metroMAGAZINE's Ak-Sar-Ben CXVII 2013 Keepsake Issue

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THE GOLDEN ROAD

ANDREA L. HOIG ahoig@SpiritofOmaha.com

alh

table of contents

P U B L I C A T I O N S

©LAURIE AND CHARLES PHOTOGRAPHS

“GOLDEN!” 3 Honorees

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King and Queen Ak-Sar-Ben CXVII

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2013 Ak-Sar-Ben Horatio Alger Scholars

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2013 Women’s Ball Committee

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2013 Court of Honor

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Photo Galleries

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The Coronation

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Pre-Ball Reception

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Behind the Scences

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Receiving Line

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I wish to take this occasion to personally congratulate King Ak-Sar-Ben CXVII, William A. Cutler, and Queen Ak-Sar-Ben CXVII, Carolyn Lea German. 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.

Once again, we wish to express our gratitude to Ann Tjaden, WBC Chairmen and the members of the Women’s Ball Committee for their devotion and assistance in preparing this keepsake edition.

Thanks to 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 photos you do not see published here in print, you will find on our website at SpiritofOmaha.com among over 1,000 from the evening which can be viewed and purchased. Enjoy!

metro AK-SAR-BEN 2013 • VOL. 25 NO. 13 Press releases and other editorial information may be sent to: P.O. BOX 241611, OMAHA, NE 68124 or e-mailed to: Editor@SpiritofOmaha.com

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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 1990 – 2013 ALH Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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metroMAGAZINE photography by Dan Flanigan, Roger Humphries and Andrea Hoig

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SpiritofOmaha.com

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Crown Royalty Ak-Sar-Ben Honors William A. Cutler as 117th Monarch A DEDICATED BUSINESSMAN, devoted family man and true leader in the Omaha community was honored for his achievements at the Ak-SarBen Coronation and Scholarship Ball on October 19th. A crowd of nearly 2000 attendees witnessed the crowning of Bill Cutler as the 117th King of Ak-Sar-Ben. The event also included the formal introduction of the 2013 Court of Quivira, which once again honored over 200 Heartland families and proudly introduced 50 Horatio Alger Scholarship recipients.

Born in Omaha and raised in Council Bluffs, Bill is a 1966 graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School. He attended Omaha University, now UNO, and is a 1969 graduate of the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science. He began his career in the funeral service in 1969.

Bill is a partner with Heafey Hoffman Dworak and Cutler Mortuaries in Omaha, NE and Cutler O’Neill Meyer Woodring Funeral Home in Council Bluffs, IA as well as the Walnut Hill, Cedar Lawn, Memorial Park and Ridgewood Cemeteries in Council Bluffs.

He has served in leadership roles in numerous community organizations and funding campaigns both in Omaha and Council Bluffs.

He currently serves as president of the Nebraska Organ Recovery System Board of Directors, is a member of the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Board of Governors and serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the College of St. Mary, Westside Foundation, Merrymakers, and is a member of the

KING AK-SAR-BEN CXVII WILLIAM A. CUTLER

Archbishop’s Committee for Development for the Archdiocese of Omaha.

He is Past President of the Mercy Housing Midwest Board of Directors and the Council Bluffs YMCA. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Catholic Charities, Catholic Charities Foundation and was a member of the Council Bluffs School Board. He was the United Way Cabinet Chairman, Area 3 in Omaha and Past Chairman of the United Way of the Midlands Drive in Council Bluffs.

He is a former member of the Board of Directors for American National Bank, Peoples National Bank and the Council Bluffs State Bank and Trust.

He and his wife Susan have been married for 43 years. Success in business is a reward for hard work but the ultimate reward for their commitment to each other is the joy they experience with their three children and 5 grandchildren.

The former Susan Eakin was born and raised in Council Bluffs. She is a 1966 graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School and a 1970 graduate of the University of Nebraska Lincoln. Following graduation she taught elementary school for the Council Bluffs Public School System.

Her community service endeavors have benefitted numerous organizations. Susan currently serves on the board of Directors for the Children’s Hospital and Medical Center Foundation and the Methodist Hospital Foundation. She is also a member of the Nebraska Medical Center Polo for Patients Steering Committee. She is a past member of the Board of Directors for the Omaha Public Library Foundation, Omaha Town Hall, and the Council Bluffs Salvation Army Advisory Board.

