraska Judicial College and the Nebraska Supreme Court Automation Advisory Committee. He is chair of the Supreme Court’s Advisory Committee to the Nebraska State Bar Association. Among his awards are the first Distinguished Judge Award for Improvement of the Judiciary, Outstanding Legal Educator by the Nebraska State Bar Association, the Nebraska State Bar Association George H. Turner Award for recognition of contributions to legal education, the Nebraska Child
Homecoming 2014 Support Enforcement Lifetime Service Award for outstanding commitment to Nebraska’s children and the Founder Award by the Nebraska office of Dispute Resolution and Nebraska Mediation Association. Dr. David Jacox '72 who earned a master of education degree in psychology and doctorate community and human resources from UNL, served in numerous positions at the Martin Luther Home in Beatrice and Bethphage in Axtell. From 1980 until 2008, Dr. Jacox Dr. David Jacox '72 served as president and chief executive officer of Bethphage and Mosaic after the two consolidated in 2003. From 2008 to 2010, he was CEO of Spectrum Medical in Omaha, a subsidiary of Mosaic. Among his awards are the Excellence in Advocacy Award from Bethphage Fund Latvia, ARC of Nebraska Citizen of the Year and ALDE Outstanding Executive of the Year. The Mosaic leadership conference was named the David A. Jacox Leadership Conference in 2008. His career also includes service on a variety of state, regional and national boards in his field. Mary Vaughn '78 has an extensive background in computer science technology. She is president of Metargy Inc., currently supporting Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She is also author of The Gruntled Employee: A Holistic Approach to Creating Happiness and Success at Work, which provides training programs for individuals and organizations to be happier and more successful. For a number of years prior, Vaughn worked for Computer Sciences Corporation where she managed up to 1,200 employees and was responsible for $150 million per year profit center. During that time, she was an account executive for Internal Revenue Service, United States Postal Service, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, DuPont, BHP Mary Vaughn '78 Billitorn, AT&T and Sun Microsystems. Her career also includes work with ETA Technologies where she was responsible for ensuring quality systems for technology developed to support NASA and the Air Force. Vaughn has been honored with excellence awards for service provided to AT&T and Sun Microsystems. She volunteers with veteran groups that support service members, veterans and their spouses by conducting Gruntled University Development, Personal Empowerment and Relationship Management workshops. She currently provides workshops to homeless veterans and those with traumatic brain injuries.
Today, Hollman Media employs 10 developers, programmers and designers building award-winning websites and innovative mobile applications. The company’s WeatherThreat. com closings and alerts system has been consumed millions of times throughout the past decade. Hollman Media is currently Travis Hollman '00 working with Nebraska researchers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to produce a free application aimed at helping cattle producers identify the real time risk potential for their livestock. The application allows the producers to be proactive in mitigating stress to their livestock. The company is also working on The Kearney App that is a collaboration among UNK, the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, Good Samaritan Hospital, Kearney Visitors Bureau and several others in the Kearney community. Their work has resulted in recognition of a number of awards including the 2014 Dr. Angela (Emrick) Walter Scott Entrepreneurial Business Award. Hollman ‘01 They used the money from that award to create a new digital intern program at UNK. Angela is a professor at UNK. Travis is an adjunct faculty member. Ron Glandt, Myron Placek '80 and Gregg Grubaugh '79 will receive the Jim Rundstrom Distinguished Alumni Service
Award. In 2010, Grubaugh moved to Omaha after living in the Kansas City area for 27 years. He reunited with longtime friends Glandt, and Myron and Beth Ann Bush-Placek, to watch NCAA March Madness basketball. Their discussion focused on getting together with college friends on a regular basis. Grubaugh ran with the idea and formed a weekly Thursday gathering at various locations in Omaha for UNK alumni and friends called the Cheers Club, based on the TV series “Cheers” and its theme “Where everybody knows your name.” Now in its fourth year, those alumni and friends from UNK gather at a variety of places in Omaha to renew old friendships and meet new friends. Cheer’s Club is one of the most successful alumni activities of the UNK Alumni Association. n
Ron Glandt, Myron ’80 and Beth Ann (Bush) Placek ’81 and Gregg Grubaugh ’79.
Travis '00 and Dr. Angela (Emrick) Hollman '01
started a web development business in 2000 while finishing their degrees. In 2008, Hollman Media LLC was formed and the company hired its first employee. 5
Homecoming 2014
Five Athletes to Join Hall of Fame Former players celebrated during ceremonies at Homecoming in September
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he 2014 Hall of Fame members are Kenya Crandell ’96, Cindy Cohn ’97, Beth Swift Dye ’03, Frank Kuchera ’03 and Mike Smith ’98. The group will be honored at the Hall of Fame Banquet on Friday, Sept. 19, in the Ponderosa Room of the Nebraskan Student Union. Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased online at www.unkalumni.org/homecoming or the UNK Alumni Office. The program will start at 6:30 p.m. Kenya Crandell was a point guard who finished his career with 525 career assists, still the best in school history. He also scored 1,229 points, among the top 10 in UNK history. His leadership as a point guard was instrumental in the success of teams that compiled records of 20-6, 18-9, 19-8 and 24-9. Kenya Crandell ‘96 He was a member of several UNK teams that competed as independents in the NCAA Division II. As a senior, he was an All-RMAC selection in 1996. Crandell earned a master’s degree from UNK in 1999. He has coached at UNK, Nebraska-Omaha, Southern Utah, Sacramento State and Oregon. Crandell, now an assistant coach at Montana State University, graduated from Omaha Benson High School. Cindy Cohn was a softball pitcher who was RMAC CoPlayer of the Year in 1995. A first-team All-RMAC selection in 1995 and 1996, she set school records for games started (96) and games completed (79). She also ranked second in shutouts (20), third in wins (75), third in innings pitched (658.2), fifth in ERA (1.38) and fifth in strikeouts (376) when she graduated. Her career record was 75-29. A team highlight was the Lopers’ fourth-place finish in the 1996 NCAA Tournament. Cohn pitched professionally for the Durham Dragons where she was MVP of Cindy Cohn ‘97 the league’s All-Star game. She also coached at Colorado Mesa. Cohn, a native of North Platte, is now a police officer in Grand Junction, Colo. Beth Swift Dye was a starting guard for three years from 1999 to 2002. She lettered four years in basketball and twice in tennis. She was RMAC Co-Player of the Year in 2001 and Player of the Year in 2002. She was all-region three times on teams that compiled records of 24-6, 27-3 and 23-7. In 2002, she was named second team All-American by the DII Bulletin and honorable mention by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association.
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She graduated with eight UNK records, including three pointers (247), three-point percentage (44.3) and free throw percentage (87.7). On the tennis court, she was an AllRMAC selection in 2002. Since graduating, she has been a teacher Beth Swift Dye ‘03 and coach at Marian High School in Omaha. Beth Swift Dye is a graduate of La Mars, Iowa, Community High School. Frank Kuchera was a two-time All-American wrestler. He finished fifth in 2002 and became UNK’s second individual national champion in 2003 when he won the 174-pound class. During his four-year career, he posted records of 17-16, 2914, 30-5 and 37-6. His 37 victories set a UNK record. He was a member of two RMAC champion teams and the NCAA national runner-up team in 2003. That 2003 team also captured the National Duals title. Kuchera was the second UNK wrestler to be inducted into the National Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2011. Off the mat, Kuchera also was a three-time member of the National Wrestling Coaches Association AllScholar team. Kuchera is a sales associate Frank Kuchera ‘03 for Zimmer Orthopedics in Kearney and is a graduate of Kearney High School. Mike Smith was an all-purpose football player from 1995 to 1998. He set school records in career receiving yards (2,975), career TD receptions (25) and career kick return yardage (2,255). He was second in career punt return yardage (932). His seven kick returns for touchdowns set an NCAA Division II record. Smith was first team All-American as a kick returner in 1997 and a second team selection in 1996. He was second team Associated Press Little All-American in 1996 and second team Daktronics AllAmerican as an all-purpose back. Smith was first team All-RMAC twice. Smith, who lives in Kearney, is senior consultant and Grand Island branch manager for B2 Environmental Inc., an environmental consulting firm. Smith is a graduate of Kearney High School. n Mike Smith ‘98
Homecoming 2014
Homecoming Schedule of Events
Make plans to visit your alma mater for Homecoming 2014. We are looking forward to having you back on campus. Hope to see you there. Questions, contact Brette Ensz at BEnsz@unkalumni.org or (308) 865-8465.
Thursday, September 18
5:30 p.m. Alumni Board Social and Dinner, Kearney Country Club 7:00 p.m. Lip Sync Competition, Health & Sports Center 9:00 p.m. Homecoming Royalty Crowning, Health & Sports Center
Friday, September 19
2:30 p.m. The Don Fox Lecture Series, Bruner Hall of Science #267 11:30 a.m. Alumni Distinguished Awards Luncheon $20 per person Ponderosa Room in the Nebraska Student Union Purchase tickets at unkalumni.org/homecoming 4:00 p.m. One Room, One Teacher Awards Ceremony, College of Education Atrium 5:30 p.m. Athletic Hall of Fame Awards Banquet $30 per person Ponderosa Room in the Nebraska Student Union Purchase tickets at unkalumni.org/homecoming
7:00 p.m. UNK Volleyball vs. University of Central Oklahoma, Health & Sports Center
Saturday, September 20
8:30 a.m. UNK Alumni Past Board President’s Breakfast, Alumni House (2222 9th Ave., Kearney) Dining Room 10:00 a.m. Band Day, Family Day & Homecoming Parade, throughout Kearney 11:30 a.m. Loper Luncheon Alumni Barbecue Alumni House (2222 9th Ave., Kearney) $5 per person. Wear your Loper Blue. Purchase tickets at unkalumni.org/homecoming 12:00 p.m. UNK Volleyball vs. Missouri Southern, Health & Sports Center 1:30 p.m. Loperville Tailgate, West of Cope Stadium on UNK Campus 3:00 p.m. UNK Football vs. Missouri Southern, Foster Field & Cope Stadium 7:00 p.m. UNK Volleyball vs. Central Oklahoma, Health & Sports Center
Sunday, September 21
1:00 p.m. UNK Soccer vs. Washburn, Cope Stadium at Foster Field
Need help purchasing tickets, contact Toni Meyers at (308) 865-8474 or tmeyers@unkalumni.org. 7
Campus News UNK C ommunications
Joel Johnson Receives Cope Award Cope Cornerstone of Excellence awarded to Johnson for his longtime support and contributions
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ongtime supporter Dr. Joel T. Johnson of Kearney received the 2014 Ron and Carol Cope Cornerstone of Excellence Award. Chancellor Doug Kristensen presented Johnson the award on May 9 during commencement exercises. The Ron and Carol Cope Cornerstone of Excellence Award was established in 2003 and is presented to individuals who have provided significant service, support and promotion of UNK, the greater Kearney area, the state of Nebraska and the objectives of higher education. This is a university-wide award reviewed and approved by the Board of Regents. It is UNK’s highest campus honor. Dr. Johnson was born in St. Paul, Minn., and during his childhood, his parents and eight older siblings moved to Axtell where he graduated from high school. He earned his bachelor’s degree as a Regents Scholar from the University of Nebraska and his doctor of medicine from University of Nebraska Medical Center. Following a mentor’s advice that “if you want to be a surgeon, follow an army,” he joined the U.S. Navy Medical Corps and served in Vietnam from 196668 as general surgeon and lieutenant commander aboard the USS Repose. After his service he was a general surgeon and assistant professor at UNMC, then began practice as a surgeon at Kearney Clinic, serving with distinction from 1969-2000. Dr. Johnson was appointed to the Nebraska Legislature on July 1, 2002 to represent the 37th Legislative District, and was elected and re-elected in 2002 and 2004. He sat on the Banking, Commerce and Insurance and Health and Human Services committees. Johnson is a member of the UNL, UNMC and UNK Chancellors Clubs, a member of the UNMC Campaign Committee, and was a UNK affiliated Foundation Trustee. He was an advocate for NU’s Building a Healthier Nebraska initiative and continues active involvement with rural health professionals in developing the UNMC-UNK health science partnership. Dr. Johnson also is responsible in large part for significant landscape upgrades to the Spillway area adjacent to the UNK campus. He has been honored on numerous occasions for local volunteerism by civic groups, including the Kearney Area Community Foundation, Kearney Sertoma Club, Buffalo County Community Partners, Great Platte
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River Road Archway Foundation and for being a lead organizer of the 2010 Cattlemen’s Ball that raised more than $1 million for cancer research. “We are so fortunate to have Dr. Johnson’s enthusiastic and continuing support,” UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen said. “Without a doubt, his contributions have made UNK better.” Known for giving generously of both his time and resources, he continues to be a vital member of the Kearney community. He and his wife Jill have four children: Eric of Grand Forks, N.D.; Beth of Kearney, Lynn of Omaha and Karen of Kansas City, Mo. “Like Ron and Carol Cope, Joel Johnson is a true ‘cornerstone’ of the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He exemplifies everything for which the Cope Award was created,” Kristensen said. n
Dr. Johnson also is responsible in large part for landscape upgrades to the Spillway area adjacent to the UNK campus.
