UNK Today Fall 2009 by UNKAlumni

FROM

THE CHANCELLOR ENROLLMENT REACHES 10-YEAR HIGH Significant milestones- cele nrollment at UNK increased this year for the sixth consecutive year. Fall headcount was 6,650, the highest brated since 1999 and an increase of 1.6 percent over last

Just a few weeks ago, on “Move-in Day 2009,” students traveled to UNK from all 93 counties in Nebraska, 47 states and 46 countries. A lot has happened since then. With more than 1,700 students living on campus, and an enrollment of 6,650 overall, it is no surprise that there are few dull moments and that time passes quickly. I’m very pleased to report that our fall enrollment increased for the sixth year in a row and was the highest since 1999. Graduate enrollment was particularly strong. Solidifying that upward trend requires a continuing commitment from the entire campus community, and I am grateful for everyone’s support. That support has also made possible the significant milestones UNK has celebrated, most recently the opening of Antelope Hall in 2007, Nester Hall in 2008 and the completion of the campus’s Central Utilities Project. In fact, in the last eight years, we have started and, in most cases, have completed $91 million in campus projects. On October 2nd we celebrated again. On a clear, cool, very windy day, friends and colleagues gathered for the formal reopening of Bruner Hall of Science. Technically it was not a reopening because, in spite of the extensive renovations, the building never closed. In many respects it would have been easier to raze the old structure; in reality, however, that was not an option. We certainly could not do without the teaching of sciences for two years. And the cost of constructing a new building would have produced a much smaller, less functional facility. So, in true UNK tradition, the more difficult road was chosen because it ultimately was better for our students. The endurance and perseverance have paid tremendous dividends. Bruner Hall of Science became worthy of the faculty and students who have long made our science programs hallmarks of excellence. In short, the quality of the building finally caught up to the quality of the scientists within. If you have not recently had a chance to do so, I hope you will make time soon to visit campus. I think you will be impressed with Bruner Hall of Science and other renewal projects, and inspired by the overall strides we are making to become a bigger and better University. My best regards to each of you. Go Lopers!

Sincerely,

Douglas A. Kristensen, J.D. Chancellor

THE COVER

One of the features of the Bruner Hall of Science project is the Planetarium, Nebraska’s newest star theater. The NASA-equipped facility features a state-of-the-art projector, the Zeiss Starmaster ZKP 4. Each of the six thousand stars is individually projected on the dome with fiber optic technology and full computerized controls that allow past or future astronomical displays with the push of a button. Photo is by Todd Rundstrom. UNK Today l Fall 2009

year. Aggregrate student credit hours – the course-load that students take – also rose by 0.6 percent. Students have come to UNK this year from all 93 counties in Nebraska, 47 states and 46 countries. The most international students come from Japan 191, China 130, South Korea 36, Nepal 24, Colombia 19, Cote D’Ivoire 17, Mexico 17, Bahamas 10 and Saudi Arabia 9. Growth is particularly strong at the graduate level as UNK offerings continue to attract students who seek career or personal development through advanced education. Total enrollment in graduate programs increased by 12.5 percent. Freshman, although down overall to 969 students, was larger than the groups that entered in 2006 and 2007. Undergraduate transfers also increased by 14.4 percent to 334, the highest since 2005. The average ACT score by freshmen is the highest ever achieved by an entering class. Chancellor Doug Kristensen expressed optimism about the numbers. “It is certainly good news that UNK’s overall momentum continues with significant growth in the total number of students served. This has been a very challenging year for all students, as the economic downturn complicates their choices about attending or continuing in college. To more than hold our own in that kind of environment is a real achievement.”

THE

NUMBERS

UNK’s Industrial Distribution program is the third largest and one of the top programs in the country. See page 14.

Gold Torch Society, the Alumni Association’s women’s mentoring program, celebrated its 10th anniversary in September with featured alumni speakers from Alaska and California. See page 8.

Awards at Homecoming went to 12 alumni. Five received Distinguished Alumni Awards, five were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame, one received the Gary Thomas Distinguished Music Alumni Award and one was honored as the Don Fox Chemistry Lecturer. See pages 9-11.

500

Want to have your own UNK Loper license plate? The Alumni Association is collecting names to reach that number since the Nebraska Legislature passed legislation to allow non-profit organizations to create their own license plates. Five hundred is the minimum number required to purchase plates. See page 5.

1,236

Graduation ceremonies in December, May and July added 1,236 new alumni. See page 6.

CAMPUS NEWS

Bruner Hall of Science $14.5 million project will enhance education Jim Rundstrom ’64 Alumni Director Emeritus Editor $14.5 million William E. Bruner Hall of Science renovation and addition that has been in the works for the past year and half, opened to students and faculty with the beginning of fall semester. The new facility features classrooms, laboratories and research space to house the departments of physics, biology, chemistry and the health sciences program. Physics occupy the first floor, biology the second and third floors and chemistry the fourth floor. Health sciences will be located in the new addition. The addition will also be home to a new planetarium. The planetarium is the only phase of the construction project not completed. It will be finished by November. Dr. Robert Rycek, interim dean of the College of Natural and Social Sciences, said the completion of the state-of-theart project is “a tremendous step forward for the campus. The sciences have always had faculty and students working together and this building will enhance those experiences.” The Bruner project was completed in two phases. The first was a total renovation of the existing 87,500-square-foot Bruner building and the demolition of Mary Morse Lecture Hall. The second was the construction of a 26,000-squarefoot addition that features new laboratories, ‘smart’ classrooms, a herbarium and a new planetarium. That two-story addition was constructed north of Bruner in the area occupied by Mary Morse. There is a courtyard area between the two buildings that can be used as an

GRAND OPENING: Health science students hold the ribbon, student body president and student regent Cade Craig holds the bow while Drew Prososki and NU vice president for university affairs Pete Kotsiopulos cut the ribbon at the grand re-opening of Bruner Hall of Science. outdoor classroom or for other faculty and student activities. The building also features a brick sculpture by Nebraska artist Jay Tschetter of Denton that depicts the four disciplines housed inside. The 14x20-foot sculpture is located on the west exterior wall. Dr. Rycek pointed out that the Bruner building was totally functional during the process. “Not only was it unique but it took tremendous cooperation among the faculty, students, the construct i o n com-

pany and the campus facilities staff to accomplish that during the past year and a half. That was truly remarkable.” A major feature of the project is a new planetarium that features a 24x30-foot dome. The planetarium will be used to teach physical science, earth sciences, physics classes and astronomy. The Physics Department received a $551,000 grant from NASA for planetarium equipment. Dr. Jose Mena-Werth, professor of physics and physical science, said

the planetarium is the most advanced in Nebraska and one of the best in the Great Plains. Dr. Rycek said another grant from the NU Foundation provided funds to renovate the observatory on the roof of Bruner. That grant was used for new equipment and for upgrades. “All of our needs were met except four biology labs which will require additional funding,” Dr. Rycek said. The university is working with the NU Foundation to raise money to support those labs that are the key to the research and learning that takes place. Alumni and friends who have an interest in assisting with this project can contact Kristin Howard, director of development for the NU Foundation, at 308-698-5276 or khoward@nufoundation.org.

Fall 2009l UNK Today l

CAMPUS NEWS On the Shoulders of Giants 2,650 brick mural on Bruner depicts four sciences Project is part of the State of Nebraska program to promote the arts in new buildings ne feature of the Bruner Hall of Science project is a 31-foot by 14-foot mural that was installed on the west side of the building. “On the Shoulders of Giants’ was designed and constructed by Jay Tschetter and Tom Meyers from Images in Brick in Denton. They installed the 2,650 bricks in August. The art deco-style piece is made up of four quadrants with each of the sciences – biology, chemistry, physics and health sciences represented. Physics focuses on forces at nuclear and sub-atomic levels. The physicist beholds an atom of carbon to imply the human basis of scientific inquiry; science is not nature itself; but mankind’s conceptualization and organization of it. Chemistry focuses on the bonds between and among atoms. The chemist holds a moderately complex molecule involved in photosynthesis. The transition from subatomic to molecular is suggested along the border between physics and chemistry.

ART PROJECT: Chancellor Doug Kristensen addresses the crowd at the dedication of Bruner Hall of Science. Behind the Chancellor is a brick mural that describes the departments housed in the building. transition from chemistry to biology focuses on the extremely complex DNA strands. Several diverse life-forms emerge from the strand. The biologist ponders the potential of understanding the code of life, maybe even creating it. The penultimate stage of mitosis segues upward to the level of the whole human organism. The schematic human form contains numerous connections to majors in the health sciences. This form

reaches toward the caring health scientist, indicating the interactive nature of these professions. The form also reaches upward with a balletic gesture implying the human impulses of cultural refinement and scientific striving to comprehend the stars. The shell at the center touches on all four sciences, anchors the composition and symbolizes numerous things like

gradual, continuing development that builds upon what has preceded it; cyclical nature of history which doesn’t repeat, it rhymes; mathematical economy of organic design; and secrets locked within nature, the mystical still point of the turning wall. The project is part of the State of Nebraska’s art program that stipulates one percent of the budget for new buildings is set for artwork.

T h e

2 l

UNK Today l Fall 2009

LOOKING BACK: Built in 1965, this photo shows Bruner Hall of Science before the addition and renovation.

Sciences, Industrial Distribution

CAMPUS NEWS

Receive $178,000 from NU Foundation NK has received more than $178,000 in funding from the University of Nebraska Foundation’s annual grants program. “Given the current financial climate, we’re especially pleased to award grants in support of projects aligned with campus priorities and the university’s overall strategic framework,” said Brian Hamilton of Grand Island, a member of the University of Nebraska Foundation’s board of directors and chairman of the grants committee. “We’re extremely thankful for the ongoing and generous support from donors across Nebraska and the country who make this support possible.” The College of Natural and Social Sciences and its department of physics and physical science received a grant of $128,725 for new telescopes and accessories for the UNK observatory located on the roof of Bruner Hall of Science. This support enhances instruction and

research opportunities for classes in astronomy and earth science, reaching more than 300 students each year. Support for the observatory also extends the university’s outreach activities to schools in the region and to the general public. The observatory is open to the public for scheduled events and programs throughout the year. THE COLLEGE of Business and Technology received a grant of $50,000 for the industrial distribution program in the department of industrial technology. The financial support will enrich industrial distribution instruction and provide practical learning opportunities for students that mirror operational realities they will find in actual business settings. The university’s industrial technology department is the only program in Nebraska accredited by the National Association of Industrial Technology at the undergraduate

level and is one of only 55 programs of its kind in the nation. Earlier this year, the program was named one of the top in the nation by the University Sales Education Foundation, and it was the only Nebraska program listed in Selling Power Magazine’s list of top national and international programs. UNK Chancellor Douglas Kristensen expressed appreciation for the grants. “Much of what we do at UNK is dependent upon the generosity of friends and alumni and, of course, the University of Nebraska Foundation,” Kristensen said. “TAXES ALONE cannot bear the entire financial burden; therefore, we are especially grateful for the recent funding to support projects that will advance our priorities, enrich opportunities for students and enhance teaching capabilities.” The University of Nebraska Foundation’s board of directors

awarded $1.17 million across the university system for the 2009 grants program. Much of the annual grant resources are made available from unrestricted donations to the foundation. The chancellors submit proposals annually for the grant money, and the proposals are aligned with the university’s strategic framework, as outlined by the University of Nebraska president. For a complete list of the grants awarded to the University of Nebraska for 2009-2010, visit nufoundation.org. The University of Nebraska Foundation is a private, nonprofit corporation that has raised private gifts to support the University of Nebraska for 73 years. Last year, it provided more than $130 million—the most ever—for students, faculty, academic programs, research, and for campus and building improvements on all four campuses.

h In Memory â

Chancellor Nester led KSC to UNK r. William R. ‘Bill’ Nester, who may be best remembered for leading Kearney State College’s transition into the University of Nebraska, died June 24 at his home in Cincinnati. He was 81. Dr. Nester was named president of Kearney State in 1983 and retired as chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 1993, two years after the college became part of the university system. The tenure of Dr. Nester was highlighted by progress at all levels across campus – academically, in professional development, in service programs and in the building of learning and living facilities.” In his 10 years of leading the campus, Dr. Nester oversaw the construction of University

Residences North and South, the Ockinga Center, Health and Sports Center, the PetersonYanney Carillon and the Cope Foundation. HE ALSO played important roles in many other renovations and additions that included A.O. Thomas Hall, Calvin T. Ryan Library, West Center’s east wing, the Museum of Nebraska Art, Copeland Hall, the Nebraska Safety Center, the Communications Center and the Nebraskan Student Union. University president James B. Milliken said, “Bill had a great vision of what the campus could be, how much stronger it could be as part of the university system, what an important role it could play as a predominately undergraduate, residential cam-

pus and how well it could serve the people of Nebraska.” Chancellor Doug Kristensen mourned the loss of a great friend of the campus community. “He leaves a legacy of total commitment to students and higher education. For this reason, he was a perfect fit for UNK and the greater Kearney community. He profoundly touched the lives of thousands of people and our campus, in particular, was the benefactor of his wise and reasoned leadership.” IN SEPTEMBER, the university honored the former chancellor by naming the new residence hall the William Nester Hall complex. Dr. Nester’s wife, Mary Jane, who was an important

ambassador of the campus during the Nester presidency, died in 2005.

Fall 2009l UNK Today l

CAMPUS NEWS

Calvin T. Ryan Library

Addressing growing web-based resources s the landscape of information access and scholarly publishing changes, libraries including UNK’s Calvin T. Ryan Library are adapting to meet the needs of its users in the brave new online world. The library recently restructured one of its faculty positions to devote fulltime attention to managing its growing collection of web-based resources. In January 2009, Jon Ritterbush joined UNK’s faculty as its first Electronic Resources Librarian.