She was Chairman of the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo Membership Drive, the Ak-Sar-Ben Women’s Ball Committee, the Omaha Symphony Debutante Ball, the Lauritzen Gardens Antique and Garden Show, the Joslyn Art Museum Gala, the Omaha Public Library Stephen Ambrose Speaker Event, and the Heartland Family Service Annual Campaign.

QUEEN AK-SAR-BEN CXVII CAROLYN LEA GERMAN metroMAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION metroMAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION

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Although community involvement was an important focus of her volunteer work, Susan also committed herself to her children’s school and sport activities and is Past President of the District 66 Volunteer Council for Westside Community Schools and the Westside Middle School Booster Club.

She has served on the following non-profit guild boards: Omaha Community Playhouse, Omaha Symphony, Ak-Sar-Ben Friends, Omaha Performing Arts Leadership Committee and Sacred Heart School Friends of the Heard. In addition, she has worked on fund raising committees for the Arthritis Gala Women of the Year, the Durham Museum Ak-Sar-Ben Gown Exhibit, Project Harmony 10th Anniversary Gala and the Sunrise Scramble A man of vision with the courage and the perservance to pursue it, Bill Cutler is also a Diamond Donor to the Ak-Sar-Ben Scholarship Fund. His legacy will live on in the pursuits of our Heartland youth. Ak-Sar-Ben as a foundation has contributed more than 58 million dollars to our Heartland community. Since the introduction of scholarships in the 1950’s the Foundation has granted over 8 million dollars to scholars.

Ak-Sar-Ben CXVII Honors German Family with Queen Honor THE GERMAN FAMILY was honored for their civic leadership and community service as Carolyn Lea German was crowned the 117th Queen of Ak-Sar-Ben. On October 19, 2013, during the annual Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation and Scholarship Ball honoring more than 200 Nebraska and western Iowa families, a crowd of almost 1900 witnessed the crowning and formal introduction of the 117th Court of Quivira and the announcement of the 50 Horatio Alger Scholars.

The new Queen currently attends Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska where she is majoring in English with a Language Arts Endorsement. Upon graduation she is planning to pursue a Masters Degree in Secondary Education. The first half of Carolyn’s college career was spent as a Cornhusker attending the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. While studying at UNL, Carolyn was active in the Pi Beta Phi Sorority, serving as the House delegate for FOCUS- Fellowship of Catholic University Stu dents. She served on its Executive Committee holding the position of Vice President of Housing. Having a strong desire to teach and make a difference in the formation of youth, motivated her involvement in First Book, a philanthropy raising funds for Literacy.

A Fifth Generation Nebraskan, Carolyn followed in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother and is a graduate of Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart. Although knowing at an early age she wanted to be a teacher, it was at Duchesne Academy where this vocation was rooted more deeply.

She was active in Computers for Africa and travelled to Uganda in support of education in Third world countries. Carolyn has a passion to run and to date

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has completed five half marathons, and just competed the Twin Cities marathon on October 6. Queen Carolyn currently is taking flying lessons as well, an interest she shares with her father.

Civic involvement and philanthropy are a common thread woven through the new Queen’s family. Carolyn’s mother, Karen Witt German, graduated from UNL, with a degree in Elementary Education. She is a veteran volunteer and her community support endeavors have benefitted numerous organizations serving as past Chairman of the Omaha Symphony Debutante Ball Committee and past member of the Ak-Sar-Ben Women’s Ball Committee. She has served on committees for Project Harmony, Laurtitzen Gardens, Women’s Center for Advancement and the St. Augustine Indian School Mission. Her many past and present affiliations include the Christ Child Society of Omaha, Bergan Mercy Hospital Board and Candlelight Ball Chairman, Omaha Town Hall and the Teammates Mentoring Program.

She has been an active volunteer in her children’s education while at Creighton Prep, Duchesne Academy and Christ the King. Karen currently serves on the Archbishop’s Committee for Development and is currently a member on the development committee at Christ the King Church.

Queen Carolyn’s father, Cal German was born and raised the son of a missionary bush pilot in the Philippine Islands. He and Carolyn returned after forty years and together identified the need for affordable and safe housing for youth making the difficult transition from remote tribal life to an urban college environment. This vision led to the funding and construction of two dormitories that now house over fifty students from the tribes he knew.