Alumni News
Bike Bowl Back After 13 Years Campus, alumni, community and students competed in the 35th annual Bike Bowl
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ollowing a 13-year absence, UNK Alumni student group Blue Gold Brigade (BGBG) brought back one of the most popular, well-known traditions in campus history. “The first year back was a successful one. The alumni had a great time reliving their glory days, and the students loved the unique competition. We even had some alumni who participated for the first time. An all-around great time for spectators, volunteers and participants,” said event organizer Brette Ensz, assistant director of alumni engagement and advisor to the BGBG. This year’s Bike Bowl, 35th in UNK history, took place in April at the Ron and Carol Cope Nebraska Safety Center and was open to campus organizations, alumni and community members. Teams consisted of six people – four racers and two pit crew members – who pedaled their way around a 25-mile course. Bikes and other race equipment were provided by UNK and Kearney business The Bike Shed. Winning teams received their very own Bike Bowl trophy and their team name was also placed on a permanent Bike Bowl plaque located at the Alumni House. Teams had the opportunity to nominate a team
member to win the Peddlin’ Pete or Petunia award. The member with the most money in their team members’ jar, won the award. Funds from the event will help with the 2015 Bike Bowl. “Watching the Bike Bowl come back to life has been one of my favorite experiences as a UNK professional. Alumni and students participating in an event together is exactly what my job, the Blue Gold Brigade and the Bike Bowl is all about,” said Ensz. The event’s success was due in part to Sean Wiede ’89, two-time past Bike Bowl champion, who served as this year’s race marshal. Paul Talbert ’88, also a past competitor and owner of The Bike Shed, was instrumental to the revival. He and the staff of The Bike Shed sponsored the event, serviced bikes and provided race-day assistance. “It’s awesome that UNK has brought it back,” Talbert said. “It’s truly a carnival-type atmosphere and quite a spectacle. Everybody really gets into it. I remember there always being a lot of camaraderie and friendly competition. And the people who won were truly proud to win.” The first Bike Bowl was hosted at Kearney State College in 1967. It ran for 34 years until the last ride in 2000. Get your team ready for next year’s Bike Bowl on April 25th. n
The 35th annual Bike Bowl entered the record books with the winning alumni team Phi Delt Retro of James Williams, Joseph Cooper, Philip Morgan and Todd Hilyard and the winning student team “Wild Turkey” of Haruki Tsuge, Soontae Park, Ryosuke Nishimura and Yuki Ito.
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Campus News
B y UNK C ommunications
University Village Plans Unveiled Planning stage complete for the 104-acre site now known as University Village
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new campus is planned that will combine public and private resources in a mix of business, retail, office, services, housing, parks and recreation. The development will be south of the Buckle headquarters and southwest of UNK’s campus on the south side of Highway 30. Chancellor Doug Kristensen and Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance Barbara Johnson revealed the plans at a news briefing in April. With initial planning complete and preliminary designs crafted, UNK will begin working to develop and build infrastructure including roads and utilities, begin planning the first university projects for the campus and seek developers to lead and invest in private, commercial construction projects at the new campus. A series of public and informational meetings were organized to obtain input on the proposed plans, culminating eventually with a formal information session for developers. Site construction could begin as soon as 2015, with the first university building planned for 2017. Designed as a village that can grow as needed, the project could take as many as 20 years to be fully complete – depending on demand for housing, Kearney’s growth and UNK’s growth.
Called previously “south campus,” the name University Village has been adopted to signify that the development is not only a site for university business – including residences, offices, recreation and services – but a site for private businesses: apartments, townhomes, single-family homes, offices, even possibly corporate headquarters. A “flip book” highlighting the University Village development can be viewed at: http://unknews.unk.edu/ university-village/ As a “village,” it’s planned as a mixed-use community within Kearney – a large neighborhood that mixes a university campus with community living and services, said Johnson. “In order to complete a new residence hall at University Village by 2017, we need to formalize agreements with the City of Kearney and other entities to construct the main connecting street north and south, develop additional infrastructure and plan for shared needs on the south side of the site.” Johnson refers to a replacement of the University Heights facility, (apartment complex at 1701 W. 35th St., for families and older single full-time students), which because of its age and distance from campus has been scheduled for replacement.
Below is an example of what the completed University Village might look like.
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Campus News Johnson said the second university building planned at The process, beginning in 2012, included a site inventory University Village is a new early childhood education center. The and analysis, input from a community advisory group, a market current childcare facility on campus is in the Otto Olsen building. study (Friedman and Associates, Chicago) and a weeklong A new, larger, modern child-development facility will help better iterative design charrette (collaborate sessions for brainstorming serve the needs of UNK faculty, staff and and developing design solutions) students, she said. facilitated by HDR Inc. Other projects conceptualized in the Johnson said the “University Village presents numerous future preliminary plans include: comprehensive and in-depth development opportunities including a child • Retail core planning exercise merged the • Main street three components of the vision development center and mixed-use retail, office • Park of the community and campus, and housing projects,” Vice Chancellor for Business • Private housing: Cottage the potential of the site, and the homes, townhouses, patio realistic opportunities identified and Finance Barbara Johnson said. “As we move homes, apartments in the market study into a plan forward with our ideas, plans, and opportunities we • Student townhouses, Greek that provides a concept for the believe University Village will be a popular project housing, student apartments entire site. Kearney’s Miller & • Parking structures Associates has been engaged with developers. Planning has included several • Commons: Central greenas consulting engineers for opportunities for a ‘green’ development, and an space and other green-spaces; infrastructure. attractive, upscale landscape design.” a wetland/ponds “University Village presents • Recreation complexes: numerous future development Softball, tennis courts opportunities including a child The project plan envisions development center and mixedUniversity Drive from the north being re-located about a halfuse retail, office and housing projects,” Johnson said. “As we block east to accommodate a central entrance into the village. move forward with our ideas, plans and opportunities; we believe Johnson said discussions with the city and the state Department of University Village will be a popular project with developers. Roads are continuing while traffic configurations are considered Planning has included several opportunities for a ‘green’ on Highway 30. Pedestrian crossing of U.S. Highway 30’s four lanes development and an attractive, upscale landscape design.” n has been a topic for discussion.
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LOPER ATHLETICS
B y T odd G ottula UNK C ommunications P hotos by C orbey D orsey
lopers.com
NEW: Athletics Director Paul Plinske stands inside the equipment room that was recently renovated to include a state-of-the-art equipment storage system with new logos and branding. “Our goal is to create a unified vision for Loper Athletics, and it starts with how we look and present ourselves,” Plinske said.
UNK Facility Improvements Building renovations underway for Loper athletics
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umerous facility improvements, building renovations and equipment upgrades in the athletics department will greet fans when teams return to action this fall. “We are making major investments in our facilities. To move us forward, we need to create an atmosphere that excites our fans and student-athletes,” said UNK Athletics Director Paul Plinske. “We want facilities that people embrace and are proud of.” Work on numerous projects started in April, and the renovations are expected for completion in 2015. The centerpiece in a long list of improvements is the 5,600seat UNK Health and Sports Center, which opened in 1990. Highlights of the project include remodeled locker rooms, renovated offices and meeting rooms and increased presence and display of graphics, logos and historic photos throughout the building’s stairwells, entrances and main corridors. In addition, new portable baskets and sideline chairs were purchased for basketball. The equipment room has also been upgraded to include a state-of-the-art spacesaver equipment storage system.
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“Our goal is to create a unified vision for Loper Athletics, and it starts with how we look and present ourselves,” Plinske said. “Aesthetically, these are the first significant upgrades to this building in 25 years. It is a much-needed facelift.” Plinske said a significant focus is being placed on embracing the history of UNK athletics. New banners will be hung recognizing UNK’s national championship teams, while framed team photos and other graphics will honor teams of distinction, athletes of the year and UNK’s conference history. “This is a great opportunity for athletics to tell our story,” Plinske said. “We want to create a ‘Wow’ factor while capturing our history and sharing it in meaningful and inspiring ways.” Future plans at the Health and Sports Center include installation of a touch-screen kiosk highlighting UNK Athletic Hall of Fame members, donor recognition boards and displays honoring former coaches and staff. Plinske said former Sports Information Director Don Briggs will be memorialized, and a special award is being created to honor former swimming and softball coach Joan Bailey for advancing women’s athletics at UNK.
LOPER ATHLETICS lopers.com
“Telling the story of where we’ve been is important. It’s important to showcase and respect our history and the rich tradition of Loper athletics. We can’t go forward if we don’t know where we’ve been,” said Plinske. Large blue and gold mesh banners that surround the entire stadium are among changes made to Ron & Carol Cope Stadium at Foster Field. The new signage was unveiled in June for the Nebraska Shrine Bowl game. Goal posts and bleachers have also been sand blasted and painted. Goal posts and bleachers have been sand blasted and painted. Large blue and gold mesh banners also will surround the entire stadium. The new signage was unveiled in June for the Nebraska Shrine Bowl game and received strong reviews. “When the Shrine Bowl was on TV, it was evident that it was being played on the UNK campus, and that’s important,” Plinske said. “It provided a visual impact highlighting the UNK and Loper logos. With all of our facilities, we want to create an incredible visual presence that draws people in and makes them excited to be a Loper.” Football game day improvements are also planned for Foster Field, said Plinske, including an entry tunnel and fireworks display for the team entrance. The Lopers also unveiled new Under Armour uniforms this fall. At Memorial Field, home to the Loper baseball team, renovations are being done to the locker room, weight room and team meeting space. Plinske called all of the improvements a “positioning statement,” and used a newly-adopted slogan – “Your Team. Our Time.” – to explain how UNK wants people to view the Lopers. “We are trying to position Loper Athletics in the community and let our fans know that this is their team. We need and value their support. “It’s also our time. This is our third year in the MIAA. It is our time to step up and be one of the premier programs in the conference. It’s our time to be at the table competing for top-three finishes in every sport.”
“YOUR TEAM. OUR TIME.” Below: Large blue and gold mesh banners surround the entire Ron & Carol Cope stadium at Foster Field and new Under Armour uniforms are among changes being made. Goal posts and bleachers have also been sand blasted and painted to boost moral and renew excitement.