DURING THE first half of 2009, the library activated access to 18 new electronic resources, benefitting from its participation and partnerships with other agencies. Two of these new resources, STAT-USA and USA Trade Online, provide access to detailed economic data collected by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Subscriptions to these databases can be cost-prohibitive, but because the Calvin T. Ryan Library is a federal government depository, visitors to the library enjoy free access to these databases. UNK has also benefitted from the efforts of the Nebraska Library Commission, which negotiates with many database vendors on behalf of all Nebraska libraries. Because of these cost savings, UNK is able to maximize access to those electronic resources which complement the research

INTERFACE: Senior Holli Beckmann from North Platte and Jon Ritterbush, Electronic Resources Librarian, are improving the Calvin T. Ryan Library through electronic enhancements. needs of students and faculty. In the short-term, Ritterbush has focused his attention on the public launch of a new electronic resource management (ERM) system. “With ERM, we’ll be better able to track subscription renewals, license agreements, and usage statistics for the 100+ free and fee-based online resources we currently offer to researchers,” said Ritterbush. “More importantly, library users will benefit from an improved website interface by

which to locate databases most relevant to their field of study.” As UNK expands its online course offerings, the library is seeking additional online resources to support the needs of students and instructors who may never set foot in Kearney. “The future of electronic resources in libraries lies in new collections which are just now being digitized,” said Ritterbush. “Primary historical documents, art images, and multimedia collections are

being developed but many require some form of access fee or annual subscription. Our challenge will be to stay abreast of these new resources and allocate the resources necessary to connect library users with these new tools at their point of need. To learn more about giving, visit www.nufoundation.org or contact Kristin Howard, director of development for the NU Foundation, at 308-698-5276 or khoward@nufoundation.org.

Scholarship to assist C.T. Ryan Library students Carolyn Wagner Snyder ’64 creates fund to honor her mother and their college education hanks to the education Carolyn Wagner Snyder ’64 and her mother Florence Wagner ’70 received at Kearney State College, their lives changed.

T 4 l

UNK Today l Fall 2009

Now Carolyn wants to help current students. She has created a fund with the NU Foundation for students who work in the Calvin T. Ryan Library. “The education each of us obtained from KSC was critical to the quality of our lives,” Snyder said. “My mother received her bachelor’s degree in her middle life but early enough to influence many aspects of her teaching career.” She said she is making the gift to honor her mother and to begin to thank UNK for the opportunities both of them had

because of their education. Her annual gift will be awarded to a student working in the library who is at least a sophomore and who graduated from a Nebraska High School. Her roots were in family farms in Northeast Nebraska and Snyder worked in the library while she was a student. IT WAS there that she found a career that was rewarding. “Without a doubt, the librarians had a major influence in my future,” she said. Snyder said that their roots are in a family

farm in northeast Nebraska. After graduating, Snyder went to the University of Denver where she received a master’s degree in Librarianship in 1965. She had a long career as a library administrator at UNL, Indiana University Bloomington and Southern Illinois University Carbondale where she served as Dean of Library Affairs. “I understand and greatly appreciate the importance of contributing resources to help others obtain an education and enhance the quality of their lives,” she said.

Larry Hall ’64:

CAMPUS NEWS

‘This is still the land of opportunity. . . ’ ormer KN Energy CEO/President Larry Hall ’64 was the 2009 Ron Landstrom Executive in Residence honored guest in April. Hall delivered an address titled “Moving Forward: Not Business as Usual” to students, faculty and guests, visited classes, met with the College of Business and Technology Student Advisory Board and was honored at a reception. Hall said “the education at KSC established a solid foundation for me.” Hall encouraged students to open their eyes and ask questions. “We have thrived from ambition and hard work. New jobs come from entrepreneurs. This is still the land of opportunity. Use your head and your minds,” he said. When Hall was the president/CEO of KN Energy, the company served two of the largest natural gas markets in the United States and was the second largest producer of natural gas liquids in the country. Hall was recognized by Fortune Magazine for his leadership of

Hastings:

one of the four most admired Fortune Magazine 500 Companies in its industry for his vision, values and leadership principles. Once retired, Hall started CPS Investments, LAC in Denver with two former KN Energy executives. In 2001, CPS purchased four city blocks adjacent to the 380 acre Denver City Park, including two hospi-

Recognition for grasshopper study

rofessor John Hastings of the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems was the lead author on a paper that received the “Best Paper Award” in the decision technologies and service sciences at the Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences. Dr. Hastings has worked with two professors from the University of Wyoming for the last decade to develop grasshopper management decision software intended for agricultural producers and pest managers. The software is called CAsed-based Range Management Advisor

ENERGIZING: Larry Hall ’64 (second from left) encouraged students to open their eyes and ask questions when he was honored at a reception on campus. Hall is pictured with Chancellor Doug Kristensen, Tim Burkink, dean of Business and Technology, and Jon Abegglen, vice president NU Foundation.

(CARMA). “It is easy and simple to use,” Dr. Hastings said. “Ranchers can just plug in their location in the computer, answer some simple questions regarding grasshopper infestation, and the software provides them with several recipes what to do. If a treatment is suggested, CARMA provides a choice of most economically and environmentally sound options.” CARMA provides services to Wyoming, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Colorado, new Mexico and Oregon. Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine.

tal buildings and a parking garage. The hospital complex was demolished, and more than one million square feet of condominium, townhouse and apartment space, worth $150 million, was constructed. Hall is a partner of a real estate development group that is seeking new opportunities in commercial and residential real estate development in the U.S.

and Mexico. Hall, who received the Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award in 1989, is a former member of the Kearney State Foundation Board and currently serves as a trustee of the University of Nebraska Foundation. Business faculty member Marsha Yeagley, who coordinated the event, said having Hall back on campus was a tremendous opportunity to take advantage of his vast experiences. “He has broad accomplishments in law, energy, executive-level management, investments entrepreneurship and leadership,” she said. The Ron Landstrom Executive in Residence program is named for the 1953 graduate and former business professor who died in 2008. Funding for the program came from a gift of former student Jerry Taylor and his wife Jeanne, who donated the money to the University of Nebraska Foundation to honor the contributions Landstrom had made to the university and to students during the 38 years he was a faculty member.

Nebraska Legislature approves non-profit plates During the 2009 session of the Nebraska State Legislature, lawmakers passed legislation allowing Nebraska non-profit organizations to create their own Nebraska vehicle license plates. For an annual fee of $70, supporters of an organization will be able to proudly display their loyalty on the bumpers of their automobiles. The UNK Alumni Association is proceeding with the design of a “University of Nebraska at Kearney” plate. The statute requires that 500 paid registrations be submitted for plates to be printed. The program is still in early states of development. At this time, the names of interested alumni and friends are being collected. Those who provide their name and email address will be

NOT ACTUAL DESIGN kept up to date on the development of the UNK plate and will be given an opportunity to officially sign up when enough names have been collected. Your statement of interest is not a commitment. If you are interested in a plate or just information on this program as it develops, please contact Alumni Director, Lucas Dart at 308-865-8474 or LDART@nufoundation.org. Fall 2009l UNK Today l 5

CAMPUS NEWS

Celebrating Excellence

Retiring faculty, staff honored for service aculty members who retired during the 200809 year were honored at the annual Celebrating Excellence ceremony last spring. Dr. David Amstuz served 40 years in the Physics Department. Polly Amstutz was a faculty member of the Mathematics Department for 30 years. Lyle Colsden’s 40-year career included teaching in the Department of Family and Consumer Science and Vocational and Technical Education. He also was assis-

tant to the Dean of the College of Business and Technology. Dr. Dick Ashman spent 31years with the Nebraska Safety Center and the Industrial Technology Department. After a career as a high school teacher and coach, Ron Bovill began his career at UNK in 1999 as a teacher and recruiter in the Teacher Education Department. Kent Emal spent 41 years on the staff in speech pathology. Dr. Don Envick joined the staff in 1987. He created and developed the Industrial Distribution program in the

Department of Industrial Technology. Dr. Bruce Forster joined the staff in 2005 as dean of the College of Business and Technology. Dr. Randall Heckman began his career at UNK in the Mathematics Department in 1971. He was department chair from 1994 to 2001. Dr. Laurence ‘Tuff’ Hilton had been a professor in the Department of Communication Disorders since 2000. Since 1978, Dr. Sandra Lebsack served as a faculty member in the Business Management Department.

Dr. Finnie Murray, Jr. joined the staff as vice chancellor for Academic Affairs and Student Life in 2004. He also was interim director of international education. Nancy Peek was a member of the English Department and Department of Family Studies and Interior Design during her career that began in 1986. OTHER STAFF members who retired were Elaine Gokie, Registrar’s Office; Riley Oestreicher, custodian; and Bill Shafer, grounds supervisor and auto mechanic.

Three graduation ceremonies ΦΓΔ ΧΟ ΦΓΔ ΧΟ One door closes on a sororit in 2009 add 1,236 alumni

another door opens for - a fra

NK’s three graduation ceremonies during the 2008-09 academic year added 1,236 new alumni to the university.

IN December, 412 received degrees. Dr. Ronald Roskens, president emeritus of the University of Nebraska, was the commencement speaker. There were 647 spring graduates. Dr. Clifford Trump ’59, was the

commencement speaker. Dr. Trump was also a member of the Golden Anniversary class that was recognized at that spring event. Summer commencement in July had 177 graduates. Professor emeritus Dr. Don Welch ’54 was the commencement speaker. Dr. Welch was an English professor for 38 years, retiring in 1997. He continued to teach in the Department of Philosophy until last spring.

ne sorority closed its chapter on campus and one fraternity received its official charter last spring. Chi Omega, the oldest sorority on campus, closed its chapter in April.

THE NATIONAL director of communications Laura Lee Jones said that after several years of declining membership, the Chi Omega chapter found itself with too many chapter responsibilities and too few members to sustain operations. Chi Omega began on campus as Juanita sorority when UNK was Nebraska State Normal School at Kearney in 1910. The name was changed to Delta Pi

UNK Today

6 l

UNK Today l Fall 2009

NEW ALUMS: By graduating in May, Greta Lierman, Jessica Feese and Tessa Mills are among the newest members of the alumni association.

Beta in 1944. The sorority affiliated with Chi Omega as Zeta Chapter in 1962. It was the second group to go national. The new fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta was colonized in April 2008 and will be officially known as Nu Kappa chapter at UNK. There are now seven social fraternities and five sororities Fraternities include Alpha Tau Omega, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Sigma Tau Gamma, Pi Kappa Alpha, Delta Tau Delta, Phi Gamma Delta (newly chartered) and Sigma Lambda Beta. Sororities include Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Phi, Gamma Phi Beta, Lambda Theta Nu and Sigma Lambda Gamma.

largest in history

With 32 pages, this issue is the largest magazine ever produced by the Alumni Association. The publication is printed twice yearly and is also available at UNK.edu. Send your news, story ideas and suggestions for any alumni-related activity to Alumni Director Lucas Dart at LDART@nufoundation.org.

UNK Ranking in the Top Tier

CAMPUS NEWS

America’s Best Colleges of 2010 NK has again earned a ranking in the top tier of the U. S. News and World Report listing of the Best Universities-Masters, public and private in the Midwest. UNK was ranked against 139 universities across 12 states in the category.

reduced the number of classes with more than 50 students from six to five percent, and increased the number of freshmen who rank in the top 25 percent of their high school graduating class from 36 to 38 percent. UNK’s average freshman retention rate of 81 percent and the percent of faculty who are full time, 91 percent, are also noteworthy, especially in comparison to its peers.

FOR THE third consecutive year, UNK ranked 15th among all public universities at the master’s level in the Midwest. “At UNK we appreciate the affirmation of our mission as demonstrated in these widelyfollowed rankings,” Chancellor Doug Kristensen said. “UNK continues to focus on building up its strengths – high academic standards, faculty accessibility, student achievement and success, in and out of the classroom.” The overall ranking is a composite of scores in several com-

posite of scores in several specific categories. UNK measures equal to, or better than, the average of its Board of Regents defined peer group in eight of eleven scores. Compared to last year’s scores, UNK improved its graduation rate from 55 to 56 percent, increased its number of classes with fewer than 20 students from 37 to 39 percent,

“WE PAY attention to these and other university rankings because of their importance to many prospective students and their parents in choosing a university experience,” said Dr. Charles Bicak, senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and student life. “We are pleased each year to see an upward trend in most of the indexes that reflect UNK’s commitment to students and their success.”

Long-sought property acquired

long sought-after piece of property on the east side of campus has become property of

UNK. THE PARCEL, which is comprised of the west end of the 800 block between 25th and 26th Streets, had been part of the O. G. ‘Bob’ Saunders estate since Saunders passed away in 2007. The university was given possession of the property in August. The property is divided into three sections – lawn on the

north, an occupied building on the south and a small parking lot in the middle. The building has housed a number of business through the years including a campus café and, most recently, a book store. Dr. Barbara Johnson, vice chancellor for business and finance, said plans for the development in the area are in the preliminary stages. Dr. Johnson said the university will work with consultants to develop a full-blown entrance to the campus on the east. “We have a long way to go to recon-

figure the plan.” Because any changes in traffic flow in the area will involve city streets and a state highway, planning for the area will involve the City of Kearney and State Highway Department as well as the university, she said. PLANS FOR the removal of the unoccupied building are underway. “We will proceed very cautiously to demolish the building,” Dr. Johnson said. “The roof is so fragile that it’s a concern for the safety of people walking by.”

Annual Campaign calls coming In the coming weeks, a UNK student will be calling you as part of our 2009 Annual Fund campaign.The Annual Fund supports each UNK college by providing scholarships, technology to enhance classrooms, and investments in faculty development. Thank you in advance for taking our call and considering a gift to the University of Nebraska at Kearney.Your generous support will help provide opportunities for UNK students now and for generations to come.

