metroMAGAZINE's Ak-Sar-Ben CXVI Keepsake 2012 Edition

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Ak-Sar-Ben CXVI

2012

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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

5 Honorees

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King and Queen Ak-Sar-Ben CXVI

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2012 Women’s Ball Committee

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2012 Court of Honor

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2012 Ak-Sar-Ben Horatio Alger Scholars

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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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Events Leading Up

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I wish to take this occasion to personally congratulate King Ak-Sar-Ben CXVI, J. Robert Duncan, and Queen Ak-Sar-Ben CXVI, Afton Robertson.

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 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 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. Enjoy!

metro AK-SAR-BEN 2012 • VOL. 24 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 – 2012 ALH Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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metroMAGAZINE photography by Dan Flanigan and Andrea Hoig

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SpiritofOmaha.com

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Crown Royalty Ak-Sar-Ben CXVI Honors J. Robert Duncan as its 116th King More tHAn 2,000 AttendeeS of the Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation and Scholarship Ball witnessed the crowning of J. Robert Duncan as the 116th King of Ak-Sar-Ben. The civic organization’s October 13 event also included the formal introduction of the 2012 Court of Quivira, which honors more than 200 Heartland families.

Mr. Duncan’s life has moved from the quiet of a small Iowa town to national recognition as a businessman, art collector and civic leader.

Duncan was born and raised in Clarinda, Iowa. Only three years after graduating from Northwestern University in 1965, Robert was named president of Duncan Aviation, the business his father had founded. In the same year, he married another Clarinda native, Karen Kay Kent. The couple has two children, Todd and Paige.

During his four decades with the Lincoln-based company, Duncan Aviation became the world’s largest family-owned organization for business aviation, providing maintenance, repair, sales and support services. The respected, innovative company has more than 2,000 employees and 18,000 customers worldwide. Duncan Aviation has been named four times to Fortune Magazine’s 100 Best Places to Work.

KING AK-SAR-BEN CXVI J. ROBERT DUNCAN

Duncan turned over day-to-day management of the company in 2007 and now serves on its board as chairman emeritus.

He is an avid and active pilot. Duncan and his wife have traveled extensively across the country by Cessna Citation Mustang. He was an organizing force in Duncan Aviation’s Citation Fly-In, which brought athletes and their families to and from Lincoln for the 2010 Special Olympics.

The Duncans are passionate about visual art and have traveled the world searching for works that capture their imaginations. Their 1,800-piece collection has been featured in numerous publications, including Nebraska Life and the Omaha World Herald. They often welcome art students and organizations to their neo-classical Lincoln home.

Mr. Duncan has served on numerous arts-related boards, including the KANEKO, Sheldon Museum of Art, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, Museum of Nebraska Art, Nebraska Arts Council, Mid-America Arts Alliance, American Craft Council and International Sculpture Center.

His extensive board and civic service has included the Lincoln Community Foundation, the Nebraska Wesleyan Board of Governors and the Lincoln Partners for Public Art Development. In 1985, he helped found Leadership Lincoln, an organization that trains individuals to take community leadership roles.

Duncan’s numerous awards include the Living Legends of Aviation Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award, the Master Pilot Award, a Governor’s Arts Award, a Mayor’s Arts Award and National Business Aviation Association’s John P. “Jack” Doswell Award. He has been named to the Nebraska Aviation Hall of Fame and the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame.

The annual Coronation and Scholarship Ball, first held in 1895, recognizes individuals in the region for their civic endeavors and raises money for the

QUEEN AK-SAR-BEN CXVI AFTON ROBERTSON metroMAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION

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Ak-Sar-Ben Scholarship Fund. Each year Ak-Sar-Ben partners with the Horatio Alger Scholarship Program to provide 50 scholarships to deserving students from Nebraska and Western Iowa. Since the introduction of scholarships in the 1950s the Foundation has granted more than $7 million to scholars. In total, the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation has contributed more than $58 million to the Heartland community.

Ak-Sar-Ben CXVI Honors Afton Robertson as its 116th Queen THE ROBERTSON FAMILY OF OMAHA was honored for its civic leadership and community service as Afton Robertson was crowned the 116th Queen of Ak-Sar-Ben. The civic organization’s Coronation and Scholarship Ball, held October 13, also featured the formal introduction of the 2012 Court of Quivira, honoring more than 200 Nebraska and western Iowa families.

Miss Robertson is a senior at Indiana University where she majors in apparel merchandising, with a minor in business. A former state champion and All-American swimmer at Marian High School, Miss Robertson is a champion in and out of the pool. While she has been on the IU swim team, the Hoosiers have won the Big 10 title twice.