Cal returned to the United States in 1971, living in both Imperial and Grant Nebraska. He attended University of Nebraska at Lincoln where he met his wife Karen. He spent three years in Public accounting at Coopers & Lybrand before purchasing an interest in Distribution Management Systems, Inc. and embarking on his 30-year career in software business.

Cal’s civic and professional involvement includes, the Christ Child Society Board of Directors and the Association of Millwork Distributors Board of Directors. He has served on the Finance Committee of Christ the King and is a past Capital Campaign Co-Chairman. He served on the Floor Committee of Ak-Sar-Ben. Queen Carolyn is the youngest of three children all living and working in the Omaha area. All have participated in the Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation & Scholarship Ball as pages, princesses, escorts and floor committee members.

Carolyn’s fondest memories of Ak-Sar-Ben are as a page. There has always been a realm of mystery surrounding the Coronation and keeping things secret is key. She hopes to use her year as Queen to teach the value in volunteering and the importance in giving back.

The Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation and Scholarship Ball has a mission of promoting, recognizing, and celebrating volunteerism, philanthropy and community pride. Since the 1950’s, Ak-Sar-Ben has awarded more than 8 million dollars in scholarships. Since its inception it has given over 58 million dollars to the Heartland community.

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SINCE 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.

Ak-Sar-Ben CXVII Mr. ian albrecht

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

Shelton High School, Shelton, NE

Miss rachel anderson

Mr. David nevarez

Norfolk Senior High School, Norfolk, NE

Omaha South High School, Omaha, NE

Miss louisa aunkst

Miss brianna nielsen

Cross County High School, Benedict, NE

Mr. bradley baudler Nodaway Valley High School, Fontanelle, IA

Mr. Dakota burgerhoff Bloomfield High School, Bloomfield, NE

Miss Magdalena cazarez

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. Because of their need, drive, academic achievement and your generous support, these deserving students have each been awarded a $6,000, four-year scholarship and the opportunity to partner with a mentor.

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.

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David City High School, Bellwood, NE

Omaha South High School, Omaha, NE

Millard South High School, Omaha, NE

Logan View High School, Hooper, NE

Miss ashley Padgett

Mr. Zachary Doffin

Shelton High School, Shelton, NE

Stanton Community School, Stanton, NE

Misstara Pavelka

Miss elisha Dunn Burke High School, Omaha, NE

Bruning-Davenport Unified High School, Davenport, NE

Miss celine eggerling

Mr. levi Peterson

Plainview High School, Brunswick, NE

Stapleton Public School, Stapleton, NE

Miss Mikayla ellwanger

Miss kloreace Pokorny

Superior High School, Superior, NE

North Loup Scotia High School, Scotia, NE

Miss april Faimon

Miss lianna Prill

Blue Hill Community High School, Lawrence, NE

Holdrege High School, Holdrege, NE

Mr. adoni Faxas

Mr. oliver ramirez-Gutierrez

Battle Creek High School, Meadow Grove, NE

Miss shantell Ferris Papillion-LaVista High School, Papillion, NE

Miss christina Greger Thomas Jefferson High School, Council Bluffs, IA

Omaha South High School, Omaha, NE

Miss emily retchless Johnson County Central High School, Tecumseh, NE

Miss cassandra schachenmeyer Cross County High School, York, NE

Miss aryn smidt

Mr. Derek Grovijohn

West Point Senior High School, West Point, NE

Westpoint High School, West Point, NE

Miss katrina sperl

Miss katie Gubbels

Stanton Community School,Stanton, NE

Laurel-Concord High School, Laurel, NE

Miss cheyenne svenson

Miss kalynn Hamlin

Norfolk Senior High School, Norfolk, NE

Omaha South High School, Omaha, NE

Miss Dominique swanson

Mr. Gavin Harsh

Bloomfield High School, Bloomfield, NE

McCook Senior High School, McCook, NE

Miss JessicaVorhees

Miss anna Hughart Hemingford High School, Crawford, NE

Miss Morgan koenigs Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto High School, Mapleton, IA

Mr. Danny linggonegoro Sheldon Senior High School, Sheldon, IA

Miss kathrine Macintosh

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Creston High School, Cromwell, IA