Mantor Hall completion expands housing With the completion of upgrades on Mantor Hall, work has now begun on Men’s Hall as UNK continues its renovation of all student housing facilities. Mantor Hall was closed last year to undergo a $4 million renovation of restrooms, replacement of plumbing and updates for the sprinkler system. Other changes included the front entryway, updated lounges and painting and tile work in the rooms. Mantor Hall, built in 1965, now houses more than 250 students, the Thompson Learning Center and the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. This year, Men’s Hall has been closed for similar upgrades. It will be ready for occupancy in the fall of 2010. The construction of Antelope Hall and the Nester Hall complex were the first stages of UNK’s comprehensive plan to address student housing. Antelope Hall, built on the site where Ludden Hall was located, opened in August 2007. It houses 160 students. The Nester Hall complex replaced Case Hall when it opened in August 2009. It houses 172 students.

j Fall 2009l UNK Today l

CAMPUS NEWS

Gold Torch 10th Year Celebration

Women gather from across the United States he Alumni Association’s women’s mentoring program, Gold Torch Society, celebrated its 10th anniversary in September. Gold Torch Society was created by Dr. Stephanie Hueftle Vogel ’89 MSE ’96 when she was assistant director of the Alumni Association to provide mentoring and networking opportunities for undergraduate women. Each fall 25 women alumni are selected for their personal and professional accomplishments in their careers to work with 25 undergraduate students. The annual weekend of activities includes professional and personal sessions, socials and a banquet. Dr. Vogel, who now lives in Lincoln, was honored at the 10th anniversary banquet for her leadership in starting the program. The Honorable Karen Lueck Hunt ‘63, and Judith Henggeler Spohr ’63 of Burbank, California, were featured speakers at the reunion. Judge Hunt is a retired Superior Court judge from Anchorage, Alaska, and a past Gold Torch Society member. Her career as a lawyer and a judge has resulted in a wide array of

recognitions including being named one of the 25 most powerful people in Alaska in 1997. Spohr is a retired elementary teacher who spent 37 years in the East Los Angeles School District. She is a past president of the UNK Alumni Association. Her philanthropy has resulted in a variety of programs that have benefited scholarship programs, the Gold Torch Mentoring Program, Foster Field improvements and the Southern California Endowment designed for student scholarships and the C. T. Ryan Library. Both are past Gold Torch Society members and both have received the Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Current Director Michelle Widger ’90, assistant director of the Alumni Association, coordinates the event. “Through the years, Gold Torch has been one of the most valuable programs of the association,” Widger said. “Lifelong friendships have been developed and through the mentoring process, lives have been changed. The program has provided great opportunities not only for students but for the alumni who have participated as well.”

VISION: Tracy Lungrin ’97 explains her vision board - a motivational tool used to plan steps to achieving a person’s ultimate future.

MISSION: Stephanie Vogel ’89 MSE ’96, Judith Spohr ’63, Judge Karen Lueck Hunt ’63 and Michelle Widger ’90 take time out of their 10th year celebration to discuss the importance of maintaining the program’s success.

GOLD TORCH: At the tenth annual Gold Torch mentoring program in September, alumni mentors and student mentees gather to celebrate their accomplishments, engage in motivational activities and provide a creative learning environment to motivate future generations. Front Row: Laura Housholder, Michelle Hermesch, Judith Spohr, Judge Karen Hunt, Claire Bryan, Jenny Gierhan, Briana Duncan and Teresa Ingram. Second Row: Amy Graham, Jill Wicht, Brittany Weinandt, Thea Baum, Molly Dodson, Christa Spencer, Caryn Vincent, Kelli Cavenah, Lexie Hollertz and Lisa Hibberd. Third Row: Erika Redfern, Katie Grant, Ashlie Baker, Katiana Meyer, Kayanne Hamling, Amanda Olson, Teresa Cousins, Angela Boerson, Samath Bohl, Lindsey Wendt, Surabhi Bhattarai, Teresa Arens, Chelsey Cook, Susan Gierhan, Kathy Manley and Kerri Jo Bellamy. Back: Tracy Lungrin, Kristin Howard, Jana Seier, Nancy Osterbuhr, Allisa Kern, Teresa Porter, 8 l UNK Today l Fall 2009 Cyndi Bahler, Wendy Clark, Lisa Ellis, Alicia Myers, Bonnie Payne and Kendra Sibbernsen.

HOMECOMING 2009

ive athletes will be inducted into the UNK Athletic Hall of Fame during the 2009 Homecoming celebration. They will be honored at the 29th annual awards banquet on October 16 and at the football game on October 17. T h e five are Jill McCaslinTimmons ’98, EDS’02 of Lincoln; M a r t i n Segovia ’95 of G a r d e n Jill McCaslinCity, Timmons

Kansas; Al Sheffield ’75 of Grand Island; Danielle Shum-Stowell ’97, MSE’99 of Gardner, Kansas; and Keith Staehr ’68 of Kimball. JILL MCCASLINTIMMONS was a threetime All-American in softball as a second baseman. As a sophomore in 1995, she hit .494 to set a team record leading the Lopers to a 30-5 season. She was a second team NCAA Division II All-American. As a junior, McCaslin-Timmons was a third team selection and was RMAC Most Valuable Player for the second year. That season, UNK finished fourth in the national tournament. As a senior, she was a second team All-American after hitting .333. The Lopers qualified for the national tournament for a second consecutive year. For her career, McCaslin-Timmons set

school records for batting average, doubles and stolen bases. Her career batting average was .400. In addition, McCaslin-Timmons was an Academic All-American and earned a NCAA post-graduate scholarship. Earlier this year, she was named to the RMAC AllCentennial team chosen to recognize outstanding athletes and coaches of the conference’s 100 years of existence. She is a special education coordinator at Lux Middle School in Lincoln. MARTIN SEGOVIA was a three-time All-American in wrestling at 134lbs. He was fifth in 1993 and national runner-up in 1994 and 1995. Segovia was 1995 Midwest R e g i o n Martin Wrestler of the Segovia Year. That year he also was team captain and the UNK Male Athlete of the Year. During his wrestling career, UNK had two top ten NCAA finishes and hosted the 1995 national tournament. After graduating, Segovia returned to his home town, Garden City, Kansas, he taught social studies, was a central office administrator and coached wrestling. He was two-time Kansas Class 6-A High School Coach of the Year and compiled a 119-16 dual coaching record in eight years. Since 2004, Segovia has been elementary assistant principal. AL SHEFFIELD was a two sport and four-year letterman, football and baseball from 1971 to 1975. He also was a long-time high school coach. As a defensive safety in football, Sheffield was named to the Nebraska College Conference team

three times. He led the team in interceptions for three years. When he graduated, he held the record with Jim Zikmund with four interceptions in one game and he had 17 career interceptions. For two years, he returned punts and Al Sheffield kickoffs. He was NAIA All-American honorable mention in football. In baseball, the centerfielder led the team in hitting as a senior with a .333 average. He was selected to the all-conference team and the NAIA District 11 team. Sheffield coached football and basketball for 32 years at Adams Central and Grand Island Northwest before retiring in 2008. DANIELLE SHUMSTOWELL was at two-time AllAmerican volleyball player and twice was Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Most Valuable Player during her career from 1993 to 1996. A 5-10 setter, Shum-Stowell had 6,248 career assists. She was only the third player to have more than 6,000 assists in N C A A Division II history. ShumStowell led UNK to two Elite Eight appearances in 1995 and 1996. The Danielle Lopers had Shum-Stowell back to back 36 win seasons in 1994 and 1995. Earlier this year, she was named to the RMAC AllCentennial team chosen to recognize outstanding players and coaches of the conference’s 100 years of existence. Earlier

this summer, she and her husband, Mike, coached a Kansas City club team, KC Power 16, to a national championship. K E I T H STAEHR was a two sport athlete from 1964 to 1967 and a successful coach. As an athlete, Staehr lettered four years in both football and track. In football, he was a running back and defensive back on teams that compiled a 30-5 record and won three conference championships for coach Al Zikmund. The 1967 team was the last undefeated Loper squad. Keith Staehr Staehr also led the team in punting with a career average of 42.6. He was the team’s leading punt returner as a junior and senior. In track, Staehr was hurdler and jumper. Staehr coached football 33 years. From 1968 to 1971 he compiled a 32-6 record winning three conference championships at North Loup Scotia. He was also head track coach. From 1972 until his retirement in 2000, he coached at Kimball High School compiling a 187-119-1 record. He had 10 teams qualify for the state playoffs. Staehr was head coach of Nebraska Shrine Bowl becoming the first person to play and then be head coach of that event. Staehr officiated high school basketball for more than 25 years working the state tournament several years. He is a 2009 inductee into the

Fall 2009l UNK Today l

CHAMPUS OMECOMING NEWS2009

ive alumni were recognized His contributions have been recogduring 2009 Homecoming nized with a number of regional activities in October. They awards. LAVERN FRANZEN of were honored at the 29th annual Hastings is a professional educator Homecoming Awards Banquet. Tom Buecker ’73, LaVern who had a 41-year career at Franzen ’67, MA’73, EdD ’95, Central Community College. He Ron Larsen ’66, and Teresa began as an accounting instructor Kowalski Porter ’80 received in 1967 and retired as president in Distinguished Alumni Awards. 2006. During his career he also served John Clinch ’62 received the Jim Rundstrom Distinguished Alumni as dean of instruction of the Grand Island campus from 1987 to 1996 Service Award. TOM BUECKER of and vice president of Central Crawford is curator of the Fort Community College /president of the Hastings campus from 1996 to Robinson 2002 before being named college Museum and a president in 2002. renowned hisFranzen held many positions torian. He is with several professional affiliathe author of tions which include President of four books the Nebraska Association for on western Retarded Citizens; President of the and fronNebraska Vocational Association; tier military top- Tom Buecker Board Chair of the Hastings Area Chamber of ics. His Commerce; Fort President of the Robinson and the Hastings American West, 1874Economic 1899 and Fort Robinson Development and the American Century, Corporation; 1900-1948 are the first fullBoard Chair of length history books of Fort the Mary Robinson. The first book L a n n i n g details the establishment of the LaVern H o s p i t a l fort, military activities, death of Franzen Foundation; and Crazy Horse and the Cheyenne Outbreak of 1878-79. The second member of the Nebraska is a continuation of the fort detail- Workforce Investment Board for ing the last years as a cavalry post, six years. Franzen has received the quartermaster remount period, Department of WWII war dog training, German Nebraska prisoners of war, USDA beef Education Elaine Stuhr Leadership research and the beginnings of Fort and Advocacy Award, the Robinson State Park. He was co- Nebraska Community College author of The Crazy Horse System Chief Executive Officer’s Award, Phi Theta Kappa Lifetime Surrender Ledger. Buecker’s Water- Achievement Award and Adult & Powered Flour Mills in Continuing Education Association Nebraska is a comprehen- of Nebraska Outstanding Adult sive study of the use of Educator Award. RON LARSEN of Kearney Nebraska waterways to power flour milling, once a was long-time co-owner of Bob’s Super Store and has been deeply vital industry in the state. Buecker is active as a par- involved in community activities. Today After l Fall 2009college, 6 l UNK ticipant and speaker in historLarsen was a ical societies.

10 l

UNK Today l Fall 2009

math teacher in Ralston and Holdrege before returning to Kearney in 1971. He served 16 years on the Kearney City Council and was Kearney mayor for four years. He was a board member of the Nebraska League of Municipalities for eight years, chairman of the Buffalo County Economic Development Council for 12 years, board member of Good Samaritan Hospital for nine years, board member of The Great Platte River Archway, advisory board member of Wells Fargo Bank for 15 years, a board member of YMCA and the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce. Larsen was capital campaign chair of the Kearney YMCA and helped raise $2.5 million for expansion. He was capital campaign cochair for the Nebraska Ron Larsen Firefighters Museum in Kearney and helped raise $1.5 million for that project. Larsen was one of two founding members of the Kearney Softball Association and served as president for 16 years. As a member of the Kearney Sertoma Club, he has served in all officer positions. In 2 0 0 5 , Larsen was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate of Kearney High School by the Kearney Public Schools Foundation. He currently serves on

Nebraska Public Power Board. TERESA KOWALSKI PORTER is President/CEO/Owner of ISYS Technologies in Denver. She has an extensive sales and management background in the technology industry spanning 29 years. She began her career in accounting and finance, moved into sales and marketing and eventually into the role of building, managing and growing technologybased organizations. I S Y S Technologies is an engineering Teresa and information Kowalski technology Porter services company providing services to the Federal government and public sector. ISYS specializes in supporting the efforts of the Department of Defense and Homeland Security. In 2009, ISYS was selected as one of the outstanding small business companies in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Region VIII. Recently, ISYS received the Administrator’s Award of Excellence CONTINUED Page 11

HOMECOMING 2009

Distinguished Alumni

Certificate which acknowledges ISYS’ nomination as the Small Business Contractor of the Year. Before joining ISYS Technologies, Porter was Vice President of Operations at Softec Solutions; Director of Branch Operations for C o m p u w a r e Corporation/DPRC; Account Manager at Analysts International; and Account Manager at UNISYS Corporation. Porter serves as a mentor in UNK Alumni Association’s Gold Torch Society. She has been involved in the Women’s Vision Foundation of Colorado where she is part of the Wise Women Council. JOHN CLINCH has

CONTINUED from page 10

played key roles the development of the UNK Alumni Association and the NU Foundation. While serving on the Alumni Association board of directors, he worked on such projects as securing the Alumni House and expanding its size for greater use. As president of the John Clinch A s s o c i a t i o n , Clinch played a key role in creating the first full-time alumni director in 1987. Clinch also served as president of the Kearney State College Foundation. It was during his term as president that the foundation

Barker ’81 receives Thomas award Millard South High School music teacher Rex Barker ’81 was named the 2009 recipient of the G a r y T h o m a s Rex Barker Distinguished Music Award at Homecoming. Barker is director of bands and head of music department at Millard South along with being the instrumental music coordinator for Millard Public Schools. He is president of the Nebraska Music Educators Association and has served as president, marching band chair and A-AA Class representative for the Nebraska State Bandmasters. Barker has been a guest conductor for the Fort Kearney Conference Honor Band, UNK Festival Band, Omaha Wind Symphony, The UNO Honor Bands and Pioneer Conference Honor Band. He was selected by School Band and Orchestra magazine as one of “50 Directors Who Make a Difference” in 2001. The Millard South Music

Department consists of marching band, concert band, symphonic band, wind ensemble, two jazz bands, various small ensembles as well as four choirs, two swing choirs, two orchestras and chamber orchestra. The music department has received many national recognitions. It was awarded a Grammy Signature School designation in 1999. It was the sweepstakes award winner at the 2009 Orange Bowl field competition and parade which earned them the opportunity to perform their marching show as part of the pregame ceremonies. They also earned a similar honor in 2004 at the Alamo Bowl. They placed first in the 2000 Holiday Bowl Parade in San Diego. The Millard Public Schools have been named in the Top 100 Places for Music Education in 2000, 2001, 2004 and 2006. As a UNK student, Barker was in marching, concert and symphonic bands with Dr. Ron Crocker, the orchestra with Dr. Gerald Feese, the college choir with Dr. Myron Osterberg, the Choraleers with Bill Lynn and the jazz ensemble with Dr. Jim Payne.

merged with the University of Nebraska Foundation in 1992. After that merger, Clinch served on the board of directors of UNF until 1998. For that service and the service to KSC Alumni Association, he received the Founders Award in 1993. Clinch and his wife Barbara continue to serve as trustees of UNF. Clinch is also active in the Grand Island community. He is a past board member of St. Francis Medical Center and past president of the St. Francis Medical Center Foundation; past president of Grand Island Rotary Club, past church board president; founding member of the Grand Island Athletic Booster Club; and past state board member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Clinch, who owns Clinch Financial with his wife Barbara, has been active in regional, state and national financial services boards. He is a life member of the Million Dollar Round Table and currently serves as the president of the Society of Financial Service Professionals, Lincoln Chapter.

