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MAGAZINE
The Spirit of Omaha
AK-SAR-BEN 2010 VOL. 22 NO. SEA Press releases and other editorial information may be sent to: P.O. BOX 241611, OMAHA, NE 68124 or e-mailed to: Editor@SpiritofOmaha.com Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Staff Photographers
Andrea L. Hoig
Daniel Flanigan Cindy Grady Caroline Hurley Jim Lamb Linda Shepard Dave Stock Lionel Tay
Editor/Creative Director
Robert P. Killmer Sales Manager
Ryan Lally Sales Associates
Katie Cook Chuck Pauly
Staff Writers
Administration
Francesca Peterson Web Content Manager
Megan Olson Events Editor | Layout
CROWN ROYALTY
Krystal Bottcher
King and Queen Ak-Sar-Ben CXIV
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2010 Ak-Sar-Ben Horatio Alger Scholars
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2010 Women’s Ball Committee
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2010 Court of Honor
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Leo Adam Biga Molly Garriott Susan Kuhlmann Dave Link Holly McAtee Donald Rashid Distribution
Loni Craft
Interns
Jaime Roe • Jason Rumbaugh • Erin Sarmiento
SpiritofOmaha.com metro MAGAZINE is wholly owned and operated by the publisher and is not affiliated with any other publication, operating solely on subscription and advertising revenues and the good will of the agencies and charities we support; all of which are very important to the continuing growth and quality of this publication. Thank you to all who support this publication.
PHOTO GALLERY
OFFICE/SALES
Pre-Ball Reception
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The Coronation
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Getting Ready
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Pages of Pages
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The Receiving Line
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After the Ball
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402-333-7499 ________________ sales@SpiritofOmaha.com MISSION STATEMENT The mission of ALH Publications is to recognize the ongoing efforts of Omaha-area businesses, organizations and individuals to better the community through their support of charitable and civic causes. ALH Publications also encourages people’s desire to give something back to the community through volunteerism and philanthropy. Contents of this magazine are copyrighted by ALH Publications, Inc. in their entirety. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without the prior consent of the publisher. ©Copyright 2010 ALH Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.
TIPTOE THROUGH THE QUIVIRA GARDEN Page Luncheon
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come soar with us!
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GENTLEMEN, LADIES, IF YOU PLEASE Escorts, Countesses and Princesses Luncheon 35
24 A MAGNIFICENT FEAST Councillor’s Party
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DINING AND DIGNITARIES Governors Wives Luncheon
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is seeking highly motivated, goal oriented, positive people to fill full & part time positions: • sales & support • copy writing • photography • graphic design • web authoring, content mgmt. & design • intern programs
metro The Spirit of Omaha
PHOTOS BY DAN FLANIGAN, LINDA SHEPARD, AND CINDY GRADY
metroMAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION
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ak-sar-ben CORONATION BALL • 2010
andrea l. hoig WHAT A
night!
I wish to take this occasion to personally congratulate King Ak-Sar-Ben CXIV, Richard R. Bell, and Queen Ak-Sar-Ben CXIV, Suzanne Clare Singer.
These two individuals and their families are fitting examples of dedication to community service and merit acknowledgment as appropriate symbols for all deeds of service by themselves and by others-many of which are privately and personally performed every day in our community. The Coronation and surrounding festivities recognize these, and those like them, not only for their acts which have become public knowledge, but also in acknowledgement of the very private and less heralded dedication to others which defines their lives in ways unknown to all but those who have been quietly served. Such deeds are done in the background daily by many who are never recognized. In acknowledging those deeds and doers which are known, we also honor those whose acts of charity remain hidden, and this indeed is the very spirit of Ak-Sar-Ben. Once again, we wish to express our gratitude to the members of the Women’s Ball Committee for their devotion and assistance in preparing this keepsake edition. metroMAGAZINE has been covering the Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation and related activities for over 20 years now, and I continue to find inspiration in the ongoing efforts of those dedicated to fostering scholarship and service through this endeavor and its collective undertakings. We trust our efforts in covering the events surrounding and supporting the Coronation do credit to the combined dedication of all concerned. This year’s 2010 Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation Special Edition includes our traditional photo galleries, background stories and other highlights intended to take our readers inside Ak-Sar-Ben CXIV.
alh P U B L I C A T I O N S
LAURIE AND CHARLES PHOTOGRAPHS
I wish to thank all of our photographers for their efforts on the night of the coronation, allowing us to once again provide unequalled photo coverage of this event. Many of the photos you do not see published here in print, you will find on our website at SpiritofOmaha.com among hundreds from the evening which can be viewed and purchased. Each year we endeavor to make this special edition a treasured keepsake publication which will provide lasting memories. It is my hope that this edition will accomplish that mission as so many annual special editions have done over the past few decades. ANDREA L. HOIG ahoig@SpiritofOmaha.com
Enjoy!