Plinske said remodeling athletic department offices – new carpet, paint and furniture – has boosted the morale of coaches, athletes and staff. “You can see some renewed excitement. We are trying to create an energetic setting where they know they are valued and appreciated. It’s important to me to have an operation that looks and feels first class. Our staff, recruits, student-athletes and donors need to see and feel that we want to make an impact in the league.” n
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Portraits in Philanthropy
UNK C ommunications
Honoring a Legacy of Nursing Fund honors longtime UNK student health director, Gloria Tye
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ongtime nurse and remarkable,” said Charles Bicak, UNK former student health senior vice chancellor for academic director, Gloria G. and student affairs. “She served Tye, Kearney, has been admirably as director of student health honored with a named gift to services and is a passionate advocate support health science education. for HIV/AIDS awareness, including The Robert C. Rosenlof during a time early on when advocacy Foundation and Pratt-Heins wasn’t particularly popular.” Foundation together made a Tye, who is married to Thomas $100,000 gift commitment to the W. Tye, was the first to receive a University of Nebraska Foundation nursing degree from the Lincoln to establish the Gloria G. Tye Health campus of the UNMC College of Science Excellence Fund. The Nursing. She was a nurse at Lincoln fund will be used by the university General Hospital before moving to toward construction of the Health Kearney. Nursing runs deep with granddaughter, Lauren Frekke, who Science Education Complex to be About the passion for her is currently enrolled in UNMC College of Nursing on Kearney built on the west side of campus. profession, Gloria Tye said, “If I were Campus, Gloria Tye, who holds a portrait of her mother, Freda Block, Tye was a nurse at Good to choose another career today, I’d still who was a nurse and her daughter, Deborah (Tye) Brekke who is a Samaritan Hospital in Kearney choose nursing.” cardiovascular rehabilitation coordinator. before becoming director of student Tye’s family includes four health at UNK in 1984, a position she held until retiring in 1994. On generations of Nebraska nurses. Her mother, Freda Block, was a nurse campus, she earned the respect and admiration of students, faculty and in Cozad. Gloria’s daughter, Deborah (Tye) Brekke, studied nursing at administration for her professionalism and dedication to students and Clarkson College in Omaha and is the cardiovascular rehabilitation public health issues while also enhancing relationships between area coordinator at Mobridge Regional Hospital in Mobridge, S.D., and her physicians and the UNK Student Health Center. granddaughter, Lauren Brekke, studies nursing at the Kearney campus “Gloria Tye’s commitment to nursing and public health is of the UNMC College of Nursing.” n
Buy a book, and support the Calvin T. Ryan Library Last year, a rainstorm severely damaged UNK’s library building and thousands of books inside. However, the outpouring of support the library received from the Kearney community made the library staff realize just how much people still love books. And the UNK Buy a Book for the Library Program was born. The Buy a Book Program was created to help rebuild the Calvin T. Ryan Library book collection and to enhance the overall quality of the collection. The program is simple. With a minimum gift of $100, a personalized bookplate with your message is placed inside a newly purchased book selected by UNK librarians. The bookplate bears the name of the donor and the person(s) in whose honor the gift is being made.
There are three levels of giving: u A $100 gift receives a nameplate in one book. u A $500 gift receives a nameplate in six books. u A $1,000 gift receives a nameplate in twelve books.
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For more information contact Anne McConkey at amcconkey@nufoundation.org or 308-698-5282. To give, visit nufoundation.org/unkbuyabook.
College of Fine Arts & Humanities W ritten by R obb C rouch , NU F oundation
Gift is Joyful Refrain for Music Anonymous donor gives another $1 million-plus gift for music programs
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nother surprise gift of more than $1 million has the Department of Music and Performing Arts singing praises for an anonymous benefactor who has now given nearly $6 million to elevate the university’s music programs. “This extremely generous investment in our music education programs and community engagement will touch the lives of not only our students and graduates, but of everyone who appreciates the arts,” said Chancellor Doug Kristensen. This is how the gift benefits UNK: • $730,000 will create a permanent endowment named the Lavern Clark Memorial Music Scholarship that will provide annual scholarships for undergraduate music students. It’s named in memory of Lavern Clark, a longtime Kearney resident and devoted patron of community arts. • $250,000 will create a permanent endowment named the Gerald Feese Professorship of Violin that will provide an annual stipend to an outstanding faculty member in support of scholarly research and creative activities. The professorship is named in memory of Dr. Gerald Feese, a beloved member of the Kearney music community who served at UNK and as director of the Kearney Area Symphony Orchestra for 24 years. Upon retiring in 1986, he continued to share his expertise with the orchestra as concert master and guest conductor. • $75,000 will go to the UNK Music Guest Artists and Clinicians Support Fund to help the department with expenses
associated with hosting professional guest music artists and clinicians on campus to interact with students, faculty and community musicians. • $25,000 will go to the Kearney Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition Support Fund to help back a strings and piano competition and provide support to the winners who will perform with the Kearney Symphony Orchestra. Valerie Cisler, professor of music, said the overall impact of the benefactor’s contributions to the Department of Music and Performing Arts has been overwhelming and transformative. “We feel fortunate to have garnered the respect and support of this generous individual who understands that a high quality university music program ultimately extends its benefits far beyond the campus, toward the cultural enrichment of the entire community,” Cisler said. “We are deeply grateful to our benefactor, whose generous gifts now total nearly $6 million over the past four years. This support will most certainly have a profound and lasting impact on the quality of our music academic programs and artistic performances and on our ability to recruit and retain excellent faculty and students.” These gifts to the music department also support the University of Nebraska’s current fundraising initiative, Campaign for Nebraska: Unlimited Possibilities, which has surpassed the goal to raise $50 million for UNK. The campaign concludes Dec. 31 and has increased support for student scholarships and academic programs. n
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College of Education K elly B artling UNK C ommunications by
Dawn Mollenkopf Earns Award The Outstanding Teaching and Instructional Creativity Award, known as the OTICA
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awn Mollenkopf ’s philosophy about education is simple: Everyone can learn. So that is how she approaches her work in teacher education: Just as every child can learn, every future teacher needs to know that he or she will be making a difference in the life of a child. Both child and future teacher are approaching education from differing circumstances and backgrounds. Some may have obstacles that make their learning more difficult – distance, access to tools, time constraints or lacking family support. Mollenkopf serves as a role model to inspire and motivate future teachers to keep striving, and her success as an inspiration and motivator earned her the University of Nebraska’s highest award universitywide for teaching excellence, the Outstanding Teaching and Instructional Creativity Award, a.k.a. the OTICA. She received the award at a luncheon April 30. “I want my students to be comfortable with who they are as an educator, and that they will take their life experiences and be role models for their students. Some of these various students are the ones who are also ethnically diverse (and) have had some issues with poverty, have disabilities, have other life circumstance that made learning difficult,” Mollenkopf said. “And I want them to be able to show that to their students and say, ‘you know, I made it and you can make it too …and I believe in you.’ ” Mollenkopf believes in her students and challenges them at every opportunity to think creatively and let their passion compel them to continue to learn. An associate professor of teacher education with expertise in early childhood education and policy, Mollenkopf arrived at UNK in 2003. While previously teaching elementary students, she grew more eager to improve her curriculum and teaching/ learning methods. “…And then I was going to create the world’s best classroom,” she said. “Finally I realized how many challenges teachers had, and I thought ‘I need to change the environment for the teachers.’ “And so, for me, even though I love the little kids and I love to go visit all of the little kids in the classrooms and watch my teachers teach, (I decided) if I teach, that teacher has the potential of impacting 17 to 20 kids a year for the next 20 years.” Moving into her role as an instructor of future and current teachers, she carried with her a desire to help rural teachers, who are critical in the lives of these sometimes-vulnerable
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“I want my students to be comfortable with who they are as an educator, and that they will take their life experiences and be role models for their students,” says Dawn Mollenkopf. An associate professor of teacher education, Mollenkopf received Nebraska’s highest award universitywide for teaching excellence, the Outstanding Teaching and Instructional Creativity Award, also known as the OTICA.
children. Offering online courses and degrees was new then, and Mollenkopf fought for her students to get maximum access. As a result, it’s now easier for students and teachers all across Nebraska to get classes they need to earn their degrees or endorsements. Creating flexible assignments and changing rubrics for assignments for student-teachers could cause some administrators heartburn, but Mollenkopf sees it as essential. It has a direct benefit to their classrooms and these teachers’ confidence. “I have a lot of teachers online who are clearly out in the fields coming back, which is very different from the wide-eyed sophomore who has a couple of experiences and says, ‘I can’t wait to get my own classroom.’ And clearly, there are students who are teachers who are older than I and certainly have taught longer than I have. I think they bring a depth of experience that is fun to work with, and they also are very eager to learn. “The teachers out in the fields, the older students, nontraditional students, they now know the emotional cost of learning. They know what it’s like to have to work harder, to
Campus News learn to balance more responsibilities, to go to work, to balance family and to learn and they ask meaningful questions.” Mollenkopf’s commendation for instructional creativity is also buoyed by her work to combine regular and special education concepts and strategies into the early childhood unified endorsement, providing broader endorsement for those working with children newborn to 8. Her doctorate is in special education policy integration, and she has researched and advocated for Head Start and served on policy councils such as the governor’s Early Childhood Interagency Coordinating Council and contributed to Nebraska’s preschool early learning guidelines. Standards for quality, guidelines and regulations for education for children age 0 to 5, K-6 and eighth grade and above, continue to push the education field. “I like change,” she said. “I tend to thrive on it. Not everybody does, and I recognize that. So, as the change agent I need to be careful and make sure that in trailblazing I’m not burning the forest; but I make sure I take people with me and lay the foundation. I think the biggest thing is when people see what the causes are, when they see what the needs are, and then they have the resources to be able to get there, I think people are usually willing to make those changes along with me over time.”