Dr. DeAnn Psota honored by chemistry earney physician Dr. DeAnn Psota ’84 was honored by the Chemistry Department as the 29th annual Dr. Don Fox lecturer at Homecoming. Each year since 1980, the Chemistry Department has been inviting alumni back to honor Dr. Don Fox who was a chemistry faculty member and chairman from 1935 until his retirement in 1973. Dr. Fox died in 2003 at the age of 98. Dr. Psota, a native of Ravenna, attended a two-year college in Minneapolis and

received a degree as a medical laboratory technician. W h i l e working at the Kearney C l i n i c L aboratory Dr. DeAnn she returned to Psota college at UNK majoring in chemistry/biochemistry with hopes of going to medical school. After graduating from medical school at UNMC, Dr. Psota completed a three-year residency in pediatrics. She returned to Kearney Clinic in 1992 to begin her medical practice.

Fall 2009l UNK Today l

FEATURE

Golden anniversary for golden memories

Class of 1959 gather for 50-year reunion embers of the Class of 1959 gathered on campus in May during commencement week to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Events on Thursday, the first day of the reunion, included a reception and tour of the College of Education building, a luncheon in the Ron and Carol Cope stadium overlooking Foster Field, a campus tour, and a dinner and social at Grandpa’s Steakhouse. Class members were officially recognized by the university at Friday’s spring graduation ceremonies. For the first time in history, Dr. Cliff Trump, a member of the honored class, gave the commencement address to nearly 800 graduates. Following graduation, those attending were guests of Chancellor Doug Kristensen at a luncheon. An afternoon reception at the Alumni House concluded the events. Dr. Trump of Charleston, West Virginia, chancellor emeritus of the State College System of West Virginia, has a distinguished career in higher education. He was vice president for administration at Idaho State University and president of Black Hills State

MILESTONE MOMENTS: The class of 1959 reunite during the Spring 2009 commencement. Those who attended include: Jerry Bydalek, Claire Boroff, Gary Smidt, Elaine Holm Smidt, Douglas Miller, Jan Vandewerker Powers Eickmeier, Kathleen Freeman Taylor, Keith Brown, Miriam Casanovas Karpovics, Dale Taylor, Max Beyersdorf and Dean Martin. University in South Dakota. He received the UNK Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 1987. His wife, Karen Stuhr, is also a class member. Miriam Casanovas Karpovics traveled from her home in La Paz, Bolivia, to attend the reunion. Even though she attended what was then Kearney State Teachers

WARM WELCOME: Dr. Cliff Trump ’59, chancellor emeritus of the State College System of West Virginia, gave the spring commencement address to nearly 800 graduates. Alumni president Brenda Christensen ’83 welcomed the Golden Anniversary alumni to Kearney.

College, she said “I was very fortunate to have attended Kearney. I have very fond memories of my classmates, and the very dedicated, professional and friendly professors. I am always thankful to Kearney where I decided I wanted to become a teacher, a profession I love, and which has given me so much work and so much satisfaction.” Karpovics’ career included high school and university teaching. She was distinguished by the Spanish ambassador for promoting Spanish culture and by the Bolivian government for the social work she did with her students. Others who traveled from out of state to attend were Max Beyersdorf, Tucson, Arizona; Douglas Miller, Churchton, Maryland; Dr. Gary and Elaine Holm Smidt, Lakeville, Minnesota; and Dale and Kathy Freeman Taylor, Aurora, Colorado.

Beyersdorf was a physical therapist in North Platte before retiring to Arizona. Miller spent most of his career with the federal government. Among his assignments was with the White House Security Office for the President. He also was director of security for the James Forrestal Building for the Department of Energy and security oversight analyst for the Office of Defense Programs and the Department of Energy. Dr. Smidt was a physical therapist and a professor at the University of Iowa. He also served as director of physical therapy educational programs. and was the editor of the Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy. Dr. Smidt is a member of the UNK Athletic Hall of Fame and has received the Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

Class of 1960

12 l

UNK Today l Fall 2009

Your Golden Anniversary reunion will be May 6-7, 2010. Plan now to attend! Watch for details in January, 2010!

Making a difference

FOUNDATION

Foundation kicks off $1.2 billion campaign Top priority at UNK is financial aid for students By Gary Reber ’86 Director of Publishing NU Foundation hat if the University of Nebraska could do more to attract and keep young people in the state? What if we could improve global education and give every student an opportunity for meaningful international experience? What if the university could inspire a “start up” business culture in Nebraska and help diversify the economy? These and many more questions drive the Campaign for Nebraska, a comprehensive fundraising campaign to meet high-priority opportunities and needs on all four campuses of the University of Nebraska. Officially announced on Oct. 16, 2009, Campaign for Nebraska provides the opportunity for the University of Nebraska Foundation to engage alumni and others interested in the quality and success of the University of Nebraska. Since plans began for the campaign in 2005, more than $600 million has been raised or committed toward the goal of reaching $1.2 billion by 2014. But goals aside, university leaders say increasing the number of alumni who give is perhaps more important. All gifts of any amount apply toward the campaign and provide alumni and friends of the university opportunities to give back to areas across the state that mean the most to them. Doug Kristensen, chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Kearney, said the Campaign for Nebraska is important for helping students and for building on the momentum already underway at UNK. “Our top priority in the Campaign for Nebraska is financial aid for students, both highachieving and those for whom

college costs or family financial circumstances prevent access to a university education,” Kristensen said. “Scholarships offer one of the most direct ways to influence a student’s college experience.” Additionally, the campaign will focus on raising money for endowed faculty positions at UNK while keeping the focus on students. “The campus’ goal is to enhance the quality, scope and

money the campus typically raises in private support. “This is the beginning of something that will make a big difference on this campus,” Kristensen said, “and the thousands of students who will come through here. It will improve and transform this campus.” James B. Milliken, president of the University of Nebraska, said priorities of the overall campaign include student scholarships, faculty recruitment and

breadth of UNK’s curriculum by endowing faculty chairs and professorships,” Kristensen said. “It is critical for a teaching university like UNK to attract faculty whose interests and activity transcend traditional boundaries.” A nimble curriculum will be a result of that focus, building collaboration in teaching and research in areas where faculty interests and expertise converge across college and department boundaries, he said. A campaign goal of $50 million has been established at UNK to create endowed scholarships, faculty chairs and professorships, academic support to encourage collaboration in teaching and research, and several enhancements to UNK’s residential campus. Meeting this goal would triple the amount of

retention, research and academic program support. “This campaign is focused on opportunities for students, on expanding research in areas we are already renowned and on making a difference in Nebraska,” he said. “The campaign will continue to build on the university’s tremendous momentum.” Students are an important reason for the campaign. Rising costs and reduced state support make scholarship support critical to ensure all students have access to an education. Scholarship support is also needed to improve global education by giving every undergraduate an opportunity for meaningful international experiences through travel, internships, research opportunities or service learning.

The best and brightest students need the best and brightest faculty. Campaign for Nebraska strives to increase available professorships which are proven to attract great teachers and researchers from top schools and retain the talent we have— all while increasing the overall quality of the university. Campaign for Nebraska also provides the focus on opportunities to noticeably improve research and academic programs, especially in areas in which the university is already distinguished. These areas include cancer research and treatment, agriculture and life sciences research, water research and policy, early childhood education, information technology, and architectural engineering and construction. The campaign is the university’s third comprehensive campaign. The Nebraska Campaign between 1977 and 1980 raised $51 million, and the last major campaign, Campaign Nebraska: One University, One Nebraska between 1993 and 2000 surpassed its initial goal of $250 million by raising $727 million. Clarence Castner, president of the University of Nebraska Foundation, said the university’s history of successful campaigns is attributed to individuals and organizations in Nebraska and across the country who care about the university’s ability to serve people. “During the last campaign, the vision and generosity of our donors resulted in 1,000 new student scholarship funds, nearly 100 endowed faculty support program funds and the construction or renovation of 20 facilities,” Castner said. “This raises everyone’s expectations for what a new campaign can achieve for students, teachers, research programs and the citizens of this state who understand the importance of a great statewide university system.” Learn more about the Campaign for Nebraska at campaignfornebraska.org. Fall 2009l UNK Today l

FOUNDATION

Mr. Basketball’s Slam Dunk

Doug Koster ’95 pledges $195,000 for athletics Mr. Basketball gift to assist basketball, volleyball, wrestling, Health and Sports Center oug Koster ’95, who for the past 18 years has organized and hosted a number of basketball tournaments for young men and women under the umbrella of Mr. Basketball, has pledged $19,500 a year to UNK for the next 10 years. That $195,000 gift to the NU Foundation will assist men’s basketball, women’s basketball, volleyball and wrestling. A portion also goes to the Health and Sports Center facility.

EACH OF the four sports will receive $2,500 a year, a total of $10,000. The other $9,500 covers rental and event costs of using the Health and Sports Center along with improvements to the facility. Athletic director Jon McBride said among the improvements made with previous gifts from Koster are upgrades in lighting, message boards and fan amenities. Koster has already been making annual gifts of $10,000. For the past 18 years, Koster and his staff have hosted events

Doug Koster ’95 such as Mr. Basketball Invitational Tournament, Miss Basketball Invitational Tournament, Mr. Basketball Slamfest and Miss Basketball Shootout for high school athletes along with youth tournaments. Koster’s Mr. Basketball Invitational and Miss Basketball Showcase are prominent sum-

mer tourneys that draw elite high school players and college recruiters from across the country. THE MIDWAY Snow Jam tournament last March is the largest of Koster’s events. The weekend event featured 333 games and 222 teams from 40

Nebraska communities and six states on sixteen courts in Kearney and Elm Creek and Axtell. “Not long ago, I couldn’t have imagined that we’d even be able to line up enough officials and scorekeepers to pull off a tournament this big,” Koster said of the Midway Snow Jam.

Industrial Distribution: One of the nation’s top programs NK’s industrial distribution program has been named as one of the top programs in the country. The program made The University Sales Education Foundation’s Top University Sales Program list. Dr. Don Envick who retired in May, established the four-year industrial distribution degree program at UNK. Since its inception, it has become the third-largest in the nation. There have been more than 600 graduates, and graduates have a 99 percent placement rate.

14 l

UNK Today l Fall 2009

The program is accredited by the National Association of Industrial Technology, one of only 55 accredited programs in the country and the only accredited program in Nebraska. “UNK is leading the way for the state in sales and education,” said Jeanne Frawley, USEF director. “A true national differentiator for the UNK program is the focus on technical sales.” DENVER EVENT: Industrial Distribution alumni attended an alumni dinner with seven interns last summer. Pictured here are Colton Shifflet ’02, Amy Dix ’03 and Andy Bonczynski ’02.

ALUMNI NEWS

Family Day

Samantha Chessmore’s husband’s parents recognized t Family Day in October, this year’s award went to student Samantha Chessmore’s husband’s parents, Peggy and Todd Chessmore. Originally from Hibbing, Minnesota, Chessmore, the mother of two, is majoring in Spanish and aviation and carries a 3.9 GPA. On her application for the award, she wrote “I have an amazing family. What makes my family special is their commitment to education. I was afraid to attend college because no one in my family had even graduated from high school. I didn’t know how to go about registering. My inspiring fatherin-law signed me up to take the ACT exam.” Both Todd ’82 and Peggy ’80 are UNK graduates. “Peggy has been an inspiration to me in so many ways.” Chessmore said. “Not only has she taught me the importance of education and supported me, she has also shown me that it is possible to have a family while attending a university and to excel to your fullest potential. It makes me happy that because of their good example, their love for each other and their love for education, I can follow in their footsteps. I know they are proud of me. I hope that someday my little girls can look back at my education and be proud also.”

Several other honored families also have UNK alumni ties ABBIE OLSON of Dalton, a psychology major, wrote that her family has taught her to value honesty, integrity, leadership and accountability. She has

FAMILY DAY: Chancellor Doug Kristensen (left) helps recognize this year’s award winner Samantha Chessmore (right). Chessmore said her husband’s parents, alums Peggy ’80 and Todd ’82 (next to Chancellor Kristensen), encouraged her and inspired her to complete her education. three sisters and is the daughter of Steve and Cindy Olson ’77. Olson’s mother, her aunts and uncles have attended UNK. She said, “UNK is very special to us. My grandmother and grandfather, Aldon and Mary Ann Sobieszczyk of Kimball met at UNK when it was Nebraska State Teachers College and they were studying for their teaching degrees.” JUSTIN DRUDIK of Juniata, a sports administration/business administration major also has brother Adam

“I have an amazing family. What makes my family special is their commitment to education.” ~Samantha Chessmore

attending UNK. Both are members of the football team. Justin wrote, “My parents have instilled hard work and discipline in our lives by constantly setting an example in their own lives. His parents are Janet and Ron Drudik. Janet earned a master’s degree from UNK in 1985 WACO and BILL PHIPPS of Kearney, son and father, are both seniors at UNK. Waco is majoring in industrial distribution. He wrote, “I talked my dad into returning to UNK and finishing his degree after 22 years. I couldn’t be prouder of my dad!” Bill is majoring in physical science. He and his wife are parents of four children. Bill wrote, “I was fearful and a bit hesitant initially at the thought of going back to college. However, my family’s support has been priceless. My kids think it is ‘cool’ that their dad is going to college at the same time they are, and they gave me a ‘crash course’ in

Lotus Notes, Blackboard and other technology. They emphasized ‘It’ll be one of the greatest decisions you’ll ever make.’” Bill’s parents are Doug and Alice Phipps of Mullen. Many members of the family, including Bill’s mother, attended UNK when it was Kearney Sate. JENNIFER WEGENER of Lindsay is a sophomore elementary major with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Her sister Ashley is also a UNK student. Their parents Mark and Sandy farm in the Lindsay area. BRIANA MOHR is an elementary education major from Omaha and has a 3.9 GPA. Her parents are Mike and Sue. She wrote, “My parents had to stay at local colleges in Omaha because of finances. They encouraged me to pick a school where I could take advantage of the full college experience.” Fall 2009l UNK Today l

SPORTS

RMAC All-Century Teams

Loper players, coaches earn honors s part of the RMAC’s 100th anniversary celebration, UNK athletes have been named to the All-Century team. The final honor teams were selected in the spring. All those recognized were honored at the conference’s Centennial Celebration in July. Five individuals were selected to the softball team. Dan Simmons was named the alltime coach. He was the Loper head mentor from 1994 to 2000 compiling a 128-14 RMAC record winning six RMAC regular season titles in seven years. He was conference coach of the year five times. Second baseman Jill McCaslin was two-time RMAC Player of the Year and a three time All-American from 1995 to 1997. Darcie Berry was first team All-American and four-time first team RMAC selection at second base from 1995 to 1999. Amanda Kelly was RMAC Pitcher of the Year in 1999 when she compiled a 20-0 record with a 9.54 ERA, 15

shutouts. She was a two-time All-American. Outfielder Laura Espenmiller was a two-time RMAC Player of the Year during her career between 1994 to 1997. William Jacome was named the top men’s tennis player of all time. Jacome was a four-time RMAC Player of the Year from 2005 to 2008. He is the only four-time player of the year in any sport in RMAC history. Jacome led the Lopers to four consecutive RMAC regular season championships. Quarterback Justin Coleman was the only UNK athlete selected to the all-time football team. Coleman, who played from 1997 to 2000, was the RMAC Player of the Year in 1999 and was the Harlan Hill runner-up in 2000. Coleman set the NCAA Division II record for career passing yards throwing for 11,213 yards. Second baseman Cody Lusero represented the Lopers on the baseball team. As a senior, Lusero was RMAC Player

of the Year in 2007 when he hit .443 to lead the conference. He also was a first team AllAmerican that year. Kami Hehn was selected to the all-time women’s golf team. Hehn, who competed for UNK from 2005 to 2008 was the No. 1 player for the Lopers all four years and was all-conference in 2008. She led UNK to the RMAC tournament championship in 2008 and had the lowest stroke average in UNK history. The RMAC is the fourth oldest conference in the country and the oldest in the western United States. UNK has been a member of the conference since 1995. The honor teams were selected by representatives from the conference schools.