Misstorri osantowski

Mr. Jared clark

Grand Island Senior High School, Grand Island, NE

• 69% female; 31% male • 63% receive federal aid (Free Reduced Lunch, Medicare/Medicaid, Food Stamps) • 76% work; 78% plan to attend colleges in the region • 10% or 5 scholars live without parents and on their own; 28% live in single parent homes • Their educational aspirations are: • 24% Medical (Doctors/Nurses/Medical Research/Pharmacy/PT) • 18% Education (Teachers) • 14% Psychology/Sociology • 10% Business/Computer Science • 6% Undecided • 4% in each of (Veterinary-Ag / Chemistry / Engineering / Arts / Science / Law/Accounting) • The average household income of the scholarship recipients is $15,845

Omaha North High School, Omaha, NE

Miss Jessica o’riley

Mr. Patrick overmyer

Miss Michaela Feldmann

The Face Of The Ak-Sar-Ben Scholar

Miss Johanna Meyer

Sand Hills High School, Dunning, NE

Aurora High School, Phillips, NE

Miss breannaWalker Benson High School, Omaha, NE

Mr. JeffreyWallman Daniel Freeman Public Schools,Filley, NE

Miss breelyWernimont

Garden County High School, Lewellen, NE

Carroll High School, Carroll, IA

Mr. cody Marsh

Mr. anthonyWhite

Papillion-LaVista High School, Papillion, NE

Burke High School, Omaha, NE

Miss shelby Mckay

Miss kelliWoodrum

Garden County High School, Oshkosh, NE

Sioux County High School, Harrison, NE

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Celebration of Civic Pride The Mission of the Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation Ball 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.

2013 WOMEN'S BALL COMMITTEE: ANN TJADEN, CHAIRMAN

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.

Photo courtesy of Dwyer Photography

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.

Order Extra Copies:

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FR. THOMAS M. FANGMAN, JR.

MS. PENNELOPE S. PARKER

MR. BRUCE D. RASMUSSEN

MR. MICHAEL H. SIMMONDS metroMAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION

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Court of Honor THE KNIGHTS OF AK-SAR-BEN IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE AK-SAR-BEN WOMEN’S BALL COMMITTEE ANNOUNCED THE INDIVIDUALS WHO WILL BE INDUCTED INTO THE 2013 AK-SAR-BEN COURT OF HONOR. THE CEREMONIES WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE ANNUAL AK-SAR-BEN CORONATION AND SCHOLARSHIP BALL SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, AT THE CENTURY LINK CENTER IN OMAHA, NEBRASKA. 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 or Youth.

The 2013 Court of Honor Inductees are Father Thomas M. Fangman, Jr., Education; Ms. Pennelope S. Parker, Service to Youth; Mr. Bruce D. Rasmussen, Sports; and Mr. Michael H. Simmonds, Business and Industry.

Father Thomas M. Fangman, Jr.

EDUCATION

Father Tom has served the North Omaha community for over 20 years interrupted only by a brief assignment to Sacred Heart Parish in Norfolk from 1996-1998. He currently serves as the Pastor of Sacred Heart Church, the CEO of CUES, and Ex-Officio Board Member of Heart Ministry Center.

Fr. Tom was born in Omaha, Nebraska. His family includes his father, Dr. Thomas Fangman, the late Sally Fangman and his stepmother Barbara.

While attending Creighton Preparatory High School, he served on the Student Council and several service outreach groups including Operation Others, Awareness Workshop and he tutored at Sacred Heart School.

Fangman received his bachelor’s degree in Communications and Personnel Administration from the University of Kansas. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, was active in the St. Lawrence Catholic Center and intramural sports. After graduation, he received his Master’s degrees in Divinity and in Counseling at the Kenrick-Glennon Seminary..

The 2013 Ak-Sar-Ben Court of Honor Fangman was Assistant Pastor at St. Philip Neri from 1992-1996 and then moved to Norfolk to teach and become the Associate Pastor at Sacred Heart Parish. He came back to Omaha in 1998 as Pastor of Sacred Heart Church and led a $3.3 million capital campaign to renovate the church with its debt free completion in 1999.

He served as Executive Director of the Heart Ministry Center from 19982007. Fangman is Executive Director of the Christian Urban Education Service in Omaha, a position he has held since 1998. In 2012, his title changed to CEO with the expansion of the organization. He currently serves as President of All Saints School in Omaha.

Fangman has served on many community boards including: Omaha 100 Inc., Creighton Preparatory School Alumni Council, Creighton University President’s Community Advisory Board, Inclusive Communities Development Committee, and All Saints Advisory Committee. He has done work for the Archdiocese of Omaha in various capacities including the Personnel Board, Priests’ Council, Convocation representative, and priest representative on the Domestic Violence Pastoral Project.

He has received numerous awards and honors: Golden Apply Award (Teacher of the Year) at Norfolk Catholic High School, the Otto Swanson Spirit of Service Award from Inclusive Communities (previously NCCJ), Stewardship and Development Leadership Award from the Archdiocese of Omaha, Archbishop Daniel E. Sheehan Service Award from Creighton University, Father Flanagan Priest Award from Boys Town, and the Neighborhood and Family Development Award from Catholic Charities.

Fr. Fangman says, “My proudest achievement is being a part of a mission that truly shapes and impacts the lives of so many young children in our community. My Omaha roots are so important to me. I love our community and it is really important to me to be a part of that.”

Fangman’s hobbies include biking, swimming, skiing, reading, and spending time with his family and friends.

CM

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ONGRATULATIONS

ike Simmonds

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Court of Honor Pennelope S. Parker SERVICE TO YOUTH For the past 22 years, Pennelope (Penny) Parker has served as the Executive Director of Completely Kids, formerly known as Camp Fire USA. Completely KIDS is an organization serving over 2,000 inner city children through out-ofschool programs in low income schools, homeless shelters, and their building at 2566 St. Mary’s Avenue. Parker completed a capital campaign to purchase and renovate their building and led the construction of an outdoor nature explore classroom.

Parker was born in Lincoln, Nebraska to the late Walter (Doc) Mannschreck and Lois Mershon Mannschreck. At age ten, after reading a book by Jane Addams, who founded Hull House in Chicago, she decided she wanted to be a social worker. She graduated from Chester High School in Chester, Nebraska and attended Nebraska Wesleyan University on an alumni scholarship, receiving her undergraduate degree from UNL in Social Welfare and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of Nebraska at Omaha.Parker began her professional career as a caseworker and then a supervisor for Douglas County Social Services in north Omaha. She worked for Child Saving Institute, where she managed a residential program for young mothers and their children. She also counseled abusive and neglectful parents, worked on one of the first single parent father custody cases in Nebraska and spoke nationally on issues addressing parents of interracial children. She became the first female Child Welfare Administrator at the

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Omaha Office of the Nebraska Department of Social Services, overseeing 93 staff who serviced over 2200 clients involved in foster care, child protective services, and adoption.

Parker has received numerous awards: UNO Alumni Association-Citation for Alumni Achievement Award, Nebraska Commission on the status of Women-Women of Distinction Award, NASW-Nebraska Social Worker of the Year, Big Brothers-Big Sisters-Big Sister of the Year and YWCA-Outstanding Woman of Distinction, UNO School of Social Work Heart Award, UNO College of Public Affairs and Community Service Award, Project Harmony 2002 Kids First Award, Domestic Violence Coordinating Council Community Service Award and the Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit of the Year Award in 2012.

Parker serves on the UNO Alumni Association Board of Directors. She previously was on the Adoption Links Board of Directors, Member of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce Leadership Omaha Class and as a sustaining member of the Junior League of Omaha was inducted into their Hall of Fame. Parker is married to Steve Parker. She has served as a role model to countless youths throughout the Heartland. In their spare time, Penny and Steve enjoy spending time at Lake Okoboji, reading, cooking, volunteering, and being with friends and family.

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The 2013 Ak-Sar-Ben Court of Honor Bruce D. Rasmussen

SPORTS

Bruce Rasmussen has been the Athletic Director at Creighton University since 1994 and is one of the modern pillars in Nebraska sports. During his tenure, Creighton has risen to prominence with its success on-and-off the field, impressive facilities and record-breaking fundraising efforts.

Rasmussen accepted the associate athletics director position in 1992 after a 12-year run as the “winningest” coach in Creighton women’s basketball history (196-147), culminating in the program’s historic 1991-92 season. The 1992 Western Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, Rasmussen led the 1991-92 Bluejay women to a program-record 28 wins (28-4), the WAC regular-season and tournament championships and a first-round NCAA Tournament victory in the program’s first-ever trip to the “Big Dance.” With that 28-4 record in 1991-92, Rasmussen completed his college coaching career with a 196-147 record, good for a .571 winning percentage. After serving as associate athletics director for two years, Rasmussen was named athletics director on Aug.1, 1994.

Since Rasmussen assumed the role of athletics director, Creighton has won 29 regular season and 36 conference tournament titles, which have helped lead to 65 postseason appearances. Creighton made the NCAA Tournament in men’s soccer in 20 of the past 21 years. The Creighton softball team has made six NCAA Tournament appearances in the last 11 years. Creighton has also been recognized with the MVC All-Academic Award in seven of the last

nine seasons, including a record 3.37 GPA in the spring of 2012 by studentathletes. Rasmussen helped lead the charge for one of the biggest moves in school history when the school accepted an invitation into the BIG EAST Conference in March of 2013.

Building projects continue to change the Creighton campus and development in east Omaha. The Wayne and Eileen Ryan Athletic Center and D.J. Sokol Arena opened in 2009. Creighton’s new student recreation center was named the Rasmussen Center in his honor and stands as one of the centerpieces on the Creighton campus. The Championships Center will open in April 2014 and TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, home to Bluejay baseball and the College World Series, opened in 2011. Those projects add to an overhaul in the school’s athletic facilities over the past decade, which has also seen Creighton begin play at two of the finest facilities nationwide, Michael G. Morrison, S.J., Stadium (soccer) and Century Link Center Omaha (men’s basketball). Creighton’s primary annual athletics fundraising events are the Bluejay Bash and the Bluejay Jamboree. Under Rasmussen’s leadership, each of these events continues to raise record-breaking funds for Creighton athletics.

Rasmussen’s honors include: Western Athletic Conference Coach of the Year (1991, 1992), NACDA Athletic Director of the Year (2004 and 2010), Omaha Sports Hall of Fame (2008) and Mary Lucretia Award for Advancement of Women (2008) and Kick’s for a Cure, Liz’s Legacy Inspiration Award (2013).

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Court of Honor

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The 2013 Ak-Sar-Ben Court of Honor He is currently serving on the College Worlds Series, Inc. Executive Committee, Abide Network Board, Project Harmony Board, NCAA Men’s Basketball Committee and Omaha FCA Board of Directors.

A native of Webster City, Iowa, Rasmussen and his wife, Jill, enjoy sporting events and spending time with their five children, Megan, David, John, Katie and Grace.

Michael H. Simmonds

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

Mike Simmonds is the founder and developer of Simmonds Restaurant Management, Inc Simmonds was born and raised in southern California. He served two years in the Army from 1968-1970 before attending the University of Alabama, Huntsville where he received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Simmonds worked in the restaurant industry while in high school. In 1970, he became an assistant manager at the Burger King in Decatur, Alabama. In 1976, Mike opened his first Burger King. He eventually grew his company to operate over 90 restaurants with familiar brands such as Burger King, Taco John’s, and Jimmy John’s. The company has employed over 2,800 people.

He has served as the president of the Mid-America Franchise Association and served on the board of the National Franchisee Association.

Simmonds has been involved in the Omaha community for many years. He has served on the boards for the Salvation Army, Special Olympics Nebraska, Junior Achievement of the Midlands, Methodist Hospital Foundation, Bellevue University, Sacred Heart School, Boy Scouts, of America, Arthritis Foundation, and Merrymakers.

He has received numerous honors and awards and was inducted into the Omaha Chamber’s Business Hall of Fame. He was presented with the Humanitarian Award by Inclusive Communities, the Marge & Chuck Durham Spirit of Nebraska Award by UNMC, Sacred Heart School- Heart Award and the People of Vision Award by Prevent Blindness Nebraska.

He has chaired a number of fundraising events in Omaha, including the Salvation Army Tree of Lights Campaign, The Gathering for Sacred Heart School, Creighton Prep Bash, Marian Fest, United Way of the Midlands Annual Campaign, Literacy Council Drive, Leukemia & Lymphoma Diamonds & Decadence, and Team Mates.

Simmonds and his wife Lin met in Huntsville, Alabama and were married in 1969. They have 4 children; Kevin, Jennifer, Natalie, and Shawn, and 3 grandchildren. Mike enjoys various entrepreneurial opportunities and is committed to local philanthropy and medical solutions for cancer. In his spare time enjoys traveling, cooking, cars, good scotch and cigars.

The Coronation is a fundraising vehicle for the Ak-Sar-Ben Scholarships offered in conjunction with the Horatio Alger Foundation for students in need of financial assistance to attain a college degree. Each dollar provided by Ak-SarBen is matched by the University of Nebraska system, College of Saint Mary, Metropolitan Community College, Bellevue University and Creighton University if scholars choose to attend those schools. At any given time, Ak-SarBen is assisting 250 young people attend college and the program has a high retention rate for the Horatio Alger scholarship programs. For a list of this year’s local scholars log on to: https://www.horatioalger.org/scholarships/2013awards. metroMAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION

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The Coronation

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The Coronation

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JOHN, SOPHIA AND HILLARY DETISCH

LOREN AND DANI BRADFORD

JANE MILLER AND PENNY PARKER

MONICA AND DANNY PATE

DIANE, KATIE, JANYCE, KEVIN AND CHRISTIAN WARNEKE

EVAN IBACH, ANN MARIE BOSSHAMER, EMILY IBACH AND ALEX IBACH CAPTIONS

MOLLY, KATIE AND ERICA MCGILLICK WITH TALIA HEAD

JACK SEARL, COLIN SEARL, MAGGIE NEARY, PAIGE SEARL, KYLE BEAMAN, GREG PUCKELL AND JACKSON DINSDALE

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Pre-Ball Reception

STEVE AND MONICA SAMEK WITH MARK, JUDY AND JILLIAN MORAVEC

WENDY CLARK, MARY AND MIKE REDELFS AND ASHLEY CLARK CAPTIONS

MARK AND DEB SCHORR, ALISON SCHORR AND MELISSACAPTIONS SCHORR

CARA WURTZ, ABBY AHL, JEFF AHL, ANDREW PRUITT, EMILY PERDUE AND ALYSSA GREWCOCK metroMAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION

SHELLI AND TIM MOSSER

SYLVIA, MICHAEL AND DAVE MAENNER

RACHEL WASHINGTON, MAX ANDERSON AND CLAIRE VOLK

ANGIE KENNEY, BRIAN BOSSHAMER & PATTY KENNEY-HILGER

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ANGELA KROS AND BILL CUTLER IV

JOHN AND GAIL DEBOER, AMANDA AND TOM BARTLETT, ALAN GILMORE, DR. JULIA CRONIN-GILMORE

AVERY AND RENEE BLACK

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JJ, TAGGART AND LESLEY CROUSE

CAPTIONS ROBERT DUNCAN WITH KELLY AND BRITT THEDINGER

LIN SIMMONDS, ANNIE BIRD AND JOAN SQUIRES

KATIE WARNEKE, DIANE WARNEKE, SANDY MASSEY, EMILY IBACH AND THERESA IBACH

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Pre-Ball Reception

BRAD HUSS, WENDY MOORE, JAN HUSS, DIAN AND JIM WARREN, BRADIE BENJAMIN, SARAH MOORE, BROOKE BENJAMIN, MATT JACOB, S. SCOTT MOORE

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JACOB, SARA AND MATT BOYD CAPTIONS

SCOTT AND KELLI DRAPER, BILL AND BARB FITZGERALD, TATE AND DENISE FITZGERALD metroMAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION

BILL CUTLER IV AND JAMIE WALKER

SAM AND DAVE HOHMAN

SKYLAR AND BUFFY RICCERI

KRISTEN DOBLEMAN AND NOELLE MAPES

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LINDSAY RUMA, ELIZABETH SIMPSON AND SARAH LIVINGSTON

ERICA, MOLLY AND KATIE MCGILLICK WITH EMILY, EVAN, AND ALEC IBACH

JEANNETTE BROWN, NATALIE CANTRAL, WITH TRISH AND MIA PETERSEN

JOE AND MAYOR JEAN STOTHERT

BECKY BISCHOF, MICHAEL PRITCHARD AND JOHN BISCHOF

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TEDDY, MICKI, ALLISON AND JOE PANE

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LORI SCOTT, JANELLE ZELENY, AMY WIEGERT AND MARSHA MARRON

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Pre-Ball Reception

ALI MILLER, KATIE KEISER, JENNA LANGEMEIER, HANNA JENKINS AND BRIAN FREY

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KIRSTEN BRYDEGAARD, GERI MARR AND CINDY BAY CAPTIONS

THE HORD, SHANER AND WHITEFOOT FAMILIES metroMAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION

BRAD AND SUSAN ROHRIG WITH BILL AND BEV KARRER

VIV AND JOHN EWING

WENDI AND SCOTT KROEGER

PETER ZOUCHA, SARAH MAHER, SAM ZOUCHA AND ALLIE BURT

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STACIE AND SHANE OSBORN

SARA AND OWEN LANG, KATIE MCGUIRE, MOLLY AND MIKE ABBOUD

MARY AND TODD JOHNSON

TOM AND ASHLEY BURT

TAMMY AND DREW BLOSSOM WITH JACKIE

AMY, KATIE, MARK AND MASON GROHE

DAVID KORFF, PAULA COOPER, KYLIE KORFF, JEAN KORFF, LISA KORFF, COURTNEY FRAHM, LAURA LUTHER, CAROLINE LUTHER, AND SAM COOPER

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Pre-Ball Reception

SHERI DELAMOTTE, PHIL, ANNE AND LAURA WEAVER

CHRIS AND TERRI EISCHEILD WITH ELLIE

MAX, KATE AND MARTH SLOSBURG

MAGGIE SMITH, LINDSEY STIBBS AND KILEY ECCKER

RACHEL AND REGAN KOLLER WITH ALYSE PETERSEN, NATALIE CANTRAL AND EMMA PETERSON metroMAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION

FRAN AND ANDY PETERSON WITH ASHLEY AND EVAN IBACH

ALEXANDRIA EWING, BRITTANY AND LAUREN ALBIN

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NATHAN, OLIVIA AND MATT MINCHOW

BRIAN ARNOLD WITH MICHAELA CANTRAL

DAVID, MELANIE AND PATRICK HECKER

JEFF AND DIANE BRIGGS WITH JULIE AND STEVE KENNEY

MADISON SCOTT AND ROSA REED-BOULEY

TODD MURPHY AND COLIN BISHOP

COLIN BISHOP, TAMMI BISHOP, TODD MURPHY, STEPHANIE MURPHY, COSTEN BISHOP, BO GRATTON (BACK), BUFFY GRATTON, BARBARA BISHOP, JAN BISHOP AND DANIEL BISHOP

SCOTT CARLSON, MARK CARLSON, KATIE CARLSON, MOLLY MADLICK, TIM CARLSON AND ANNE CARLSON

DR. MARV AND LYNETTE DVORAK, DR. ALLEN AND CAROL DVORAK WITH PAT AND DICK BELL

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Pre-Ball Reception

KATE AND BRAD GRABILL

PETER KORFF AND CLAIRE ECKSTROM

CASSIE BRADFORD, KIM PAPE AND STACEY SCHNAUBER

PATTY, CHRIS, CHRISTOPHER KIRCHER, MADI SHEPARD WITH HOPE KIRCHER

COLE WYCOFF AND BAILEY BARNARD

SHARON MCGILL, GRAHAM GUENETTE, OLIVIA ROBINO, MIKE ROBINO AND GWEN MCGILL

JANEEN MACRINO AND KAREN DAVIS

LISA AND TYLER OWEN, PATTY AND WOODY BRADFORD, BOB OWEN AND GERRY AND BRUCE LAURITZEN metroMAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION

TOM AND JENNIFER ALEXANDER

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Behind the Scenes

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– ongratulations –

– ongratulations –

to our

AVERY RENEE BLACK

BRADY GIRL!

love, MoM anD scott

all our love-MoM, DaD anD tanner CAPTIONS

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to our very special page avery!

CAPTIONS

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Behind the Scenes Congratulations: Pages, Princesses & Escorts

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– ongratulations – to ak-sar-ben cxvii page

BRAYDEN KENNETH CHRISTENSEN CAPTIONS

CAPTIONS great job, Master brayDen! love, MoM, DaD anD blaire

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– ongratulations – to tHe kappa kappa gaMMa princesses oF

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY CAPTIONS

CAPTIONS FroM tHe FaMily oF talia HeaD

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– ongratulations – HeartlanD escort co-cHairMan

KELLEN DEAN JORGENSEN your FaMily & FrienDs

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– ongratulations – triple trouble tiMes two!

IBACHS & MCGILLICKS CAPTIONS metroMAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION

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susan Mcgillick

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Receiving Line

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Congratulations ing William Cutler ueen Carolyn German and families and to Women's Ball Committee chairman Ann Tjaden and the entire Women's Ball Committee for their tireless efforts in making the CVII Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation & Ball another successful event

Official Couterier • Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation Ball 2013 regency court | Omaha | 402-399-8080

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Ak-Sar-Ben CXVII images at our Photo Store http://metroscene.zenfolio.com/