What kind of feedback about her teaching does she get from students? She laughs. “A lot of my students like my classes because they say, ‘She’s so high energy regardless of the time of day.’ And it’s true, I tend to teach like the first thing in the morning …or the last class at night and I’m still awake. The goal is to keep them awake. And so, they like that energy. “They say that I care. They know that I care for them. They like the fact that I’m more flexible with assignments and will work with them to make those meaningful and that they find things fun.” n
Dart Leads UNK Alumni, Fundraising The University of Nebraska Foundation appointed Lucas Dart as vice president of alumni relations and development for the University of Nebraska at Kearney on March 1. He leads all UNK alumni association and campus fundraising efforts. Dart succeeded Pete Kotsiopulos, the previous vice president, as part of a planned Lucas Dart, ’97 transition. Kotsiopulos continues to fund raise for UNK, including for the College of Business and Technology, his alma mater as well as for other campus initiatives. According to Brian Hastings, president and CEO of the University of Nebraska Foundation, the leadership plan was designed to continue the integration between the alumni association and the foundation’s Kearney office, a partnership which has worked well. “Chancellor Doug Kristensen, Pete Kotsiopulos and Lucas Dart have formed a great partnership,” Hastings said. “With the support of our dedicated UNK team, and the wonderful service of countless alumni association and campaign volunteers, alumni engagement and private fundraising at UNK have reached new
heights, evidenced by UNK eclipsing the $50 million goal as part of the Campaign for Nebraska. I’m tremendously grateful for Pete’s leadership these past three years and see a very bright future for our alumni and fundraising programs under the direction of Lucas.” A UNK alumnus, Dart joined the University of Nebraska Foundation in 2002 as director of development and was then appointed executive director of the Alumni Association in 2008. In 2010, the UNK Alumni Association and University of Nebraska Foundation formed an integration agreement, and Dart was appointed UNK campaign director at the foundation and associate director of the alumni association. Kotsiopulos joined the University of Nebraska Foundation and UNK Alumni Association in 2010 in a dual role as vice president for UNK development and executive director of the UNK Alumni Association. He had previously served as vice president for university affairs at the University of Nebraska. “When I was approached for the UNK position, we had a four-year plan that included integrating the foundation and alumni operations, while mentoring a successor,” Kotsiopulos said. “Our recent staff additions now give me an opportunity to work with the College of Business and Technology. Three years into this, the timing is good. Lucas Dart and our team are wellpositioned.” n 17 17
College of Natural & Social Sciences
B y S ara G iboney UNK C ommunications
Biology Receives Teaching Award University-wide award based on the successes and hard work of students and faculty
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iology faculty believe their success is only based on the successes of their students. That is why they present rigorous coursework, encourage students to do independent research and offer hands-on learning. “People here work really hard, and they care really hard, too. They take their students into consideration,” said Kim Carlson, professor and associate chair of the biology department. “Faculty try to give the students the best possible education that they can. The rigor is there. Our successes are based upon the successes of our students.” The Department of Biology in April received the Universitywide Departmental Teaching Award from the University of Nebraska. The award is the highest attainable by a department across the university’s four campuses, recognizing its unique and significant contributions to the university’s teaching efforts. The honored department is awarded $25,000 to be used in a manner the department sees fit, such as for travel to a conference, instructional equipment or improvements to a classroom or student resource. Kim Carlson “This award recognizes the remarkable accomplishments of the current faculty and also pays tribute to those who had come before. The Department of Biology has long had a culture of professionalism, innovation, genuine hard work and above all, commitment to the highest possible quality in the student learning experience,” said Charlie Bicak, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs. The biology department is home to more than 20 faculty, six graduate teaching assistants and nearly 700 undergraduate and graduate majors. Students can choose comprehensive biology majors with a general emphasis, health science emphasis or wildlife biology emphasis. UNK is the only school in Nebraska to offer a molecular biology comprehensive major. “The faculty in this department maintain very high standards, and they teach the students so that the students are prepared to tackle
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jobs or professional programs. Our students do have success after they leave UNK,” said biology professor Janet Steele. Carlson said most faculty in the department keep an open-door policy, allowing students to come in for help with coursework or to talk at any time. “The most helpful aspect of the Janet Steele biology department is their support and encouragement outside the classroom,” said graduate student Jeff Shaw of Edgar. “Biology professors take the time to get to know all of their students and ensure they succeed not only academically, but also personally and professionally.” In an effort to use technology to better serve students, the biology department launched an online master’s degree program. UNK was one of the first universities in the country to offer an online master’s degree in biology. Nearly 500 students are enrolled in the program, Steele said. Hands-on learning and research are the heart of the department, incorporated into coursework. The majority of students in the biology department participate in independent research. And students enrolled in the online master’s degree program are required to complete a research project, and do so with the help of a faculty mentor. “The Department of Biology engaged students in undergraduate research over 40 years ago. This legacy continues today,” Bicak said. “Student projects are distributed across the range of biology including the molecular, organismal and ecological levels. Graduates in biology are well prepared for professional positions in industry, with government agencies, for post-graduate health programs and for graduate school.” “The award is meaningful because it demonstrates we are doing a really great job in what we like to do, which is teach and train students. We’re a large department with diverse personalities, and the science is diverse. For someone to say you’re the best in the university for this year, that means a lot,” Carlson said. n
College of Business & Technology
Bahamas to UNK Moxey fullfills dream of a U.S. education
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oses Moxey started saving money for college when he was in ninth grade, working odd jobs: in a hotel and helping with fishing tours. While it was hardly enough to pay for college, it was a lot for a young man from a family of fishermen in West End, Freeport, Bahamas.
“I’m still that Bahamian boy with a dream,” Moxey said. “Life’s happening. … I’m happy.”
His dream was to attend college in the United States. That dream came true eventually for Moxey who served as 2013 student body president and Student Regent at UNK. His first trip to Nebraska was when he moved to Kearney to begin classes. Moxey knows first-hand the power of networking, when his grandfather, Bonefish Folley, gave him a stack of business cards of the people he’d met over the years. Moxey made a daily schedule for reaching out to each person to ask if they could help him pursue his dream after graduating high school. Moxey began meeting people willing to contribute financially to him to attend UNK, including the Kohn Foundation, which supports 19 students to attend college in the Bahamas, the U.S. and Canada. “I just told them, ‘Believe in my dream that I can do well in college and become someone who can give back to my community.’” Moxey has been involved in student activities including the Black Student Association, African Student Association, NSE as a leader and Men’s Chorus. Moxey will graduate in December with a degree in Industrial Distribution. “I’m just humbled and blessed to have this opportunity,” he said. “I can’t imagine myself anywhere else.” He still can hardly believe it. He got to UNK, you could say – and he would say – by begging. In the Bahamas, UNK has a good name, he said. People he knew with good jobs had gone to UNK. He wanted to go there, too. He didn’t have the grades or the athletic ability for scholarships. But he believed in himself. “I’m still that Bahamian boy with a dream,” Moxey said. n
New Fund Gives Students Real Investment Experience More than $100,000 has been contributed to start a fund that allows students to gain actual investment experience before they graduate. The William L. Bauhard Student Managed Investment Program Fund was established at the University of Nebraska Foundation with a leadership gift of $90,000 from Bill Bauhard ’67 of Omaha, a retired financial services and telecommunications executive. An additional $10,000 was contributed to the fund through gifts from Jack Connealy of JFC Financial Services in Lincoln; Ron Eckloff, a certified financial planner in Kearney; Financial Leaders Student Association; Jay Landell with Wells Fargo Foundation and Securities America of Kearney. Many students today use online simulations to learn about investing, but with the use of the Bauhard Investment Program Fund, undergraduate students in the College of Business and Technology will have the opportunity to use actual funds to make and monitor real investments. Students in the course will work closely with their professors in selecting and managing the investments.
The net income students earn from the investments will go to a student scholarship fund that will provide tuition aid for undergraduate students in the college. “The Bauhard Student Managed Investment Fund supports the College of Business and Technology commitment to provide our students with rich, hands-on, experiential learning opportunities,” said Dean Tim Burkink. “We appreciate what Bill Bauhard and the other contributors now enable our students to experience.” Bauhard graduated from UNK in 1967 and did post-graduate work in mathematics at Kansas State University before receiving a master’s degree in management from MIT. These gifts to UNK also provide support to the university’s current fundraising initiative, the Campaign for Nebraska: Unlimited Possibilities, which concludes Dec. 31, and includes a priority to increase academic program support. n 19
Portraits in Philanthropy
Fine Arts Legend Zaruba Honored
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arlier this year, MONA named the research center The Gary E. Zaruba Library and Research Center to recognize his career. Professor emeritus Gary Zaruba’s contributions to the arts are legendary. In addition to teaching art at UNK for nearly 40 years until his retirement in 2004, he has been an integral part Gary Zaruba of the history of the Nebraska Art Collection and its successor entity, the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) since 1975. That year, Dr. Zaruba wrote a concept paper for a Nebraska arts center at what was then Kearney State College that was the basis for discussions by the KSC and statewide committee. The result was the establishment of the NAC in 1976 and the creation of a board of directors on which Dr. Zaruba served as treasurer. After it was established in 1980, Dr. Zaruba served as co-chair of ARTreach for two years. He inventoried the Grant Reynard Collection in 1982, and was named director/curator when MONA opened in 1986 after acquiring the former Kearney Post Office as the collection’s home. For the next three years, he was secretary
and treasurer for the MONA Board as well as director/curator. He has played key roles in every facet of MONA since. Dr. Zaruba’s specific interest is 19th century art, and he founded the Bison Society for individuals who shared this passion. The MONA Bison Society provides financial support for purchasing art of this period, engages speakers with 19th century expertise and encourages research of the era. As the leading expert on the art and artists of the 19th century, his role in collecting and preserving art of that period has been extensive. Since 2008, Dr. Zaruba has recruited a group of dedicated volunteers who work in MONA’s Library to organize and add books, periodicals, and artist, gallery, and other art-related files, and to conduct original research on 19th century artists. The Board of Directors of MONA has now embarked on a campaign to honor Dr. Zaruba for his vision, time, expertise and personal efforts by establishing the Gary E. Zaruba Art Endowment Fund to benefit purchase of 19th century art for MONA’s collection and for improvements to the library. Information on the $125,000 Gary E. Zaruba Art Endowment is available by contacting MONA at 308-865-8559 or mona.unk.edu. Gifts can be sent to MONA Zaruba Art Endowment, 2401 Central Avenue, Kearney NE 68847. n
Stevenson, First Athletic Team Doctor, Remembered
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B.M. “Doc” Stevenson, a longtime Kearney physician, civic leader and supporter of athletics at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, died March 2, 2014 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. He was 87. Stevenson was a fixture on the sidelines at Loper football games for 30 years. He was the volunteer team physician from 1960 until his retirement after the 1990 season. In 1991, he was inducted into the UNK Athletic Hall of Fame for meritorious service. In 1992, he was given a Distinguished Service Award by UNK. “Doc was a true gentleman and loyal supporter of the Kearney campus. He shared his professional skills as a physician for years with our student-athletes,” said Chancellor Doug Kristensen. “That relationship blossomed into a pillar of support, both financial and emotional, for UNK. We are saddened by his passing and will miss his smile at our campus events.” As the first team doctor, along with Kearney Clinic partner L.R. Smith, Stevenson rarely missed a UNK football game. He flew his own plane to nearly every away contest.
Although most of his work was with the UNK football team, Stevenson did travel with the Loper basketball team to Taiwan in 1980 when UNK played in the William Jones World Cup International Tournament. In 1960 Stevenson and his wife, Beverly, moved to Kearney, where he practiced at Kearney Clinic until retiring in 1991. They were honored for their support of the Kearney Family YMCA capital campaign, Museum of Nebraska Art, Merryman Performing Arts Center and Kearney parks. Among their many contributions to UNK is the Stevenson Athletic Scholarship given to help support a student-athlete. He also served on the Kearney Airport Advisory Board, St. Luke’s Home Advisory Board, Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation Board, University of Nebraska Foundation Board and Kearney Area Community Foundation Board. Stevenson enjoyed hunting and fishing, was a pilot and an avid tennis player. n
LOPER ATHLETICS lopers.com
2014 Loper Women’s Tennis Team proudly puts their “Lopes Up!” Adam Peters fires a strike. Briana Adams and Paul Pape charge hard for the finish line. Michael Colgate warms up at the NCAA national tournament. Softball’s Kate Ruwe takes a swing for the fence. The runner returns to first just ahead of a throw to Max Ayoub.
Loper Spring Sports
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he baseball team overcame an unprecedented rash of injuries to post a 30-19 record in 2014, earning a spot in the MIAA Tournament and setting up what could be a special 2015 season. Sophomore right fielder Anthony Pacheco, Kearney earned AllAmerican honors after batting .404 with four home runs, 14 doubles and 38 RBI’s. He and junior infielder/catcher Danny Droll, Penrose, Colo., an all-region selection, managed to start all 49 games. By the start of the MIAA Tournament series at Central Oklahoma, UNK was down to just nine healthy position players. Starting second baseman Joey DeSimone, Thornton, Colo., made his collegiate debut in the tournament as UNK suffered back-toback one-run losses to end the season. While head coach Damon Day and his staff lost some starting pitchers to graduation, the bulk of the roster returns next season. Besides Droll, that includes a talented senior class in outfielder Brandon Landanger, Kearney; shortstop Dillon Schroeder, Kearney Catholic; catcher/infielder Max Ayoub, Grand Island; second baseman Coby Roming, Canyon, Texas; outfielder/first baseman Kyle Honeycutt, Omaha, and pitchers Dalton Cowen, Gillette, Wyo.; Aaron Smith, Cheyenne, Wyo., and Michael Hahn, Fremont.