For the latest on ALL 16

UNK Sports visit

www.lopers.com

Previously Announced Team Members Volleyball

Erin Gudmundson ‘05, All-Time Top Player Erin Arnold ‘04 Danielle ShumStowell’96 Rick Squiers, Coach of the Century Women’s Basketball Jessica Kedrowski Carlyle ‘99 Jennifer Warner Ramsey ‘97 Amy Stephens, Coach of the Century Men’s Basketball Nick Branting ‘04 Nick Svehla ‘03 Wrestling Brett Allgood ‘08 Tervel Dlagnev ‘08

Jeremey Gee ’99 jumps to coaching at Harvard Californian, Jeremey Gee ’99 didn’t know much about Harvard University athletics. Now, he is in his fourth year as assistant track coach at the Ivy League school. Gee works with both the men’s and women’s sprinters and horizontal jumping events. Gee had a stellar athletic and academic career at UNK where he was standout in both football and track. The 5-7, 165 lb. defensive back was a four-year starter in football earning allconference. In track, he was the team captain, and a RMAC allconference standout in the jumping events and as a member of two school record relay teams. After earning a degree in math, Gee spent a year coaching at UNK before returning to his home in Southern California

16 l

UNK Today l Fall 2009

IVY LEAGUE: From UNK to Harvard, Jeremey Gee ’99, “You can get a great athletic experience while receiving the best education.” prior to joining Harvard. He taught and coached at his alma mater, El Camino High School for four years. Gee coached his track teams to four San Diego section champi-

onships and was named Coach of the Year three times for the San Diego section and twice for the North County section. Before coaching at El Camino, Gee was an assistant

track coach for one of the top programs in California, James Logan High in Union City. James Logan hosts the annual Olympic Development Clinic, the largest learn-by-doing clinic in the nation, at which Gee was able to work with former Olympians and Olympic coaches. His work there drew the attention of new Harvard coach Jason Saretsky. Gee said he was surprised at the competitiveness of the Ivy League. “Being from California, you don’t hear much about Ivy League track and field, but I have enjoyed Ivy competition, especially the Heptagonal Championships. If we had the resources, I believe Ivy League track and field would benefit from traveling to compete in more meets outside the Northeast, showing the rest of the country that you can get a great athletic experience while receiving the best education.”

SPORTS

Athletes, teams, capture awards he women’s tennis team had its most successful year in history by reaching the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament for the first time but lost to Concordia College of New York 5-4. The No. 1 doubles team of Katie-Marie Outhwaite, Australia junior, and Kristen Messbarger, Kearney junior, compiled a 23-2 record. The No. 3 doubles team of Mizuki Takahaski, Japan junior, and Nickola Messbarger, Kearney freshman, went 23-3 for the year. The women also won the RMAC Tournament title for the second consecutive

year and set a school record for dual wins (17). On the men’s side, Josh Raymond, Elkhorn freshman, was cited by the ITA (Intercollegiate Tennis Association) as the Central Region’s Rookie Player of the Year. Jake Saulsbury, a 2008 Northwest Missouri State graduate from Lexington, was named new tennis coach during the summer. He replaces Kent Shultz who resigned after two years to take a position with USTA in Jackson, Mississippi. On Memorial Day weekend

Kelli Dring

in Texas, four track athletes earned All-American honors at the outdoor championships. For the women, Kelli Dring, Kearney senior, placed sixth in the long jump with a career best 19-10.25. It was her sixth AllAmerican honor. She also won seven RMAC titles. Sam Murphy, Franklin junior, became a two-time AllAmerican by finishing eighth in the shot put. Drew Onnen, Fairbury sophomore, was fourth in the men’s discus and Allen Osborn, Chadron freshman, was eighth in the 110 hurdles. At the RMAC meet, the women finished second and the men third. While she has completed her eligibility, Dring will remain with the Lopers as she will serve as an assistant coach in 2009-10. Also joining the coaching staff will be Western State graduate Jeremy Bubb, one of the top multi-event athletes in the RMAC the past four years. Ryan Sheldon, Kearney senior, was chosen RMAC Pitcher of the Year for a second consecutive season as the Lopers posted a 26-32 record and were denied a third consecutive RMAC Tournament title. UNK did win its first two RMAC tour-

Tervel Dlagnev

nament games before falling to New Mexico Highlands and eventual winner Colorado StatePueblo. Third baseman, Blake Cover, Kearney junior, joined Sheldon on the RMAC first team. Former heavyweight wrestler Tervel Dlagnev ’09 captured the bronze medal at the World Wrestling Championships in September. He qualified for the meet by beating 2008 U.S. Olympian and wrestling legend Steve Mocco at the World Team Trials in May. He also won gold by beating two of Europe’s top wrestlers at an international meet in Azerbaijan in July.

Loper fans introduced to new website he UNK Athletic Department is looking for more hits, only this time it’s on the web. On October 15, Loper fans were introduced to an all new .com experience with the release of the highly anticipated new site completely devoted to the latest in UNK athletics. In conjunction with a company called ICS (Internet Consulting Services), a leader in athletic website solutions, UNK looks to provide the student-athletes with a modernized site to help promote the success the teams experience year in and year out. More than just a sleek new look, the site will enable staffers to provide fans with up-to-the minute coverage of UNK’s 19 NCAA Division II teams. Not

only will fans have access to all the features they previously enjoyed, the new site will feature a user-friendly navigation, live in-game statistics, streaming audio and video, photo galleries, RSS feeds, recruiting components, interactive calendars, and much more. Fans can sign up for a biweekly newsletter, participate in fan polls, receive text updates, take advantage of corporate sponsor offers or access the official Facebook and Twitter pages

of the UNK Lopers. “We are extremely excited about the possibilities the new website will provide” said UNK Assistant Athletic Director Shawn Fairbanks. “Our studentathletes deserve to have a resource which reflects their efforts and our fans will enjoy having several options to access information about Loper Athletics 24/7.” The website is powered by Internet Consulting Services

(ICS) and SIDEARM content management systems. UNK joins several Division II institutions and conferences from across the country as a member of the ICS family. ICS has developed a reputation among Division II institutions as a functional convenient service provider for the Division II level fans. Fall 2009l UNK Today l

SPORTS

BlueGold Golf: One-day format still biggest fundraiser

change in format didn’t dampen the interest in the 21st annual Blue Gold Golf Scramble as 44 six- person teams participated in the athletic fundraising event in June. After years of hosting two days of activities, this year’s event was shortened to one day with plans for a second event to be held in February. It was another successful day according to athletic director Jon McBride. “From the weather, to the participants, to the people at the reception who are just people who like to get together and talk about the Lopers, it’s all good and we’re appreciative of the support,” McBride said. McBride said it will take a little time to get used to a different format. We need to be patient about evaluating it. One of the traditional events

of the two-day Blue Gold, a banquet and auction, will be replaced with a February social gathering. “We will have great prizes for that,” McBride said. “What we hope happens is that it opens it up to a larger universe of people. For $50 or $100 investment, they will have an entry into winning a prize that has traditionally been won for hundreds of dollars, or a thousand dollars, and I think that will be attractive and appealing to people.” Since it was started by former athletic director Dick Beechner, the Blue Gold has been the largest fund raiser for athletic scholarships, raising nearly $50,000 every year. The winning team at the Meadowlark Hills golf course consisted of Doug King, Mike Bryson, Ron Bazata, Rich Gappa, Paul Baldwin and Rand

Petersen. The winning team members at the Kearney Country club were John Klinginsmith, Tom Connely, Dan McGowan, Doug Mitchell, Reggie Davis and Dave Roseberry. During the event, Chancellor Doug Kristensen announced the kick-off for an endowed scholarship in memory of long-time supporter John McDonald who died May 31. McDonald, 62, died unexpectedly at his home following recent lung surgery. McDonald was the long-time general manager of KGFW radio station and its affiliates in Kearney having joined the station in 1967. Before becoming general manager, he and partner Al Smith were the voices of Loper athletics. McDonald was a true friend of UNK athletics, Chancellor Kristensen said, who had a pas-

sion for family, friendship, laughter, work and helping others. Every year, as the Blue Gold master of ceremonies, McDonald entertained those who attended the event with his wit and humor. “His death was a big loss not only to the university but to the entire community.” His legacy and love for UNK will live on through the John A McDonald Memorial Scholarship. With the support and backing of his family, the endowed scholarship will be presented to a male or female athlete who exemplifies the attributes of commitment to academic and athletic achievement and love of serving others. Information on contributing to the scholarship fund is available by contacting the UNK Athletic Department or the NU Foundation office in Kearney. MEADOWLARK CHAMPS: The winning team at the Meadowlark Golf course was Rand Petersen ’82, Ron Bazata ’74, Paul Baldwin, Doug King ’75, Rich Gappa ’88 and Mike Bryson.

KEARNEY COUNTRY CLUB CHAMPS: The winning team at the Kearney Country Club Golf course was Dan McGowan, John Klinginsmith, Reggie Davis ’98, Tom Connely, Dave Roseberry ’93 and Doug Mitchell ’98.

18 l

UNK Today l Fall 2009

Donors go to bat for -base UNK baseball players are getting a competitive advantage thanks to private gifts that have built an indoor practice facility at Memorial Field where Loper baseball is headquartered. The new complex makes UNK the only school in the region with an indoor batting and hitting facility at the field of play. The building also houses offices for the coaching staff, new showers and laundry facilities, a computer lab and a large projection screen. “This started off as a place for batting and throwing, “ said coach Damon Day, “then the academic center and little league partnership came about and it became something bigger. Now we have a premiere hitting facility right outside of left field.” Day said, “Without the support of private donors, a facility of this magnitude does not happen. Donors’ support of our student athletes is what makes projects like this succeed.” More than $54,000 was given anonymously to the University of Nebraska Foundation to provide the lead gift for the $230,000 project. Private gifts are still being accepted to complete the new building. Other major donors include Kearney Little League, Dr. Brad Rodgers and former baseball players Ron Jiede ’67 and Scott Cruickshank ’86. Players are seeing the benefits of the new facility helpful almost immediately. Jared Loschen, a senior chemistry major from Kearney who pitches for the Lopers, remembers many practices cut short or called off because of bad weath-

SPORTS

BASEBALL COMPLEX: Donors gave more than $230,000 to build an indoor practice facility for baseball, located adjacent to Memorial Field where Loper baseball is headquartered. er. “Now we are able to practice every day inside one of the nicest baseball facilities in this area,” he said. “In the new facility we are able to practice hitting, fielding ground balls and pitching, all in a more game-like and realistic atmosphere. This facility will be a huge benefit not only to the current and prospective UNK baseball players, but also for young baseball players in the community of Kearney to have a chance to come to an indoor facility and practice baseball. We greatly appreciate all of the donations to the new indoor baseball facility.” The new building, like the stadium where it is housed, is available to Kearney Little

League teams as well as American Legion teams in Kearney. “We want these teams to use this,” Day said. “The better the kids do, the better we do down the road.” A majority of the players on the Loper roster are from Nebraska and 25 percent of those players are from Kearney,” he said. “This has an immeasurable impact on our team,” Day said. “I can’t think of 10 other Division II teams that have complete access to facilities like this.” The difference the building made was immediately visible to the Loper team, Day said. “Our hitters hit more live indoor pitching the first five days of practice last season than they

did my first five years here.” “The differences will continue to be noticed,” he said. Thanks to Jiede, players now have a lounge where they can have team meetings and where Kearney Little League and American Legion teams can gather. The lounge includes computer stations that allow Loper players to study without having to drive back to campus, and the projection screen helps them analyze video of opponents as well as video of their own performance. The artificial turf of the practice facility can be divided into three to six separate stations for hitting and live pitching from a pitching mound. An array of nets can create separate stations to accommodate the team’s

Loper Cup renamed for retiring Beechner fter 22 years at UNK and more than 50 years of involvement in collegiate athletics, Dick Beechner has stepped down. Beechner was athletic director from 1987 to 1995 then served as men’s golf coach for the next 13 years. One of Beechner’s innovations as golf coach has been the Loper Cup, a Ryder Cup style of competition between varsity and alumni

golfers. The event was started 11 years ago. This fall the alumni captured the cup after the varsity had won the past four years. To recognize Beechner’s contributions to golf, the athletic department renamed the trophy to the Beechner Cup.In his eight years as athletic director, Beechner oversaw the move from NAIA into NCAA Division II, the building the Health and Sports Center, entry into the Rocky Mountain Athletic

Conference, a significant increase in fund raising for athletic scholarships, the development of the Athletic Learning Skills Center that helps athletes keep academics and athletics in balance and the initiation of the Blue/Gold Honor Roll to recognize athletes for academic success. As golf coach, Beechner led the Lopers to three RMAC titles and made seven state NCAA Super Regional appearances. He coached

five All-Americans and was involved with the NCAA Division II national committee golf. Beechner is the executive director of the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame Foundation and treasurer of the Nebraska Golf Hall of Fame. He has also been a key member of the Kearney Chamber of Commerce’s conventional and sports committee. Fall 2009l UNK Today l

ALUMNI NEWS

PACIFIC NORTHW E S T : Brigham ’06 and Erin Lambley ’05 enjoy a glass of Oregon wine during a tasting party in Oregon. SIGMA TAU GAMMA: Sig Tau alumni and friends gathered in Omaha late this summer. Pictured are Randy Miller ’84, Mark Suhr ’84, Randy McCartney ’85, Kent Ockers ’81 and “Li’l Sis” Brenda Christensen ’83.