On campus, Miss Robertson is an active member of athletic and academic organizations. She is a volunteer for The Varsity Club, a member of the Retail Services Organization and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and a swim camp instructor. A Dean’s List student, she is a member of the Alpha Beta Academic Society. She has also been involved with Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention, the Humane Society, the Salvation Army and Heartland Family Services.

Civic involvement and philanthropy are in the DNA of the new queen’s family. Afton’s mother, Gail Werner-Robertson, is founder and CEO of GWR Wealth Management. She earned a gubernatorial appointment to the Nebraska Investment Council and serves as its chairwoman. Her many current and past board affiliations include Creighton University; Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce; Autism Action Partnership; Creighton

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University’s Werner Institute; Marian High School; Christian Business Women’s Forum; Boy Scouts Mid-America Council; Special Olympics; NASD Small Firm Advisory Board; and Bellevue University. Werner-Robertson serves as a Governor of Ak-Sar-Ben. Afton’s father, Scott Roberston is the director of the aviation division of an international corporation, and founder and president of UltraAir, a private aircraft charter service. He is a founding board member of the Nebraska Business Aviation Association and sits on the board of Mid-America Council of the Boys Scouts of America.

Together Scott and Gail invest in their community through a variety of philanthropic works. They are strong advocates for Autistic children and their family co-founded the Autism Action Partnership.

Afton’s grandfather, C.L. Werner is an icon of entrepreneurship and philanthropy. After leaving school in the ninth grade, he built a leading international transportation company, Werner Enterprises. In recognition for his remarkable achievements through hard work, self-reliance and perseverance, he received the Horatio Alger Award in April 2012 at Constitutional Hall in the nation’s capital.

The great success of Werner Enterprises has created a platform for wideranging charitable activities including: funding for a new elementary school in Mr. Werner’s hometown of Petersberg, Nebraska; significant land donations for conservation; a $4 million gift to fund the Werner Institute for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution at Creighton University; and a $10 million foundation that awards grants to numerous non-profits that support women, children and the abused and neglected.

Mr. Werner’s special interest in autism led to a $5 million gift that established the C.L. Werner Family Neurodevelopment Disorders Research Laboratories at the Durham Research Center.

For Afton’s grandmother, Gloria Werner, charity begins at home. She has been a role model for the entire family in reaching out to those in need and offering time, talent and treasure wherever it is needed.

The annual Coronation and Scholarship Ball recognizes individuals in the region for their civic endeavors and raises money for the Ak-SarBen Scholarship Fund. Each year Ak-Sar-Ben partners with the Horatio Alger Scholarship Program to provide 50 scholarships to deserving students from Nebraska and Western Iowa.

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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.

2012 WOMEN'S BALL COMMITTEE: KELLY THEDINGER, 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.

Congratulations to King Robert Duncan and Queen Afton Robertson

120 Regency Parkway | Omaha, NE 68114 1.800.642.GIFT | borsheims.com

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AK-SAR-BEN CXVI

DR. KEN BIRD

MR. PAUL JESSEN FAMILY

MS. JOAN SQUIRES

DR. LINDA FORD 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 2012 AK-SAR-BEN COURT OF HONOR. THE CEREMONIES TOOK PLACE AT THE ANNUAL AK-SAR-BEN CORONATION AND SCHOLARSHIP BALL ON SATURDAy, OCTOBER 13, AT THE CENTURyLINK CENTER IN OMAHA, NEBRASKA.

tHIS yeAr’S InduCteeS Are: Dr. ken birD | eDucation Dr. linDa ForD | ProFessions Mr. Paul Jessen (PosthuMously) | business anD inDustry Ms. Joan squires | the arts 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. dr. ken BIrd, Former Superintendent of district 66, where he served for 16 years, and where he graduated from Westside High School in 1966, is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, receiving a B.A., the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for his masters, an Education Specialist Degree and a doctorate of Education.

Following high school, Dr. Bird began working as welder/sheet metal worker. As a result of a workplace accident, he left that job and career path and took a job in 1969 at Westside High School as hall monitor, which led him to a career in education, and subsequently 11 different job roles in the Westside Community Schools, including 16 years as Superintendent of Schools. He did have an interruption of service at Westside with five years at the Nebraska Department of Education, where he held several different positions.

Upon his retirement from Westside in 2008, Dr. Bird was given the opportunity to design and implement a new educational program in Omaha to serve some of our community’s most underserved and needy adolescents and young adults. Avenue Scholars Foundation was established formally on June 1 that year. Avenue Scholars Foundation now serves 600+ young people, helping them complete high school, receive training at Metro Community College, and place them in meaningful jobs in our community.

He has received several professional awards including the 1998 Nebraska Superintendent of the year; the Nebraska Council of School Administrators' Distinguished Service Award; University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Teachers College, David W. Hutcheson Award for Distinguished Service to Education; University of Nebraska at Omaha, Department of Education, Distinguished Alumni Award; Friend of the Horace Mann League Award; as well as being selected as an Expert Lecturer for a series of presentations at Huazhong University in Wuhan, China. Dr. Bird was honored with the Educational Excellence in Leadership Award from Education Research &

The 2012 Ak-Sar-Ben Court of Honor Development Institute, Inc. (ERDI). He also was the recipient of the Educational Achievement Award from the University of Nebraska Alumni Association, and has received the Children's Hospital Margre Henningson Durham Leadership Award. In addition, Dr. Bird was presented with the Literacy Alive! Award by the Literacy Center for the Midlands.

Dr. Bird was selected by eSchool News, a national newspaper, as a "2003 Tech-Savvy Superintendent Award" winner. He also received the American Association of School Administrators President's Technology Award, sponsored by Apple Computer Inc., in February 2003. Dr. Bird has been active in numerous professional organizations including Educational Research & Development Institute; American Association of School Administrators; Horace Mann League; Suburban School Superintendents; National Center for Education, Research & Technology; and the National School Public Relations Association.

He is also very active in the community and throughout the state. Dr. Bird was appointed to the Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission. He currently serves on Boards of Children's Hospital Foundation; Omaha Community Playhouse Foundation; Project Harmony; and Werner Enterprises. He has served as Past Chair of the Wellness Council of the Midlands, as well as Past Education Division Chair of the United Way of the Midlands/CHAD campaign. Dr. Bird and his wife, Annie, have served as honorary benefit chairs for the Children's Hospital Gala, Ronald McDonald House Charities, UNMC Kicks for a Cure, and the Charles Drew Health Center Annual Dinner.

Dr. Bird and his wife, Annie, have 3 children: Tab and Debbie Bouc, Chris and Staci Bouc, and Michael and Karen Bird; and 5 grandchildren: Jacob and Josh Bouc, Parker and Van Bouc and Kacey Bird. dr. lIndA Ford founded the Asthma & Allergy Center in 1979 and has become a well-known and respected member of the Omaha Metro community, as well as the national medical community. She is principal investigator for hundreds of clinical studies that brought many of today's asthma and allergy medicines into the hands of patients in need.

For over 25 years, she has voluntarily taught asthma and allergic disease care to many resident physicians from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Raised in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Dr. Ford has lived all over the United States. Her husband R. Joe Dennis, who is deceased, was a major developer and builder of Bellevue and Omaha, Nebraska, having built over 10,000 homes, and is one of the founders of Bellevue University.

She did her undergraduate studies at Texas A&M University and received a Doctorate in Medicine from University of Nebraska Medical Center. She completed an internship in Internal Medicine from Jewish Hospital of St. Louis, Washington University, a residency in Internal Medicine from St. Louis University Medical Center and a fellowship in Allergy and Immunology from Creighton University.

Dr. Ford, a physician of Allergy and Immunology, served as the 93rd national president of the American Lung Association (1998-1999), sat on the Board of Directors and Council of the American Lung Association (ALA) 1987-2000, is a past president of the American Medical Association Foundation and is also a member and president of the Board of Directors of the American Lung Association of Nebraska. She represented Nebraska physicians in the House of Delegates of the American Medical Association, serving as the Nebraska delegation's chair. She sits on Nebraska Medical continued on page 10

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Court of Honor

The 2011 Ak-Sar-Ben Court of Honor

Association's (NMA) House of Delegates and previously on the NMA and Metro Omaha Medical Society's Boards of Directors and was the first Medical Director for the Sarpy/Cass County Department of Health and Wellness and served on their Board of Directors.

Dr. Ford actively promotes lung disease education. She was a founding member and Chairman for the Consortium of Asthma Camps from 19941996, founded and served as the first Chairperson for The National Asthma Educators Certification Board, spearheading quality asthma education throughout the country.

Because of her interest in what exacerbates her patients' asthma, she also chaired The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology's Aerobiology Committee and her office is the certified pollen counting station for the metro Omaha area. Her commitment to finding a cure for asthma led to her participation as co-chair of the American Lung Association's Major Gifts Campaign, “ASTHMATTACK!,” supporting basic science and regional asthma centers.

Dr. Ford also sits on The Advisory Board to Completed Kids, Asthma Emergency Advisory Board to the Omaha Public Schools, was Vice President and board member of the National Office of Community Health Charities and served on the Board of Directors for the Nebraska Humane Society.

She is the recipient of many awards: young Investigator Award, American Lung Association; Volunteer of the year, American Lung Association of Nebraska; Fellow American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; Volunteer of the year, American Lung Association of Nebraska; Women of Distinction - Professional Finalist, yWCA; Dearholt Medal, American Lung Association, Mississippi Valley Conference; Health Volunteer of the year, United Way of the Midlands; Community Service Award, Nebraska American Medical Women's Association; Award of Merit, American Lung Association; Community Spirit Award, American Lung Association of Nebraska; Physician-Teacher of the year, Department of Family Practice, University of Nebraska Medical Center; Tiffany Award, American Lung Association; Volunteer Leadership Award, American Lung Association; Distinguished Fellow, American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; Fellow, American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; Legacy of Hope Award, CHC; Emily Bissel Fundraising Award, American Lung Association Special Recognition Award, Education & Research Trust, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; Women in Medicine Award, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; Distinguished Women in Allergy Award, American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; Volunteer Faculty of the year, University of Nebraska College of Medicine Dr. Ford has served as a trustee at First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue and been recognized by three U.S. Presidents for her outstanding work in allergy and immunology. She is one the country’s experts in this area. She is currently running multiple important studies to find leading edge treatments for asthma and allergy.

Mr. PAul JeSSen (posthumously) Business and Industry, was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, a highly respected attorney, a trusted colleague, and a very dear friend to many people throughout Omaha and the region.

From his childhood on, Paul thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors and the time he was able to spend hunting, fishing and riding horses with family, friends and clients. Paul was just as comfortable in a boardroom as he was in

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a duck blind, and some of his strongest relationships were forged not over conference room tables, but instead in the outdoors.

When Paul decided to leave another law firm to help start Koley Jessen 24 years ago, he didn’t specifically intend that the firm would grow from seven to over 50 attorneys and over 100 total employees or to become one of the top law firms in Nebraska and the region. His initial vision was a small office where he would help clients with estate plans and where he could bring his dog to work every day. As Koley Jessen’s loyal client base and the breadth and sophistication of their legal needs grew, the firm also grew and moved to its current location at One Pacific Place. The standard that Paul set for conducting business was unwavering integrity, putting people first, providing over-the-top client service and giving back to the community which attracted clients, attorneys and staff.

Clients took to his confident, straightforward and friendly delivery of legal advice and trusted him to care of for whatever they needed. Paul believed that if you provided outstanding service, you would retain clients and your work and reputation would attract more clients.

He received numerous honors and certifications and was a fellow of the American College of Estate and Trust Counsel and the Nebraska State Bar Foundation. He was recognized many times by Best Lawyers in America and Chambers USA for his work in tax law, trusts and estates, corporate compliance law and corporate governance law. He was a member of the Nebraska, Omaha and American Bar Associations, the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Omaha Estate Planning Council and past president to the Great Plains Federal Tax Institute.

Throughout his life, Paul held top positions within several community organizations including College World Series of Omaha, Inc., River City Rodeo and Stock Show, Knights of Aksarben and the Omaha Community Foundation. Under his leadership, the rodeo set new attendance records.

He also played a key role in the successful renewal of Omaha’s 25-year contract with the NCAA to continue to host the College World Series in Omaha at the new TD Ameritrade Park.

He and his wife, Mary, have two children, daughter, Kjirsten (married to Joe Finnegan) and son, Chad. They have two grandchildren, Nate and Bridget.

He was a graduate of the University of Nebraska and the Creighton School of Law and served on the Westside Foundation Board of Directors, was the Community Club President for Westside Schools, coached baseball and basketball and was past president of the American Red Cross Heartland Chapter and was a past president of the Omaha Country Club.

Paul often said that keeping your personal brand- your reputation – intact was critical and felt that you must act with integrity, honesty, compassion and generosity in life and in business in order to maintain it.

MS. JoAn SquIreS, the Arts. For 10 years, Squires has served as President of Omaha Performing Arts – the largest non-profit arts organization in Nebraska – with a budget of $18 million. The organization is responsible for the management and operation of the Orpheum Theater and the Holland Performing Arts Center; the presentation of a wide variety of touring artists and ensembles including Broadway, dance, jazz, family, popular, and world music; a broad cultural education and outreach program; and the creation and administration of Ticket Omaha, a comprehensive ticketing service for the arts.

When she arrived in 2002, she had responsibility for creating and launching the organization with involvement in the opening of the Holland

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Performing Arts Center and renovation of the Orpheum Theater, and development of the entire organizational and administrative structure. Her current responsibilities include external and community relations, strategic planning, artistic programming and season planning, fundraising, operational, financial, marketing, and administrative management. Since 2002, Omaha Performing Arts has presented the very best artists and ensembles to the community, including yo-yo Ma, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Wynton Marsalis, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Carol Burnett, Tony Bennett, Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked, and Jersey Boys. During its first five years, Omaha Performing Arts has reached over 1.7 million people.

Squires has worked in arts management for over 25 years, and served in leadership positions for the Phoenix Symphony and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra among others. She was raised in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania – a small rural town, and her father was the third generation of a family owned business started by her great-grandfather - “Squires Jewelers and Opticians” which became “Squires Music House” and then “Squires Appliances.”Today, her twin brother, John, is the fourth generation in the company.

Involved in music at an early age as a pianist and organist, accompanying groups, she received her undergraduate degree from Lebanon Valley College, Annville, Pennsylvania in Music Education. She returned to Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, and was a music teacher for high school and elementary for 3 years, served as church organist and choir director for the Presbyterian Church, and taught piano lessons. She left teaching to attend graduate school and move into arts management, graduating from the University of Michigan, with a master’s in business administration and a master of music arts administration.

She is married to Thomas Fay and has three stepchildren Jennifer Fay (and her partner Scott Juengel); Kathleen Fay Fossan (and her husband Christopher Fossan) and Brendan Fay (and his wife Sonja Rother) and 3 grandchildren.

Squires has received many honors: Governor’s Arts Award (Thomas C. Woods, III Partnership in the Arts); selected by National Arts Strategies as one of 20 international arts leaders to participate in a two-year Chief Executive Series; honored as a “Woman of Vision” at WCA’s Tribute to Women luncheon; and named a “Woman of Distinction” by the Midlands Business Journal. Squires has served as a grants panelist four times for the National Endowment for the Arts. She currently serves as a voting member for Broadway’s Tony Awards.

Squires is active in various committees for the Broadway League; is a member of the Performing Arts Center Consortium, Association of Performing Arts Presenters, and an advisor for the Broadway Dreams Foundation. She is a past member of the League of American Orchestras, and has spoken at numerous national conferences. Locally she is President of Arts Omaha, a board member for Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures; Trustee of the Business Ethics Alliance at Creighton University; and participated in Omaha Executive Institute. She previously worked with the Salvation Army’s Kroc Center and Nebraska Educational Television.

During the past ten years, Omaha Performing Arts has received numerous awards and recognition, including Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce – Non-Profit Institution of the year; Pollstar, Orpheum Theater listed as #16 in worldwide ticket sales; Venues Today – Orpheum listed as #1 and Holland Center listed as #9 for ticket sales in the Midwest.

Over 115 years of giving back to the Hear tland!

nebraskablue.com nebr askablue.com

Proud to support the Knights of AkSarBen and its philanthropic mission.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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AK-SAR-BEN CXVI

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The Coronation

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TED AND TRISH WALZ WITH KYLE AND MIKE ROBINO

JACKIE AND TERRY KROEGER

THERESA THIBODEAU, AIMEE MELTON AND SUSI DALRYMPLE

MARY LOU AND MARK BRASEE

THE HORD FAMILY

STEVE MARTIN, DR. AMY HADDAD, DICK ANDCAPS PAT BELL AND AMY AND JEFF SCHMID NEEDED

DAWN BUSENBARK, HENRY DAVIS, JUDI AND CAPS DAVIDNEEDED FINKLE AND MONIQUE JETTER

BOB BELL, DEL TOEBBEN, JOHN NELSON AND BOB BATES

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Pre-Ball Reception

KIRK MENDIVC, JAMES WATSON, STEVEN FINKLE, ANDREW STEINHOFF, CORY KAMMANDEL AND ANDREW SCHUETZ

CAPS NEEDED

CYNDI VANNEWKIRK, SARA VANNEWKIRK, CARMEN GODBERSEN AND BROOKE HERBIG CAPS NEEDED

ANDREA AND JOHN MARSHALL, TRACI AND TIM HARRSION, ADDIE AND ROBERT HOLLINGSWORTH metroMAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION

BRUCE GREWCOCK AND BRUCE LAURITZEN

EILEEN EASTHAM, ANNE NELSON AND ERIN OWEN

DAVE AND KIM NABITY

KIM, AARON, SAM AND REBECCA NODDLE

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CAROL RUSSELL, ROBYN HUBBARD, SUSAN FREEMAN AND ALEXANDRA HUBBARD

MISSY HASSELBALCH, SHEILA SCHULKE, ELISA SLATTERY, STARR SCHULKE, ISABEL HASSELBALCH, CATHERINE DEDICK AND MONIQUE GUSTAFSON

DEB SUTTLE AND VIV EWING

SYBIL THAILING, ELSA COVI, JESSICA COVI AND KRIS COVI

THE BLAIR AND PATTERSON FAMILES

CAPS NEEDED

CAPSLAUREN NEEDEDDAVIS AND MARY CLAIRE RICE NELL NEARY, JORDAN ROGERS, MADDIE WINUM,

BRET AND NICOLE HUBER WITH GARY AND REGAN MUHS

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Pre-Ball Reception

MERILLEE WAUGH AND MICHELLE HOLMES WITH MADDIE, LARRY AND TERRI WINUM

STEVE AND TAYLOR KERSCHKE, TARA AND RYAN ARNOLD, BRYAN TROESTER AND CAPS J.R. JOHNSON NEEDED

DANI BRADFORD AND COLLEEN NEELY WITH RAE, CLAIRE ANDCAPS ABBEY DYER NEEDED

FRONT: BRADY GIBSON, ELIZABETH PAPE LAURITZEN, ISABELLE DODGE BACK: RYAN GIBSON, CLARK LAURITZEN, BRUCE LAURITZEN, EMILY WAHL LAURITZEN, MARGARET LAURITZEN DODGE AND NATE DODGE metroMAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION

DICK HOLLAND, ANDY HOLLAND AND DEB LOVE

NICHOLAS RAIMONDO AND MATTHEW RAIMONDO

HAL AND MARY DAUB

JOSIE, BRIELLE AND NANCY ABBOUD

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NOLAN SEARL, ANDREW SCHROPP, CRAIG AND CHRIS KELLEY

ALAN BERG, SUSAN HANSEN AND CHRISTIAN BERG

JONATHAN ROGERS, BRITTANY ROGERS AND CHRISTIAN DINSDALE

OMAHA MAYOR JIM SUTTLE

RHONDA PAULEY, GLENDA PAULEY, RENEE PAULEY AND ALEX DIPAOLO

ONE LAST POSE BEFORE HEADING UPSTAIRS TO CHANGE INTO CORONATION GOWNS CAPS NEEDED

CAPS NEEDED JOEL RUSSELL, ERIN SWANSON, KERRY AND JASON JUDGE AND FRED HUNZEKER

STEPHANIE DAVIDSON, ANNA DAVIDSON, SANDRA DAVIDSON AND CYNDY PEACOCK

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ak-sar-ben coronation ball • 2012

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Pre-Ball Reception

2012 ESCORTS

COLIN SEARL, PAIGE SEARL, SHANNON SMITH & JACK SEARL

CAPS NEEDED

PAULA MUMM, SUZANNE MCNAMARA AND STEVE MUMM

ESTHER AND BOB HOOGEVEEN WITH DYLAN SCOTT ANDCAPS LORINEEDED SCOTT

JIM AND KAREN GRANGER WITH BOB AND AMY FRESHMAN JR. metroMAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION

LIZ, CHARLIE AND JOE COX

KATE PETERSON AND CHASE DILLON

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CHASE DILLON, JAKE HEDGEROCK, CHRISTIAN BERG AND GRIFFIN SCHROPP

STEVE AND CHERI FARRIS WITH NANA SMITH AND J.B. MILLIKEN

MIKE COYLE AND MARGARET HERSHISER

JEFF DEAN, MADDIE WINUM, BLAIR WINUM AND CHASE WINUM

ELLA THIBODEAU AND MARCIE MINCHOW

DJ CLARKE, CAROLYN MCCLEAN, KATHY AND GARY GATES

CLAIRE AND JACLYN JANDRIC WITH CARMEN AND KATIE SMITH

SANDRA, STEPHANIE, ANNA AND STEVE DAVIDSON

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Pre-Ball Reception

KRISTA ANDERSON, LISA OWEN, KATE BROWNRIGG, AMY NEARY, BETH OCHSNER AND LIZ BUSHEY

KATHY AND JEFF NEARY WITH CARRIE SITTON AND MARY MCBRIDE

JULIE KINNEY AND STACY WILSON

RACHEL STRICKLETT, CATHERINE MAHONEY, ABBY BLAIR AND GABRIELLE MORMINO

JEFF AND MIMI POST WITH SHEILA AND DAVE ROWE metroMAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION

KELLY THEDINGER AND KYLE ROBINO

JOHN NELSON, DAN WELCH AND JENNIFER EPP

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KARA KELLEY, SAMANTHA WAHL AND JULIE PETERSON

JONI CRAIGHEAD HOBACK AND DICK HOBACK

ANGIE QUINN AND MARY JO ANDERSON

JAMES & SUSAN GARDNER WITH HEIDI & JOSH JOHNSON

CARRIE SITTON AND MARY MCBRIDE

DENISE AND LILY SNODGRASS

CAROLYN HARPER, ANNIE MURPHY, DR. HAL AND KATHY WENNGATZ AND MIKE HARPER

PAM BLOCH, HEIDI SCHNEIDERMAN, JULIE TAYLOR AND MARGARET HERSHISER

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Pre-Ball Reception

TERRY AND AMY HANNA WITH RICK, EMME, SALLY AND ELLE ENGLISH

ALEX BULLINGTON, ANDREW UDEN AND PETER RAUN

ALEXANDRA WARREN, CORY KAMMANDEL, STEVEN FINKLE AND ANDREW STEINHOFF

MARY AND KATHRYN FOLEY AND BARBARA STANEK

FUTURE AK-SAR-BEN PRINCESSES AND A FUTURE ESCORT PAUSE FOR A PHOTO-OP

REBECCA NODDLE, MEREDITH DE SOUZA, PATRICK DE SOUZA, COURTNEY DE SOUZA AND STEPHANIE POOTS metroMAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION

MARIANNA WIMBERLEY WITH ROB AND EILEEN RAUN AND KEVIN RAUN

CRAIG KELLEY AND SUE MEGINNIS

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MARY CLAIRE RICE, NATALIE BROMM, HILARY WOLF AND HANNAH HYSLOP

CALLIE PEACOCK

SUSAN FREEMAN

HILARY WOLF

DANA LOHRBERG, ANNA DAVIDSON, SLOAN MATZKE WITH SHEILA CHRIST, ROYAL COURT COURTIER, WITH JENNA KRIEGER AND MADDIE WINUM, LAUREN BLUNK, ANNIE MURPHY AND ALEX JETTER

KATHLEEN CONNOR, SUSAN FREEMAN & ALLY HUBBARD

NEED CAPS IF POSSIBLE ATT WEBER metroMAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION

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AVERY LEHR

LAUREN DAVIS

ak-sar-ben coronation ball • 2012

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Getting Ready

KATHLEEN CONNOR

KATHLEEN CONNOR AND CALLIE PEACOCK

JULIA TAMBLYN VON RIESEN AND QUEEN AFTON ROBERTSON WITH REBECCA NODDLE AND MEREDITH DE SOUZA

SLOAN MATZKE

JANE SMITH AND ROYAL COURT COIFFEUR, JOHN MANGIAMELI OF CREATIVE HAIR DESIGN

CLAIRE KOUKOL

SARA VAN NEWKIRK, JULIE TAYLOR AND KATIE KALIFF

ALLY HUBBARD & SHEILA CHRIST

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TEAM FROM CREATIVE HAIR DESIGN

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Receiving Line

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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-SarBen 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. 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.

A carly r. adams

Westside High School, Omaha

Jazzmyn anderson

beatriz Martinez

Kearney High School, Kearney

Jordan r. bowman

• 50 new scholarships of $6,000 each awarded by the Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation in 2012.

• Average GPA: 3.63 | Average Income: $16,549 | Average number of people in household: 4 • 78% of recipients are female • 76% receive federal aid • 36% from single parent homes • From 31 cities and 37 schools • 42% want to pursue an education in the medical field • Creighton University and the University of Nebraska System (UNL, UNK and UNO) provide a matching program for those scholarship recipients attending their institution.

• Since the introduction of scholarships in the 1950s, the Foundation has granted more than 7 million dollars to scholars.

• Ak-Sar-Ben as a Foundation has contributed more than 58 million dollars to the region since its inception. metroMAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION

York High School, York

Elmwood-Murdock High School Elmwood & Murdock

amanda J. Mcclure

alexis r. bradley

Hilde a. Mckee

Benson High School, Omaha

brooklyn n. bradley Benson High School, Omaha

York High School, York Pius X High School, Lincoln

Megan J. Mclean

Morgan bredthauer

Sandhills High School, Dunning

Aurora High School, Aurora

Malia k. McQueen

Drew bryant Cody Kilgore Unified School, Cody

shalonda l. burkhalter

Omaha North High School, Omaha

curtis J. nelson

Omaha North High School, Omaha

Centura High School, Cairo

rachel n. burklund

Megan J. overfield

Lincoln Southeast High School, Lincoln

Beatrice High School, Beatrice

sarah a. cohen

Dakota J. Pariset

Westside High School, Omaha

chance l. connell

Centennial High School, Utica

Stapleton Public School, Stapleton

Morgan l. Pernicek

Matthew J. DeGarmo

Scotus Central Catholic High, Columbus

Seward High School, Seward

robia s. Qasimyar

Jasmine J. Greenfield Bancroft Rosalie High School, Bancroft

Scholarship Program Statistics

sam J. lee

Heelan Catholic High School, Sioux City, IA

elizabeth a. Gubbels

Burke High School, Omaha

kiley a. samek

Coleridge High School, Coleridge

Shelby Public School, Shelby

arelica Guerrero

cole H. seefus

Omaha South High School, Omaha

Bellevue West High School, Bellevue

alesha M. Hall

katelynn r. stewart

Arcadia Public School, Arcadia

kaelynn a. Harrison Northwest High School, Grand Island

Sutherland High School, Sutherland

Jessica b.thai

kaitlyn a. Heitz

Millard North High School, Omaha

Hemingford High School, Hemingford

Moriah M.thompson

natasha e. Hongsermeier

Millard South High School, Omaha

Aurora High School, Aurora

adamma l. izuegbunam

Jessica k.tietz

Burke High School, Omaha

Bancroft Rosalie High School, Bancroft

Dana r. Johnson

Dulaney n.tjarks

Twin River Public School, Genoa

Westside High School, Omaha

rachel a. kaman

Dylan a.travis

Hemingford High School, Hemingford

Djenaba M. kelly

Daniel J. Gross High School Bellevue

Central High School, Omaha

laurie M.Venteicher

Dillon P. kennedy

Pierce Public High School, Pierce

Westside High School, Omaha

cheyenne J.Wilson

taylor M. kolvek

Minden High School, Minden

Ralston High School, Ralston

Jesse r. kosch

kimberly e.Wood

Northwest High School, Grand Island

Greeley-Wolbach High School, Greeley

Frantzlee lacrete

MadisonYohe

Garden County High School, Oshkosh

Heeland Catholic High School, Sioux City, IA

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Quivira’s Kingdom Festivities Leading Up to the Event

CongratULations!

A flurry of events both preceded and post-ceded the focal evening for the Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation CXVI Ball. These pages feature a few photos from hundreds that were taken during these surrounding festivities– graciously provided through the courtesy of the Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation CXVI Women’s Ball Committee.

C

– ongratULations – to prinCess Callie

CALLIE NASH PEACOCK QUEEN’S LUNCHEON

JULIE KENNEY, HEIDI SCHNEIDERMAN, JULIE TAYLOR AND VIV EWING love, grits and Your FamilY

C

– ongratULations –

DONALD CORY KAMMANDEL QUEEN’S LUNCHEON

WBC CHAIRMAN KELLY THEDINGER WITH GAIL WERNER-ROBERTS, BEVERLY MAURER AND BRYNN ROBINSON

You would have made mom so proud! love, dad

C

– ongratULations – Congratuations on being seleCted as an esCort Chairman

BLAKE ALBERS QUEEN’S LUNCHEON

WBC ADVISOR KYLE ROBINO, WITH SUE EISERMAN, BETH GREINER AND KIM SIMON metroMAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION

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love, mom and dad

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BALL COMMITTEE VICE-CHAIR TERRY KROEGER WITH WIFE JACKIE WITH KELLY THEDINGER AND BALL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN STEVEN S. MARTIN KING’S BRUNCH WITH WIFE DR. AMY HADDAD

ED AND JANE E. MILLER, BRITT THEDINGER, JR., AINSLEY AND DR. BRITT THEDINGER

ROYAL REGALE

ROYAL REGALE CENTERPIECE

JACKIE KROEGER AND SANDY PARKER

ROYAL REGALE

BRITT AND KELLY THEDINGER

JUDY BATES, PATTY LANDON AND QUEEN CXV KATIE LANDON

ROYAL REGALE

PAGE LUNCHEON

JERILYN KAMM AND HER SON EDDIE, CATHERINE MAHONEY AND HER SON RILEY;, WITH JANET KOHLL AND HER SON, LEO

PAGES LILY SNODGRASS, LAUREN PATTERSON, KATY FOLEY, MEGAN PATTERSON, AMANDA DRAPER, MAGGIE REED AND CLARE DEGAN

PAGE LUNCHEON

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30 ak-sar-ben coronation ball • 2012

KING’S BRUNCH

LEGACY LUNCHEON

u o Y r P e i e c S t t’

o C ho

,0 0 0

? ure

Don

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se 1 fr o m o v e r

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

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