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Finally, UNK has one of the top closers in the MIAA in Joe Smidt, North Platte, who has two years of eligibility remaining. The right-hander had 11 saves and a team-best 2.08 ERA in 2014. Women’s Softball
The softball program is about to get a big influx of talent and diversity, starting with the 2015 season. Veteran head coach Holly Carnes and her staff brought in 13 players, representing Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska. The Lopers posted a 13-28 mark in 2014, just missing out on the MIAA Tournament. Sophomore first baseman Kate Ruwe, Blair, earned all-league honors after batting .384 with 12 doubles, four home runs and 31 RBI’s. She also didn’t commit a single error in 300 fielding chances. True freshman outfielder Taylre Keenan, Ralston, joined Ruwe on the Omaha World Herald’s Division II all-state team at .323 with nine RBI’s and four stolen bases. Another underclassman, sophomore catcher/DP Erin Dwyer, Elmwood, ranked second to Ruwe in most offensive categories at .340, eight doubles, two HR’s and 19 RBI’s. Among the 2015 newcomers will be five players from junior college power Phoenix College in Arizona, an outfielder from Eastern Arizona College, a utility player from North Platte Community College and true freshman from York and Papillion.
LOPER ATHLETICS lopers.com
B y P eter Y azvac UNK A thletics
Tennis
It was another banner year for UNK tennis as both Loper teams returned to the NCAA Tournament and picked up individual honors. The men posted an 18-6 regular season record and finished third in the MIAA. Led by senior Yeswanth Nadella, India, the Lopers reached the semifinals of the league tournament before falling to nationally-ranked Southwest Baptist. SBU also beat UNK in NCAA Regional play. Nadella, playing at No. 1 singles and doubles, was named the Region Senior Player of the Year with five other Lopers earning All MIAA honors. Men’s Golf
Led by senior Lance Lawson, Norfolk, and sophomore Michael Colgate, Sarasota, Fla., the men’s golf team entered the national rankings in 2013-14 with Colgate becoming the first Loper to qualify for the NCAA Championships. A former U.S. Amateur Championships qualifier, Colgate earned All-American honors after having a 74.52 stroke average and winning the NCAA Central/Midwest Regional in Missouri. Finishing 19th at the NCAA’s in Michigan, he qualified for the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championships in July. By winning that tournament, he would qualify for the 2015 Masters. Colgate, with an eye on 2017 when UNK hosts the NCAA Regional at Awarii Dunes, will redshirt in 2014-15. Lawson finished a two-year Loper career as an all-region selection. He paced the team with a 74.36 average. Women’s Golf
A UNK 2013-14 women’s golf team without a senior just missed out on making NCAA Regional play and enters 2015 with some great momentum. The Lopers were sixth in the tough MIAA but placed ahead of conference and regional competition in tournaments throughout the year.
Junior lefty Stephanie Moorberg, Keller, Texas, and sophomore Ana Summers, Bellevue, Colo., were 1-2 on the team in stroke average with three others averaging under 85 shots a round. In 2015, the Lopers add recruits from Utah and Texas and hope to make a run at league and region titles. Outdoor Track
The outdoor track season yielded a runner-up finish by the men at the MIAA Championships, three individual conference champions and eight NCAA Championship qualifiers. Michael Thalken, Ogallala, capped his collegiate career by winning the MIAA hammer title (182-4) and earning AllAmerican honors with a fifth place finish in the shot (59-0) at the NCAA’s in Michigan. Others to make the national meet were senior Paul Pape, Lincoln, in the 800, junior Dillon Schrodt, Lincoln, in the decathlon and 110 hurdles, junior Mark Seeba, Bellevue, in the pole vault, junior Brady Land, Kimball, in the long jump and junior Nick Knudson, Norfolk, in the steeple. Knudson also repeated as the MIAA steeple champ. Senior thrower Jackie Ziemke, Waco, led the Loper women as she won the league title in the shot (49-11.25). An AllAmerican at the indoor championships, she placed 11th at the NCAA outdoor meet. Runner Marissa Bongers, Brainard, was in the hunt for a national title at 800 meters but an injury slowed her down once she got to nationals. Her school record of 2:08.35 placed her in the nation’s top five and automatically qualified her for the big meet. Next year, she’ll serve as a graduate assistant in the athletic department and compete for the Lopers in the outdoor season. Others of note included freshman Brooke Frederick, Hershey, setting a new school mark in the pole vault (12-2.75) as did sophomore Chelsea Wickard, Mitchell, in the 400 hurdles (1:02.67). Cracking the Loper all-time top five were sophomore Abagayle Spilinek, Wichita, Kan., in the javelin and junior Steph Hutsell, Loveland, Colo., in the 800. n 23
a '08, Arpan Nepal with Sachin Piy gather at Kathmandu, i mn Alu i. It is nice to K mn UN : Alu other Loper Kathmandu, Nepal a Khanal '09 and a few arm Sh la shma Ojha ha Gri Ac , you k '13 a an Ojh (Th Rijal '08, Grishma ir days in Kearney. the all rec l stil y the , the world know that even around Alumni.) on facebook.com/UNK d tte mi sub oto ph for the
legends
Justin Coleman ’02
his BS in SUCCESS stories: Dr. Brandon Mizner, '10, DDS '14, earned awards: American ng followi the given also was He UNK. from biology Psycho Oral and Maxillofacial Academy of Oral Medicine award, American Association of Award. Upsilon Kappa n Omicro the and ) Surgeons (Dental Implant Award
Loper athlete recognized
and MS in Biology from Dr. Stephanie Larson, MD, earned her BS in Psychobiology . s ’ Carlson UNK. She was a graduate student of Dr. Kim
Justin Coleman is one of five inductees into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame class for 2014. The Loper quarterback from 1997 to 2000 threw for more than 2,000 yards in each of his four years as a starter, including 367 as a junior when he passed for a school record 483 yards and six touchdowns against Wayne State. Coleman was the runner-up for the 2000 Harlon Hill Trophy after he finished with 11,213 career passing yards. He also set UNK records for completions (706), attempts (1,293) and touchdowns (99). The four-time All-RMAC pick had his jersey retired in 2003. He was inducted into the UNK Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013. n
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ed many Lopers as they Carlson '92, MSE '94 photograph LOPER PRIDE: Dr. Kimberly A. MD '14, earned her B.S. in '10, ck, Blun cations. Dr. Jacqueline edu r thei her ng heri furt ed brat cele , Dr. Stephanie Larson MD '14, '14, earned her B.S. in Biology a ed earn '14 MD '10, Biology, Dr. Alicia Mizner, MD let, Wil from UNK and Dr. Quinn ogy Biol in MS and ogy biol B.S. in Psycho B.S. in Biology from UNK. ts. '10 celebrated their achievemen er, '07 and Dr. Brittany Brown, wn Bro tany Brit Dr. K. Married couple Adam Sevenk UN from h a Physics degree both wit m Ada and ogy d Biol in uate Brittany majored ogy, and Sevenker grad MD, specializing in Anesthesiol graduated from UNMC with her from UNO. with his MS in Civil Engineering 24
PHOENIX STADIUM EXPERT: Marshall Adams '64 added good content to the University of Phoenix Stadium tour in Glendale, Ariz. Adams volunteers for event management at the stadium. ROOM WITH A VIEW: Victoria ‘64 and Ken Kroeker ‘61, Rich Hickman ‘71 and Emeriti Faculty Bob Lind enjoy the view from the University of Phoenix Stadium Tour.
What’s Happening Locally and Nationally
legends
Dr. Alan Luedtke '77 Don Fox Lecturer
Elaine TRAVELING WITH LOUIE: Gary Gepford '71 and Mura, Gepford '73 discovering dynasties past at Ryukyu s with us Kagoshima, Japan. Thanks for sharing your travel itting subm by tures adven your for and taking Lopers along rg. sup.o them to Lope
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LOPER PRIDE: Burke High Bulldog OMAHA BURKE HIGH SCHOOL SHOW THEIR enting for the Lopers for the Lopesup. repres ly proud teaching staff who are Lopers at heart submit your pictures to Lopesup.org, or org website. UNK Alumni is challenging you to will post them for you! send them to Lopers@unkalumni.org, and we
Dr. Alan Luedtke ’77 will be honored by the Chemistry Department as the 35th Dr. Don Fox Lecturer during Homecoming activities. Dr. Luedtke, who later earned a Ph.D. from the University of New Orleans in 1983, spent almost 20 years at DuPont as a research scientist and has been a research scientist at ICT Chemicals for the last ten years. The department will host a reception on Friday, Sep. 19 in his honor which is open to the public. That evening, the Alumni House will be the site of a social and dinner. A program will follow the dinner at which time the Chemistry Department will present the awards for the Lecture, the Don Fox Chair and the Don Fox Scholarship winners. Dr. Luedtke will also be recognized at the Alumni Association Awards Luncheon at the Nebraskan Student Union on Friday. Social and registration begins at noon. The Don Fox Lecture was begun in 1980 to honor the long-time chemistry professor and department chair. n
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Nebraska Sports
Lopers recognized state-wide The Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame inductions in October will feature several individuals with UNK ties. Larry Riessland ’71, MAE ’82, who is director of finance at UNK, will be inducted as an athlete. He scored a national-record nine touchdowns in a game for Pleasanton and finished with 80 touchdowns. He ran for 2,217 yards as a senior. In basketball, he averaged more than 22 points as a junior and 24 as a senior. He also placed twice in the 880 as the state track meet. Knee injuries cut short his football career at UNK but he did set the school punt return record of 82 yards in 1968 that stood for 22 years. Roger Mathiesen ’73, MSE ’77, boys track coach at Kearney High School, has led the Bearcats to 15 state titles and three runnerup finishes since 1994. Those teams also set a national record with a winning streak of Invitational Meet titles for 21 years. Dick Beechner, former athletic director and golf coach, is being inducted as a contributor. He is president of the Hall of Fame board and a past executive director. He has helped with the state high school cross country and golf meets for 28 years. The Fischer Family Award will go to the Bill and Delores Kropp Family. Kropps have enjoyed a college-level success as athletes and coaches. Son Tom ’75, MAE ’79, played in the NBA and is basketball coach at UNK. John ’72 also played basketball for UNK. Granddaughter Jenny Kropp is a professional beach volleyball player. Her parents are John and Anita Lechner Danklesen ’72, MSE ’91. The awards ceremony will take place at the Lied Center in Lincoln on Oct. 5. n
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sistant Director in lker '52, UNK Alumni As Wa yne Wa : city in sun ne Goa '69 MAE '78, NU Arizona loper luncheonsz '06, Athletic Director Paul Plinske, Marle Karol Brette En , Jerry Davenport '63, Charge of Engagement nkey '02, Terry Lewis '78 Co ation Mc nd ne Fou An nt NU , me '53 op rt Devel , Joe Davenpo Foundation Director of , Hal Terry '57 MAE '60 '60 . rt '83 po en ven dd Da Bu k an Dic Jo ry, '86 and Nelson '79, Sherry Ter Porter '70, Gary Reber nt Dusty Jura '08, Paula Director of Developme
Loper Happenings Alumni Events Near and Far LOPER LEGACY: Student Mallory Placek received the UNK Mortar Board Outstanding Sophomore Award. Celebrating her achievements are her proud parents Beth Ann (Bush) Placek '81 and Myron Placek '80.
CELEBRATION: Bill Boyd '58 spen t over 30 years as an educator at New Trier Townshi p High School in Winnetka, Ill. Boyd was in debate and forensics and started all kinds of new program s including an “adult evening school” program and a study abroad program. Boyd’s also a train enthusia st and builds model trains. Boyd has a workshop where he has built and hand-painted an entire train yard where the trains run and whistle.
Lopesup.org: Lopers make up approximately 45 percent of the School Psychology Staff at Lincoln Public Schools. Wendy Danek Morrissey, EDS '02; Molly (Lungrin) Kuhl ‘03, EDS ‘08; Jon Franck ‘88, EDS ‘91; Jerrold Harrenstein, MSE ‘89, EDS, ‘91; Carmen Wolfe, EDS, ‘12; Gwen (Sukup) Fecht ‘87, EDS ‘90; Jill (McDonald) Groshans ‘83, EDS; Jamie (Ellsworth) Mapp, EDS ‘09; Kelly (O’Brien) Thieman, EDS, ‘05; Jill (McCaslin) Timmons ‘98, EDS ‘02 is a Lincoln Public School special education Supervisor; Shannon Hall-Schmeckpepper ‘96 EDS ‘00; Juliann (Burmester) Ramel ‘92, EDS ‘01; Jennifer Wagner EDS ‘04; Roberta Christensen MSE ‘82; Alice (Hamilton) Dingle '80, MSE '86, EDS '87; Christi (Walahoski) ten Bensel '84, EDS, '90 and Diana Fossen Pena, EDS '00. NOT Pictured: Natalie (Anderson) Hilton '02, EDS '06 and Kandace (Garwood) Clark '95, EDS '99.
Class Notes
1948 Wayne McKinney was named the College of Business and Technology 2014 Distinguished Alumnus. McKinney spent more than 60 years with Platte Valley State Bank and Trust Co. in Kearney, now part of First National Bank of Nebraska. McKinney has received the UNK Distinguished Alumni Award and Distinguished Service Award and has established the Wayne and Virginia McKinney Scholarship at UNK. He and his wife have a legacy of countless leadership positions in civic and nonprofit organizations. 1949 Bob and Fran Hauver of Kearney celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary March 29. Bob was a long-time coach and faculty member at UNK. 1960 Barbara (Goble) Franzen MSE ’82 of Gothenburg has published a novel, The Rag Princess, that details life of abuse and hope for love. 1962 Gary MSE '67 and Dee (Wilson) Larsen of Kearney celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary June 1. 1964 Ken Aldridge has published his third crime novel, In Murder’s Shadow. Aldridge, a special agent of the FBI for 23 years, is now retired and resides with his wife, Vicki (Varvel) Aldridge, in the Dallas area. Dr. Helen MSE’68 and Mike Stauffer of Kearney celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary March 30. Helen was a UNK English professor from 1968 until her retirement in 1990. 1966 Kern Harshbarger and his wife, Barb, of Kearney celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 2. 1967 Larry Junker, executive director of the St. John’s College Alumni Association in Winfield, Kan., was honored by the CornerBank with the Community Cornerstone Award in January for his long-time service. Dr. Dennis Tyson MSE ’73 was inducted into the Broken Bow High School Alumni Hall of Fame. Tyson’s career spanned four decades in education, retiring in 2005 as Central Community College’s Vice President of Educational Services. 1969 Larry Hardesty ’69, MSE ’71 PhD article, “The Bottomless Pit Revisited” which was published in the College & Research Libraries, flagship publication of the Association of College and Research Libraries was selected by the current editorial board and group of past editors as one of 30 “landmark” articles published in the journal since its founding in 1939. The selection was part of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Association of College and Research Libraries.
1970 Barbara (Dry) Betz of Bentonville, Ariz., was awarded teacher of the year in 2014. Betz retired in 2014 after teaching fifth grade for 13 years at Grand Island and fifth grade for 31 years at Bentonville Public Schools. Dan and Nelta (King) Melton ’70 have retired after selling their business, Video Kingdom, in Kearney. They founded the store 31 years ago. Rich Osentowski is a sales associate at Farm Bureau Financial Services in Kearney. 1972 Mike Sims retired in July from Pepperdine University in California where he was executive officer, CER at the Graziadio School of Business & Management. He is in the process of launching a new software company from a foundation he helped create.
1978 Dave McNair of Springfield, recently played his 1,000th golf course. McNair, a traditionalist who plays in knickers with hickory shafts that were made before World War I, has played in all 50 states and every course in Nebraska. He was featured in a story in the Omaha World-Herald in July. 1979 Vicki (Siger) Harper is marketing director at Kearney Federal Credit Union in Kearney. Holly (Lovejoy) Kaye retired from the Denver Police Department after 30 years of service, 16 in patrol and 14 in forensic. She is employed by the Colorado Rockies baseball organization working in the command center. 1980 Ron Eckloff of Barney Financial Services of Kearney has been named to the 2014 advisory council of Securities America Inc. He is a member
Lydiatt Loper Family History Runs Deep The fifth generation of the Lydiatt family began when football student-athlete Jack Lydiatt of Colorado Springs, Colo., begins college this fall. The family legacy dates to the early years of UNK when it was known as Nebraska State Normal School at Kearney. Great great grandfather Laban Lydiatt started in 1915 when two-year degrees were the standard for those preparing to teach. Laban earned his bachelor’s LOPER FAMILY: When it comes to UNK, this degree in 1935 and went on to serve as family has a lot to talk about. John Lydiatt, Matt superintendent at Lodgepole High School for Apel '96, Steve Lydiatt ‘71, MSE ‘72, Jenny Lydiatt 41 years, a Nebraska record for tenure at one ‘93, Jim Jeffres ‘75, Jack Lydiatt, Barb Jeffres ’77 Patty Lydiatt ‘80, MSE ‘82, Maurine Lydiatt and school. Laban received the first Kearney State Molly Jeffres enjoy supporting the Lopers. College Distinguished Service Award in 1960. Great-grandparents Jerry Lydiatt graduated in 1941 as did his wife, Maurine Smith Lydiatt. Jack’s maternal great grandfather, Dr. Dan Nye, was a student in the 1930s before going to medical school. Great uncles Jim Lydiatt ’49 and Dick Smith were students in the late 1940s. Grandparents Steve and Patty Nye Lydiatt both have two degrees. Steve graduated in 1971 and earned a master of science degree in 1972. Patty graduated in 1970 and earned a master of science in education in 1982. Jack’s mother, Jenny Apel Lydiatt, is a 1993 graduate who was a four-year letter winner on the swim team. His father, dentist John Lydiatt, attended UNK. Other relatives who attended or graduated from UNK include uncle Matt Apel ’96, Jenny’s brother; great aunt Barb Lydiatt Jeffres ’77, her husband, Jim ’75 and their daughter, Molly; great uncle Dr. Dan Lydiatt ’73, great aunt Molly Nye, great aunt Susan Nye Kemp ‘65 and great uncle Matt Nye in the 1970s. Uncle Chad Lydiatt is UNK’s director of golf for men and women. n unkalumni.org unkalumni.org
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Class Notes
1992 1991 of the advisory board for UNK’s College of Business Rochelle Hunt Krueger is curriculum librarian/ Chris Polenz has been promoted to vice president and Technology. The Securities America Advisory assistant professor at UNK. of recruiting at Werner Enterprises in Omaha Council provides feedback on the organization’s Andrea ‘Andi’ Miller is acquisitions librarian, overseeing the hiring of professional drivers. strategy, tactics and marketing message. assistant professor at Missouri State University in 1994 1983 Springfield, Mo. Tyler Schwartz is laboratory director at Good Rhonda Winchell of Lincoln is Owner and Steven Stromp is manager, global sales curriculum Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. He graduated Independent Vacation Specialist of a CruiseOne design at PayPal Europe. He lives in Greeley. from UNMC in 1996 and received his MBA with Travel Agency, a full-service provider of Sam Somerhalder is executive vice president an emphasis in Health Care Management from worldwide leisure travel. and chief lending officer at CoreFirst Bank & Trust University of South Dakota in 2013. 1984 in Shawnee, Kan. 1996 Doug Long received the 2014 Athletic Training 1992 Kenya Crandell MAE ’99 is assistant basketball Service Award from the National Athletic Trainers’ Rachel (Brown) Daugherty of Grand island coach at Montana State University. He had been Association in June. He is an athletic trainer at has been named district judge in Nebraska’s assistant director of basketball operations at Great Plains Sports and Therapy Center at the 5th Judicial District which covers Boone, Butler, Oregon the past two years. Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Twania (Wood) Krause Platte. has been promoted to Scott Mingus, president director of financial reporting of LifeCare Associates and analysis at Baldwin Inc. has been appointed to Filters in Kearney. She the board of directors of Now there are two more great was worked in the finance Convenient Care Plus. LifeCare department for 17 years. Associates, located in Elkhorn opportunities to connect with Tyler Schwartz is provides safety, security your alma mater. In addition laboratory director at Good and environmental solutions Samaritan Hospital in for medical facilities in the to Facebook, LinkedIn and Kearney. He graduated from Midwest. Twitter - you can now follow us on Instagram and Pinterest. UNMC in 1996 and received 1985 his MBA with an emphasis Kip Colony is assistant principal at We are looking for lots of pictures of #LoperLegacies and in Health Care Management Millard South High School. He had from University of South #LoperPetPals. So dress up your pets, your kids or both in been an English teacher and girls Dakota in 2013. basketball coach at Millard West #LoperBlue and submit your pictures to unkalumni.org. Tami Tully Zamborelli the past 19 years, the only girls is senior vice president, Don’t forget Lopesup.org is also an excellent way to keep up coach Millard West has ever had. commercial banking at Kelly (Wells) Gewecke MBA with Lopers around the globe. Adams Bank & Trust in '88 is the Business Development Colorado Springs, Colo. Consultant for the Nebraska 1997 Department of Economic Candace (Thompson) Development (DED) covering west Walton is assistant dean of central and southwest Nebraska. arts and sciences at Bellevue Scott Kiburz has a Keller University. Williams real estate franchise in Phoenix, Ariz. He spent 20 years 1999 selling capital equipment in the Joe Krepel is retail operating room for JnJ Ethicon, marketing specialist at Cabela’s in Kearney. Colfax, Hamilton, Merrick, Nance, Platte, Polk, Pfizer, Ohmeda/HP and a start-up company, Dan Swoboda has been promoted to director of Saunders, Seward and York counties. Omnicell. creative services at Anderson Partners, an advertising 1993 and marketing communications firm in Omaha. He 1986 Alan Hauschild is working at Continuum has been with Anderson Partners since 1999. Korey Lowry received the Florida State University’s Financial in Omaha. Hauschild has 15 years of 2013-2014 Undergraduate Advising Award. Lowry 2000 professional experience in human resources and is an academic advisor for FSU undergraduate Sandra (Lewandowski) Agurto received the has expertise in employee benefits and payroll students in majors related to nutrition, food and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) solutions for business owners. exercise science. sponsored Best in America Living Award’s “2013” John Rademacher has been appointed county Room of the Year Award” at Lake Tibet, Orlando, Fla., 1987 court judge in the 9th Judicial District which for her kitchen design. Agurto’s design was part of a Lisa Karnatz is a personal banker with Nebraska consists of Buffalo and Hall counties. He had been team project for an entire house. She is employed by Bank of Commerce in Lincoln. in private law practice in Kearney. Cabinetry Creations, Inc., based in Orlando, Fla. 1990 Darren Sanchez is the Assistant Vice President Laura (Espenmiller) North ’00 is head softball Joe Mejia is an insurance agent in Longmont, Colo. of Cornerstone Bank in Grand Island. coach at Indian Hills Community College in His company is Joe Mejia State Farm Insurance. Ottumwa, Iowa.