KEARNEY: Nancy Polk ’73, Bob Polk ’71, Allison Victoria ’99 and Joseph Victoria MBA ’01 joined Loper alumni at a reception prior to the April Kearney Symphony Orchestra concert. KEARNEY: Lisa Brown ’04, Tony Brown ’03, Bryan Kuntz ’95, Candy Kuntz ’93 and Kristin Howard ’00 take time out of their conversation to smile for the camera at the KASO event.

20 l

UNK Today l Fall 2009

ALUMNI NEWS REUNITED: Each year the Zetas meet for a reunion. This next year will be the 75th Anniversary of the Zeta’s. Plan on meeting them the fourth Thursday of June, 2010. Standing: Mary Lou Kristensen, Betty Cook, Maxine Erpelding, Karen McBride, Betty Friskopp, Marilyn Peterson, Joan King, Colleen Jacobson, Donna Fisher, Joyce Wink, Carol McGodan, Dororthy DeLaet. Sitting: Sharron Altmaier, Jackie Kegley, Marilyn Winler, Doris Thompson and Shirley Urwiller. OREGON: Alumni Association President, Brenda Christensen ’83, and Vance ’67 and Carolyn Boelts visit the Methven Family Vineyards after the bi-annual luncheon in Oregon.

SIGMA TAU GAMMA: Lynn Teachwork ’90, Kelli Ann Francis ’90 and Barry Wergin ’86 talk about good times at the Sig Tau Reunion.

BLUE GOLD GOLF: Dr. Mike Heeney, Chuck Bacus ’79 and athletic director, Jon McBride enjoy post-golf conversation in June.

Fall 2009l UNK Today l Fall 2009l UNK Today l

21 21

Saddle up!

FEATURE

For western music with Tucson Symphony n March, the Bill Ganz Western Band will reach a milestone when they perform with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra Pops series in a program titled Saddle Up. “We are honoring our western and ranching heritage by performing western songs with the orchestra. These songs have origins here in Southern Arizona” Ganz said. His interest in music of the American West began in 1981 when he relocated to Tucson, but his background is diverse. After teaching for several years, Ganz ’72 was taking a summer graduate course in music at UNL when he met a visiting lecturer from the University of WisconsinEau Claire (UWEU), Morris D. Hayes. “At the end of the session, he asked me to become his graduate assistant in choral music at UWEU,” Ganz said. “During my graduate career, Hayes was president of the American Choral Directors Association, and I filled as conductor for him in his undergraduate program, which included the University Singers and the famous men’s group, the Statesmen. “ After earning his master’s degree in 1978, Ganz returned to Nebraska and was named an Artist in Residence by the Nebraska Arts Council. “I traveled throughout Nebraska giving workshops and demonstra-

tions in song composition and guitar,” he said. Ganz continued working on his skills as a songwriter and guitarist, and appeared in many venues. “I also began my recording career at that time,” he said. “I was hired to write and record music for the British Broadcasting Corporation for their television documentary, Wheatcutters.

STRUMMING ALONG: Bill Ganz, who has a long history as a musician, will perform with his western band at the Tucson Orchestra’s Pops series in March.

When he moved to Tucson for more performance opportunities, he began studying American West music. “From the traditional music of the cowboys to the music of the silver

Maeda ’06 F ormer basketball player Kenzo Maeda ’06 recently was featured by a Japanese television station for his work with a professional basketball team in Japan.

22 l

UNK Today l Fall 2009

screen westerns, I found elements in the genre that appealed to me, such as harmony singing and beautiful melodies.” Ganz, who was part of many western groups, formed his own band in 1992. “We’ve performed at the major resorts and guest ranches here in Arizona giving guests all over the world a taste of our unique western heritage.” Ganz said one of his dreams has been to meld genres of music. “One way to achieve that

dream was to have my band perform with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. In March, we will be performing in a series of three concerts in the Pops! Series. These concerts celebrate our western heritage with music written here in Southern Arizona. “George Hanson, conductor of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, said that there are two kinds of music – sincere and not sincere. Western music is a part of our culture and heritage as well as an art form we can call our own. I am proud to be a part of this heritage.”

Brings Loper Athletics to Japan

A native of Japan, Maeda was a part of the 2004-05 and 2005-06 UNK squads. Both of those teams won 23 games and made the

Kenzo Maeda

NCAA tournament. Always a fan favorite, Maeda, a walk-on guard, played in 23 games during his UNK career. He is currently an assistant coach and interpreter with the Takamatsu 5 Arrows team that is located on the island of Shikoku. He called it a ‘dream’ job. Maeda also teaches basket-

ball to children. Maeda said that playing basketball at UNK and learning about how American coaches make sports fun, made him want to use that style of coaching to give children in Japan a dream. Maeda’s wife, Natsumi Morioka ’06, also graduated from UNK.

CLASS NOTES

JOIN THE LOPER

E-network!

Please send your emails to mwidger@nufoundation.org. Be sure to provide your name, address and year of graduation! 1959 Verle Dean Brown retired from the Central Intelligence Agency in 1998 as head of its Intelligence Technology University and retired again in 2008 after ten years as assistant professor of mathematics at East Central College. Since retiring, Dean and his wife, Aneeta, have traveled to Argentina, Mexico and Santa Fe, New Mexico. During 2009, they will travel to Rabat, Morocco, Paris and Madrid. Ken Cook retired from Freeman High School after 50 years as a teacher and coach. He coached and taught at Trumbull, Douglas, Adams and Freeman. He is a member of the UNK Athletic Hall of Fame and the Nebraska high School Hall of Fame.

1962 Martin ‘Tuck’ Mason was inducted into the Ventura, California Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2009. Mason coached at Oxnard High School from 1965 to 1976 and at Ventura College from 1976 to 1998. During his career at Ventura College, his teams won 15 conference championships in men’s and women’s track and field and cross country. He was conference coach of the year eight times.

three sport star at Ord High School. He was an All-American football and baseball player for UNK.

1971 Brad Kernick received the ‘Friend of Kearney Award’ at the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet last spring. John Makovicka of Ulysses received a Distinguished Service Award from the Nebraska School Activities Association at the 2009 Nebraska High School Basketball Tournament in March.

1972 Jim Miller resigned as girls basketball coach at Omaha Marian High School. He will continue as athletic director. In 33 seasons, Miller compiled 619 victories, a state record 25 Class A state tournament appearances, three state championships and eight runner-up finishes.

1973 Lyle Moeller of Norfolk was named the girls cross country 2009 Coach of the Year by the Nebraska Coaches Association. Carolyn Frederickson Scheidies of Kearney has released a memoir titled ‘Tales of A Simpler Time, Wisconsin Childhood Remembered. The freelance author’s book is a look back at a more innocent time when faith and family were important values. Information is available at http://idealinhope.com/author/tales.html

1976 David Gee, industrial technology teacher at Grand Island Northwest High School, was one of only 15 high school technology education teachers presented with national teacher excellence awards by the International Technology Educators Association.

1978 Diane Stork Feldman, learning resource center coordinator in the UNMC College of Nursing Kearney Division, received the Staff Excellence Award for 2009. The award is given for outstanding customer service.

1980 Shane Fruit of Ogallala was honored by the Nebraska Coaches Association as the 2009 Boys Cross Country Coach of the Year.

Mike McGlade received the Dan O’Doherty Award at the 10th annual St. Pius X/Leo Athletic Committee Sports Night in May for his volunteer dedication to the development of youth athletics in the Omaha community.

1981 Tim Higgins MAE’97 of Grand Island received the first Roy and Ross Speece Umpire of the Year Award. The award was begun by the Speece family to honor Roy and Ross, who were inducted in the Nebraska Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in the 1980s as umpires.

1982 Randy Grier is the principal at Elm Creek High School. Bob Jones is athletic director and head football coach at Shepherd High School in Texas. Tim Kick of Dallas has been appointed chief financial officer of eGistics, a leading provider of hosted document management solutions. He is responsible for overseeing the company’s financial planning and analysis, treasury, audit, payables, receivables and tax functions. Prior to joining eGistics, Tim held numerous positions at EDS. Most recently, he was CFO of the Financial Services Industry Group at EDS. He also has been CFO of EDS’s business in Northern Europe and Africa.

Crabtree Warriors

1964 Bill McGahan MSE’68, EDS’91, longtime teacher and administrator at North Platte Catholic Schools, was recognized last spring by the National Catholic Education Association at its national convention. He was one of seven honored by the Secondary Division of NCEA. He has been a staff member of NPCS for 43 years, including 41 as an administrator.

1966 Jo Heckel MAE’71 received the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association Outstanding Service Award last spring. Heckel was swimming and diving coach at both Bellevue High School and Bellevue West High School. She began her career at Bellevue High after graduating in 1966 even though the school had no pool. As a diving coach, her teams produced a 378-86 record in dual meets. She coached seven state champions and three All-Americans and had at least one diver qualify for the state meet in each of her 32 seasons as coach.

1968 Keith Staehr of Kimball was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame in September in the coaching category. Staehr coached football at North-Loup Scotia four years and Kimball for 29 years. JJ Toczek MSE’73 of Papillion-LaVista High School was named the 2009 Volleyball Coach of the Year by the Nebraska Coaches Association.

1970 Rich Osentowski of Kearney was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame in September in the athlete category. Osentowski was a

ORIGINAL: The original members as pictured in the 1981 yearbook included Julie Baker, Jim Chambers, Jeff Moyer, Dean Carstens, Mike Mellott and Debbie Freitag.

REUNION TIME: Members of the 1981-83 intramural group self-entitled “Crabtree Warriors” have tried to reunite every year. This year, they met in Kansas City. The members are Back: Jeff Moyer, Tom Peterson, Mike Mellott, Dean Carstens Front: Sheldon Crabtree, Jana Barnell Fitchett, Julie Baker Lorraine, Deb Freitag Carsten and Doug Simpson. Fall 2009l UNK Today l

CLASS NOTES

YOUR LINK TO ALUMNI! www.unk.edu/alumni Facebook Group: UNK/KSC Alumni Association Raymon Johnson is relationship manager at Heritage bank in Doniphan. He has spent the past 22 years in northeast Nebraska in the insurance and banking business.

Mike Deines is relationship manager at Heritage Bank Grand Island. Gary Smith is police chief for the city of Emporia, Kansas. Tim Thiele is vice president of Five Points Bank in Kearney.

1988

1993

ShLoe Lentz Maurer became a National Board Certified Teacher in November earning certificating in Literacy: Reading/Language Arts – Early and Middle Childhood. ShLoe was one of 64 teachers to earn certification in Iowa last year. She has taught first grade in Sioux City for 21 years. She and her husband, Darren, have two daughters, Taylor 17 and Emily 15.

Bill Baasch is plant manager of Case New Holland in Grand Island. Michele Adams Ohlmann, a physical therapist at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln, has been named inpatient therapy manager.

1987

1994 Todd Hilyard, principal at Cozad Middle School since 2001, was named

2010 Middle School Principal of the Year by the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals. Melissa Matthews Zorn is controller at American Foods Group LLC in Gibbon. She had worked 14 years in Grand Island with JBS as an accounting clerk and assistant controller.

1995 Rik Devney is principal at Huntington Elementary School in Lincoln. He has been with the system since 1996. Scott Geiger is branch manager and vice president of business development and lending for Geneva State Bank in Kearney. Michele Roberts is associate athletic director/senior woman administrator at UNO.

1996 Air Force Maj. Jeffrey Autrey is an optometry flight commander assigned to the 355th Medical Group, Aerospace Medicine Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. He earned his doctorate in optometry in 2000 from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis. Brian Baer was elected president of the Professional Photographers of Nebraska in April. He is owner of Baer Photography in Kearney.

1997 Amy Kruse Almquist ’97 earned her masters of science degree in curriculum and instruction in August 2008 from Doane College. She is an English teacher at Grand Island Senior High School. She and her husband, Robert ’97, have two children, Dylan and Kara. Ryan Zabawa is principal at Park Middle School in Lincoln. He had been an associate principal at North Star High School in the Lincoln system.

1989 Tom Albers has received a national award for his part in a public relations campaign for Omaha-based company Home Instead Senior Care. Albers Communications Group, along with GLM Communications, received the Silver Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of American for having the best PR campaign in the country in the Marketing Consumer Services category. The Silver Anvil, PRSA’s highest honor, recognizes outstanding achievement in strategic public relations planning and implementation. Dr.Wade Robinson MSE’92 has been named vice president for the Division of Campus Life and University Relations at Wichita State University. He had been associate vice chancellor for academic and student affairs at UNO since 2003. Greg Shea is president of the Viaero Events Center and the Tri-City Storm hockey team in Kearney. He had been executive director of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce. Prior to his chamber position he had been vice president of the Storm from 1999 to 2008.

Alumni are am ong UNK’s b est recruiters the university and could use yo ur assistance . There are man y ways you ca n assist in attr ing prospectiv acte Lopers. Make a p oint to visit w ith students an friends about d your experie nce at UNK and encourage them to give us a look Encourage them to check us out on the web at www .unk.edu Send the ir name school inform s, addresses and high ation to the admissions office

1-800-KEAR NEY admissionsu g@unk.edu

1991 Joel Poppe is an employment consultant with Essential Personnel in Grand Island.

1992 Robert and Beth Krause Caldwell live in Lincoln where Robert is president and CEO of Hampton Enterprises, Inc. They have two children, Anne Lyn 6 and Charles Fredric 1.