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The man who led the successful return of Omaha-based HDR, Inc. to employee ownership was honored for his professional leadership and community contributions at the Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation and Scholarship Ball on October 9th. Nearly 2,500 attendees witnessed the introduction of Richard R. “Dick” Bell as King of the 114th Ak-Sar-Ben Ball. The event also included the formal introduction of the 2010 Court of Quivira which included honorees from more than 200 Nebraska and western Iowa families. Bell, a 36-year veteran of HDR, is the CEO, Chairman, and President of HDR, Inc., a professional consulting services firm with world class engineering and architectural capabilities. In 2009, HDR had more than 7,700 employees and gross revenues of $1.3 billion. It was ranked the 11th largest firm by Engineering News Record. HDR’s Architecture Company alone is the 5th largest US-based architecture company and has been ranked #1 for seven consecutive years by Modern Healthcare magazine for hospital-related facilities.
Notable recent world class HDR projects include the soon-to-be dedicated Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge; California’s Bay Delta Conservation Plan EIR/EIS; the Florida Everglades Environmental Restoration project; part of the Corps of Engineers team rebuilding New Orleans’ levee system post-Katrina; rebuilding of the Pentagon wedges two through five after the 9/11 attack; and many large hospital projects such as the 2 million square foot $3 billion Cleveland Clinic Hospital in Abu Dhabi, the Mayo Clinic St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, and the Fort Belvior Medical Center in Maryland to replace Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C. With Omaha being the corporate headquarters, HDR has made a major contribution in their hometown under Bell’s leadership designing the following projects: MUD Platte West Water Plant, the Holland Performing Arts Center, Children’s Hospital, UNMC Bellevue Medical Center, Methodist Women’s Hospital, UNMC Durham Research Towers, the West Dodge Expressway, the new TD Ameritrade baseball park in Downtown Omaha and OPPD’s Nebraska City Power Plant Expansion project. It is well known that Dick is very proud of his South Dakota heritage. Dick’s father, Richard V. “Richie” Bell, was a lifelong resident of Hecla, South Dakota. While serving in England during World War II, he met Pamela Vincent in Sherbourne, Dorset, England. They were married in October 1945 and returned to Hecla in 1946 to run a farm bulk delivery business until he was appointed Hecla Postmaster in 1963. Dick has two brothers, Michael and Ronald. All graduated from Hecla High School and South Dakota State University with engineering degrees. Dick has BS and MS degrees in Civil Engineering. continued on page 8
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Prior to joining HDR in 1974, Bell served as a US Army officer in the medical service corps stationed at Fort McPherson, Georgia. He began his career at HDR in Omaha as a project engineer and steadily rose through the management ranks, being named an officer in 1981. Subsequently he was named president of an HDR operating company subsidiary in 1984 and president of the Engineering Company in 1986. In 1993, he was given operational control of HDR Architecture as well. In 1996, he led the employee buyback from foreign ownership. Bell is now responsible for worldwide leadership of HDR and holds professional engineering licenses in the states of Nebraska, Iowa, New York, California and Arkansas. He serves on the Board of Directors of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska and has served on other boards during his HDR tenure, such as the Construction Industry Roundtable and national Pheasants Forever Board. In 1996, Bell was named the Iowa-Nebraska Entrepreneur of the Year in the service category by a panel of independent judges from Ernst and Young, Marsh Inc. and LaSalle Bank. He has served in leadership roles in numerous community organizations and funding campaigns. including Omaha Community Playhouse, Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo Foundation Member and 2005 Zoofari Chair, United Way Campaign Area Chairman, University of Nebraska Peter Kiewit Institute Board of Policy Advisors and TDC Chairman, Omaha Chamber of Commerce Past Board Chairman and current Board and Executive Committee Member, The Durham Museum Chairman, Children’s Hospital Board and Foundation, Methodist Hospital Foundation, University of Nebraska College of Engineering Advisory Board, Salvation Army Board Member and Tree of Lights Chairman, University of Nebraska at Omaha Campaign, University of Nebraska Medical Center Campaign, Boy Scouts of America Mid-American Council Board Member and is a Heritage Services Board Member. Bell married his childhood sweetheart after college graduation, the former Patricia K. Krause of Hecla. She attended South Dakota School of Business in Aberdeen and later worked in Rapid City, South Dakota, for The Prudential Insurance Company. After their marriage in 1969, while Mr. Bell attended graduate school, Pat supported them by working in the Dean’s office of the South Dakota State Political Science Department. Since moving to Omaha, Pat volunteered in the Omaha Public Schools with their childrens’ school and sports activities and co-chaired the 2005 Omaha Henry Doorly Zoofari fundraiser with her husband. She chaired the Wives of the Board of Governors Luncheon in 2005 and 2006. Pat has also served with Dick as co-chair for the 2008 American Heart Association Heartland Ball and honorary chair of the Omaha Performing Arts Society 2008 Broadway Ball. The Bells have two children, both of Omaha. Rick, a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is a transportation engineer at HDR and is married to Angela. They are expecting the Bells’ first grandchild in January. Their daughter, Andrea, a University of Arizona graduate, is an account executive for SilverStone Group focusing in insurance services to the home health care market. Mr. Bell is the past chairman and current member of the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Board of Governors and served as the Coronation Ball Committee Chairman. The Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation and Scholarship Ball has a mission of promoting, recognizing and celebrating volunteerism, philanthropy and community pride. 8
Center in Lincoln and followed with positions as Assistant Child Life Coordinator for the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. She served as a Child Life Specialist in KIDKARE at the St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas, and also served as a program Coordinator for the Leukemia Society of America, Kansas Chapter. Her community service endeavors have benefited numerous organizations including: UNMC Polo for Patients, Ak-Sar-Ben River City Rodeo and Stock Show, Ak-Sar-Ben Purple Ribbon Auction, Omaha Symphony Guild, Omaha Children’s Museum, Nebraska Humane Society, Junior League of Omaha and Wichita, Joslyn Art Museum, Henry Doorly Zoo, the Durham Museum, the Clarkson Service League, Children’s Hospital, Child Saving Institute, Omaha Community Playhouse, Arthritis Foundation, St. Leo’s Catholic Church, St. Margaret Mary’s Catholic Church, Sacred Heart CUES, Boys and Girls Club of Omaha, YWCA, and has served on the boards of the Douglas County Fair and Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Association. The extended Singer family is an integral part of the business and civic sectors of Nebraska. Queen Suzanne’s paternal grandmother, Suzanne Scott, is a retired teacher, avid community volunteer and founder of the Omaha Zoo Foundation. Her paternal grandfather, Walter Scott, is Chairman Emeritus of Peter Kiewit Sons, Inc. and Chairman of Level 3 Communications. Her maternal grandparents Leland and Clarine Loseke, retired from agriculture, are active volunteers in their hometown of Schuyler, Nebraska, including Divine Mercy Parish and the American Legion along with long-time service to the Ak-Sar-Ben River City Rodeo.
The Singer family was honored for their civic leadership and community service as Suzanne Clare Singer was crowned the 114th Queen of Ak-Sar-Ben. On October 9, 2010, during the annual Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation and Scholarship Ball, nearly 2,500 attendees witnessed the crowning and the formal introduction of the Court of Quivira which included honorees from more than 200 Nebraska and western Iowa families. The new Queen attends the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, double-majoring in English and Film, Television and Theater. She is expected to graduate in May of 2011. While at college, she is a member of the Notre Dame DOME Yearbook staff serving as a writer, photographer and section editor. She is staff member for NDtv, the Notre Dame Television Station. She has studied abroad in both Ireland and England. Suzanne Singer is the daughter of Dr. William and Lynette Singer of Omaha. Queen Suzanne grew up in Omaha and graduated from Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School in 2007, where she was National Honor Society president, a Brownell-Talbot Ambassador, Cross-Age Helper and Headmasters Council president. She earned varsity letters in Golf, Swimming, Tennis and Cheerleading. She was an Ak-Sar-Ben Page and Crown Bearer to Queen Elizabeth Stinson in 1996. Her volunteer resume includes work with Methodist Hospital, the Nebraska Humane Society, the Siena/Francis House, the Healthwin Retirement Home and the Notre Dame Big Sister/Little Sister program. The Queen’s father, Dr. William Singer, is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon with OrthoWest, P.C., and a native of Omaha. He graduated from Westside High School in 1976 and went on to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to receive his Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in 1980. While at UNL, he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1986. He completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita, Kansas, in 1991. In 1991, his professional career began in Omaha at Methodist Hospital. Now a partner with OrthoWest, P.C., he is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He co-founded the Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital in Omaha and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Board. He is an associate team physician with UNO Maverick Hockey and the Bellevue University Bruins; and a physician with the Justin Sports Medicine Program. He currently leads the Ak-Sar-Ben River City Rodeo Justin Sports Medicine Team that serves the second largest rodeo in the world-the Omaha based Justin Boots Championship Rodeo. The Queen’s mother, Lynette Lee Loseke, grew up in Schuyler, Nebraska, graduating from Schuyler Central High in 1977. She went on to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics in 1982, and a Master of Science Degree in Home Economics in 1983. While at the University, she was a member of the Omicron Nu Honorary Society, the Human Development Club, Delta Gamma sorority and served as Panhellenic Rush Counselor. She was certified as a Child Life Coordinator in 1987. She began her career as a Patient Representative at the St. Elizabeth Community Health 9
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AK-SAR-BEN CXIV
ince the 1940s, Ak-Sar-Ben, an organization of business and community leaders concerned with the growth and prosperity of Nebraska and western Iowa, has been providing scholarships to students in the region who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, academic ability, character and financial need. Thanks in part to its partnership with the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, this year the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben was once more able to financially assist 50 graduating high school seniors with their college education. The Horatio Alger Association grants more than $5 million in college scholarships annually and is the largest need-based scholarship program in the nation. Recipients of these scholarships are often faced with some of life’s harsher realities, such as homelessness, crime and disabling medical problems.
The annual Coronation Ball raises money for the Ak-Sar-Ben Youth Scholarship Fund. This year, Ak-Sar-Ben once again partnered with the Horatio Alger Scholarship Program to provide 50 scholarships to deserving students from Nebraska and western Iowa. Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans continues to fulfill its mission of honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals in our society who have succeeded in spite of adversity and of encouraging young people to pursue their dreams through higher education. The Horatio Alger Association seeks to assist students who have: • Demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity • Strength of character • Financial need • A good academic record • A desire to contribute to society • Commitment to pursue a college education
The Association brings the “Horatio Alger Heroes” of today together with those of tomorrow by bestowing the Horatio Alger Award each year and by awarding more than $12 million annually in college scholarships to young people. Horatio Alger Scholars have faced challenges and realize that a college education is the avenue to a better future. The Association also provides its scholarship recipients with financial aid counseling, and internship and job placement assistance. The 50 Nebraska and western Iowa students will receive a $5,000 scholarship. The scholarship is available as a result of the dedicated efforts of the Women’s Ball Committee who have awarded more than $2 million to graduating youth. Those wishing to make a donation to the Women’s Ball Committee Scholarship Fund, may do so by contacting the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben at (402) 554-9600, ext. 106. metroMAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION
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Alexandra P. Abramson • Gothenburg, NE
Harmony B. Jones • Lincoln, NE
Gothenburg Public School
Lincoln Northeast High School
Autumn R. Baker • Callaway, NE
Allicia King • Exira, IA
Callaway High School
Exira High School
Jordan A. Benda • Neligh, NE
Taylor J. Kleinschmit • Stanton, NE
Neligh Oakdale Public School
Stanton Community School
Natali E. Bianco • Omaha, NE
Jean M. Krejci • Omaha, NE
William Jennings Bryan High School
Northwest High School
Kimberly A. Biernbaum • Randolph, NE
Katherine Lehman • Cairo, NE
Randolph High School
Centura High School
Genevieve BonFleur • Rushville, NE
Katie R. Lierman • West Point, NE
Rushville High School
West Point High School
Kaitlin E. Bridger • Lincoln, NE
Nicholas C. Mayberry • Oakland, NE
North Star High School
Riverside High School
Jennifer A. Chavarria • Lexington, NE
Zachary M. McKenzie • Fullerton, NE
Lexington High School
Fullerton High School
Thien H. Chu • Lincoln, NE
Ceci N. Menjivar • Omaha, NE
Lincoln High School
William Jennings Bryan High School
Robyn L. Classen • Humphrey, NE
Rebekah E. Miller • York, NE
Saint Francis High School
York High School
Sterling K. Cumpton • Oshkosh, NE
Elliot R. Mitchell • West Point, NE
Garden County High School
West Point High School
Lindsey M. Daigle • Boys Town, NE
Alexander R. Morrill • Creighton, NE
Boys Town High School
Creighton Community High School
Caitlin A. Drummy • Papillion, NE
Maisie R. O’Meara • Lexington, NE
Papillion-La Vista High School
Lexington High School
Zejnije Emerllahu • Omaha, NE
Christa I. Ostdiek • Nelson, NE
William Jennings Bryan High School
Lawrence/Nelson Community School
Jeremy M. Epp • De Witt, NE
Yanira P. Perez Flores • Omaha, NE
Tri-County High School
Central High School
Kelsi Erstrom • Callaway, NE
Kiet H. Phun • Lincoln, NE
Callaway High School
Lincoln High School
Sarah E. Fanta • Creighton, NE
Jodi R. Popken • Hooper, NE
Creighton Community High School
Logan View High School
Brianna J. Foster • Omaha, NE
Ryan J. Putnam • Kearney, NE
Central High School
Kearney Catholic High School
Christy M. Freihage • Hershey, NE
Kelcie G. Schaubroeck • Utica, NE
Hershey Public School
Centennial High School
Samantha J. Gohr • Weeping Water, NE
Mary C. Susman • Omaha, NE
Weeping Water High School
Westside High School
Rebekka L. Hammer • Weeping Water, NE
Lisa A. Weier • Hartington, NE
Weeping Water High School
Cedar Catholic High School
Dylan R. Heithoff • Elgin, NE
Chandra C. Welbon • Red Oak, IA
Pope John XXIII Central Catholic High School
Red Oak Community High School
Morgan R. Hinrichs • Fairfield, NE
Dominic R. Wetzbarger • Sioux City, IA
Sandy Creek High School
Heelan Catholic High School
Peter A. Inglehart • Norfolk, NE
Austin M. White • Bellevue, NE
Lutheran High Northeast
Bellevue West High School
Dustin L. Johnson • Omaha, NE
Sarah M. Wolf • Hastings, NE
Millard North High School
Hastings Senior High School
ak-sar-ben CORONATION BALL • 2010
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THE MISSION OF THE AK-SAR-BEN CORONATION BALL
ELEBRATION OF
THE MISSION OF THE AK-SAR-BEN CORONATION BALL IS TO PROMOTE, RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE VOLUNTEERISM, PHILANTHROPY AND CIVIC PRIDE. THE WOMEN’S BALL COMMITTEE ENDEAVORS TO FULFILL THIS MISSION BY:
• Modeling the concept of volunteerism. • Recognizing volunteer leadership. • Awarding scholarships to future community leaders. • Celebrating civic pride with a special event. The committee is comprised of 19 women, each selected on the basis of their volunteer experience and performance. Each woman serves a three-year term, with the chairman returning for a fourth year as advisor. The Women’s Ball Committee plans every aspect and executes each phase of the Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation Ball’s year-long process. Volunteer leadership in the community and region is recognized through the selection of the Court.
The Ak-Sar-Ben Court of Quivira is graced by princesses and countesses accompanied by their escorts. And what court would be complete without the merriment of youthful pages and standard bearers. Over 150 families are represented by this lively cast of young people.
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ak-sar-ben CORONATION BALL • 2010
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THE 2010 AK-SAR-BEN COURT OF HONOR
The Ak-Sar-Ben Court of Honor, established in 1988, is one of the Foundation’s most prestigious awards. The recognition is given annually to individuals who have excelled in one of the following categories: Agriculture, Arts, Business and Industry, Community Service, Education, Philanthropy, Professions, Public Service, Sports and Youth.
THIS YEAR’S INDUCTEES ARE: WARD A. CHAMBERS, M.D. | PROFESSIONS JACK D. MILLS | PUBLIC SERVICE ALEXANDER PAYNE | ARTS DR. MARYANNE STEVENS, RSM | EDUCATION
CONSTANTINE ALEXANDER PAYNE Constantine Alexander Payne, a Greek American, was born on February 10, 1961 to George and Peggy Payne in Omaha, Nebraska. The youngest of three sons, Alexander attended Brownell Talbot and Dundee for elementary school, Lewis and Clark Junior High and Creighton Prep High School. Upon graduating, he went on to attend Stanford, and he ultimately graduated with an MFA in film from UCLA. Alexander’s journey into filmmaking began in the 1960s when his father, owner of The Virginia Restaurant in downtown Omaha, received an 8mm projector from Kraft Foods as a bonus for being a good customer. Later, in high school, Alexander began making super-8 films. From his thesis film, “The Passion of Martin,” to “Election,” “About Schmidt,” “Sideways,” and his newest project filmed in Hawaii, “The Descendants,” writer-director Alexander Payne has shown remarkably interesting vision with his films. He makes films with an eye for incidental details and circles his characters when they are at their most fragile and vulnerable. Noted for their dark sense of humor and satirical depictions of contemporary American society, Alexander’s films are often set in Omaha, with scenes taking place at historical landmarks and museums as well as local neighborhoods and restaurants. Admiring films based more on their proximity to real life rather than their distance from it, Payne aspires to make observant, human films, and he is lucky enough to be one of few directors who has final cut rights to his films. “We don’t have enough movies about ourselves, and we don’t have a national film culture. It shouldn’t be an epic aspiration to make simple human stories, but it is,” he says. A former member of the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Payne has not only won an Academy Award, but he has also won two Golden Globes and four Independent Spirit Awards. When conversation is steered towards his love of film or his hometown of Omaha, Alexander can talk endlessly. An early supporter and Board Member of Filmstreams, Omaha’s non-profit film theater, Payne has worked to bring independent films to our fair city. In 2002, Alexander helped raise $ 20,000 to go towards the restoration of the old Midwest Theater in Scottsbluff. Payne maintains a residence in Omaha and often visits his childhood friend Hal Koch. He has a passion for film preservation and is indeed a cinephile with an indisputable passion for the medium and an encyclopedic knowledge of film history. Some of Payne’s films dear to Omaha’s hearts are: Citizen Ruth, Election and About Schmidt. Alexander has been conferred an honorary doctorate from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and for his next project, he intends to come home and make, what else? – a road pic called Nebraska!
DR. MARYANNE STEVENS, RSM Dr. Maryanne Stevens, RSM, was born to Leonard John and Mary Lorraine Graham Stevens in 1948, at Ellis Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. Maryanne was the second child and oldest daughter in a family of eight. Her father, an Air Force Officer (ultimately retiring from the Pentagon as a Full Colonel working for the Joint Chiefs of Staff), moved the family to Offutt Air Force Base from Southern California in the winter of 1963. Maryanne’s mother, Mary, was a homemaker who volunteered in a variety of capacities and still today at 86 resides in her own home in Virginia, drives her own car, spends time working in the food pantry at her church and engages in a variety of life-long learning activities at George Mason University in Virginia. Sister Dr. Maryanne Stevens graduated from Mercy High School and entered the Sisters of Mercy, a Catholic religious order of women, after enrolling at the College of Saint Mary. Following college, she taught math at a small Catholic high school in Joplin, Missouri, and then, following studies at St. Louis University and subsequently Boston College, Maryanne taught in the theology department at Creighton University. Teaching for 10 years from 1986-1996, she ended her tenure as Chair of the department. She was appointed President of the College of Saint Mary on the first of June in 1996. Carrying the legacy of the 18th century foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, Catherine McAuley, Maryanne believes Catherine McAuley’s charge. “Nothing is more producing of good to society nor more conducive to the happiness of the poor than the careful education of women.” Sister Maryanne’s passion for the education and advancement of women cannot be more evidenced than by her $25 million capital campaign that allowed the College of Saint Mary to take its rightful place in the regional landscape of higher education. She has created a master’s in leadership program designed especially for women, initiated an on-campus residence hall for single mothers desiring to study at the college and began an educational doctorate for those teaching in the health professions. A woman of profound values, Maryanne has spoken both locally and nationally to numerous groups on women’s issues, gender in the workplace, the value of meaningful work, Catholic social teaching, and women and the church. She has been honored by the League of Women Voters, Girls Inc., Essential Pregnancy Service, YWCA of the Midlands, Mercy High School, Creighton University, The National Leadership Society and is an honorary member of the Alpha Sigma Nu, Jesuit Honor Society. In her private life, Maryanne enjoys gardening and baking specialty pies. She loves travel of any kind where there are mountains and/or lakes and oceans. She enjoys visiting museums and studying history and is an avid reader of contemporary politics and mysteries. Dr. Stevens’ service to the Greater Omaha Community includes: The Madonna School, The Women’s Fund of Greater Omaha, the Omaha 21st Century Education and Workforce Development Council, Alegent Health, the National Conference of Community and Justice, The Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Creighton Preparatory High School, The Nebraska Educational Finance Authority, The Catholic Theological Society of America, Mercy High School and the College of Saint Mary.
JACK D. MILLS Born and raised in Nebraska, Jack D. Mills has spent his 70 years of life working to make Nebraska a better place to live, a better place to raise a family, a better place to start and grow a business and a better place to be a participative citizen. Jack attended Kearney State College and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where he earned a degree in business administration. His early career was spent operating a successful grain and fertilizer business in Big Springs, Nebraska, and a farm and ranch operation in Deuel and Garden Counties of Nebraska. In November, 1974, Jack was elected to the 44th legislative district of the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature that encompassed eight counties in western Nebraska. continued on page 14
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Jack served in the Nebraska State Senate until 1978, when he stepped down to accept the position as Executive Director for the Nebraska Association of County Officials. During his time at the Nebraska Legislature he served on the Public Works Committee and was a key player in getting landmark legislation passed to protect Nebraska’s groundwater system. Jack served as Executive Director of the Nebraska Association of County Officials from 1978 to 2000. In that capacity, he established a healthcare program for county employees and their families that today covers more than 10,000 lives. He was also instrumental in the creation of the Nebraska Intergovernmental Risk Management Association, a property casualty self-insurance program for the county government which he managed for 12 years. In 2008, he was honored by the Association of Governmental Risk Pools as an Honorary Lifetime Member for his work in pioneering the formation of intergovernmental risk pools in Nebraska and across North America. Mr. Mills has been called on by Nebraska governors to serve on many advisory panels and committees. He has served as Chairman of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Board of Directors since 2002 and has led the transformation of the governance of that organization. Under Jack’s leadership, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska has grown into the largest health insurer in the state and ranks among the highest performing and most respected Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in the country. Jack not only serves on the Board of Directors of Prime Therapeutics Inc. and the Spinal Research Foundation but he has been a Mason for 50 years. He is a member of the Scottish Rite and has been selected as a member of the Knights Commander of the Court of Honour. He is a former member and past president of a school board and a former member of a library board.
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THE 2010 AK-SAR-BEN COURT OF HONOR continued from page 13
In memory of his parents, Jack established the Dale and Fern Mills Scholarship Fund at the University of Nebraska at Kearney to recognize their life long dedication to education. Jack has a love of sailing that has taken him to three of the Great Lakes: Superior, Huron and Michigan and down the eastern seaboard from Baltimore to Florida. Perhaps Jack’s greatest achievement is his family. He and his wife Norma live in Lincoln, Nebraska, and have four children and eleven grandchildren. Jack believes that any honor or award bestowed on him is a reflection of the support of his wife. Endorsed by both Senator Ernie Chambers and Governor Mike Johanns, Jack D. Mills has been an identifiable image of county government. Jack has brought prominence and distinction to the counties of Nebraska and provided guidance, counsel and knowledge to senators, judges, governors, state agencies and citizens of Nebraska.
DR. WARD A. CHAMBERS Dr. Ward A. Chambers was born on March 2, 1945, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He and his two brothers were raised on a farm in rural southwest Iowa by his father a farmer and his mother a school teacher. After attending Treynor high school, Dr. Chambers completed his undergraduate work at the University of Missouri and received a degree in electrical engineering. He worked as an electrical engineer for Collins Radio in Richardson, Texas for one year and then moved on to become a research assistant with the University of Nebraska Medical Center in the department of physiology. He entered medical school at UNMC and received his degree in 1973. He did an internal medicine residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and his cardiology training at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He entered private practice at the Bishop Clarkson Hospital in Omaha and in 1989 Dr. Chambers started working at UNMC. Ward met his wife Suzanne Holloway while at the University of Missouri. They were married in 1967 and have two sons, a daughter, and a foster son. Dr. Chambers has served in a variety of capacities at UNMC. He started as the vice-chairman of clinical affairs for the department of internal medicine. He was the first president of the Nebraska Medical Center’s physicians practice group. He was the medical director of University Hospital for one year and served on the merger team between University Hospital and the Bishop Clarkson Hospital. Dr. Chambers served for 10 years as the director of community outreach and multicultural affairs at UNMC and for the last two years he has coordinated the international programs of the medical center. Dr. Chambers has been involved in many local and national organizations. He serves as a member of the FAA Panel on Cardiology which certifies pilots who have heart disease, and is the chairman of the board of the Partnership for Our Kids. He serves on the boards of the Williams Prepared Place, the Iowa Western Community College Foundation, and the Omaha Urban Area Health Education Project, and has served on both the Urban League of Omaha and Durham Museum Boards. Dr. Chambers’ largest involvement in the last eight years has been in Afghanistan. His first humanitarian, medical mission in October 2002 has led to 18 subsequent trips. He has been heavily involved in medical education at Kabul Medical University and he currently has a subcontract with USAID for medical education in Afghanistan. Through the efforts of Dr. Chambers and UNMC there are programs in place to build a sustaining medical system in Afghanistan that will enable health care providers to not only educate themselves but subsequently improve the quality of lives in the Afghan community. He believes this opportunity for Nebraska to be involved in health education that will impact an entire country is not only important for our state but our entire nation. Ward is a voracious reader and to him, nothing beats a good book and a glass of wine. He has traveled to all 50 states and much of Central America, Canada, Europe, and Asia. He will wrap anyone he can into a good discussion on politics or current world affairs. His favorite hobby is probably his farm, as aside from being a cardiologist and an electrical engineer, he is truly a farm boy at heart. Dr. Chambers continues to passionately practice medicine. He is passionately involved in local mentoring organizations and he fervently pursues his educational work in Afghanistan. 14
ak-sar-ben CORONATION BALL • 2010
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THE BALL
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THE BALL
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Congratulations
to our 2010 Ak-Sar-Ben Princess
BROOKE HEATHER BENJAMIN
Congratulations
to our 2010 Ak-Sar-Ben Heartland Princess
ABIGAIL JO SCHMID Love, Mom, Dad, and Bobby
Congratulations
to our 2010 Ak-Sar-Ben Princess
NICOLE PAIGE GOTTSCH Love, Mom, Dad Matt, Zak, Jenny and Cheyenne
CONGRATULATIONS to our 2010 Ak-Sar-Ben Page
OLIVIA CATHERINE VOVK Love, Mom, Dad, John and Madeline
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THE BALL
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ak-sar-ben CORONATION BALL • 2010
CONGRATULATIONS we are so proud of you
LAUREN PATRICIA ROSE PATTERMAN Love, Mom, Dad and Morgan
CONGRATULATIONS to our 2010 Ak-Sar-Ben Page
COOPER MENTZER Love, Gigi, Grand Papa, and Didou
CONGRATULATIONS to our 2010 Ak-Sar-Ben Page
MICHAEL ANDREW PRITZA Love, Mom, Dad, Christopher and Erin
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THE CORONATION
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GETTING READY
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GETTING READY
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PAGES OF PAGES
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THE RECEIVING LINE
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AFTER THE BALL metroMAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION
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ak-sar-ben CORONATION BALL • 2010
purchase photos online!
special Ak-Sar-Ben 2010 discount offer:
20% off total photo purchases on ANY Ak-Sar-Ben gallery* *coupon applies only to 2010 ak-sar-ben photos
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AFTER THE BALL
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QUIVIRAGARDEN QUIVERA’S ANNUAL PAGE LUNCHEON Following a morning rehearsal at the Qwest Center Omaha, the pages and standard bearers of the Royal Court, along with a family member, attended a luncheon in their honor at Happy Hollow Club. The luncheon was themed "Tiptoe Through the Quivira Garden." Women's Ball Committee Chairman, Amy Schmid, and the Page Luncheon Chairman, Kathy Neary, welcomed the children and their family members. Page Chairman, Gina Greder, introduced the pages. Along with Assistant Page Chairman, Julie Kenney, 2009 Queen Allison Conley presented each child with an engraved silver frame with a photo of the page in page costume. Children were served mini cheeseburgers, french fries, and fresh fruit, while adults dined on tomato bisque soup with an accompanying chicken caesar salad.
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G
ENTLEMEN, LADIES, THE 2010 AK-SAR-BEN ESCORTS, COUNTESSES AND PRINCESSES LUNCHEON
The Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation and Scholarship Ball Committee announced the names of the escorts of the Royal Court for the 2010 Coronation and Scholarship Ball in mid-August. The ball was titled "Any Dream Will Do" and was held on Saturday, October 9th at the Qwest Center Omaha. A tradition of the Heartland since 1895, the mission of the Coronation Ball is to promote, recognize and celebrate volunteerism, education, philanthropy, and civic pride. All proceeds raised benefit the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Scholarship Fund. The Royal Court is comprised of Princesses, Heartland Princesses, Escorts, Heartland Escorts, Standard Bearers and Pages from the region and reigned over by a King and Queen who remain a mystery until the actual coronation ceremony. An Omaha Escort is a young man between the ages of 21 and 26 whose family has actively contributed to the Omaha community. A Heartland Escort is of the same age, but whose family resides in Nebraska (excluding Omaha) and western Iowa.
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M
AGNIFICENT
THE 2010 AK-SAR-BEN COUNCILLOR’S PARTY
On October 7th, the introduction of the 2010 Ak-Sar-Ben Princesses, Escorts and recognition of the Court of Honor was celebrated at the Royal Regale, "A Magnificent Feast Befitting a Monarch." Celebrations were held at the Hilton Omaha. Originally, this event was hosted by His Majesty's Council and was referred to as the Councillor's Party, but this year, the Women's Ball Committee planned and hosted the Royal Regale. Gracing the Hilton's ballroom with an ambiance of autumnal tones, the candlelit room was inspired by a European Emergence style of relaxed, yet sophisticated, elegance.
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D
INING AND
THE 2010 AK-SAR-BEN GOVERNORS WIVES LUNCHEON
On October 8th, the 2010 Ak-Sar-Ben Board of Governor's Wives' Luncheon was held at the Omaha Country Club. The annual luncheon was held the day before the Coronation Ball and had over 130 attendees. The luncheon is held to honor the mothers of the Princesses, Heartland Princesses, Escorts, Heartland Escorts and Standard Bearers of the Royal Court. The wives of the Board of Governors of Ak-Sar-Ben host this event. This year's chairman was Susan Cutler, wife of Coronation Ball Chairman Bill Cutler. The featured speaker was the 2009 Queen, Allison Conley, her mother Ms. Deborah Conley and the 2009 King’s wife Marie Simmons.
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