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Aric Riggins, park superintendent for Red Willow, Medicine Creek, Swanson and Enders Reservoirs for Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, has been accepted as a participant in Class IV of the Nebraska Water Leaders Academy. He joins 10 others in the class who are pursuing a one-year course to learn more about the vital role of rivers, streams and Nebraska’s abundant aquifers play in the economic stainability of the state. 2001 Rebecca (King) Lush has been promoted to senior production planner at Baldwin Filters in Kearney. Andy Romtzke is owner of Vintage Title & Escrow in Kearney. He received his law degree from UNL College of Law in 2001. 2002 Brian Blakely is an agent with Stonebridge Insurance in Kearney. Ryan Caldwell was presented the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity Bill Fraering Award at its 92nd biennial convention in New Orleans, La. The award is for alumni service and exemplary service to Delta Tau Delta. Caldwell was initiated into Delta Tau Delta by the Theta Kappa Chapter in 1998. 2003 David Arnold MBA ’03 has been named president of Royal Engineered Composites in Minden. He has been with Royal since 1997. Stacey (Sentelle) Artikov is a project manager at Principal Financial Group in Des Moines, Iowa. She earned an MBA degree from the University of Iowa in 2014. Steve Zimmerman has been promoted to manager, International Product Management and Project Management Office at Baldwin Filters in Kearney. He has been with the company for 12 years. 2004 Scott Sheldon is senior network engineer at Intellicom in Kearney. 2005 Akil Davis is a financial representative at Principal Financial Group in Omaha. Marty Levinson MAE ‘11 is coaching at Las Positas Community College in Livermore, Calif. William ‘Mike’ Miller is a financial advisor at Wells Fargo Advisors in Highland Ranch, Colo. Justin Weller is the Division Sales Manager of four regions across the southern part of the US for Cadbury Schweppes. Ty Wisdom is a teacher and coach at Valley Vista High School in Sunrise, Ariz. He has been on the staff at Millard South. 2008 Josh Hanshaw is oncology service line coordinator at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Andrea (Rexroth) Anthony is the Development Director at Community CROPS in Lincoln.
2009 AshLea Allberry is vice president, operations, at Nanonation in Lincoln. Morgan Kenney is senior program coordinator – corporate marketing, at Cerner Corporation in Shawnee, Kan. Hoa Nguyen after graduation working as a tax advisor for KPMG in Ho Chi Minh City. He is currently involved with a company that raises capital for public/private equity partnerships for major infrastructure programs. Nguyen has been offered a position with the Vietnam Ministry of Finance where he will work on the continuing privatization efforts of Vietnam, specifically in energy. Kristi Scott is senior living consultant at Esprit Whispering Ridge in Omaha. Kellen Skarka is captain in the Marine Corps Air Station in Miramir in January. Skarka served in Afghanistan where he earned the distinguished Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his actions during the Camp Bastion base attack and a downed aircraft recovery. Skarka is serving with Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 38 in the Tactical Air Command Center. Miki Wilson received her doctorate in physical education in May. She and her husband, Rob Jenkins, were married May 26, 2012. They have a son, Ethan Robert. 2010 Brandon Beebout completed his doctorate of veterinary medicine degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts, West Indies. He is continuing post graduate studies with a rotating small-animal internship at the Pet Emergency and Specialty Center in San Diego, Calif. Devon Kastler is a golf professional at Players Club in Omaha. He had been at the Kearney Country Club in Kearney. Dr. Jared Loschen has joined the staff at Eagle Dental Associates in Kearney. Luke Spivey is a financial analyst with Baldwin Filters in Kearney. 2011 Kylee Adams is graphic production specialist at Penton in Kearney. Megan (Blume) Grimes is Union Pacific communication account manager at News Link in Lincoln. Jacob Spitzlberger is president at San Diego Windustrial in California. 2012 Hilke Brandon is director of corporate sponsorship/Loper Sports Properties with the athletic department at UNK. Jordan German is a representative for Union Pacific in Omaha. Vanessa Jones is the Director of Development at the National Organization for Rivers (NOR). NOR focuses on defending the public’s right to recreate on rivers based on historically established river law.
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2013 Dani Donovan is director of social media at AIGA Nebraska, Graphic Designer at HDR, Inc. and Art Director at FAST Diet in Omaha. Vanessa Gauthier is a girls physical education/ health teacher at Cheyenne Mountain junior High School in Colorado Springs, Colo. Skylar Hinrichs is retail operations manager for The Archway in Kearney.
M O V I N G ?
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Class Notes
Charles and Rachel (Christensen) Grilli '97 of Nic ’03 MS ‘05 and Megan (Riessland) Fryda Mariss Niday is an underwriting specialist at West Des Moines, Iowa, are parents of a daughter, ’03, MSE ’06 of Kearney are parents of a son, Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies in Omaha. Charlotte Irene, born Feb. 13. They also have Archer John, born Aug. 8. 2014 daughters Kathryn Rose 13 and Elizabeth Mae 8. Luke '06 and Amanda (Broadfoot) Garringer Kelan Schumacher is a middle school math Rachel is employed at Works at Wellmark Blue '07 of Kearney are parents of a son, Mason teacher at North Platte St. Patrick’s. Cross and Blue Shield. Daniel, born Feb. 26. Kierstin Stolzenburg is a graduate student at Sierra and Dexter Higgins '13 of Kearney are Judith and Joshua Geiselman '07 of Riverdale, Denver University in Denver, Colo. parents of a son, Carter Ryan, born April 11. are parents of a son, Grant Gideon, born March 14. Births Jarrod '08 and Maggie (Younes) Holz '08, Carlos and Amy (Widman) Godinez '11 of Kearney Patrick '10 and Elizabeth (Thomas) Ackerman MBA '09 of Kearney are parents of a son, Titus are parents of a son, Junah Raymond, born June 3. '10 of Omaha are parents of a daughter, Eva Kay, William, born March 28. Ben MS '11 and Sarah (Stefkovich) Hanika born December 9, 2013. Misty and Jason Houston '04 of Elkhorn are '07, MS '12 of Seward are parents of a son, Jason '94 and Gretchen Albers '02 of Kearney are parents of a son, Jaxon Dennis, born January 13. Joseph Richard, born Feb. 27. parents of a son, Henry Irvin, born June 11. Alexander '03 and Jennifer (Gross) Jensen Edward '00 and Jill (Merklin) '05 of Papillion are parents Albrecht '01, MSE '03 of of a son, Dominic Jay, born Cozad are parents of a son, January 30. Eden Allen, born January 22. Colby '06, MBA '08 and They also have three daughters, Crystal (Parr) L’Heureux '07 Ellie, Abbie and Emily. Want to surprise a student, staff or faculty of Axtell are parents of a son, Ryan '11 and Allison (Smith) member at UNK with a special treat? Send Hudson John, born April 5. Birdwell '12 of Kearney are James '06 and Olimpia them a BlueGold Brigade Cookiegram. parents of a son, Braylen Leon, Trambly '09 of Kearney born June 4. Cookiegrams include a 6-inch personalized are parents of a son, Tiago Christopher and Amy (Parker) Eileen’s Cookie and a BlueGold Brigade Michael born April 14. Bowman '01 of Kearney are Brandyn and Jessica (Jones) gift. For only $10, you can be your student’ s parents of a son, Carson Chet, Lonowski '12 of Odessa are favorite family member, or your past born March 28. parents of a daughter, Haedyn Kasey and Tara (Freeze) Brandt professor’s favorite alum. Delivery to the Kearney campus only. Rae, born May 1. '08 of Kearney are parents of a Purchase yours today at: James and Laura (Engelstad) daughter, Finley Jo, born Feb. 7. Lucas '12 of Kearney are Scott '99 and Shannon parents of a daughter, Jaida (Peterson) Bruha '00 of Kearney Irene, born April 24. are parents of a daughter, Reeslyn Proceeds go to benefit the UNK Alumni Association student Natalie and Aaron Madsen Taylor, born May 10. organization BlueGold Brigade. '01 of Kearney are parents of Brian and Kristin (Steinbeck) a daughter, Halle Faith, born Chamness '03, MSE '06 of May 22. Aaron is the Clinic Kearney are parents of a son, Administrator for the First Care Andrew Bode, born May 24. Medical, PC of Kearney and Ravenna. Michael '05 and Jen (Clausen) Hiebner '04 Jamison '08 and Beth (Alt) Christensen '09 of Pete and Alyssa (Nielsen) Marshall '13 of Lincoln are parents of a daughter, Mckinley Kearney are parents of a son, Cameron Michael, of Minden are parents of a daughter, Scarlett Jaymes, born April 23. born Sept. 22, 2013. Madison, born May 21. Jesse and Ashley (Zinnel) Hilton '08 of Kearney Lindsey and Matthew Connot '09 of Kearney are Karen and Dan Mast '94 of Kearney are parents of are parents of a son, Houston Kyle, born June 3. parents of a son, Jonathan James, born March 28. a daughter, Charlotte Joelle, born Jan. 5. Geri and Kelly Jasnoch '05 of Kearney are Bryce and April (Ortegren) Debban '00 of Anthony '03 and Kelly (Kenyon) Maeser '03 parents of a son, Levi Vincent, born April 22. Lakeside Park are parents of a daughter, Kate of Omaha are parents of a daughter, Tessa Lynn, Alexander ‘03 and Jennifer (Gross) Jensen ’05 Rachael, born Dec. 30. born Dec. 3. They also have a son, Jackson, and are parents of a son, Dominic Jay, on January 30. Luke '11 and Rachel (May) Decker '12 of daughter, Grace. Kirby '10 and Brooke (Scripter) Johnson '10 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Delaney Rose, Doug and Laura (Thomas) Marshall ’08 of Kearney are parents of a son, Milo Edison, born Feb 2. born May 9. Broken Bow are parents of a daughter, Ava Bliss, Dusty '08 and Michelle (Wells) Jura of Axtell are Jessica and Marcus Donner '05, MA '12 of Shelton born July 29. parents of a daughter, Eva Scotlyn, born May 2. are parents of a son, Peyton James, born Jan. 2. Tony '02 and Missy (Stones) McGowan '00 Tim '06 and Elissa (Sims) Karges '07 of Kearney Andy '93, '99 and Monica (Graham) Falk '94 of of Omaha are parents of a daughter, Hannah are parents of a son, Noah Ephraim, born Jan. 14. Pleasanton are parents of a son, Griffin Maddox Katherine, born Feb. 17. Matt '04 and Casey (Parr) Kenny '04, MSE '06 Reagan, born June 28. Jon and Aften (Schepler) Melton '07 of of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Karlie Jean, Gordon and Stephnie (Kuck) Fehringer ’05 of Kearney Holdrege are parents of a daughter, Krynn Elise, born Feb. 7. are parents of a son, Jaxon Gerald, born Aug. 4. born April 29. Brooke and Mike Ford '05 of Elm Creek are Bri and Justin Moore '09 of Axtell are parents of parents of a son, Holden Ryan, born March 26. a daughter, Logan Mae, born Jan. 28. Kathy and Brett Fries '01, MS '13 of Kearney are parents of a son, Kellen James, born May 6.
C O O K I E G R A M S
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Class Notes
Bryan '08 and Monica (Fuentes) Mueller '08, ME '11 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Emilia Grace, born May 7. Kyle '06 and Kristin (Franke) Paben '06 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Avery Nicole, born Nov. 23. Daniel and Laura (Simpkins) Pasbrig '02 of Minden are parents of a daughter, Everleigh Belle, born March 21. Ted '07 and Kayla (Story) Pfister '05 of Overton are parents of a daughter, Ashtyn Denae born March 27. Jessica and Tyler Pratt '09 of Columbus are parents of a daughter, Everlea Grace, born March 7. Joseph and Shanda (Norman) Pouk '07 of Holdrege are parents of a daughter, Ella Elizabeth, born Jan. 5. Jesse '10 and Michelle (Atkins) Riens '07 of Kearney are parents of a son, Wesley Jay, born April 6. Cole '10 and Alison (Carpenter) Robinson '12 of Elm Creek are parents of a son, Carter James, born Jan. 24. David '07 and Dawn (Petty) Salyer '07 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Jocelyn Abigail, born May 18. Jason and Mandy (Balcom) Schafer '05 of St. Louis, Mo., are parents of a son, Finnegan Wilbur, born Feb. 24. Jason '02 and Kerissa (Kramer) Steinshouer '03 of Elkhorn are parents of a son, Isaac James, born Dec. 23. They also have a son, Jaxson Daniel, 3. Chris '97 and Dana (Epley) Stelling '98 of Yorktown, Va., are parents of a daughter, Sara Mae Elizabeth, born May 25, 2013. Scott '98 and LeAnna (Guerin) Stork '98 of St. Charles, Mo., are parents of a son, Owen Lee, born Sept. 2, 2013. David and Anne Marie (Peterka) Stott '06, EDS '10 of Kearney are parents of a son, Matthew Alexander Christian ‘Macs,’ born April 21. Michael '06, MBA '08 and Shawna (Banzhaf) Strong '07, MSE '09 of Kearney are parents of a son, Carter Michael, born Feb. 9. Bill '99 and Jena (Lautenschlager) Stroud '06 of Kearney are parents of a son, Easton Cole, born April 25. Gillis and Brooke (Jurgens) Terzi '05 of Gibbon are parents of a daughter, Hosanna Grace, born April 26. Damien '03 and Stephanie (Paulsen) Todd '04 of Kearney are parents of a son, Landon Carter, born Feb. 1. Trevor '13 an Arielle (Spellman) Tripe '05 of Kearney are parents of a son, Trey Joseph, born May 6. Casey '05 and Mikala (Gleason) Vrbka '07 of Holdrege are parents of a daughter, Kesley Lillian, born April 16. Nate and Ginger (Iwan) Weides '02 of Omaha are parents of a daughter, Aubrey Kate, born April 24.
Notes of Gratitude Often, the people we are today is because of the connections we made at UNK. We want to give you the opportunity to show your gratitude to those special people. Your letters are welcome. Whether it is to express gratitude to a past instructor, alumni or friend or to comment and/or add to a published story - we want to hear from you. Write us at UNK Today magazine, UNK Alumni Association 2222 9th Ave., Kearney, NE 68845-6120. Include your name, class year (if applicable), email, city, state and daytime phone number or send letters or email Lopers@unkalumni.org.
Dr. Don Welch “Walking through the Alumni House and noticing a piece of artwork with a photo of Green Terrace and a few words from Don Welch my mind flashed back to my college days when I was fortunate enough to have been in three or four of this classes. I knew there was something special about those classes ... just how special would not register in my consciousness until years later. He made me more aware of language and its power to express ideas to paint pictures with words. Little did I realize I was in the presence of greatness. Thank you Dr. Welch for your gift of language and all the gifts you have given others through your teaching, your caring and your writings.” ~Forever grateful, Judith Henggeler Spohr •
Dr. Jack Karraker “I will never forget Jack Karraker for encouraging me in art. I learned a lot about art and Europe traveling with him. I paint today because of him. I was not an art major, but art became a part of my life.” ~ Debby Clark Thalken '72•
Susan Thompson Buffett Scholarship “The Susan Thompson Buffett scholarship has been the best experience at UNK. I am so thankful for it and all it has to offer. It has made my first two years here a blast! Thanks TSLC!” ~Student Jeslynn as part of the #UgivethaNKs program at UNK• unkalumni.org
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Class Notes
Boyd '06 and Sandra (Daake) Weller '07 of Riverdale are parents of a daughter, Aubrey Lynn, born Feb. 2. Andy and Tiffany (Robinson) Wernke '05 of Kearney are parents of twins, son Kannon William and daughter Brenlee Bracken, born June 18. Dustin and Michelle (Grady) Westerbeck '01, MAE '08 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Hattie Grace, born May 30. Tyson '08 and Katie (Weber) Wiegel '05 of Loveland, Colo., are parents of a son Garet Neil, born Feb. 19. They also have a son, Tate. Nathan '09 and Kiley (Figgner) Wrage '11 MS '13 of Kearney are parents of a son, Jace Lucas, born May 6. John and Sarah (Fritzler) Zulkoski '99 of Kearney are parents of a son, Camden Carl, born Jan. 13. Marriages Dustin Ayles '10 and Lindsey Reinke April 26 in Omaha. Alyssa Baker '11 and Tyler Wyant October 19, 2013, in Kearney. Kristan Barleen '08 and Matt Poast August 2 in Omaha. Kristi Bauer '13 and Shaun Fisher May 16 in Kearney. Kristi is a customer service representative at Ellerbrock-Norris Insurance in Kearney. Dick Collins ’76 and Shirley Johnson July 12 in Kearney. Shaun and Kristi (Bauer) Fisher '13 May 16 at Kearney. Kristi is a customer service representative at Ellerbrook-Norris Insurance in Kearney. Shannon Foley '11, ME '13 and Nathan Luth '09 May 31 in Kearney. Shannon is a therapist at Richard Young Behavioral Health Center in Kearney. Nathan is a sales representative for Fastenal of Lexington. Kylee Gardner '08 and Michael Saathoff May 2 in York. James Habe '10 and Shelby Benda July 19 in Albion. Heather (Hake) and Jason Johnson ’96 of Rio Racho, NM, May 24 at Sandia Resort in Albuquerque, NM. Dana Hilde '12 and Brett Miller '12 October 19, 2013 in Lincoln. They live in Grand Island where Dana is the volunteer and program coordinator for Grand Island Chamber of Commerce and Brett is the multimedia manager for Bosselman Companies. Tessa Kreutzer '12 and Devin Gall '12 June 7 in Holdrege. They live in Elwood. Danielle McDuffee '13 and Barrett Main June 28 in Kearney. Danielle teaches special education for Omaha Public Schools. Lori Pippitt '96 and Scot Wellman May 23 in Lincoln. Erin Sexton '09, EDS '13 and Vance Jones '12 August 2 in Kearney. Amber (Schoenals) and Scott Lane on April 14 in Lincoln Amber is employed at Crete Carrier Corp. Katie Sterkel '06 and Ryan Griess December 13. They live in Sutton. 32
Barbara”Barbie” Varon ’14 and John Steinke ’13 July 25 in Papillion. They live in Omaha. Rita Vogel '10 and Ben Pehl June 22, 2013, in Howells Rita is a first grade teacher in Terry, Mont. Ben is a farmer. Jordan Higgins ‘13 and Matthew Voichahoske ‘12 October 25 in Papillion. Erik and Jenna (Hull) White ’07 of Lincoln June 28. In attendance were several UNK friends and Alpha Phi sorority sisters. Deaths Kenneth Bailey '66 of Guide Rock died January 21. He was 72. Fern (Barnwell) Barger '50 of Scottsbluff died March 23. Ray Bartusiak '54 of Littleton, Colo., died July 6. He was 83. Rodney Boss '66, MAE '82, '85 of Ogallala died February 22. He was a career educator and coach. He was 72. Marguerite (Staab) Bristol '60, MSE '67 of Ansley died February 5. She was 91. Ardella (Rundquist) Bredwell '48 of Utica died February 26. She was 86. Duane Burton ’61 of Clarinda, Iowa, died July 27. He was 75. Dru Cafferty '80 of Highland Village, Texas, died April 3. He worked for Quebecor World Color for 23 years. He was 56. Robert Dennis ‘Bob’ Christensen '77 of Hot Springs, S.D., died March 18. Maria (Morrison) Cooley '72 of Oxford died May 8. She was 63. Daniel “Dan” Easton '00 of Dallas, Texas, died Aug. 5. He was 36. Willard T. “Chip” Essex '71 of Hastings died June 20. He had a career in banking before retiring in 2003. He was a member of the Kearney State College Foundation Board. He was 69. Betty Mae (Anderson) Friskopp of Kearney died February 11. She was 86. Mary (Gifford) Daake '71 of Kearney died May 27. She was director of academic advising and career services at UNK. She was 64. Kenneth Gillming '05 of Parkland, Fla., died February 6. He was 88. Gregory Koepke '88 of Wenatchee, Wash., died March 25. He was a medical technologist at Central Washington Hospital. He was 48. Jennie (Silas) Gutierrez '73, MAE '81 of Lexington died February 20. She was a career educator and active community advocate. She was a recipient of the UNK Distinguished Alumni Service Award. She was 90. Dr. Roger Hanson '50 of Kearney died April 18. A career educator, he was a professor of education at UNK from 1978 to 1986. He was 89. Robert Hayes MSE '71 of Chappell died June 29. He was 74.
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Orpha Hooge '67 of Kearney died March 27. She was 95. Robert Imming '50 of Kearney died June 10. He was 88. Elizabeth Jindrich '82 of Kearney died Feb. 23. She was 81. Raoul Johnson ’67 of Arnold died April 28. He was 70 Marshall Joyce '56 of Omaha died January 23. He was 81. Georgenia (Janssen) Kempt '67 of Shelton died May 26. She taught for 42 years and received the UNK College of Education Service to Education Award in 1987. She was 92. Shirley (Nutter) Krause '66 of Ansley died February 13. She was 85. Matthew Lindsay '09 of Kearney died May 29. He was 28. Marla Little '93 of Omaha died June 16. She was 37. Dr. Mark Markes, former physics and physical science professor at UNK who retired in 2011, died May 25. He was 65. Diana (Sedlak) Mayben '82 of Litchfield Park, Ariz., died Jan 16. She was 64. Moe Milliken '53 of Omaha died June 11. He was 82. Larry McMullen '88 of Cayce, S.C., died Dec. 6. John Mitchell '47 of Omaha died February 28. He received his J.D. degree from Georgetown Law School in 1950 and practiced law in Kearney and Omaha until 2001. He also had a distinguished career in broadcasting. He was 89. Dr. James Mohatt '54 of York, Pa., died Feb 20. He had a career teaching music at York College. He was 80. Audrey Nelson of Lincoln died March 30. She was the wife of professor emeritus William Nelson. She was 89. Mary Lou O’Brien '81, MSE '89 of Kearney died April 28. She was 79. Judy Parry '80 of Centerville, Iowa, died June 30. She was 58. Bernadine (Eckhout) Roth '57 of Rialto, Calif., died June 17. She was 76. Lyndell Schleif '59 of Fairbury died June 17. He was 80. Rosemary Schuchardt '68 of Cozad died July 3. She was 91. Larry Snell ’60 of York died August 5. He taught and spent 27 years in the insurance sales industry. He was inducted into the UNK Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993. He was 75. David Staehr '62 of York died April 8. He was a career educator in Nebraska and Kansas. He was 73. Floyd Trew '62 of North Platte died May 19. He was 87. Francis “Willie” Wilson '49 of Denver, Colo., died December 20. He was 88.
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Nonprofit U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 14 University of Nebraska at Kearney
Bringing back the tradition. The Bike Bowl is rolling again for its 36th year. Plan now to compete. Students, alumni and community members are welcome to put together a four-member team.
Kearney, Nebraska 68849-6120
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35th Annual Bike Bowl: April 25 at the UNK Safety Center Look for more details at www.unkalumni.org/bikebowl >>> Registration begins March 1, 2015.