24 l

UNK Today l Fall 2009

Jill Widdowson Macek has been promoted to supervising senior accountant with McDermott & Miller in Grand Island. Paula Schaaf Hans is the news media specialist for Aurora Public Schools in Colorado. She and her husband, Josh, have a son, Lucas Thomas, who was born December 17, 2007.

2000 Elizabeth Edwards Sherbeck received the 2009 Time Warner National Teaching Award along with English co-teacher Debra Sharp and English student teacher Colleen McBride. They accepted the award in Washington D.C. in June. Only 15 entries were selected from across the nation. Elizabeth is a seventh grade special education teacher at Pound Middle School with the Lincoln Public Schools.

2002 Dianne Keiter of Kearney graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia in May with a Master of Arts in Information Science and Learning Technologies. Mike Skeen is director of business development for Duncan Thompson Group in Kearney.

2003 Jonathan Brandt of Kearney is an attorney with the law firm of Anderson, Klein, Swan and Brewster of Holdrege and Kearney. He received his law degree from NU College of Law in 2007. Beth Swift Dye is the new head basketball coach at Omaha Marian High School. For the past two years she has been co-head coach. She is also a teacher and head tennis coach. Corey Fisher MSE is the high school principal at Ravenna. Duana Freeman is a claims advocate with UNICO in Lincoln. Thomas Mezger has been named an associate of the Casualty Actuarial Society. He is a senior actuarial analyst at Selective Insurance. He lives in Budd Lake, New Jersey. Dr. Laron and his wife, Amanda Kamler Williams have moved to Lubbock, Texas, where Laron is an assistant professor of political science at Texas Tech University.

2004

Andrea Hiatt Buckley is a staff attorney with Iowa Legal Aid. She works in the Northwest Regional office in Sioux City. Prior to joining Iowa Legal Aid, she was in private practice with Klass Law Firm in Sioux City. Emily Gusso is an assistant women’s basketball coach at South Dakota State University. She also is recruiting coordinator and academic coordinator. Beth Keller works for D3 Interiors of Omaha. Dr. Corey Timperley practices at the Mosier/Timperley Chiropractic Clinic in Lincoln. She graduated from the Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas.

2005

1990 Dave Colling is again head football coach at Kearney Catholic High School. He had been an assistant coach. He previously served as head football coach at Kearney Catholic from 1993 to 1995.

1998

Help Them – EXPERIENC E KEAR

NEY

Andrea Andersen is a sales representative for Vertical Pharmaceuticals in Houston. Dr. Chelsey Lynn Clemans received the doctor of optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis. She practices as an associate at Kosunick & Scott in Cleveland. Tyler Erwin MSE’05 is an assistant basketball coach at UNO. Christa Mary Sindelar of Grand Island received her doctor of optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis. Jillian Tangeman Wendburg is a student at the University of Missouri at Kansas City in the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in English. She also operates her web design business, Rural Designs.

CLASS NOTES

UNK Today, official alumni publication of the University of Nebraska at Kearney is published two times a year by the Alumni Association, Kearney, Nebraska 68849. Third class postage paid, Kearney, NE 68847. Phone: (308) 865-8474 FAX: (308) 865-8999 E-mail: LDART@nufoundation.org Internet: http://www.unk.edu/alumni BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Brenda Christensen ’83, President - Minden Chad Rutar ’97, President-elect - Omaha Bryan Kuntz ’95, Secretary - Kearney Maureen Nickels ’74, Past-President - Chapman Larry Feather ’66, Trustee - Grand Junction, CO DIRECTORS E XPIRING 2009 Fred Arnold ’83 - Fairbury Sue Batie ’73 - Cypress, CA Candy Fernau ’96 - Dallas, TX Andy Romatzke, J.D. ’01 - Omaha Robert Warren ’64 - McMinnville, OR Deb Schwenka ’76 - Minden Stephanie Hueftle Vogel ’89 - Lincoln Tom and Shelly Paulsen Gifford ’98 of Kansas City, Missouri, are parents of a daughter, Alexis Kay, born March 31. Matthew and Brooke Tesar Gilliland ’97 of Geneva are parents of a son, Rylan Matthew, born February 8. They also have a daughter, Alyssa Marie 7. Matt is the fleet supervisor for Nebraska Public Power District and is based out of the York Operations Center. Brooke is a stay at home mother. Cody ’03 and Jessica Stevens Goodrich ’05 are parents of a daughter, Emma Jo, born June 10. Heather and Justin Hall ’00 of Minden are parents of a daughter, Emma Mae, born April 24. Patrick and Kelli Craig Hamilton ’00 of Saint Paul, Minnesota, are parents of a daughter, Sydney Jo, born June 1. They also have a daughter, Samantha 2. Barry Dee and Lorraine Marie Day Hiebner ’94 of Henderson are parents of a son, David Robert, born March 4. Ben ’01 and Kelli O’Connor Holl ’02 of Kearney are parents of a son, Elijah James, born January 6. Dr. Aaron and Elissa Bosley Hurd ’98 of Knoxville, Tennessee, are parents of a son, Jacob Michael, born December 12. Aaron is in his fourth year of general

26 l

UNK Today l Fall 2009

E XPIRING 2010 Cynthia Schug Bahler ’94 - Lamar Doug Burritt ’95 - Osceola Denise Strother Christensen ’80 - Kearney Steve James ’77 - Danville, CA Lanny Jorgensen ’63 - Tucson, AZ Bryan Kuntz ’95 - Kearney Holly Nikels ’93 - Bettendorf, IA Nancy Yurges Osterbuhr ’95 - Minden E XPIRING 2011 Barb Lehmkuhl Estes ’74 - Kearney Dean Jindra ’85 - Papillion Dee Dee Schutte Kitzelman ’90 - Kearney Andrea Walton Miller ’02 - Scottsbluff Ben Rowe ’03 - Kearney Ryan Samuelson ’02 - Phoenix, AZ Troy Schleiger ’95 - Lincoln Candy Thompson Walton ’97 - Vermillion, SD Ryan Tworek ’98 - Newport Beach, CA A LUMNI A SSOCIATION S TAFF Lucas Dart ’97 Executive Director Michelle Widger ’90 Assistant Director and Assistant Editor Jean Starman - Office Associate Jim Rundstrom ’64 - Editor & Director Emeritus surgery residency at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. They also have a son, Lucas. David ’07 and Karrie Kucera Huryta ’07 of Ravenna are parents of a daughter, Maggie Jo, born May 11. Geri and Kelly Jasnoch ’05 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Hailee Renee, born May 2. Traci and Scott Javins ’98 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Emma Grace, born July 13. Desiree and Jordan John ’03 of Elkhorn are parents of a daughter, Ashly Kaye, born April 3. Joseph ’01 and Tara Coughlin Johnson ’02 of David City are parents of a son, Alexander Michael, born March 30. They also have a son, Will. Jamie and Kenton Jurgensen ’99 of Omaha are parents of a son, Brayden Cooper, born May 4. Brian ’01 and Dana McCracken Kaslon ’97 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Mariah KayAnn, born February 26. They also have McKaleigh, 3. Joe and Becky Brekel Klute ’03 of Kearney are parents of a son, Ayden Joseph, born July 2. Kenneth and Jessica Knapp ’00 of Colorado Springs are parents of a son, James Kenneth, born April 15. Scott ’97, MSED’05 and Tawnia

Wood Krause ’97, of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Kennady Laine, born October 23, 2008. Scott is a teacher and coach at Sunrise Middle School,Tawnia is controller at Baldwin Filters. Brad ’98 and Kristina Myers Krohn ’98 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Breckyn Taylor, born April 10. Sid and Rochelle Hunt Krueger ’91 of Kearney are parents of a son, Spencer Edward, born December, 2008.They also have a daughter, Madaline. Chad and Cami Myers Kruetzer ’01 of Amherst are parents of a daughter, Cami Jo, born April 30. They also have a daughter, Claire Mylee. Lonnie ’05 and Cassondra Rustemier Kvasnicka ’04 of Kearney are parents of a son, Liam Levi, born August 3. Jill and Justin Lacey ’01 of Burleson, Texas, are parents of a daughter, Madilyn Lee, born May 25. Don and LeAnn Schluntz Leidig ’04 of Phillipsburg, Kansas, are parents of a son, Caleb Donald, born June 29. Amanda and Kim Lewis ’90 of Kearney are parents of a son, Micah Landon, born May 28. R D ’97 and Jenny Butterbaugh Long ’98 of Shawnee, Kansas, are parents of a daughter, Natalie Joy, born March 4. Kasey and Jennifer Ziegler Loschen ’04 of Franklin are parents of a daughter, Emelene Mae, born March 29. Ryan and Lindsay Roper Lund ’06 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Hailey Isabella, born February 20. Lindsay is a music teacher at Kearney Catholic School. Tom ’03 and Leah Skorupa Mezger ’04 of Bud Lake, New Jersey, are parents of a son, Alexander Francis, born April 9. Robert and Trena Dejmal Miller ’05 of Elm Creek are parents of a son, Madox Robert, born February 17.They also have a daughter, Madelynn. Trena is an elementary teacher with Kearney Public Schools. Jason ’04 and Heather Ginther Mitchell ’05 of Haysville, Kansas, are parents of a son, Hayden John, born February 1. Kristin and Sean Murphy ’94 of Lincoln are parents of a daughter, Leyton Elizabeth, born March 8. Nathan ’01 and Jami Mitchell Olson ’01 of David City are parents of a son, Caelan Zane, born November 30, 2008. They have two other children, Valori 4 and Neil 2. Jarod and Samantha Jones Osmotherly ’08 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Abbie Marie, born March 20. They also have a daughter, Emma. Galen and Kellie Bendix Pfeiffer ’96 of Lincoln are parents of twin daughters, Madelyn Kay and Gabrielle Paige, born May 13. Troy and Virginia Dietz Rainforth ’01 of Doniphan are parents of a son, Bladen Wayne Maurice, born March 5. They also have a daughter, Logan Rose 2. Brian ’93 and Tricia Legg Regelin ’94 of Cozad are parents of a daughter, Whitney Kaye, born June 14. JoAnna and Jeremy Ringlein ’00 of Kearney are parents of a son, Brice Michael, born May 27. Brandon and Tara Ferguson Rood ’99 of Cheyenne, Wyoming, are parents of a daughter, Devaney Lynn, born August 31, 2008. Stuart and Amanda Muchow Rood ’04 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Kinleigh Ryne, born July 24. Susan and Jason Rowling ’94 of Davidson, North Carolina, are parents of a daughter, Abigail Grace, born June 1.

Troy ’00 and Janisha Jurgens Ruda ’01 of rural Cozad are parents of a daughter, Lauryn Grace, born February 24.They also have a son, Dawson Amos 2. ReDonna and Patrick Russell ’97 of Kearney are parents of a son, Joshua LaVon, born March 31. Sherri and Scott Schlegel ’96 of Bruning are parents of a daughter, Olivia Marie, born April 21, 2008. They have two other children, Blake 6, Ashley 4. Kevin ’94 and Jane Roseland Schuster ’00 of Omaha are parents of a son, Hudson David, born February 3. They also have a son, Brody 3. Jeremey ’02 and Jesica Butler Shiers ’04 of Ansley are parents of a daughter, Adeline Lillian Mae, born May 4. Christine and Chris Smutney ’02 of Omaha are parents of a son, Andrew John, born May 6.

MOVING? Don’t miss your next UNK Today! If you re moving, please attach your old mailing label to the right. Provide your new informa tion below and return to: UNK

Name Year Graduated New Address City

State

Phone E-mail Address

Zip+4

Ty Wisdom is a teacher and coach with the Fremont Public Schools.

What’s happening?

2006 Erin Brosz Byrd is the volleyball coach and a middle school teacher at Millard West High School. She has been a graduate assistant at UNO the past two years. Laura Erb has been promoted to senior accountant in the Kearney office of McDermott & Miller, P.C. Tom Schlund graduated in May with a masters of education with a focus in higher education and administration and student affairs from Texas Tech University. He is a residence hall coordinator at the University of Missouri. Amy Steger MSE’06 is an insurance agent with Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance in Blue Springs, Missouri.

2008 Andrew Bennett is a graduate student in cultural foundations of education with a concentration in disability studies at Syracuse University. Amanda Bugbee teaches in Grand Island Public Schools at the Early Learning Center as an Early Childhood Educator. COMMENCEMENT: When Chris Lyons graduated with his Stein Elting is a graduate student at MBA from Augsburg College in Minneapolis, he was selected to Doane College working on master of deliver the student commencement address. The theme of arts degree in management. Sarah Gibbs is quality assurance coorcommencement was The Broadening Concept of Science dinator with the Women, Infants and Within Our Environment. Chris is pictured here with his son, Children Program in Kearney. Charlie, and Dr. Jane Lubchenco, who is administrator for Brian Malicky is studying physical therapy at UNMC NOAA in the cabinet of President Barrack Obama. Chris and Joseph Nowaczyk is a national prodhis wife, Danielle, have recently moved to Omaha where he is ucts specialist with Precision Industries in Omaha. global account manager for Gexpro. Shawn Patsios works at Bank of the Send your updateUNK forTodayto: West in Kearney. Katie Peters works in customer servUNK Alumni Association, Campus Box 21, ice at Valley Medical Management in Kearney NE 68849-6120 or email us your Loup City. updates to MWidger@nufoundation.org Katherine Rich of Brady is a revenue agent for the Nebraska Department of Revenue. Luis Segura of Kearney is a designer/project manager for Continental Fire First Name Middle Initial Last Name Maiden Name Sprinkler Company. Emily Stoltenberg is a business teacher with Arcadia Public School. Street City State Zip+4 Amber Nabity Vlasnik is a math teacher at Lincoln Southeast High School. She had been teaching in Houston. Phone Danell Will is activity director at Good Samaritan Society in Gibbon.

Alumn i

Date of Birth

2009

E-Mail Address

Grad Month & Year Employer Name

Major/Minor

Ted Stein is the Centra Athletic Center Director in Miles City, Montana. Centra is Miles City Community College’s recreation center as well as a community center. He is also assistant to the athletic director.

Occupation Births

Spouse Name News

Is he/she a grad of UNK UNL UNO UNMC

Year

Jesse ’04 and Kelli McBride Arens ’04 of Kearney are parents of a son, Dane Stephen, born July 3. Sarah and Reid Ayres ’04 of Hastings are parents of a daughter, Kiley Anne, born May 7. Shane ’03 and Jodi Svoboda Bendfeldt ’04 of Gibbon are parents of a daughter, Natalie Ann, born March 19. Aileen and James Beyer ’99 of Omaha are parents of a daughter, Lea Aileen, born May 26. James is manager, risk services, for Lincoln Financial Group in Omaha. Chris and Katie Woltman Blair ’03 of Kearney are parents of a son, John Carter, born May 18. Nathan ’07 and Megan Anderson Blazek ’06 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Madelyn Grace, born March 13. Adam ’00 and Jill Balk Bolling ’01 of Pleasant Valley, Missouri, are parents of twins, Willie Reese and Wyatt Matthew, born August 12.

CLASS NOTES Ben ’02 and Emily Ohm Brachle ’03 of Omaha are parents of a son, Gabriel Christopher, born May 12. Scott ’99 and Shannon Peterson Bruha ’00 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Payton Leigh, born March 10. Michael and Tally Zimmerman Bruning ’98 of Omaha are parents of a daughter, Noelle, born April 4. Tally is a second grade teacher with Westside Community Schools. James and Jenny Cook Chan ’00 of Golden, Colorado, are parents of a son, Caleb James, born January 7. Neal and Lauri Hofmann Chandler ’96 of Pleasanton are parents of a daughter, Lily Mae, born February 27. Adam ’02 and Brandi Slocum Charter ’02 of North Platte are parents of a son, Levi Kenton, born April 6. Adam is a police officer with the city of North Platte. Jason ’00 and Kari Stubbs Cover ’99 of Humboldt are parents of a son, Caleb Russell, born July 8. Kim ’99, MAE ’04 and Lucas Dart ’97 are parents of a daughter, Morgan born May 26. They also have a son, Nolan, and daughter, Lydia. John and Tammy Dingwerth Dahlstrom ’95 of Omaha are parents of a daughter, Avery, born February 27. They also have a son, Jackson. Rik ’95 and Prudence Schwartz Devney ’94 of Lincoln are parents of a daughter, Alydia Michelle, born May 20. They have two other daughters, Adelicia 10 and Isabella 6. Rik is principal at Huntington Elementary School in Lincoln. Prudence is the executive director of children at Lincoln First Church of the Nazarene. Judd and Danielle Woehrle Dickman ’97 of Lexington are parents of a daughter, Jayden JoAnn, born June 28. Tony ’97 and Lindsey Gregg Deitering ’97 of Sidney are parents of twin daughters, Lucy Anne and Lily Jane, born June 4. Chanel and Erik Estes ’01 of Colorado Springs are parents of a son, Evan Kent, born May 29. Terry and Jeanne Czarnick-Evans ’87, MSE’03 of Columbus are parents of a daughter, Gabriella Dorothy, born November 11.They have two other daughters, Anastasia and Clarissa. Jeanne teaches at Twin River Public School. Andy ’94 and Monica Graham Falk ’93 of Pleasanton are parents of a son, Baron Lincoln, born June 28. Jacob ’00 and Tiffany Feldman Weiss ’08 of Kearney are parents of son, Maxton Richard born May 12. Jacob is an Assistant Professor at UNK. Katie and Ryan Fitch ’06 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Paige Rebecca, born March 12. Brooke and Michael Ford ’05 of Kearney are parents of a son, Miles Michael, born February 7. Michael is an elementary teacher with Elm Creek Public Schools. Morgan and Tara Redlinger Fouts ’06 of Elm Creek are parents of a son, Jacob Alan, born February 2. Luke ’06 and Amanda Broadfoot Garringer ’07 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Addison Leigh, born June 16. Brent ’04 and Kathryn Alt Gehring ’04, MSEd ’06 are the parents of a son, Aiden James, born July 22. Brent is a business teacher and assistant boys basketball coach at Bellevue East. Kathryn is a speech pathologist Papillion-LaVista Schools. Fall 2009l UNK Today l

John and Tamara Kanode Snider ’01 of Kearney are parents of a son, Afton Wesley, born May 29. Andrew ’04 and Leah Lewis Stade ’02 of Kearney are parents of a son, Alexander Wayne, born March 11. Jason ’02 and Amanda Stark ’02 of Hazard are parents of a daughter, Jenna Lynn, born February 1. Jason ’99, MAE’03 and Mandy Crile Stubbs ’99 of Kearney are parents of a son, Jake David, born March 20. Mandy is a licensed mental health practitioner and Jason is a teacher with Amherst Public Schools. Elizabeth and Paul Sutton ’08 UNMCKearney Nursing are parents of a daughter, Brandi Elizabeth, born March 21. Paul attends Cleveland Chiropractic in Kansas City, MO. Jeff ’04 and Jessica Nickel Talkington ’04 of Seward are parents of a son, Elijah Nickel, born June 24. Ross and Amy Riddle Tessendorf ’96 of Omaha are parents of a son, Ty Michael, November 1, 2008. Amy is a speech-language pathologist with Blair Community Schools. Kully ‘00 and Amanda Larson Thatcher ’07 of Kearney are parents of a son, Kayl Lin, born July 7. Kimberly and Joshua Townsend ’04 of Kearney are parents of a son, Gavin John, born June 4. Jeff and Jauni Dennis Tracy ’94 of Kearney are parents of a daughter,Torrie RyAnn, born February 20. Leland and Krisha Niemoth Uden MSE’97 of Kenesaw are parents of a daughter, Abigail Grace, born February 11. John ’95 and Crystal Schemm Vanderbeek ’00 of Kearney are parents of a son, Daniel James, born June 13. Vanderbeeks are parents of sons Anthony and Joseph and daughter, Lindsey. John teaches at Sunrise Middle School. Crystal runs an in-home Christian daycare. Mike and Kelli Anderson Vohland ’02, MBA’03 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Delaney Grayce, born May 17. Drew and Karle Sander Von Seggern ’97 of LeMars, Iowa, are parents of twin daughters, Kirsten Ann and Lauren Elizabeth, born November 19, 2008. Karla is a fourth grade teacher with Sioux City Community Schools. John ’01 and Lee Ramey Webber ’00 of Kearney are parents of a son, Joshua Bennett, born June 30. They have two other children, Mary Grace 3 and Jacob Joseph 2. Michael ’00 and Darcy Braun Weides ’00 of Lincoln are parents of a daughter, Anney Olivia, born March 20. Ed ’92 and Lynette Kerr Wiltgen MAE’00 of Kearney are parents of a son, Christian Jacob, born February 2. Ed is a restaurant owner and Lynette a second grade teacher at Park Elementary School. Sara and Tom Zikmund ’01 of Alma are parents of a son, Barrett James, born June 6. They have two other children, sons, John, 7 and Brett, 4.

Marriages Craig Beaman ’08 and Emily Vencil June 27 in Kearney. Becky Benson ’09 and Matthew Howe August 15 in Central City. Sarah Burbach ’05 and Russ Raley July 10 in Lincoln. Sheri Clayton ’04 and Ted Spomer June 6 in Hordville. They live in Chandler, Arizona. Heather Crouch ’06 and Chase Placzek ’08 August 22 in Kearney.

Angelie Dickmeyer ’07 and Justin Anson August 2, 2008.They live in North Platte where Angelie is employed by DHHS as an adult protective services worker. Brian Fast ’07 and Jenna Allen August 8 in Kearney. Adam Fjell ’03 and Sara Holland June 13 in Bellevue. Ashley Hammer ’07 and Zachary Larson September 19 in Holdrege. John Harvey ’07 and Jordan Lundgren May 9 in Glenwood, Iowa. Pauline Johnson ’92 and Scott Davis July 25 in Elba. They live in Colorado Springs. Adam Knecht ’06 and Jessica Regan July 10 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Sara Korus ’07, MS’09 and Heath Oberg ’06 in Kearney. Sara is a speech language pathologist with Lexington Public Schools and Heath is a farmer/rancher near Farnam. Crystal Lentell ’08 and Trent Georgiana June 20 in Kearney. Gwen Maliszewski ’05 and Adam Rathman ’08 August 29 in Kearney. Jeremy McFarland ’08 and Heather Trubey August 15 in Grand Island. Lindsey Meier ’09 and Trenton Lilienthal August 1 in Grand Island. Samantha Munoz ’04 and Jason Willey August 22 in Grand Island. Kelli Obermiller ’09 and Jason Rademacher September 26 in Loup City. Robert O’Neill ’07 and Sheresa Scholten August 1 in Orange City, Iowa. Brooke Peterson ’03 and Matt Larson November 15, 2008 in Omaha. Cameron Push ’09 and Aranea Spencer August 15 in Grand Island. Max Simonson ’04 and Maggi McDermott August 29 in Grand Island. Tim Sladek ’07 and Kelly Norrie May 30 in Geneva. Kristin Steinbeck ’03, MS’06 and Brian Chamness September 19 in Kearney.

Mike Sunderman ’80 and Cathy Trowbridge June 20. Mike is in his fifth year as athletic director at Madison High School. He has been coaching and teaching at Madison for 22 years. Kylie True ’08 and Ryan Hulme July 28 in Cairo. Charlie Wilson ’08 and Shelby Muller September 12 in Kearney. Mary Lois Wohlgemuth ’09 and Matthew Athley ’09 June 14 in Minden. Both attend Barry University School of Law in Orlando, Florida. Audra Young ’07 and Brian Haas ’07 May 30 in Kearney. Shawntelle Young ’02, MBA’04 and Bret Bowman July 25 in Kearney. Shawntelle is a trust officer at Platte Valley State Bank.

Deaths Mark Anderson ’98 of Minden died August 24. He was 55. Doris Russom Bowers ’31 of Pennsboro, West Virginia, died July 17. She was 99. Margaret Bradley ’70 of Ravenna died July 19. She taught school for 33 years. She was 75. Joel Brinkman ’87 of Loveland, Colorado, died May 26. He was 48. Robert H. ‘Bob’ Busteed ’53 of Rochester, Minnesota, died December 5, 2008. He was 78. Sgt. Justin Duffy ’00 died June 2 in Iraq when the Humvee he was driving was struck by a roadside bomb. He was 31. John Eckhout ’69 of Amherst died June 9. He was 61. Reinhold J. ‘Reiney’ Ehly ’42, MSE’71 of Kearney died April 14. He was a financial officer at UNK until his retirement in 1983. He was 89. Dr. Jess Enns of Kearney died May 17. He was sociology professor at UNK

Mike Burrows ’79 releases book on Air Force football he first book written by Mike Burrows ’79 has been released. The Power of Influence, Life-Changing Lessons from the Coach is the story of Fisher DeBerry’s coaching era at the Air Force Academy. Burrows interviewed players and others associated with the Air Force program during DeBerry’s 23 years as the Falcon’s head coach. DeBerry is the winningest coach in service academy history, but his success has been measured by the kind of people his players have become. Faith, family and football – these are priorities in his life and the themes of his book. Burrows said that all of the revenue generated from the

sale of the book will go directly to Fisher’s foundation. That foundation was created to aid children of single parent families. Rudy Ruettiger, college football player whose life inspired the movie, Rudy said the book will encourage to think differently about the people you meet . . . you have the power to influence them for a lifetime.” Burrows has been a sports writer for the Denver Post for more than 10 years. Prior to that he was a sports writer for the Colorado Springs Gazette for 13 years. Copies of the book are available at www.FisherDeBerryFoundation.org .

CLASS NOTES from 1970 until his retirement in 2006. He was 70. B. R. ‘Bud’ Farm ’53 of Portland, Oregon, died August 27. He had served for many years on the Northwest Alumni Association board of directors. He was 78. Harold Fothergill ’84, MBA’86 of Grand Island died May 9. He was 68. Virginia Herbert George ’32 of Sidney died July 5. She was 95. Rebecca Adams Green ’92 of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, died June 13 from a drowning accident in Fish Creek. She was 40. Norman Haldiman ’62 of Lincoln died March 26. He was 69. Marjorie Hollingsworth Harbaugh ’43 of Albuquerque died February 21. She was 87. Jessie Hervert ’61 of Kearney died July 31. She was 95. Barbara Shull Ulm Houston of Omaha died June 24. She was 77. Shirley Shaffer Houston ’56, MSE’69 of Minden died April 13. She was a business education teacher for 35 years and retired from UNK as an associate professor of business in 2000. She was 72. Edward Kielbasinski of Kearney died August 19. He was a broadcasting professor at UNK in the 1980s. He was 57. Dan Leibee ’58 of Buffalo, Wyoming, died March 27. He was 73. Ron Mousel of McCook died July 13. He had been an attorney in McCook since 1973. He was 68. Kenneth Phillips ’52 of Beatrice died July 30. He was 87. Lori Jorgensen Phillips ’96 of Kearney died as a result of injuries received in an automobile accident June 18. She was 35. Noel Olin ’61 of St. Paul died September 6. He was 70. Lilah Owen Read ’67 of Hastings died April 17. She was 95. John ‘Jack’ Rohrs ’59 of Kearney died August 13. He was a physics professor at UNK for 25 years. He was 78. Wayne Rudolph of Hastings died July 1. He was 68. Jeanne Cremeen Saathoff ’70 of Grand Island died May 19. She was 60. Ruth Lindekugel Shaughnessy ’66 of Hastings died July 27. She was 65. B. David Sinclair of Kearney died August 18. He was an English professor at UNK for 39 years, retiring in 2006. He was 68. Kenneth Smyers ’52 of Kansas City died March 24. He was 80. Lloyd Softley ’54 of Alliance died May 16. He was 77. Charles Stevenson MAE’70, EDS’89 of Los Angeles died July 22. He was 68 Glendoris Stickney ’68, MSE’74 of Ravenna died July 5. She taught elementary and special education for 51 years. She was 83. Jeffrey ‘Jeff ’ Stoppkotte ’89 of Kearney died March 11. He was 50. Jeffrey ‘Jeff ’ Timm ’86 of Kearney died August 6. He was 47. Natalie Peppler Walter ’71 of Omaha died August 21. She was 60. Don Whitacre ’58 of Kearney died April 6. He was 76.

Fall 2009l UNK Today l

28 l

UNK Today l Fall 2009

Fall 2009l UNK Today

University of Nebraska at Kearney Alumni Association Kearney, NE 68849-6120

UNK TODAY PAID

PERMIT NO. 14 KEARNEY, NE 68847

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE