News about events, ser vices and people of interest to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln alumni and friends Spring 2011
oodNU
©Matt Cranford
NU State Museum Celebrates 140 Years
The University of Nebraska State Museum celebrates its 140th anniversary this year with a host of activities (see pages 10-12). Elephant Hall, as the museum’s front gallery is popularly known, has seen its share of woolly mammoths over the years. (Above) Early museum director Erwin Barbour examines the forelegs and tusks of “Archie,” the world’s largest articulated mammoth, in the old museum building while (below) a bronze replica of Archie greets visitors to Morrill Hall today. See the museum and other campus landmarks during Big Red Weekend 2011. (More weekend information on page 3.)
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Association to Offer Big Ten, World Travel The Nebraska Alumni Association is relaunching a full-service tour program with Big Ten football weekend trips to Ann Arbor, Big Red Weekend features campus tours among other activities.
Mich., and Madison, Wis.; a Discovery Channel tour of the Red
Nebraska Alumni Association Rock region in Colorado; and an Alumni Campus Abroad adven-
Big Red Weekend April 15 – 16, 2011 Join us for the University of Nebraska’s third annual “spring homecoming.” UNL has much to offer its alumni and friends, and on April 15 – 16, you are invited to come back to campus and enjoy it all. The alumni association is again teaming with dozens of UNL departments, organizations and alumni groups to host Big Red Weekend 2011. When you register for Big Red Weekend, you will have the chance to choose from an impressive menu of choices ranging from guided tours to lectures and from performances to athletic contests, including Football Friday and the Red-White Spring Football Game. Several groups are planning reunions to coincide with the festivities. The Department of Chemistry is gathering to celebrate
ture in Normandy and Paris, France, this fall.
Alumni from our new conference peers at Michigan State and Wisconsin will join us on “Curiosity: The Questions of Life @ Red Rocks,” while the Badgers will also be our traveling companions in France. The Normandy and Paris trip has special pricing at $1,945 per person (double occupancy), including air from a gateway city. The association is also planning 2011 football bus migrations to Wyoming and Minnesota. On tap for 2012-13 are more international group tours in partnership with our new Big Ten peers plus some all-new “bucketlist” trips: •
Cruise the Waterways and Canals of Holland and
Belgium (2012)
•
Cruise the Islands of Antiquity (2012)
•
The Divine Coast – Amalfi (2012)
•
The Kentucky Derby (May 2012)
•
The Masters in Augusta (April 2013)
Check huskeralum.org early and often for the most up-to-date information. Big Ten trips will fill up fast!
the 125th anniversary of the awarding of the first chemistry degree.
Awards Banquet s Thursday, May 5
Sigma Phi Epsilon will celebrate their centennial anniversary, and the Honors Program will ring in 25 years. Student Alumni Association/Scarlet Guard alumni are invited to reunite with classmates and learn about the evolution of the organization, and the Alumni of Color will gather for their third annual pre-spring game tailgate. Several UNL colleges are also hosting events this weekend. The Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts will honor students, faculty and alumni at their annual Honors Day Dinner. The College of Business Administration will also recognize outstanding alumni at their Advisory Board luncheon. The College of Engineering Student Advisory Board is planning a reception for alumni in conjunction with E-Week. If you’re coming to town for the spring game, branch out and check on a few of the other scheduled events. If you are considering a trip to Lincoln, there has never been a better time. Visit huskeralum.org/events/alumniweekend for the latest schedule. (The list is growing almost daily, so alumni and friends are urged to visit the website often for updates and additional details.) A block of hotel rooms has been reserved at the Embassy Suites for $149 per night (double occupancy) for those needing lodging. Call the hotel directly at 402-474-1111 by March 17 to make your reservations, and be sure to mention “Big Red Weekend” to receive the special group rate.
The ballots are in, the awardees have been selected, and the Nebraska Alumni Association is planning the 2011 Alumni Awards Banquet, An All-University Celebration at the Nebraska Champions Club. Traditionally held the Friday night before spring commencement, this year the banquet will be held a day earlier – Thursday, May 5, 2011. With all the other ceremonies and dinners surrounding graduation, the association hopes this arrangement will be a better fit with people’s schedules. The award winners will be announced in the spring issue of Nebraska Magazine, due out April 1, but it’s not too early to put the banquet date on your calendar.
Vol. 8, No. 1 Nebraska Alumni Association University of Nebraska Foundation Nebraska Alumni Association Staff Diane Mendenhall, Executive Director, (402) 472-4218 Claire Abelbeck, Online Engagement, (402) 472-4209 Glen Cacek, Wick Alumni Center, (402) 472-4237 Andrea Cranford, Communications, (402) 472-4229 Jenny Green, Student Programs, (402) 472-4220 Sarah Haskell, Programs, (402) 472-6541 Brooke Heck, Chapters, (402) 472-4228 Carrie Myers, Nebraska Champions Club, (402) 472-6435 Shannon Sherman, Programs and Outreach, (402) 472-4219 Bob Stelter, Programs, (402) 472-4246 Andy Washburn, Operations and Marketing, (402) 472-4239 Kevin Wright, Graphics, (402) 472-4227 Shelley Zaborowski, Associate Executive Director, (402) 472- 4222 University of Nebraska Foundation Development Officers Director of Development: Matt McNair, (402) 458-1230 Major and Principal Gifts: Greg Jensen, (402) 458-1181 or Bethany Throener, (402) 458-1187 College of Architecture: Connie Pejsar, (402) 458-1190 College of Arts and Sciences: Amber Antholz, (402) 458-1182, Sunny Backlund, (402) 458-1185, or Josh Egley, (402) 458-1202 College of Business Administration: Matt Boyd, (402) 458- 1189, Sandi Hansen, (402) 458-1238, or Laine Norton, (402) 458-1201 IANR: Ann Bruntz, (402) 458-1176 College of Education and Human Sciences: Jane Heany, (402) 458-1177 College of Engineering: Karen Moellering, (402) 458-1179 or Nick Shada, (402) 458-1203 Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts: Lucy Buntain Comine, (402) 458-1184 College of Journalism and Mass Communication: Joanna Nordhues, (402) 458-1178 College of Law: Angela Hohensee, (402) 458-1192 or Ben Zitek, (402) 458-1241 Libraries: Josh Egley, (402) 458-1202 Panhandle Research and Extension: Barb Schlothauer, (308) 632-1207 Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations: Eric Buchanan, (402) 458-1161 Corporations: Kaye Jesske, (402) 458-1170 Foundations: Liz Lange, (402) 458-1229 Published twice a year, in August and February, for University of Nebraska–Lincoln alumni and friends of the university. Nebraska Alumni Association Wick Alumni Center 1520 R Street • Lincoln, NE 68508-1651 Phone: (402) 472-2841 • Toll-free: (888) 353-1874 FAX: (402) 472-4635 E-mail: alumni@huskeralum.org Web site: www.huskeralum.org University of Nebraska Foundation 1010 Lincoln Mall, Suite 300 • Lincoln, NE 68508 Phone: (402) 458-1100 • Toll-free: (800) 432-3216 FAX: (402) 458-1298 • E-mail: info@nufoundation.org Web site: www.nufoundation.org Editor: Andrea Wood Cranford Foundation Editor: Colleen Fleischer Design: Kevin Wright
the state of Nebraska,” said Shelley Zaborowski, associate executive director of the alumni association. “With the School of Music students performing at the Tas-
Big Red Business Clubs
sel Theatre, we wanted to be sure alumni in the local area knew about it and were
Launched last fall, the Big Red
encouraged to come to the performance.”
Business Club program can already
The pre-event focused on the col-
count 20 organizations among its
laborative effort between the two colleges
members. Big Red Business Clubs are
and an explanation given by John Rich-
supportive of both the Nebraska Alumni
mond, director of the UNL School of
Association and UNL alumni, with many
Music, of what the audience could expect
offering discounts on valuable, everyday
when watching the opera. An admissions
goods and services. In return, depending on the membership level they choose, they receive media exposure,
UNL Opera Visits Holdrege; NAA Hosts Receptions
enhanced marketing opportunities, Husker tailgate hospitality, Nebraska Champions Club passes and more. Current members are: Platinum Level
Geico
Nebraska Athletics
The Husker Rewards Card
On Dec. 12, the UNL Hixson-Lied College of Fine and
Holdrege.
Liberty Mutual
Avis
Budget
University Bookstore – Follett
Nebraska Bookstore
reach.” The Christmas classic “Amahl and the Night Visitors” revolves three kings in search of a child visit Amahl and his mother. The tale
Runza
ends with a miracle and a message about the true spirit of giving.
Stay In The Game
Huskers Illustrated
University Frames
Official Nebraska Ring by Jostens
Jennifer Cunningham, Scentsy
Consultant
For the past eight years, the university has performed this opera with the help of Lincoln high school students. It’s become a UNL tradition for the students to perform for Title I fifth-grade classes. The deans of the two colleges hoped to fulfill UNL’s mission as a land grant university by making the performance accessible to
To learn more, visit huskeralum. huskeralum.org or 402-472-4246).
“We wanted to bring the university to the people, which is
International Chapters on the Rise Calling all UNL alumni, fans and friends living in Tokyo,
what we’ve done with our collaboration,” said Steve Waller, the
Japan! An alumni chapter is forming in your area. If you are in-
dean of the agriculture college.
terested in joining the effort or leading the contingency of the Big
the primary roles, while the Shepherd’s Chorus was made up of Holdrege High and other area high school students. The hour-long opera was enjoyed by a large and eager audience, many of whom arrived early and stayed late for pre- and postevents. The UNL Alumni Association hosted the events. “There are many UNL alumni and friends living throughout
4 | GoodNUz | ASSOCIATION UPDATE
FANs in Singapore.
people across the state.
During the Dec. 12 performance UNL music students played org, or contact Bo Stelter (bstelter@
– Courtney Pitts and Seanica Reinke
college, during the pre-event talk. “UNL is committed to out-
Valentino’s
OLLI
to Holdrege and have been very interested in all the university has
couldn’t really come to see you,” said Jack Oliva, dean of the arts
University of Nebraska Press
build the Tassel. We wanted to sponsor good arts programs to come
“It’s wonderful if you can take your music to audiences who
HuskersNSide
decades,” Bruce Hendrickson said. “We worked to raise money to
The Nebraska Alumni Association sponsored pre- and post-
“The Holdrege community has appreciated the arts for
performance receptions
around the story of a poor shepherd boy named Amahl. One night,
Bronze Level
Holdrege who helped fund the first-time opera performance.
the programs we bring.”
Collegiate Insurance Resources
was given to UNL alumni Bruce C. and Carol S. Hendrickson of
and Natural Resources collaborated to take a UNL production of
Huskers Authentic
During the pre-event, a special thanks
done and is doing. Carol and I are just happy to see people enjoy
“Amahl and the Night Visitors” on the road to the Tassel Theater in
tions about all the university has to offer.
Performing Arts and the UNL College of Agricultural Sciences
Gold Level
Silver Level
officer was also present to answer ques-
Actors and alumni mingled at the post-performance reception in Holdrege.
Red in Japan, please contact Brooke Heck at bheck@huskeralum. org to receive more information. Currently, there are two other international Nebraska alumni chapters: One in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and one in Singapore. A total of 29 turned up for a Jan. 7 gathering of the UNL FANs in Singapore at Temasek Club. Of these, 11 were from the Anglo-Chinese Junior College, and had recently returned from a
short visit to UNL. The ACJC students shared their experi-
•
ences and the alumni answered the students’ questions about studying at Nebraska. The group also bid farewell to
Marines
Honor Society Alumni Representatives: Pershing
tiative and encourage you to participate regardless of your
Rifles, Arnold Air Society, and more
interest in a directory purchase.
Keng Siau and Fiona Nah who returned to the university
•
ROTC Detachment Liaisons
for the spring semester.
•
Family Liaison
•
Past ROTC Cadre Liaison
ROTC Alumni Group Seeking Volunteers
For more information, contact Brooke Heck at bheck@huskeralum.org.
Alumni Directory to be Published This Year
When more than 100 ROTC alumni gathered for a reunion in Lincoln in November, they chose to form an official alumni affiliate and selected UNL grad Mark Dreiling to lead the group.
We look forward to connecting with you on this ini-
Now, with input from the commanding officers of the
Alumni Staff to Visit Big Ten Cities Brooke Heck, Nebraska Alumni Association program director, and Sarah Haskell, graduate assistant, will be making their way through Big Ten territory visiting conference schools and local alumni chapters this spring. While in each Big Ten city, they will tour the university campus and alumni center. They will also give a UNL update at a casual meet-and-greet event with the local chapter in each area.
For the first time since 2004, the Nebraska Alumni
UNL ROTC program, the group has set the following goals:
If you live in Big Ten territory, watch for them in your
Provide a network of contacts for cadets to seek
Association is producing a printed alumni directory. In
mentors, jobs and advice
addition to helping you locate classmates, the directory will
•
April 4 – Iowa City and Des Moines
Raise money to provide scholarships for students
include a section with information about UNL and photos
•
April 5 – Minneapolis
wishing to attend UNL and participate in the
and brief narratives provided by participating classmates.
•
April 6 – Madison
ROTC program.
The directory project helps the association verify and up-
•
April 7 – Chicago
Host annual reunion events in the spring and/
date alumni records.
•
April 25 – Michigan – East Lansing
• •
•
Beginning in March, you will receive communication
or fall for all UNL ROTC alumni to re-connect
with each other and the cadets. The group is seeking ROTC alumni volunteers for the
following positions:
locale on these dates:
•
April 26 – Michigan – Ann Arbor
from the association requesting that you call the number
•
April 27 – Columbus
provided and verify your alumni record. The request is
•
April 28 – Indianapolis
legitimate and is fully endorsed by the Nebraska Alumni
Contact Brooke Heck at bheck@huskeralum.org for
Association in cooperation with the University of Nebraska
•
Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer
•
Service Component Representatives: USAF, Navy, Foundation.
more information.
The 12th Annual Nebraska Magazine Writing Contest We’re looking for a few good writers.
Whether you’re an ardent alumnus, nostalgic Nebraskan, prolific professor or student scribe, here’s your chance. Show us your work. There are two categories, with prizes awarded in each category, along with a byline in Nebraska Magazine.
Category One: Alumni Profiles Write about a Nebraska grad with an interesting hobby or career, or do a “where are they now?” piece on an alumnus who was well known during his/her student days. Category Two: Nostalgia Pieces Tell us about a memorable student activity when you were at NU, or write about a favorite professor. Prizes: Three prizes will be awarded in each category. In addition, the winning articles will be published in future issues of Nebraska Magazine. 1st Prize - $500 2nd Prize - $250 3rd Prize - $100 Entry Details Articles must be 750 to 1,000 words in length and typewritten. Enter as many articles as you wish. Entry deadline is April 15, 2011. Submit entries, along with the author’s name, address and phone number to: Magazine Writing Contest, Wick Alumni Center, 1520 R St., Lincoln, NE 68508-1651, FAX: (402) 472-9289, E-mail: nebmag@huskeralum.org
ASSOCIATION UPDATE | Spring 2011 | 5
University of Nebraska Foundation
Campaign Gift Advances Nebraska as National Leader in Early Childhood Education Improving child development conditions for at-risk
tion. Dedicated to promoting the development and success
Led by an executive director, the Buffett Institute will
children and their families. Leveraging the university’s
of children from birth to age 8, it will focus especially on
oversee research programs, educational and professional
land-grant mission by working with partners across the
those who are most vulnerable.
development programs and outreach divisions.
state to put the science of early childhood education into
“The need for this institute has never been more clear,
Early childhood development and education is one of
practice. And helping to ensure all children have equal op-
and the potential to transform the lives of children has
the Campaign for Nebraska’s six priorities, joining other ar-
portunities for success.
never been greater,” said NU President James B. Milliken.
eas where the university has the greatest potential to excel.
These goals are now within reach because of a gener-
“We must do more to ensure our youngest children – espe-
Recent gifts of all sizes and to all areas of the university
ous gift to the University of Nebraska from philanthropist
cially those who are at risk – have equal opportunities for
bring the campaign total to more than $925 million given
Susie Buffett of Omaha, and the university is becoming a
health, happiness and success.”
toward the $1.2 billion goal. When looking at UNL, more
national leader and model among public universities.
Annual support provided by Buffett’s founding gift
The gift announced Jan. 31 establishes the Buffett
will be more than matched by university, private and fed-
Early Childhood Institute to help transform early child-
eral sources to leverage an investment greater than a $100
hood development and education in Nebraska and the na-
million permanent endowment, Milliken said.
than $441 million has been given toward the campus goal of $550 million. To learn more, see campaignfornebraska.org.
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA–LINCOLN
$441,331,233 $0
$550 M
of UNL campaign gifts are from Nebraska households/ organizations.
1 out of 3 donors to UNL are first-time donors during the campaign.
47,450 47% 16,000 individuals have made donations to UNL during the campaign.
of new funds to the UNL campaign support student scholarships.
UNL students receive some form of financial aid.
new funds have been established during the campaign to support academic programs at UNL.
campaignfornebraska.org All statistics as of Nov. 30, 2010. The Campaign for Nebraska began in July, 2005 and will conclude December, 2014.
6 | GoodNUz | FOUNDATION UPDATE
627
Campaign Priorities • Students • Faculty • Global Engagement • Agriculture and Life Sciences • Information Technology • Cancer Research • Architectural Engineering and Construction • Water for Food • Early Childhood Education
Barkley Memorial Center
One Simple Word Lifts ‘Up’ Autistic Child and His Family Speech Lab, new space for an autism project, updated entrance that
By Blair Euteneuer, ’11 Matt and Brenda McNiff will never forget their son Benjamin’s
offers more patient security and manages HIPAA requirements, and additional offices for faculty and graduate students.
first word. Their 3-year-old son has autism, so they were overjoyed on
William E. and Edna M. Barkley’s longtime trust enabled the
Christmas Eve last year, when Benjamin said his first word: “Up.”
improvements as well as creation of one of the best programs of
He was telling his father he wanted to do one of his favorite things
its kind in the nation. In the 1940s, the Barkleys created a private
– get tossed in the air.
trust to carry out their philanthropic vision to prepare teachers and
“It was about the greatest day ever for me,” Matt said. “I threw
other professionals to educate children and adults with speech and hearing disabilities. Over the years, dedicated trustees helped man-
him up in the air until my arms were numb.” The McNiffs have taken bi-weekly trips from Beatrice to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Barkley Memorial Center
age the Barkley Trust, which had grown to $30 million in 1996 when the trustees donated it to the University of Nebraska Foundation for the sole benefit of UNL.
throughout the past year to get services
Today, as a result of prudent man-
for their son. The center is home to the Department of Special Education and
agement of the trust, it is valued at $65.7
Communication Disorders, which also
million, from which annual interest
serves and educates children and adults
provides invaluable support for the top-
with speech and hearing disabilities.
rated programs in special education and communication disorders. It also provides
Benjamin has made significant strides in the past year, as he has been
student scholarships, graduate assistant-
able to say “hi” and “bye,” identify his
ships, faculty chair positions, service to
ABCs and acknowledge who “mommy”
patients and staff/faculty support. The new improvements will allow
and “daddy” are. “That’s the best thing in the world
faculty to expand their research capa-
to us,” Matt said. “I have no doubt the
bilities and clinical training. They also
reason he is as far as he is today is because
allowed the hire of a new professor in
of the Barkley Center students and staff
vestibular function and created more
who have helped teach us the skills we
offices and a more attractive environment
need to encourage Ben to speak and teach Ben what he needed.”
Benjamin McNiff (left) and his brother Jackson.
The Barkley Memorial Center’s
for patients, faculty and staff. The McNiffs, who are also both graduates from the center’s special educa-
students and faculty serve 125 patients weekly through speech,
tion graduate program, said they are particularly grateful for the
language and audiology clinics. More than 445 undergraduate and
continuous improvements to the center.
graduate students are currently studying speech-language pathol-
“The improvements are wonderful,” Matt said. “As alums, it’s
ogy, audiology and special education. The speech-language pathol-
nice to see the building we learned in become even better, but com-
ogy and special education programs are rated in the top 5 percent
ing here as a family that needed help, it was so nice and welcoming.
of programs in the country.
I only wish it was twice as big, so that more people could get the
Recently, the center celebrated a remarkable 35 years of ser-
William E. and Edna M. Barkley’s longtime trust enabled the improvements as well as creation of one of the best programs of its kind in the nation. In the 1940s, the Barkleys created a private trust to carry out their philanthropic vision to prepare teachers and other professionals to educate children and adults with speech and hearing disabilities. Over the years, dedicated trustees helped manage the Barkley Trust, which had grown to $30 million in 1996 when the trustees donated it to the University of Nebraska Foundation for the sole benefit of UNL.
help we were blessed to be able to receive.”
vice, along with the conclusion of an important $4 million project, which added 10,000 square feet to the facility and renovated areas that had not been updated since its opening in 1976. The Barkley Trust fund made the 18-month renovation and expansion possible. Improvements included upgraded clinical rooms, new technology, a room to treat adults with traumatic brain injuries, an updated and expanded Hearing Aid Clinic, new space for Dizziness and Balance Disorders Lab, an upgraded Motor
If you’re interested in supporting the wonderful work being done at the Barkley Memorial Center or if you have a specific desire to support educational and research projects and programs dealing with autism spectrum disorders please contact Jane Heany, director of development for the College of Education & Human Sciences at 402-458-1177.
www.unl.edu/barkley
J
BARKLEY CENTER | Spring 2011 | 7
Alumni Affiliates
ROTC Alumni Reunite By Colleen Kenney Fleischer, ’88
They’d call it a success, organizers figured, if just 50 people showed. After all, this was the first reunion for UNL’s ROTC alumni. How many would actually return? But more than 100 alumni and friends of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps ROTC programs came back to campus this past Nov. 12, the day after Veterans Day. “We had a tremendous response,” the Nebraska Alumni Association’s Brooke Heck said. “We were so
Former ROTC cadet Lowell Vestal (’56) donated much of the money needed to renovate the Pershing Military and Naval Science Building’s lobby, which now honors Gen. John J. Pershing.
thrilled. The ROTC community was so thrilled. It was a great event.”
hearing the Pershing name and their paths seemed to keep
Also at the reunion, members of the UNL Army
crossing. Pershing had been a member of Vestal’s Masonic
ROTC program unveiled a bronze statue for the three
renovated lobby of the Pershing Military and Naval Sci-
lodge in Lincoln and an honorary member of his Kiwanis
UNL Army ROTC soldiers who’ve died since 9/11: 1st
ence Building. The lobby now honors the ROTC pro-
club.
Lt. Kevin Gaspers, Capt. Edward Iwan, and Capt. Robert
The reunion included a ribbon-cutting for the newly
gram’s most decorated figure in its history, Gen. John J.
“I’m pleased to be a part of this project to bring public
Yllescas.
Pershing, who led the American Expeditionary Forces in
attention to a notable Nebraska, Gen. John J. Pershing,”
In March 2010, their friends started the “Fallen
World War I.
said Vestal, who helped cut the ribbon. “I’m pleased I can
Heroes of the War on Terrorism Fund.” They raised more
do things for the school and leave something that will
than $4,000. They hope to grow the fund to the point
outlast my lifetime.”
where it can provide three annual scholarships.
Pershing came to Lincoln in 1891 to be a professor of military science and tactics. He graduated from its law
After the ribbon-cutting, alumni attended the first
school in 1893. He wears a uniform in the large photo now hanging opposite the front doors. His commanding eyes greet all who enter.
Among those attending the unveiling were Iwan’s
meeting of the ROTC Affiliate of the Nebraska Alumni
parents, Donna and Kenneth, and Yllescas’ wife, Dena.
Association.
Former cadets from Lt. Gaspers’ era were there, too. One
Dreiling was asked to be the group’s first leader. He
of them was 1st Lt. Spencer Murdock, now an assistant
expects the reunion weekend to become an annual event.
professor of military science for the Army ROTC program.
Mark Dreiling (’05), currently stationed at Buckley Air
Though nothing is set in stone, he said, having it around
In 2004, Murdock had just returned from deployment
Force Base near Denver.
Veterans Day and a home football game seemed to work
when he joined ROTC and met Gaspers, who was in class
well.
ahead of him. They bonded.
One former cadet who came back was Air Force Capt.
“The first reunion meant a great deal to me, especially considering the amount of effort the university spent in
He envisions the group becoming a multifaceted
Everybody, Murdock says, seemed to gravitate to Gaspers.
making it a success,” Dreiling said. “The dedication of
organization that brings back many things to the university,
the Pershing displays will stick with me for many years to
such as mentorship and speakers – a military meteorologist
come. General Pershing is such a significant figure not just
could, for example, speak to both ROTC cadets as well as
been killed, well, you know, every time you lose a friend
in the story of our university, but world history as well.”
students in meteorology classes.
who’s close to you in something like this, it’s hard. It’s just
Another former cadet who came back was Lowell
“I see the strongest opportunity for this through the
Vestal (’56), a retired journalist and landlord who provided
various career paths that each officer embarks upon,” Dreil-
the lead gift of about $50,000 for the lobby renovations.
ing said. “For example, I am one of several UNL graduates
When he was a cadet, the Lincoln man said, he knew
who work in space operations. This organization has the
little about Pershing. He knew he was a great general and
ability to provide newly commissioned officers a con-
the Pershing Rifles, a collegiate organization of drill units,
nection with past UNL graduates who have already been
had been named for him. After graduating, Vestal kept
down the path.”
8 | GoodNUz | ROTC
“He was just a good person. When I found out he’d
hard.”
For more information on future reunions or to join the new ROTC alumni group, contact Pam Penner at ppenner@huskeralum.org. To give to the Fallen Heroes of the War on Terrorism Fund at UNL go to nufoundation.org/ fundsearch and type in “fallen heroes” or contact the University of Nebraska Foundation’s Josh Egley, 402-458-1202 or jegley@nufoundation.org.
TOMMIE FRAZIER
15
Most people remember Tommie Frazier, the All-American football quarterback who helped lead the Nebraska football team to back-to-back National Championships in the mid 1990s. Tommie continues to be asked how he has handled the pressures of being a world-class athlete; dealing with a career-ending illness; working in the business world; and being a husband, father and friend. Let Tommie share his compelling stories that touch on teaching, teamwork, goals, leadership, adversity, peer pressure and choices with your organization. For more information, contact: TAT Enterprises / P.O. Box 22031 / Lincoln, NE 68542 E-mail: tfrazier@tommiefrazier15.com Phone: (877) 722-2515
Winter 2010 | 9
University of Nebraska State Museum
Celebrating 140 Years of Discovery Museum History Highlights June 14, 1871 The museum is established by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. Its first home is University Hall. 1881 The first vertebrate fossil is catalogued into the museum’s scientific collections. It is a Cretaceous fish vertebra collected in Dixon County, Nebraska. 1891 Erwin H. Barbour becomes museum director. 1892 The Morrill Geological Expeditions begin.
By Dana Ludvik, ’04 “Wow. All these bones were really dug up in Nebraska?” a little girl asks her mother as they walk through Morrill Hall’s new highway paleontology exhibit, “Life in the Past Lane.” Moments of discovery like these are sparked every day at the University of Nebraska State Museum, which celebrates its 140th museum of natural history. This milestone is celebrated not so much
collections, and branch locations at
in calendar years but in the count-
Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical
less number of lives that have been
Park and the Trailside Museum of
touched by the museum’s wonders.
Natural History at Fort Robinson
Established in 1871 by the Uni-
State Park. In 2009, the museum
versity of Nebraska Board of Regents, the State Museum has grown into one of the nation’s leading university
again earned a 10-year reaccreditation Charles H. Morrill
research museums. The museum was established just two years after
1922 The museum’s renowned fossil mammoth, “Archie,” is discovered on a family farm in Lincoln County, Nebraska.
the American Museum of Natural History in New York City and
1927 Morrill Hall opens at UNL.
visitors each year at Morrill Hall, Mueller Planetarium, the research
1939 The institutional name is officially changed to University of Nebraska State Museum. 1941 C. Bertrand Schultz becomes museum director. The Board of Regents and chancellor reorganize the museum and expand it to include four research divisions: anthropology, geology, paleontology and zoology. These collections remain in their “home” departments. 1945 Plans are announced for construction of ‘Hall of Nebraska Wildlife’ to include 16 dioramas. The last three are completed in September 1961. 1947-1948 First entomology and then botany are added under the museum’s umbrella, while remaining in their departments. 1958 Mueller Planetarium opens.
10 | GoodNUz | MUSEUM
Carrie Barbour, shown here in 1895, was one of the first female paleontologists.
year in 2011 as the state’s premier
by the American Association of Mu-
Erwin H. Barbour
seums, the highest national recogni-
tion afforded U.S. museums. From its humble beginnings as the university’s “cabinet,” the
was one of the first natural science museums west of the Mississippi
museum has flourished over the years through public support and
River.
staff efforts to carry on the legacy of those who laid its foundation,
Today, the museum touches the lives of more than 100,000
particularly Board of Regents member (1890-1903) Charles H. Morrill and Museum Director (1891-1941) Dr. Erwin H. Barbour. Morrill Hall’s “Beetle Mania” event attracted museum visitors of all ages in August 2010.
1960 The Nebraska Highway Paleontology Program, the first of its kind in the United States, is established to salvage and preserve fossils during road construction projects. 1961 The Trailside Museum of Natural History opens. 1968 The museum receives a NSF grant to remodel and refurbish west 4th and 5th floors of Nebraska Hall and all museum research divisions move in by 1971. State Museum paleontologist Thomas Marshland works at the Nebraska Daemonelix or “Devil’s Corkscrew” excavation in the 1890s.
Dr. Erwin H. Barbour (Museum Director 1891-1941) and staff place the mount of Archie in Elephant Hall in 1933.
In the late 19th century, the museum experienced a period of major
the parade of 13 million years of Nebraska elephants. Thousands of
expansion through the leadership and collaboration of Barbour and
people have entered the grand corridor and looked in amazement at
Morrill, who shared a passion for uncovering and preserving the
the magnificent array of ancient beasts that once roamed the plains.
state’s prehistoric past.
Above them all towers “Archie,” the world’s largest articulated mam-
In the summer of 1892, Morrill began financing paleontological expeditions led by Barbour, who was accompanied by his sister, Carrie Barbour (one of the earliest female paleontologists), and
moth. In the years following Morrill Hall’s construction, the museum continued to grow and carry out Barbour and Morrill’s mission
other scientists to western
to preserve Nebraska’s
Nebraska, the Badlands
natural and cultural
and Black Hills of South
heritage. In 1961, the
Dakota, and eastern
museum acquired the
Wyoming. On these Mor-
Trailside Museum of
rill Geological Expedi-
Natural History. This
tions, large amounts of
historic jewel nestled
significant mineral, rock
in the heart of Fort
and fossil specimens were
Robinson features the
discovered that would
stunning “Clash of the
become the nucleus for
Mammoths” exhibit,
the museum’s future
which continues to at-
collections, helping to
tract visitors from near
establish its reputation as
and far. It is the world’s
an important repository
only fossil of two mam-
for information about
moths that fought to the
life on Earth. Morrill was
death with locked tusks.
the museum’s primary benefactor of these and subsequent expeditions
Dr. Mike Voorhies, Curator Emeritus for Vertebrate Paleontology, uncovers an Ashfall rhino skull in 1990.
undertaken by Barbour and the university for the next 30 years. In 1927, after previously outgrowing spaces in University Hall,
A student performs delicate excavation work in the Hubbard Rhino Barn at Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park in 2010.
In 1971, Ashfall Fossil Beds was discovered by museum curator
Mike Voorhies. Each year since Ashfall opened to the public in 1991, visitors have flocked to witness this remarkable display of
old Nebraska Hall and the old Museum Building, the museum
creatures preserved in volcanic ash where they perished more than
moved into newly constructed Morrill Hall. The research collections
12 million years ago. In 2006, the U.S. Department of the Interior
underwent rapid growth between 1927 and 1941, and many of the
designated Ashfall as a National Natural Landmark. Three years
permanent Morrill Hall fossil displays were mounted and installed
later, the expanded Hubbard Rhino Barn opened, enclosing and
during this era. It was here that Barbour’s dream to devote a space
protecting the fossil beds from the elements and allowing visitors to
entirely to the evolution of the modern elephant came to fruition.
share in the thrill of scientific discovery as paleontologists continue
World-famous Elephant Hall has been the star attraction of the museum ever since. Mighty mastodons and mammoths lead
to unearth new specimens. Museum Director Pricilla Grew points out that many visitors
1971 Museum paleontologist Mike Voorhies first discovers a rhino fossil at Ashfall, the site of an extensive fossil bed that later reveals the remains of at least 20 species of prehistoric animals. 1980 Morrill Hall’s hands-on children’s Encounter Center opens (now the recently renovated Marx Science Discovery Center). 1983 The Friends of the State Museum organization is established to support the museum. 1989 The first three floors of Morrill Hall are renovated with funds appropriated by the legislature and contributions from donors, allowing installation of climate control for specimen conservation and enhancing exhibits. 1991 Ashfall Fossil Beds Historical State Park opens. 1999 The U.S. National Collection of scarab beetles from the Smithsonian Institution (a third of a million specimens) is transferred to the museum for off-site enhancement. 2006 U.S. Department of the Interior declares Ashfall a National Natural Landmark. The “Clash of the Mammoths” exhibit opens at the Trailside Museum. 2007 Mueller Planetarium introduces 360degree full-dome programming. 2009 The expanded Hubbard Rhino Barn opens at Ashfall.
museum.unl.edu
J
Continued on page 12 MUSEUM | Spring 2011 | 11
2011 Exhibits Through Sept. 30, 2011 “Life in the Past Lane,” an exhibit highlighting fossils discovered over the last 50 years through the Nebraska Highway Paleontology program. Through Oct. 30, 2011 “Amphibians: Vibrant and Vanishing,” an exhibit featuring photos by National Geographic Photographer and UNL grad Joel Sartore. April 2011 “Colorful Creature Art Exhibit,” featuring artwork from a statewide children’s art contest. Spring-Summer 2011 Ashfall’s “Heritage Pavilion” Opens. September 2011 “Wildlife and Nature Amateur Photography Exhibit,” featuring striking images from a statewide amateur photography contest. “First Peoples of the Plains: Traditions Shaped by the Land,” a new permanent exhibit celebrating Native
Members of “Team Scarab” in the State Museum’s Entomology Division collecting in Belize in 2008 (left to right) are Brett Ratcliffe, Ron Cave and Jesus Orozco.
may not be aware that only a fraction of the museum’s total collec-
high school students, 1,000 college students and 3,500 adults. The
tions are on display.
museum’s array of public events featuring hands-on science activi-
“Our visitors admire Morrill Hall’s amazing dinosaurs and
ties has steadily increased throughout the last decade, inspiring a
American culture of the past and
mammoths, but probably many don’t realize that behind the
love of science in children and encouraging families to make repeat
present in Morrill Hall’s renovated
scenes, the museum holds an irreplaceable research collection of
visits throughout the year.
Native American gallery.
millions of specimens and objects, collected from before Nebraska
November 2011 – November 2012 “Meteorites and Minerals,” exhibit featuring a spectacular display of rare rocks, minerals and meteorites.
2011 Events (at Morrill Hall) Colorful Creature Day April 2, 1 - 4:30 p.m. Astronomy Day May 7, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Fright at the Museum – Late October “Sunday with a Scientist” monthly pro-
became a state, right up through last week,” said Grew. “The museum collections are constantly growing as UNL researchers uncover new species and unique life forms.” Since the museum’s founding, its collections in anthropology,
2011, we are poised to have one of our best years yet,” he said.
are housed in today’s Nebraska Hall, where the collections were centralized in 1971. The museum’s internationally recognized collections not only help to explain the past, but also provide insight relevant to the most pressing scientific and social issues of species. Museum researchers are as dedicated to maintaining the
month from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. through
collections as they are to building them, sometimes traveling across
December 2011:
the globe to collect specimens. From expeditions in Mongolia’s
Feb. 20 – Parasitology
Gobi Desert to study vertebrate parasites, to late nights in the Bra-
March 20 – Lasers & Photonics
zilian jungle to collect rare beetles, to archaeological field work in
July 17 – Fish Aug. 21 – Climate Change
You can support the next 140 years of discovery at the University of Nebraska State Museum by visiting www.nufoundation.org or contacting Connie Pejsar at the University of Nebraska Foundation, cpejsar@nufoundation.org or 800-432-3216. Visit www. museum.unl.edu/140 to learn more (and view videos) about the museum, as well as upcoming events and exhibits.
Nebraska’s Sandhills – museum research is being conducted every day to enhance the collections for future generations and help the public gain a better understanding of biodiversity, Earth history and human cultures.
Sept. 18 – Plants
In accordance with Barbour’s wish for the museum to be
Oct. 16 – Fossils
a “source of great civic pride as well as an unlimited source of
Nov. 20 – Viruses
pleasurable information, study and instruction,” the museum
Dec. 18 – Minerals
continues to play a vital role in serving the community. Annually, Mueller Planetarium and Morrill Hall provide gallery programs, shows and outreach resources to more than 15,000 elementary and
12 | GoodNUz | MUSEUM
never been higher. With six major public events planned and more
grown to more than 14-million specimens and artifacts. These
will be explored the 3rd Sunday of each
June 19 – Tissue Mechanics
than ever. Its contribution to the university and the community has than 70,000 visitors expected to come through our doors again in
today, such as global climate change and the threats to endangered
May 15 – Extreme Weather
“This milestone comes at a time when the museum is busier
entomology, parasitology, botany, zoology and paleontology have
gram series for families. Different topics
April 17 – Fruit
Associate Director Mark Harris says the museum’s 140th year stands to be one of the most exciting yet.
Share Your Museum Memories Do you have fond memories or treasured old photos associated with the museum that you’d like to share in honor of our 140th anniversary in 2011? E-mail your museum memories and photos to Dana Ludvik at dludvik2@unl. edu by March 30. You may also mail them to: Dana Ludvik, NU State Museum, 307 Morrill Hall - UNL, PO Box 880338, Lincoln, NE 685880338. For assistance with photo scanning, phone (402) 472-3779.
Office of Research and Economic Development
Powering ‘Green’ Roadways with Solar, Wind By Ashley Washburn, ’02 Gas guzzlers aren’t the only roadblock to greener transportation. Streetlights, signs, traffic signals and other basic infrastructure also consume considerable energy. University of Nebraska–Lincoln energy and transportation experts are teaming to develop a wind and solar hybrid power system that generates, stores and distributes electricity for transportation infrastructure. The goal is to create “energy-plus” roadways that produce more electricity than they consume. The transportation industry has experimented with solar power for roadway infrastructure, but combining it with wind power is almost unheard of, said Jerry Hudgins, the UNL electrical engineer who leads the three-year project, funded by a nearly $1 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant. A hybrid system promises a clean, continuous source of power that reduces energy consumption and costs, protects against electrical blackouts and feeds excess energy to the power grid to help offset transportation system expenses. Civil engineer Anuj Sharma is determining how to plug the system into the power source of existing transportation infrastructure. UNL’s system contains a solar panel and a
UNL engineers are developing a wind and solar hybrid power system to generate electricity for traffic signals and other roadway infrastructure. From left: Wei Qiao, Elizabeth Jones, Anuj Sharma and Jerry Hudgins. Office of Research and Economic Development photo.
3-D Helps Researchers Detect ALS Speech Declines By Gillian Klucas
The same technology used to bring King Kong to life in the movies is helping researchers better understand amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a neurodegenerative disease that attacks neurons and weakens muscles over time. About 30,000 Americans suffer from ALS, commonly called Lou Gehrig’s disease. UNL speech-language pathologist Jordan Green and colleague Yana Yunosova at the University of Toronto are using computer technology to study the decline in speech in ALS patients with a nearly $2.4 million, five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Their work may lead to earlier diagnosis and aid in treatment development. Currently, no tests can definitively diagnose ALS. Physicians must rely on observing weakening muscles and ruling out other causes, which often takes 18 months after initial symptoms appear, said Green, an associate professor and the Corwin Moore Chair in Communications Disorders who directs UNL’s Speech Production Lab. For more than one-fourth of patients, symptoms begin with speech impairment, called bulbar symptoms. While bulbar deterioration impairs speech and swallowing, relatively few studies have focused on these symptoms. Measuring muscles involved in speech is particularly difficult, which can delay diagnosis and treatment. 14 | GoodNUz | RESEARCH
UNL speech-language pathologist Jordan Green (center) is using 3-D technology to study speech declines in people with ALS. Lab manager Cynthia Didion (right) demonstrates the instrument that tracks minute facial movements while doctoral student Jun Wang monitors readings on a computer.
wind turbine, each collecting energy that is converted into electricity to power the traffic signal, roadway sign or light on which it’s installed. But what happens on a cloudy day? Electrical engineer Wei Qiao is creating a smart control system that senses how much power each source produces depending on the weather, traffic volume and other factors. If it’s cloudy, the system would compensate by using more wind power or switching to the main power source. Hudgins envisions local networks of hybrid power systems connected by smart controls, creating a “microgrid” in an intersection or even across several blocks. Individual systems would communicate with each other and shift power where it’s most needed, such as a busy street during rush hour. Civil engineer Elizabeth Jones with UNL’s Mid-America Transportation Center is coordinating the team’s partnership with the city of Lincoln, which Hudgins said has been critical to the project. City engineers have provided information about Lincoln’s structural components, such as existing power system connections and traffic signals. The partnership also has allowed UNL researchers to estimate the wind and solar energy produced at four locations near the city limits, which the team is using to design the hybrid electrical system. Hudgins said the team’s goal is to begin prototype testing by early 2013 and partner with the city for possible future implementation. “This could have a significant impact on the next generation of smart electric grids,” Hudgins said.
“To produce speech you need to coordinate the activities of between 30 to 70 muscles,” Green said. “We’re using computer technology to quantify small changes in speech production that are otherwise undetectable.” Green is following 100 bulbar-onset ALS patients at UNL and the University of Toronto to study progression of speech degeneration. He’s using 3-D motion analysis to track facial movements in fine detail, electromagnetic equipment to track tongue motion and special equipment to evaluate speech breathing and voice. Sensitive measurements of facial muscles will help determine abnormal muscle strength for early diagnosis, monitor disease progression and predict when patients will lose speech so they can better prepare. Finely detailed measurements also will help in the search for effective treatments. “Outcomes measures in the bulbar system are fairly blunt,” said Green. “They need sensitive measures to determine small changes, and that will expedite drug trials.” RESEARCH | Spring 2011 | 15
WENEEDYOU
Nebraska Alumni Association – Membership
In the Big Ten – Alumni Membership Matters More Than Ever Nebraskans have always been known for their loyal support of our
new community, advance in your career or just get
university – on the field, in the classrooms, in the labs and with alumni as-
together and cheer whenever we take the field or
sociation memberships. To our 25,000 members, we say thank you for your
court. You’ll also get exclusive access to our “mem-
continued support which has helped the university through a tremendous
bers only” football ticket lottery to watch Nebraska
decade of growth, prosperity
undertake many of these historic first matchups in
and academic achievement.
our new conference (see sidebar on page 17).
To our 150,000 remaining non-members, we need your help more than ever. With our move to the Big Ten, Nebraska will become the smallest public university, alumni base and membership base in the conference. While we were accustomed to being one of the larger Big 12 schools and alumni associations, we enter this new era with the cards stacked against us. Yet, that is always when Nebraskans are at their best.
I Stand Up for mentoring the next generation of Nebraskans, helping them to reach their full potential. Tom Osborne NAA Life Member
In addition, Nebraska’s alumni will soon be able to join with established Big Ten programs in alumni networking, international group travel and interacting with our new peer alumni. Most importantly, as Nebraska continues to advance in the academic, athletic and research rankings, and our national reputation climbs even
higher, the value of a Nebraska degree increases, making you a more desirable employee and giving you the pride to let that Big Ten Hawkeye, Wol-
How Does Membership Help?
verine, Buckeye or Badger in the office down the hall know that no matter where you call home, There Is No Place Like Nebraska.
Our new peers include universities with three times our enrollment and alumni bases that
Keep the Momentum Going
quadruple the number of graduates Nebraska has
Please, take a moment to look through the pages of Good NUz. The
produced. While other schools may have strength in
university has had a fantastic decade and is on the move. Enrollment, grad-
numbers, our alumni have an unmatched passion. Joining the alumni association is an affordable way for you to have a positive impact on the university every day. Alumni association programs directly affect our nationwide student recruitment strategy, grant decisions, scholarships, mentoring programs and national rankings – including U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking of the nation’s best universities.
The opportunities before us have never been more important or more visible. The challenges have never been more real… We cannot fully achieve our goals as a university without the active engagement of our alumni. Harvey Perlman NAA Life Member
uation rates and research funding have all increased significantly. The development of the new Innovation Campus will encourage private/public research partnerships, creating unique internship opportunities for students and boosting economic development. And with the move to the Big Ten Conference, our researchers, students and faculty will take the spotlight as part of a major national research and teaching university. Yet, many more opportunities lie ahead … and in today’s economic environment, increased alumni engagement at home and around
What’s In It For me? I Stand Up for kids from small towns who want to come to the University of Nebraska, get a first-class education and make our state an even better place to live. Matt Davison NAA Life Member
the world will be essential to taking advantage!
I Stand Up for Nebraska’s future – because it’s not where we’ve been, it’s where we’re going. Tommie Frazier NAA Life Member
For an annual membership of less than a dollar a week, you’ll enjoy numerous discounts and benefits that keep you connected to Dear Ol’ Nebraska U, and your membership may be considered tax-deductible. In addition, the Alumni Association creates connections among alumni, friends and fans of Nebraska that can help you plug in to a
Join or Volunteer Today! Be a part of the progress! Join today by calling us at 888-353-1874, completing the form here or visiting us securely online at HuskerAlum.org/membership.
J
Got Tickets? Members Do!
Percentage of Big Ten Alumni who are members of their Alumni Associations
This season marks Nebraska’s inaugural year in the Big Ten Conference, and will feature historic matchups with many of the most storied and
Northwestern - No membership program
Mich. St. - 8.2%
9.97% Wisconsin -
NEBRASKA - 13.57%
Minnesota - 15.13%
Indiana - 15.63%
Purdue - 15.96%
Michigan - 21.73%
Iowa - 23.62%
Illinois - 23.86%
Ohio State - 27.73%
Penn State - 29.95%
tradition-rich programs in the country. Demand for football tickets will be extremely high, but association members will be able to take part in the annual “for members only” football ticket lottery. Members can rank their preferences for games and will be entered into a lottery for two tickets to a 2011 home game. Priority drawing will start with lifetime association members who have made other donations to the association and conclude with annual members until all the tickets are distributed. Lottery forms will be available in the April issue of the Nebraska Magazine, a free benefit to members of the association.
Membership application form for Nebraska Alumni association First Name_____________________________________ Last Name_________________________________________________________ M.I._____ Address__________________________________________________ Maiden Name____________________________________________________ City/State/Zip_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Home Phone______________________________ Work Phone_______________________________Wireless________________________________ E-mail Address_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Major____________________________________________________ Degree________________________________________Class Year__________ Please select one of the options below: Individual Life Membership paid-in-full
No reminder notices, no annual dues. Add your name to the Life Endowment Wall.
Life Membership 5-year plan
$1000
Makes life membership easier to afford by billing you annually.
Senior Life Membership Annual Membership
Less than a dollar per week.
Recent Graduate Membership
For our newest alumni less than three years out of college.
Joint $1250
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For our alumni and friends more than 65 years old.
$290/year
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$50
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$15
VIP Home Football Weekends – The Best Way to Come Home! Want to be absolutely sure you won’t miss the Buckeyes when they hit
$20
Lincoln, or when Nebraska avenges the
My payment for $______________ is enclosed. Spouse Name if joint__________________________________________________________________
home football weekends include game
Check made payable to the Nebraska Alumni Association Credit Card:
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Holiday bowl loss to Washington? VIP tickets (no lottery necessary), a VIP stadium tour, downtown hotel accom-
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modations and Nebraska Champions Club passes for the perfect home game weekend. Just get yourself to Lincoln and we’ll take care of the rest. All you have to worry about is cheering for
To access all your benefits, be sure to create your alumni profile at: http://community.huskeralum.org
The NAA will only use your alumni information to pass along relevant news, benefits and offers.
information, please call us at 888-353-
To opt out of any of these communications, please contact us or update your online profile.
1874 or visit HuskerAlum.org/travel/
Return form to: Nebraska Alumni Association, 1520 R Street, P.O. Box 80129, Lincoln, Nebraska 68501-0129
the Huskers. To register or for more
homegames/ MEMBERSHIP | Spring 2011 | 17
This new MRI machine monitors biomaterials and engineered tissues for UNL scientists. University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources photo.
Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Agricultural Research Division
BSE’s MRI Machine Furthers Tissue Studies By Sandi Alswager Karstens, ’01, ’07 University of Nebraska-Lincoln scientists are using MRI to monitor biomaterials and engineered tissues. Among other advances, some day this could lead to noninvasive biopsies of potentially cancerous tissues or regenerated organs. Angie Pannier and Shadi Othman, UNL biological systems
While tissue engineering isn’t new – engineered skin and cartilage already are available in the United States – using an MRI to monitor growth and development is. “We are the first group in the world utilizing high field MRI to measure mechanical properties of living systems with very high spatial resolution.” – Shadi Othman biological systems engineer
engineers, are studying engineered bone and fat tissues that in the future could be implanted into the human body to replace tissue lost due to injury or disease. While tissue engineering isn’t new – engineered skin and cartilage already are available in the United States – using an MRI to monitor growth and development is. Specifically, Othman is combining MRI with mechanical actuators and custom software to develop a technique called magnetic resonance elastography to measure changes in the mechanical properties of engineered tissues in living mice. The biological systems engineering department received the 9.4 Tesla, high-field MRI scanner in December 2009. Its use is dedicated to basic biomedical engineering research and regenerative medicine. “We are the first group in the world utilizing high field MRI to measure mechanical properties of living systems with very high spatial resolution,” Othman said. Othman is combining this technique with Pannier’s tissue engineering research to image engineered tissues and biomaterial scaffolds used for tissue engineering. Biomaterials serve as a scaffold, or
stiff the tissue is in vivo. It would be a noninvasive biopsy,” Othman said. A cancerous tissue might give a different image than a normal tissue, said Jeyam Subbiah, biological systems engineer, while an engineered bone tissue would give a different image than an engineered fat tissue. “Tissue engineering hasn’t realized its potential because there
physical structure, on which to grow tissue. The cells grow on the
are so many things we don’t know or understand yet,” Pannier said.
scaffold to form a new tissue. Using magnetic resonance elastog-
Researchers hope the MRI and more specifically MRE will
raphy, or MRE, Pannier and Othman can determine the stiffness of the engineered tissue without any damage to the tissue or a lab
answer some of these questions. Othman takes the engineered tissue and implants it into mice,
mouse, a feat not possible with current technologies. In addition,
which then are placed in the MRI to monitor over time as the
they can study various other properties of the cells and biomaterial
tissues grow. Othman is able to determine if growing tissues are
scaffolds, including water and molecular content.
getting stiffer like bone or softer like fat.
MRE uses a mechanical actuator that creates a sonic excita-
While researchers right now are only monitoring the tissue,
tion that travels in soft tissues, which then is monitored by MRI
in the future they will create a defect in a mouse and then replace
techniques. For example, if tissue is stiff, the sonic wave will be
it with engineered tissues, which can be monitored over time for
longer, indicating a stiffer engineered tissue like bone, or in the case
changes in tissue growth and stiffness using MRE.
of cancer, a sign of a tumor. Right now if a patient suspects cancer, the first thing a doctor does is determine how hard the tissue is. Based on feeling, the doctor would order a biopsy.
18 | GoodNUz | IANR
“With our technique, we can image the tissue and assess how
“We hope what we are doing here today will be able to be done in a hospital some day,” Othman said.
Dry Bean Contingent Opening Doors in China
Craig Henkel (left) and Carlos Urrea, UNL Extension dry bean breeding specialist, look at a late summer demonstration plot of Great Northern beans on Henkel’s farm near Bayard. Nebraska ranks first nationally in producing Great Northern beans. Photo by Jorge Venegas.
Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension
Nebraska dry beans could be destined for China, if a fall trade mission opens doors as intended.
Panhandle a National Leader in Dry Beans
The October trade mission, funded through the Nebraska Dry Bean Checkoff program, is intended to broaden the global market for dry beans and help stabilize dry bean prices.
By Sandi Alswager Karstens, ’01, ’07
The Nebraska Dry Bean Commis-
Nebraska ranks first nationally in producing Great Northern
sion targeted China, the third largest dry
beans and second in pinto and light red kidney beans. University of
bean producer in the world, because
Nebraska–Lincoln Extension is at work to help keep it that way.
it also is a potential growth market.
Carlos Urrea, UNL extension dry bean breeding specialist at
Nebraska ranks third in U.S. dry bean
the Panhandle Research and Extension Center, and Jim Schild,
production, accounting for 11 percent of
extension educator, both based in Scottsbluff, work with and teach
the U.S. crop from 2006-2008. Linda Boeckner, director of the Uni-
area producers about adapting beans to be more drought tolerant
versity of Nebraska–Lincoln Panhandle
and disease resistant for western Nebraska conditions. Beans are big business in Nebraska’s Panhandle, Urrea said, with 130,000 acres in 2009 producing 779,000 cwt. Great North-
provide extension education related to planting, weed control, ir-
Research and Extension Center, was
rigation and harvesting.
among five Nebraskans to start building
For example, extension is helping explore development of
erns, 1.305 million cwt. in pinto beans and 226,412 cwt. in light
a more upright dry bean plant with pods higher off the ground,
red kidneys. That translates into an estimated $73.8 million in products destined for markets in the United States, Spain, Portugal, France, Mexico, Cuba and Japan.
similar to soybean plants. That advantage would allow growers to direct-harvest beans instead of cutting beans down first to dry before combining.
Extension education helps with dry bean profitability, Urrea
“This work keeps us competitive,” Schild said. “We are No.
said, starting with field trials in farmers’ fields, then sharing results
1 because of lack of moisture in fall months,” conducive for good
with the public. “Dry bean growers, industry representatives and others from around the globe get to see how the different varieties perform in
“This is the first real-world test under real-world growing
because ultimately what works well in the plots will be planted in
practices that farmers use here in the valley,” he said. “We get to
their fields, Urea said.
yield test everything, harvest it and test it just like we do with all
“Every farmer has different practices, from irrigation to dif-
the other beans.”
ferent row spacing,” Urrea said. “This way the lines are exposed to
Mackie said extension is important to the trials because, just
several different kinds of practices.” Extension’s annual dry bean field days, in collaboration with the Nebraska Dry Bean Growers Association, attract industry
into flour used in various food products. Boeckner said there are opportunities to explore how beans might be used in Chinese foods and what effects they would have on flavor, nutritional quality and other attributes. The group visited several Chinese food processors and nutritional entities. Other Nebraskans on the trip were the Nebraska Dry Bean Commission;
tion is “important and legitimate” work that is key to the industry.
France, Cuba, Mexico and the Dominican Republic to learn more
In China dry beans also are ground
the best.
Mackie added the extension’s unbiased, research-based educa-
Bean Commission sponsors dry bean trade teams from Belgium,
“They are less sweet than pastries
Lynn Reuter, administrative assistant for
has to do it,” he said. “This work will help preserve the industry.”
technologies developed at the Panhandle center. The Nebraska Dry
a bean paste.
like anything else, work needs to be done continually to make it “The extension field trials take a little extra time, but someone
representatives and producers to learn more about new dry bean
using beans, such as pastries made with
texture is more dense,” Boeckner said.
first-in-line experience working with educators and specialists.
collaborate with extension in providing test plots and equipment
Boeckner, a registered dietitian, noted the group tasted some products
white, bright shiny color. When we go to export markets, Nebraska
years and participates in extension’s dry bean trials because he gets
Producers in Morrill, Scotts Bluff and Box Butte counties
nutrition with key Chinese leaders.
you would find in the U.S., and their
Jerry Mackie has been growing dry beans near Gering for 27
perform,” Urrea said.
about dry bean food processing and
harvest conditions. “We can produce Great Northern beans with dry beans are wanted because of the seed quality.”
the local conditions and get a good idea on how new varieties will
relationships and sharing information
about how dry beans are grown in Nebraska. The field days allow producers and others to get a hands-on look at the different bean varieties and work together to make traits that producers and consumers want, Schild said. Field days also
Greg Ibach, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture; Stan Garbacz, the ag department’s foreign market representative; and Leo Hoehn of the Stateline Bean Cooperative.
Standing in front of the Bejing National Stadium, site of the 2008 summer Olympics, is the Nebraska Dry Bean Commission delegation (from left): Leo Hoehn, Greg Ibach, Lynn Reuter, Linda Boeckner and Stan Garbacz.
ianr.unl.edu
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IANR | Spring 2011 | 19
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Ag Students Take National Honors Students in the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) Club at the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources share powerful messages about the importance of agriculture. Their good work earned them first place as National Chapter of the Year in both educational programs and service activities at the National Agricultural Media Summit in St. Paul, Minn., last summer. The club’s educational programs award focused on visits with agricultural businesses in Kansas City and profes-
Lincoln Students Learning About UNL Soybean Research By Cheryl Alberts, ’86, ’00 Soybean plants grow on 5.35 million Nebraska acres and are in line for a record-breaking harvest, but what intrigues Maxey Elementary schoolchildren are the legumes growing in their classrooms in Lincoln. After all, the soybean, while relevant to Nebraska, is a model organism that can promote understanding of real science, say collaborators of a soybean education project that brought Maxey and how they grow, Pedersen said, it teaches them about Nebraska
alongside university faculty. “I love the fact that we had the opportunity to be involved in a real research project and follow basically the same scientific process
first place for service activities rec-
the scientists follow,” said Dwight Thiemann, Maxey fourth-grade
ognized their volunteer work with the
teacher. He said he appreciates getting ideas for his science curricu-
Amanda Bergstrom, an ag journalism senior from Wilcox, said the latter “was an eye opener to volunteer there and know we were really making a difference.” Bergstrom said ACT is important
Not only does the project teach children about plant parts
teachers into University of Nebraska–Lincoln laboratories to work
sional speakers at their meetings. The
Lincoln City Mission.
Shown working in the George W. Beadle Center Greenhouse Complex are, from left, Blake Vajgrt (undergraduate researcher in Prof. Clemente’s lab), Greg Tebo, Nancy Dondlinger and Dwight Thiemann, all from Maxey Elementary School.
agriculture – important as people today are less informed about their food’s origins. Soybeans are part of daily life, being processed into food for animals and humans, and products from fuel to crayons. The project provides seeds, soil, plant stands, trays, lights and
lum and that “the kids are loving this.” His fourth-graders enthusiastically make statements such as “I didn’t even know what a soybean looked like” and “This is so cool.
a time-lapse camera to be shared by the school’s kindergarten, firstand fourth-grade classrooms. “When we make science more relevant in a child’s life, it’s
It’s kind of like we’re farmers ... kind of.” Said another, “I’ve never
retained and more meaningful,” Pedersen said. The concept of us-
planted a farm plant before.” Coordinating the soybean in the classroom project are Tiffany
ing the commodity crop, rather than green beans or lima beans, to
because it allows students to work with
Heng-Moss, associate professor of entomology in the College of
teach science in the classroom could go regional, statewide or even
others who share a focus on agriculture.
Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, and Jon Pedersen,
national, he added.
Noting “agriculture is ever-changing,” Paige Bek, an ag economics and ag journalism senior from Curtis who attended the summit, said the experiences ACT members gain as members of the club “prepare us to teach agriculture to people who have no idea what agriculture really is.” Jason Ellis, ACT adviser and Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication assistant
Heng-Moss and Pedersen say the soybean science links up
UNL professor of Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education in the College of Education and Human Sciences. They sought and
with state education standards so it is credible with schools. “Any part of a solid curriculum has to be critical thinking and
received project funding from the Nebraska Soybean Board and the
decision making,” Pedersen said. A teacher’s job isn’t to tell students
United Soybean Board. Three Maxey teachers worked in laboratories with Heng-Moss; geneticist Tom Clemente, director of the Plant Transformation
what to know, he said, but to help them think and use knowledge to make informed decisions.
Core Research Facility; and other UNL scientists. They and two
By working with UNL scientists, teachers are able to pass on
more Maxey teachers currently integrate soybeans into their cur-
knowledge to their students about research to help soybeans resist
riculum.
aphids and disease, and to emphasize traits such as protein or oil
“We engage teachers in research and they in turn are engag-
levels.
professor, said ACT students “have a
ing their elementary students in research,” Heng-Moss said. “We
Greg Tebo, Maxey technology specialist, said children also
passion for the industry. They are eager
are helping them to integrate what they learned into their science
learn about soybeans from coloring contests, singing songs and
curriculum, provide first-hand opportunities for their students, and
writing puppet plays. From teachers, children learn about soybean
educate students on the importance of soybeans and agriculture.”
farming, processing, transportation, exportation and end uses.
to tell agriculture’s story. “A large percentage of people are removed from understanding agriculture,” Ellis continued. “These students have the knowledge and skills to spread ag literacy. – Jan Jackson Cejka
“From our work with the UNL scientists this summer we are
That’s important when agriculture is the state’s No. 1 industry and one in three Nebraska jobs are related in some way to agricul-
able to provide our students with a wealth of knowledge about
ture. In 2009 Nebraska ranked fifth nationally in soybean produc-
every facet of soybeans, from what the breeder does with the plant
tion, valued at more than $2.4 billion. This year’s soybean harvest
to the entomologist’s role with the soybean aphid to the biotech-
is forecast at 284 million bushels.
nology involved with the future of soybeans,” Tebo said.
casnr.unl.edu
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20 | GoodNUz | COLLEGES
College of Architecture
Students Gain Global Experience By Colleen Kenney Fleischer, ’88 Taylor Hammack has yet to absorb all the experiences he had this past fall in China. The fifth-year College of Architecture student said it may take him years to understand how it expanded his horizons as an architect, and as a human. “It was a terrific experience. China is really just growing. Their economy is growing so fast that they can’t really build fast enough for everyone. “It’s way different from Lincoln.” He and a dozen other aspiring UNL architects participated in the College of Architecture’s China Program. They walked and rode down streets crowded with bikes, motorbikes, cars and humans. They heard people speak Mandarin, a tonal language so different from English, and tried to speak, too. They heard a lot of honking. But over there it’s usually not in anger, Hammack said. It’s just another way to communicate. “The traffic is crazy,” Hammack said. “There are lanes and lights but none of it matters. People are all over the place.” The goal of the semester-long program, now in its third year, is to help future architects like Hammack absorb China’s history and culture firsthand while learning their craft.
Beijing was among the many places Taylor Hammack and a dozen other College of Architecture students visited last fall, when they studied in China through a program sponsored by alumnus Scott Killinger (’61).
– spicy hot in Chongqing, sweet in Shanghai, dim sum
met with them in Tianjin and talked with them about
Cantonese cooking in Hong Kong, Peking duck in Beijing.
what to expect in China.
A hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Tianjin became a favorite. They befriended the owner and workers, using dictionaries and gestures to communicate. “They actually started making dishes for us at the end
They took him to that hole-in-the wall restaurant. The College of Architecture promotes global engagement, Dean Wayne Drummond said. The college has the highest percentage of students going abroad to study of
– ‘Here, you try this out for free,’” Hammack said. “They
any unit on campus. Its students also study in Ireland,
were really, really nice.”
Germany, France and Ecuador. Its London-based program,
He and his two roommates also bonded with a cab driver. The cab driver was taking them to a club when a car
offered each spring semester, recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. It’s a powerful experience for architecture students to
rammed into them. The driver sped off, and the cab driver
walk through a place and get a sense of scale and space and
at Tianjin University in Tianjin, the third largest city in
pursued him, weaving in and out of traffic in a wild chase
movement as well as to experience the daily life of another
China. For one project, they designed ways to blend and
through Tianjin.
culture.
The UNL students worked with their counterparts
unify three neighboring rural villages a two-hour bus ride from Tianjin. Mark Hoistad, associate dean of the College of Architecture, and Janghwan Cheon, an assistant professor, served
“We went chasing him for 15 minutes at least. We’re
“China is the force to be reckoned with in the next
like, ‘Wow, what’s going on?’ And then we start egging our
century,” Drummond said. “I feel very strongly that
cab driver on.”
students need to understand the power of a country that is
At one point, their cab driver cut the other driver off
moving the world scene like none other.” Global engagement also is a priority of the university’s
as advisers, working with their counterparts from Tianjin
and jumped out of the cab to open the guy’s door. But he
University.
sped away. The cab driver wanted to give the students the
Campaign for Nebraska: Unlimited Possibilities – a $1.2
ride for free, but Hammock and his roommates refused.
billion fundraising effort to support students, faculty and
The UNL students lived in a high-rise apartment building a short walk from the university. From his second-
“It was crazy. It was fun.”
research. The university hopes to give every undergraduate
floor window, Hammack could see many other high-rise
China is an exciting place architecturally, too.
the chance to study abroad and to attract more interna-
towers – anywhere you turned, it seemed, you’d see cranes
“Going to China really opened my eyes up to a new
tional students to its campuses.
building more of them. During breaks, the students cruised down the Yangtze River. Some hiked in the Yellow Mountains. Some visited the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.
sense of what architecture is and how it’s different from place to place.” The China Program was created through funding by College of Architecture alumnus Scott Killinger (’61),
They traveled to Tokyo, South Korea and Hong Kong.
whose Beijing-based firm has a studio in Tianjin. He gave
They tried the many regional styles of Chinese food
Hammack and the other students about $800 each. He
If you’d like to support the university’s effort to promote global engagement, contact the University of Nebraska Foundation at info@nufoundation.org or 800-432-3216. If you’d like to support the College of Architecture, contact the foundation’s Connie Pejsar at cpejsar@nufoundation.org or 402-458-1190.
archweb.unl.edu
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COLLEGES | Spring 2011 | 21
College of Arts and Sciences
Award-winning Historian Brings New Perspectives to Classroom By Jean Ortiz Jones
As an undergraduate student interested in history, Margaret Jacobs was accustomed to understanding change through political figures like Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt or through other agents like the economy or technology. But she gained a new perspective after taking an introductory course in women’s history, much to her surprise. “I had never really thought about if there’s a special women’s
book explores the forced removal of indigenous children from
just history,” she said. “What it really was about was that history
their families and their assimilation into American and Australian
doesn’t just have to be about huge political events – most of which
culture. history. Columbia University officials selected Jacobs as a 2010
how they themselves can shape that change that occurs.”
Bancroft Prize winner. The award was established in 1948 via his-
Gender Studies Program
tional books in the field, as well as to support research and library
work in the classroom as a UNL history professor, in her research
resources. Jacobs later received two more awards for the book: the Robert
Women’s and Gender Studies Program. Now, she is the one sharing
G. Athearn Prize sponsored by the Western History Association
new perspectives and challenging students to understand what
for the best book on the 20th-century American West, and the
causes change throughout history.
Armitage-Jameson Prize sponsored by the Coalition for Western
Since 2006, she has directed the Women’s and Gender Studies Program, which brings together faculty from diverse disciplines to
Women’s History for the best book in western women’s history. Her research has better informed her teaching, given her mate-
offer students a multidisciplinary experience and to prepare them
rial for new lectures, and helped her in her goal of taking a more
for a wide variety of careers in fields ranging from education to
global approach to the topics she covers, she said.
psychology, business and law, just to name a few. “It’s a very cohesive group of people who work together really well,” she said. “As director, I feel like I’ve been able to plug into that community and help to maintain and build both the community of faculty and students and the program itself.” That has meant directing the program toward an even stronger
“I want to continue to bring that kind of dynamism to the classroom because I think the students like it when you’re excited and enthusiastic about it,” she said. Students can find lessons in Jacobs’ work, but also stand to gain through her individual accomplishments, which boost the reputation of the Women’s and Gender Studies Program, said
global/international focus through expanding emphasis areas like
Haley Heindryckx, a senior majoring in women’s and gender stud-
transnational feminism, which involves the study on a global scale
ies and sociology.
of the advancement of women’s rights. Jacobs also has helped
“In the world of academia, something like an award can make
establish new areas of study like the topic of women, gender and
people recognize that what you’re doing is very important – you’re
science, which explores women’s roles in science throughout history
filling in gaps in history,” Heindryckx said. “I think as a WGS ma-
and aims to promote greater collaboration between faculty and
jor … that’s kind of what we see our role as – filling in gaps.”
graduate students in the sciences and humanities. Jacobs’ research focus, meanwhile, has centered on under-
Jacobs has her sights set on her next research projects. She wants to take on another comparative project, this one on non-
standing cross-cultural relationships between women over time.
indigenous people adopting indigenous children. She also wants to
She has written two books along that theme, including her most
explore colonial authorities’ attempts throughout history to control
recent work, published in 2009: “White Mother to a Dark Race:
indigenous populations’ dance, food and language.
Settler Colonialism, Maternalism, and the Removal of Indigenous 22 | GoodNUz | COLLEGES
torian, author and librarian Frederic Bancroft to recognize excep-
her work in graduate school and today continues to influence her that has taken her around the world, and as director of UNL’s
Director, UNL Women’s and
It also set her up to receive a prestigious honor in the field of
about ordinary people and how their lives change over time and The idea more than resonated with her. It became the focus of
– Margaret Jacobs
Children in the American West and Australia, 1880-1940.” The
history or men’s history. What does that mean? To me, it was all
primarily involved men as decision makers – but it can also be
“...history doesn’t just have to be about huge political events – most of which primarily involved men as decision makers – but it can also be about ordinary people and how their lives change over time and how they themselves can shape that change that occurs.”
Margaret Jacobs
ascweb.unl.edu
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College of Business Administration
BKD Endows Accountancy Professorship for UNL By Robb Crouch
Paul A. Shoemaker, professor and director of the School of Accountancy at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business Administration, has been awarded the first BKD, LLP Professorship in Accountancy. “I am honored to be selected as the first recipient of this pro-
educated accounting graduates.”
fessorship,” said Shoemaker, who joined UNL in 1989. “It signals
Donde Plowman, the James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed
that my work over an extended period of time is respected by my
Dean of the College of Business Administration, said the gift from
colleagues, and a professorship is one of the highest forms for rec-
BKD provides support for the university’s current fundraising
ognition of achievement.
initiative, the Campaign for Nebraska: Unlimited Possibilities, and
“Professorships show that the accounting and business communities believe in our academic programs and that they are pleased with the UNL accounting graduates they hire. Students
one of its top priorities of securing support for faculty. “The gift of this professorship provides the kind of financial support that is essential in being able to retain and attract the
also benefit by having high caliber
highest quality faculty leaders,” Plow-
faculty in the classroom, because
man said. “It comes at an important
professorships help attract nationally
time, as we move into the Big Ten
recognized faculty.”
Conference and develop a new set of relationships with some of the finest
The professorship was established by BKD, a certified public accounting
public business schools in the country.
and advisory firm, with a $500,000
The gift also provides support for our
gift commitment to the University of
Campaign for Nebraska goals, and we
Nebraska Foundation. The permanent-
hope BKD’s generosity is a model for
ly endowed fund enables the college
others who love this university and
to award an annual stipend for salary,
this college and who want to help us
research and program support. Recipi-
move to the next level of academic
ents of the professorship are selected by
excellence.” Shoemaker said: “Looking be-
the college based on teaching and research ability and accomplishments, as
yond me, this endowed professorship
well as academic promise. They receive
will live on for the next generation of
five-year appointments, renewable for
Paul A. Shoemaker
an additional five-year term. BKD is among the 10 largest CPA firms in the country with
Director, School of Accountancy
countancy indefinitely.” Shoemaker teaches courses on topics including taxation, theory and finance, and his research has focused on tax, accounting
through the BKD Foundation, the firm’s charitable arm that has
history and accounting education. His works have been published
raised and distributed $5.3 million to qualifying nonprofit organi-
by Contemporary Accounting Research, National Tax Journal,
zations over the past decade.
Journal of Applied Business Research, Southern Business Review and several others. He is a recipient of the Nebraska Society of
practice unit, said the company recognizes the need to have quality
CPAs Outstanding Accounting Educator Award, the College of
professors, as they foster the knowledge and skills necessary for the
Business Administration Distinguished Teaching Award, and the
next generation of accountants.
University of Nebraska Distinguished Teaching Award, among
“The Nebraska practice unit of BKD has always strived to hire
other recognition. His formal education includes earning a doctor-
the best and brightest accounting graduates,” he said. “A reason we
ate at Pennsylvania State University, an MBA at Marywood College
have supported the University of Nebraska is to help ensure that
and a bachelor’s degree at Bloomsburg University.
our industry and profession continues to have highly skilled and
– Paul A. Shoemaker,
faculty and benefit the School of Ac-
Nebraska offices in Lincoln and Omaha. Its donation was made
Norman Hedgecock, managing partner of BKD’s Nebraska
“Professorships show that the accounting and business communities believe in our academic programs and that they are pleased with the UNL accounting graduates they hire. Students also benefit by having high caliber faculty in the classroom, because professorships help attract nationally recognized faculty.”
cba.unl.edu
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COLLEGES | Spring 2011 | 23
Ruth Heaton and Jim Lewis
“Our goal is to invest in teachers,” said Jim Lewis. In turn, we hope they are better prepared to challenge their students and become leaders within their districts.” – Jim Lewis, NEBRASKA MATH Project Leader
College of Education and Human Sciences
Partnering in Math Achievement Until 10 to 15 years ago, many educators believed that indepth math education could wait until high school. Research has
titudes, knowledge and habits of mind K-3 teachers need to possess
dramatically changed those attitudes.
to best help young children acquire strong mathematical founda-
NEBRASKA MATH, a statewide partnership led by UNL researchers, aims to narrow the achievement gap for at-risk students
tions,” Heaton said. In addition to Lewis and Heaton, other “NEBRASKA
in kindergarten through third grade and improve mathematics
MATH” co-leaders are Carolyn Pope Edwards, Willa Cather
achievement for all students.
professor and professor of psychology and child, youth and fam-
A $9.3 million grant from the National Science Founda-
ily studies; Ira Papick, professor of mathematics; Walter Stroup,
tion provides resources for teachers to take graduate mathematics
professor and head of statistics; Thomas McGowan, professor and
courses that strengthen their skills.
chair of teaching, learning and teacher education; and Barbara
“Our goal is to invest in teachers,” said Jim Lewis, project leader and mathematics professor. “In turn, we hope they are better prepared to challenge their students and become leaders within their districts.” The first teachers began classes in June 2009. Three hundred teachers are expected to take graduate education coursework and
Jacobson, director of curriculum and professional development for Lincoln Public Schools. NEBRASKA MATH includes two other programs: one helps algebra teachers reach at-risk students; another offers professional development opportunities for new secondary mathematics teachers. The initiative builds on UNL’s successful Math in the Middle
more than 800 will participate in activities to strengthen their
program, another NSF-funded project that enabled 125 middle-
mathematics teaching and learning during the five-year project. By
level mathematics teachers to earn master’s degrees.
supporting programs for teachers, NEBRASKA MATH has the
The NEBRASKA MATH partnership includes Grand Island
potential to benefit 40,000 K-3 students and 10,000 high school
Public Schools, Lincoln Public Schools, Omaha Public Schools,
students across Nebraska.
Papillion-La Vista Public Schools and Nebraska’s Educational
An important element of the project is studying how different
Service Units. Lewis said it is a truly statewide effort that can serve
approaches in K-3 math education, such as math coaches and class-
as a national model for collaboration between state universities and
room teachers who work as math specialists, affect young children’s
K-12 schools.
learning. Ruth Heaton, associate professor of teaching, learning and teacher education, leads this multidisciplinary research. 24 | GoodNUz | COLLEGES
“A key goal is to better understand what mathematical at-
cehs.unl.edu
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College of Engineering
Nebraska Engineering Students Add Excitement to Middle School Math By Carole Wilbeck Middle school math is a crucial time in students’ learning. If a student can survive, and maybe even thrive, then success can build. He or she might even glimpse a future career – possibly in engineering. A group of Nebraska engineering students can relate, because each day they use skills they learned in middle school math and then built upon. They also remember how easy it was to get distracted or
were load tested with buckets of batteries pulling on the spans placed between desks. An important question took shape: was there a pattern to the materials’ performance, relating weight and strength? At last, when the middle school students’ brain cells were stretched (but not past the breaking point), the session ended. The Nebraska engineering students left and began planning their next visit to bring more excitement to middle school math. The college conducts a variety of outreach opportunities,
discouraged when concepts didn’t always connect. All this shapes the
including Discover Engineering Days, with hundreds of middle
experience when these UNL engineering students take time to work
schoolers hosted annually at the Lincoln campus. AESOP (Archi-
with students at Lincoln’s Lefler Middle School.
tectural Engineering Student Outreach Program) activities bring
Lefler teacher Jeanette Reitz sought an additional way to
AE students from The Peter Kiewit Institute into classrooms in the
reinforce learning for her young students, and possibly frame career
Omaha area. The College of Engineering also is popular with guests
paths that could keep students motivated in math. Reitz’ friend at
of UNL’s Big Red Shows, and the list of touchpoints goes on – with
UNL – Rena Becker with the College of Engineering – gathered
E-Week and other occasions.
students willing to help. Twice a month, College of Engineering
“It’s a great learning experience for Lefler students to have the
students involved in the Engineering Diplomats organization tutor
UNL College of Engineering students in our classroom reinforcing
Lefler students after school in math and, once each semester, these
the importance of algebra, teamwork and critical thinking,” Reitz
mentors visit the classroom to provide hands-on activities regarding
said. “I am excited to see how this relationship with the College of
a subject the class is learning.
Engineering will develop and grow.”
One in-class session applied math to building bridges, and the
Mechanical engineering junior Jordan Burchatz said he enjoys
engineering students introduced the task by sharing a meaningful
visiting the Lefler classes. “It seems natural to tutor, and I try to
hint: the triangle is a very useful shape. That tip led to a discussion
use what worked for me to find what connects them to the idea or
with the mentors helping to ground relevant equations in the minds
problem.
of the middle schoolers, who formed teams to channel their energy
“The middle school students are really fun to work with,”
and perspectives into productivity. The teams were advised to first
Burchatz added. “They have a little bit of an attitude, but I still
design their bridges by drawing diagrams, and to make efficient use
remember those days myself, so we get through it easily.”
of their resources during the 20 minutes allotted for planning and construction. After the structures were built from sets of drinking straws and lengths of tape, measuring and graphing came into play. The bridges
engineering.unl.edu
“It’s a great learning experience for Lefler students to have the UNL College of Engineering students in our classroom reinforcing the importance of algebra, teamwork and critical thinking. I am excited to see how this relationship with the College of Engineering will develop and grow.” – Jeanette Reitz Lefler Middle School teacher
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UNL mechanical engineering student Zach Connell and industrial engineering student Allison Dubs work with Lefler students on mathematical aspects of a bridge design activity.
COLLEGES | Spring 2011 | 25
Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts
Digital Arts Program Blends Arts, Technology By Brittany Sturek In today’s entertainment industry, it’s all about digital
Steve Kolbe
Damon Thomas Lee
Jeff Thompson
the initiative. With $350,000 worth of endowment money
preparing for the future. “We realized the future of the arts has to embrace
from the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing
arts and media. Films like “Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius”
the digital arena in some way,” Giacomo Oliva, Endowed
Arts, the college was able to purchase seven new laptops,
and “Kung Fu Panda,” two of UNL faculty member Steve
Dean of the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing
updated software, new printers, 16 video cameras and two
Kolbe’s past projects, have transformed the entertainment
Arts, said. “It was essential that as a college we adopt a uni-
lighting kits, as well as music keyboards, audio recording
landscape. Human actors are replaced with digital charac-
fied approach to at least thinking about how we situate our
equipment, animation software and magnetic whiteboards.
ters, complete with natural movements and voices. Imagi-
curricula in the digital arts.”
The rest of the money was used to renovate Room 17 in
nary worlds are brought to life with the help of computer
Oliva worked with directors and department chairs
Richards Hall and update facilities in Woods Hall. Only
programs. And we, the audience, are rewarded with clear
in the college to brainstorm ways to keep the college’s cur-
students taking digital arts classes will have access to the
animation and modern storylines.
riculum current without becoming insignificant.
equipment and facilities.
Although Kolbe made his career working with 3-D
“We thought: when students leave here, what’s out
Several students have already had the chance to take
technology, he started out in advertising with a degree
there for them?” Oliva said. “We found that potential ca-
the digital classes and work with the new equipment. Tony
in journalism. His transition from journalism student to
reers are less about the fact that they might have a major in
Nguyen is a graphic design major in the Department of
graphic design or digital music
Art and Art History. He took Thompson’s digital literacy
composition and more about
course about static images the first time it was offered in
where there were possibilities to
the fall of 2009.
think across the disciplines.” “The idea is that as digital
“Technology brings a whole different dimension to art,” Nguyen said. “The biggest thing is that technol-
artists, we all do basically the
ogy enables you to continually manipulate, change and
same thing with the same
eventually perfect your work. Digital arts allows you to use
equipment – a laptop,” said
your head and solve problems. It takes critical thinking to
Lee, who came to UNL this fall
another level.”
from the University of Hudder-
But arts students aren’t the only people taking these
sfield in England, where he was
classes. Each class reserves at least four spots specifically for
a lecturer in music technology.
students outside of the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and
“The way that film editing
Performing Arts. “All of these classes are designed to bring students of diverse backgrounds together and use their complementary
Assistant Professor Jeff Thompson (left) watches students film objects for their class project. Photo by Michael Reinmiller.
knowledge and approaches to make projects that might not happen otherwise,” said Thompson.
movie cinematographer is a recurring theme today. Now
software or Photoshop
more than ever, college graduates are expected to acquire
looks is not that dif-
multiple skills and use them in more versatile job settings.
ferent from a music
continue to grow as the college sees increased interest and
And that’s just what the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and
sequencer. And so
enrollment in classes. Kolbe already envisions building a
Performing Arts is training them to do.
the language and the
student-manned production studio, where students would
As assistant professor of film and new media at UNL,
interface that we use
Nearly two years old, the Digital Arts Initiative will
Jessie Ren works on a video project. Photo by Michael Reinmiller.
Kolbe came back to his home state to share his expertise
to access this informa-
with college students. His return is part of the larger Digi-
tion, whether it be a film
tal Arts Initiative in the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and
or a piece of music, is looking more and more similar.”
Performing Arts. Kolbe; Jeff Thompson, assistant profes-
Kolbe, Thompson and Lee will continue to tweak the
end up working on productions for companies throughout the country. “The goal of this Initiative is to grow,” Kolbe said. “This is a test bed where we can test different ways of teaching and different ways to collaborate within the entire
sor of art; and Damon Thomas Lee, assistant professor of
curriculum and update classes as needed. The goal is for
university. That’s why I like it, because we can reach the
digital arts and music composition, have begun integrating
the college to have an inventory of eight to 10 classes that
kids outside the wall of our ‘castle’ and build something
digital arts and technology into the theater, art and music
will be taught in rotation, including two online classes.
grander.”
curriculums at UNL.
Classes are small, about 16 students each.
The idea of incorporating digital arts came about nearly six years ago when the college was at a crossroads in 26 | GoodNUz | COLLEGES
Students in these digital arts classes will be able to use new equipment and resources purchased specifically for
www.unl.edu/finearts
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College of Journalism and Mass Communications
Oh Yeon-ho is the founder of OhmyNews, a citizen journalism website operating under the motto “Every citi-
Innovator in Residence Program
zen is a reporter.” When it started in 2000, the site had only 727 citizen reporters; it now uses 65 full-time and 62,000 citizen reporters. The site is an innovative example in the media world, as it was one of the first of its kind. Based in Seoul, South Korea, the site receives between 200 and 250
By Jessica Simpson
stories each day from 100 countries around the world.
2010 marked a year of transition for the College of
In 2000, OhmyNews was named the 10th most
Journalism and Mass Communications. As Gary Kebbel officially filled the position of dean July 1, he quickly
influential media in Korea by the Sisa Journal survey. In
implemented new ideas and future-focused programming.
2004 and 2005, the news outlet was named the sixth most
With his sights set on expanding the J school’s international
influential by the survey. It earned the Missouri Honor
presence and giving students the opportunity to solve
Media award in 2007.
global media issues, Kebbel launched the Innovators in
In addition to founding OhmyNews, Oh conducted
Alexander Zolotarev
interviews in 1994 with survivors of the 1950 No Gun
grant money to create and launch SochiReporter. Currently,
Ri massacre during the Korean War that appeared in the
tive solutions in media is the key to success. This is a main
he is a faculty member at Moscow State University and a
monthly magazine Mal. In 1999, Associated Press corre-
goal of the new program, which brings media innovators
Fulbright scholar. He teaches multimedia journalism, and
spondents won a Pulitzer Prize for a series of reports about
and entrepreneurs to UNL to work with CoJMC students.
spent his Fulbright year at City University of New York
it, which spurred the Korean news media to finally cover
The entrepreneurs present real-life problems to students in
Graduate School of Journalism.
the story.
Residence Program. As the journalism industry changes, finding innova-
order to brainstorm solutions. In essence, the relationship
“When I got my Fulbright grant, I went to New York
During Oh’s stay in Lincoln, he not only had the op-
becomes mutually beneficial – students gain knowledge and
City to work on my dissertation about the virtual online
portunity to speak with J school students, but also students
experience in solving media issues and the entrepreneur gets
communities. With the media convergence and the Web
in the College of Business Administration. Taewan Kim, a
help solving problems in media endeavors. The program
projects getting more and more trendy, it seemed obvious
Ph.D. candidate in the area of strategy and entrepreneur-
also aims to help students develop critical thinking skills
to me that my diversified journalism experience is best of all
ship at UNL, invited Oh to CBA so students could hear
and be exposed to problems in 21st century media.
reflected in the Web – where all different traditional media
about the creation of OhmyNews and about how Oh
intersect and are combined,” he said.
managed the start-up of the company including accessing,
In June, Alexander Zolotarev, founder and CEO of SochiReporter.ru out of Sochi, Russia, became the J school’s
During his six-day stay in Lincoln, Zolotarev shared
editing and publishing articles. “I think [Oh] is a really innovative thinker who can
first Innovator in Residence. Oh Yeon-ho of Seoul, South
his experiences with students and discussed the future of
Korea, founder of the citizen journalism website Ohm-
new media and his website. He presented students with the
recognize the paradigm shift in journalism,” Kim said. “I
yNews, became the second innovator when he visited in
issue of making his website sustainable when the Knight
believe that driving forces such as a constant stream of new
October.
grant money runs out.
technologies produce a competitive environment that is
“It was great to emerge in communication with the
“As Dean Gary Kebbel explained to me, one of the
characterized by constant and often dramatic change. Dr
students and the faculty of the journalism school,” Zolo-
ideas of the Innovator in Residence program is not only to
Oh is a person who read this changing trend in the journal-
tarev said. “I hope that I got the students interested in the
show how cool it is to be an independent entrepreneur, but
ism industry and founded a venture company.”
Russian culture and the entrepreneurial fate.”
to also reveal the daily challenges the innovator faces,”
After hosting two entrepreneurs this fall, the J school
Zolotarev said. The students got really involved into
has plans to continue the Innovators in Residence program
to give a voice to citizens of Sochi, Russia, as construc-
advising me on how to monetize SochiReporter. It was an
in the spring semester.
tion for the 2014 Winter Olympics takes over the town.
exciting brainstorming, which I hope the students of the J
Launched in 2009, SochiReporter enables Sochi residents
school liked as much as I did.”
Zolotarev’s website, SochiReporter.ru, was designed
to use online tools to discuss and influence the impact of the Olympic Games. The site helps prepare residents for the Olympics and inform the media about the city’s issues, using discussions to ultimately improve life in Sochi. As the first site of its kind, it will be used as a model for future Olympics hosts. In 2008, Zolotarev won a Knight News Challenge digital news innovation award and used the $600,000 in
Dean Gary Kebbel with Oh Yeon-ho, the second Innovator in Residence at the College of Journalism and Mass Communications.
journalism.unl.edu
J
College of Law
Learning By Doing: Nebraska Law Students Benefit From Clinical Programs are the best way to involve students in experiential learning – learn-
By Molly Brummond, ’00, ’03
ing by being reflective about experiences gained while acting in the
Matthew Myerle began his fall 2010 semester with the typical
role of a practicing attorney.”
“to-do” list of a third-year law student: read, attend class, read
Nebraska Law has been offering the Civil and Criminal Clin-
some more, outline and repeat. Myerle, a Lincoln native, had been a student in Nebraska Law’s Civil Clinic the prior semester, how-
ics as part of its curriculum since 1975 and 1979, respectively.
ever, and as a result of his work there, found out in early October
Students in the Civil Clinic represent low-income clients in a wide
2010 something far from typical had been added to that list: argue
variety of civil and administrative cases selected by the faculty for
a case for which he had written a response brief while a student
potential litigation and trial experience. In the Criminal Clinic,
in the clinic before the Nebraska Supreme Court. And, so, the
students gain insight into the legal and ethical responsibilities of
preparation began.
both prosecutors and defense attorneys as they prosecute misdemeanor and felony cases out of the Lancaster County Attorney’s of-
“Professors Ruser, Knap and Olson each provided invaluable Matthew Myerle
assistance throughout my work on the case” Myerle said. “They
fice. Professor Steve Schmidt is the director of the Criminal Clinic,
helped to shape my thinking about the case and the issues, and
one of the only prosecutorial clinics in the nation. “We have a unique program that serves students very well,”
provided tremendous assistance in preparing and practicing for the
said Schmidt. “Students that complete the Criminal Clinic pro-
oral argument.
gram have a semester’s worth of real world experience that serves
“We went through many practice rounds, which helped refine my presentation of the case. Preparing for the argument was a long,
them well outside of the academic environment. They leave the program a step ahead of their
challenging process but I had great support from the clinic, members of the faculty and fellow students,” he said. On Nov. 2, the preparation was put into practice as Myerle appeared before the
“Arguing before the Nebraska Supreme Court was an unbelievable experience, and I was honored to have the opportunity to present this case. It certainly was not an experience I thought that I would have as a student.”
Nebraska Supreme Court on
– Matthew Myerle
behalf of the Petitioner in MeyKevin Ruser
“Arguing before the Nebraska Supreme Court was an unbe-
Law alum (’08) and former Criminal Clinic participant, agrees with Schmidt’s assessment. “When I was graduating from law school, the job pros-
Clinic program, I essentially spent a semester in the courtroom.
lievable experience, and I was honored to have the opportunity to
Those hands-on experiences provided me with the knowledge
present this case,” Myerle said. “It certainly was not an experience I
I needed to start my own law firm directly after passing the bar
thought that I would have as a student.”
exam. The clinic gave me a good working knowledge of the “ins”
ences provided by Nebraska Law’s Civil and Criminal Clinical
and “outs” of a law practice rather than the theories I would need in that practice.” Sipp continues as a solo practitioner with the Law Offices of
programs. The focus of these clinics is to involve students in tasks that help them develop the substantive knowledge, legal skills and
Bradley A. Sipp in Lincoln. Joshua Schauer (’02), an alumnus of the Civil Clinic and a
professional values they need to be effective lawyers. “Our primary pedagogical goals are to help students develop models that allow them to apply theory to practice, to explore
partner at the Lincoln law firm of Perry Guthery Haase & Gessford, echoed Sipp’s sentiments. “Among other experiences, I worked with clients, filed plead-
applied ethical issues with them, and to help them develop professional judgment that will serve them well in the future,” said
ings, and appeared in court. The experience definitely helped
Professor Kevin Ruser, director of clinical programs.
prepare me for practice after law school. It was great to work with
“Our most important task in the clinics is to help students
actual clients and experience how matters proceed through court
develop skills that will serve them well in their careers, and we do
or settlement. The ability to help direct a case, with the great help
this by working closely with students as they represent clients or
from clinic staff and faculty, sets the experience apart from clerking.
prosecute cases. We have found that live-client clinics, such as ours,
I would recommend it to any law student.”
www.unl.edu 28 | GoodNUz | COLLEGES
Bradley Sipp, a Nebraska
pects were not the best. Because I spent a semester in the Criminal
ers v. Nebraska State Penitentiary, S-10-0267.
Countless students such as Myerle benefit from the experi-
Steve Schmidt
peers.”
J
Spring 2011 Husker Athletics Schedules * Indicates conference game/meet; home games in RED. Photos courtesy of Nebraska Media Relations. BASEBALL Feb. 18, Texas State at San Marcos, Texas, 3 p.m. Feb. 19, Air Force at San Marcos, Texas, 11 a.m. Feb. 19, Washington at San Marcos, Texas, 7 p.m. Feb. 20, Missouri State at San Marcos, Texas, 11 a.m. Feb. 25, Northern Colorado at Huntsville, Texas, 1:30 p.m. Feb. 26, Northern Colorado at Huntsville, Texas, 1:30 p.m. Feb. 26, Sam Houston State at Huntsville, Texas, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 27, Sam Houston State at Huntsville, Texas, 10 a.m. March 02, Nebraska-Kearney, Hawks Field, 1:35 p.m. March 04, UCLA, Hawks Field, 1:35 p.m. March 05, UCLA, Hawks Field, 2:05 p.m. March 06, UCLA, Hawks Field, 1:05 p.m. March 08, Doane College, Hawks Field, 1:35 p.m. March 11, Fresno State, Hawks Field, 1:35 p.m. March 12, Fresno State, Hawks Field, 2:05 p.m. March 13, Fresno State, Hawks Field, 1:05 p.m. March 15, South Dakota State, Hawks Field, 1:35 p.m. March 16, Kansas State at Manhattan, Kan., 6:30 p.m. March 18, North Dakota, Hawks Field, 1:35 p.m. March 19, North Dakota (DH), Hawks Field, 2:05 p.m. March 20, North Dakota, Hawks Field, 1:05 p.m. March 22, Northern Colorado, Hawks Field, 6:35 p.m. March 23, Northern Colorado, Hawks Field, 1:35 p.m. March 25, Texas Tech* at Lubbock, Texas, 6:30 p.m. March 26, Texas Tech* at Lubbock, Texas, 5 p.m. March 27, Texas Tech* at Lubbock, Texas, 1 p.m. April 01, Oklahoma State*, Hawks Field, 6:35 p.m. April 02, Oklahoma State*, Hawks Field, 2:05 p.m. April 03, Oklahoma State*, Hawks Field, 1:05 p.m. April 05, Creighton, Hawks Field, 6:35 p.m. April 08, Kansas* at Lawrence, Kan., 6 p.m. April 09, Kansas* at Lawrence, Kan., 2 p.m. April 10, Kansas* at Lawrence, Kan., 1 p.m. April 12, Wichita State at Wichita, Kan., 6:30 p.m. April 15, Kansas State*, Hawks Field, 6:35 p.m. April 16, Kansas State*, Hawks Field, 3:05 p.m. April 17, Kansas State*, Hawks Field, 1:05 p.m. April 19, Creighton at TD Ameritrade Park, 6:30 p.m. April 22, Oklahoma* at Norman, Okla., 6:30 p.m. April 23, Oklahoma* at Norman, Okla., 2 p.m. April 24, Oklahoma* at Norman, Okla., 1 p.m. April 26, Iowa, Hawks Field, 6:05 p.m. April 29, Baylor*, Hawks Field, 6:35 p.m. April 30, Baylor*, Hawks Field, 2:05 p.m. May 01, Baylor*, Hawks Field, 1:05 p.m. May 06, Texas*, Hawks Field, 6:35 p.m. May 07, Texas*, Hawks Field, 2:05 p.m. May 08, Texas*, Hawks Field, 1:05 p.m. May 10, Creighton at TD Ameritrade Park, 7 p.m. May 13, Texas A&M* at College Station, Texas, 6:35 p.m. May 14, Texas A&M* at College Station, Texas, 2:05 p.m. May 15, Texas A&M* at College Station, Texas, 1:05 p.m. May 19, Missouri*, Hawks Field, 6:35 p.m. May 20, Missouri*, Hawks Field, 6:35 p.m. May 21, Missouri*, Hawks Field, 2:05 p.m. May 25-29, Big 12 Tournament* at Oklahoma City, Okla., TBA June 03-05, NCAA Regionals at Campus Sites, TBA June 10-13, NCAA Super Regionals at Campus Sites, TBA June 18-29, College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park, TBA FOOTBALL – SPRING GAME April 16, Red vs. White, Memorial Stadium, 1 p.m. MEN’S GOLF Feb. 21-22, Rice Intercollegiate at Houston, Texas (Westwood), TBA Feb. 26-27, Wyoming Desert Intercollegiate at Palm Desert, Calif., TBA March 14-15, Jackrabbit Invitational at Primm, Nev., TBA March 25-27, Florida Atlantic Spring Break Championship at Delray Beach, Fla., TBA April 04-05, Mizzou Intercollegiate at Columbia, Mo., TBA April 16-17, Hawkeye Invitational at Iowa City, Iowa, TBA April 25-27, Big 12 Championship at Hutchinson, Kan., TBA
WOMEN’S GOLF Feb. 20-22, Kiawah Island Intercollegiate at Kiawah Island, S.C., 7:30 a.m. March 07-09, UNLV Spring Invitational at Boulder City, Nev., 9:30 a.m. March 21-22, BYU at Entrada Classic at St. George, Utah, 9:30 a.m. March 25-26, Mountain View Collegiate at Tucson, Ariz., 9:30 a.m. April 11-12, Baylor Spring Invitational at Waco, Texas, 8:30 a.m. April 22-24, Big 12 Championships at Columbia, Mo., 8:30 a.m. SOFTBALL Feb. 18, Tennessee Tech at Denton, Texas, 12:30 p.m. Feb. 18, North Texas at Denton, Texas, 3 p.m. Feb. 19, Centenary at Denton, Texas, 10 a.m. Feb. 19, Northwestern State at Denton, Texas, 12:30 p.m. Feb. 20, Tennessee Tech at Denton, Texas, 10 a.m. Feb. 25, BYU at Cathedral City, Calif., 12:30 p.m. Feb. 25, Hawaii at Cathedral City, Calif., 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26, Nevada at Cathedral City, Calif., 3 p.m. Feb. 27, Ohio State at Cathedral City, Calif., 11 a.m. Feb. 27, Long Island at Cathedral City, Calif., 1 p.m. March 11, Radford at Clearwater, Fla., 11:30 a.m. March 11, Marchyland at Clearwater, Fla., 2 p.m. March 12, La Salle at Clearwater, Fla., 2 p.m. March 12, Florida at Clearwater, Fla., 7 p.m. March 13, Central Connecticut at Clearwater, Fla., 8:30 a.m. March 16, South Dakota (DH), Bowlin Stadium, 3 & 5 p.m. March 18, New Mexico State at Las Cruces, N.M., 5 p.m. March 19, New Mexico State (DH) at Las Cruces, N.M., 2 & 4 p.m. March 20, New Mexico State at Las Cruces, N.M., 1 p.m. March 22, UTEP (DH) at El Paso, Texas, 2 & 4 p.m. March 26, Oklahoma* at Norman, Okla., 2 p.m. March 27, Oklahoma* at Norman, Okla., Noon March 30, Creighton, Bowlin Stadium, 6 p.m. April 02, Kansas* at Lawrence, Kan., 2 p.m. April 03, Kansas* at Lawrence, Kan., 1 p.m. April 06, North Dakota State (DH), Bowlin Stadium, 4 & 6 p.m. April 09, Texas*, Bowlin Stadium, 2 p.m. April 10, Texas*, Bowlin Stadium, Noon April 13, Creighton at Omaha, Neb., 6 p.m. April 16, Texas A&M* at College Station, Texas, 2 p.m. April 17, Texas A&M* at College Station, Texas, Noon April 22, Missouri*, Bowlin Stadium, 6 p.m. April 23, Missouri*, Bowlin Stadium, 4 p.m. April 26, Northern Iowa, Bowlin Stadium, 5 p.m. April 27, South Dakota State (DH), Bowlin Stadium, 3 & 5 p.m. April 30, Texas Tech*, Bowlin Stadium, 1 p.m. May 01, Texas Tech*, Bowlin Stadium, Noon May 07, Baylor* at Waco, Texas, 2 p.m. May 08, Baylor* at Waco, Texas, Noon May 10, Iowa State*, Bowlin Stadium, 5 p.m. May 12, Iowa State* at Ames, Iowa, 3 p.m. May 14, Oklahoma State*, Bowlin Stadium, 2 p.m. May 15, Oklahoma State* May 20-22, NCAA Regionals at Campus Sites, TBA May 27-28, NCAA Super Regionals at Campus Sites, TBA June 02-08, Women’s College World Series at Oklahoma City, Okla., TBA OUTDOOR TRACK AND FIELD March 19, Baldy Castillo Invitational at Tempe, Ariz., TBA March 25-26, Stanford Invitational at Palo Alto, Calif., TBA April 02, Wichita State Triangular at Wichita, Kan., TBA April 09, Pepsi Invitational at Eugene, Ore., TBA April 16, Concordia Invitational at Seward, Neb., TBA April 16, Tom Jones Memorial at Gainesville, Fla., TBA April 20-23, Kansas Relays at Lawrence, Kan., TBA April 27-30, Penn Relays at Philadelphia, Pa., TBA April 27-30, Drake Relays at Des Moines, Iowa, TBA May 01, Nebraska Open, Ed Weir Stadium, 2 p.m. May 07, Ward Haylett Invitational at Manhattan, Kan., TBA May 13-15, Big 12 Outdoor Championships* at Norman, Okla., TBA May 26-May 28, NCAA West Region Preliminary Round at Eugene, Ore., TBA June 08-11, NCAA Outdoor Championships at Des Moines, Iowa, TBA June 23-26, USA Championships at Eugene, Ore., TBA
MEN’S TENNIS Feb. 19, Minnesota, Lincoln, Neb., 11 a.m. Feb. 19, Creighton, Lincoln, Neb., 5 p.m. Feb. 26, Wisconsin at Madison, Wis., Noon March 05, Denver at Denver, Colo., TBA March 06, UNLV at Denver, Colo., TBA March 12, Wichita State, Lincoln, Neb., 10 a.m. March 12, UMKC, Lincoln, Neb., 6 p.m. March 22, LSU at Baton Rouge, La., TBA March 23, Mississippi State at Starkville, Miss., 2 p.m. March 25, New Mexico at Albuquerque, N.M., 2 p.m. March 26, Fresno State at Albuquerque, N.M., TBA April 02, Baylor*, Lincoln, Neb., 3 p.m. April 10, Texas A&M* at College Station, Texas, 1 p.m. April 15, Oklahoma State* at Stillwater, Okla., TBA April 17, Texas* at Austin, Texas, 1 p.m. April 22, Oklahoma*, Lincoln, Neb., 3 p.m. April 23, Texas Tech*, Lincoln, Neb., 3 p.m. April 28-30, Big 12 Championships at Waco, Texas, TBA WOMEN’S TENNIS Feb. 18-20, Team National Indoors at Charlottesville, Va., TBA Feb. 26, Colorado State at Nebraska Tennis Center, Noon Feb. 27, Colorado State vs. Creighton, Nebraska Tennis Center, 11 a.m. Feb. 27, Creighton, Nebraska Tennis Center, 3:30 p.m. March 05, Wisconsin at Minneapolis, Minn., 1 p.m. March 06, Minnesota at Minneapolis, Minn., 11 a.m. March 11, Ohio State, Nebraska Tennis Center, 6:30 p.m. March 13, Iowa at Iowa City, Iowa, 2 p.m. March 18, Oklahoma*, Nebraska Tennis Center, 2 p.m. March 20, Oklahoma State*, Nebraska Tennis Center, Noon March 23, Tulsa at Tulsa, Okla., 11 a.m. March 27, Missouri* at Columbia, Mo., 1 p.m. April 01, Kansas State* at Manhattan, Kan., 1 p.m. April 03, Kansas*, Nebraska Tennis Center, Noon April 08, Baylor* at Waco, Texas, 5 p.m. April 10, Texas Tech* at Lubbock, Texas, 11 a.m. April 15, Texas*, Nebraska Tennis Center, 4 p.m. April 17, Texas A&M*, Nebraska Tennis Center, Noon April 20, Colorado* at Boulder, Colo., 2 p.m. April 23, Iowa State*, Nebraska Tennis Center, 1 p.m. April 28-May 01, Big 12 Championships* at Waco, Texas, TBA All dates and times subject to change. For updated information visit Huskers.com.
WINTER SPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS BOWLING April 14-16, NCAA Championship at Detroit, Mich., TBA MEN’S GYMNASTICS April 02, MPSF Championship at Colorado Springs, Colo., 2 p.m. April 14-16, NCAA Championships at Columbus, Ohio, 7 p.m. WOMEN’S GYMNASTICS March 19, Big 12 Championship at Columbia, Mo., 2 p.m., TBA April 02, NCAA Regionals at TBA April 15-17, NCAA Championships at Cleveland, Ohio, TBA INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD Feb. 25-26, Big 12 Indoor Championships*, Devaney Center Indoor Track March 11-12, NCAA Indoor Championships at College Station, Texas, TBA RIFLE March 11-12, NCAA Championships at Columbus, Ga., TBA SWIMMING AND DIVING Feb. 23-26, Big 12 Conference Championships at Austin, Texas March 11-13, Zone Diving Meet at Austin, Texas March 17-19, NCAA Championships at Austin, Texas WRESTLING March 05, Big 12 Championships* at Ames, Iowa, 10 a.m. March 17-19, NCAA Championships at Philadelphia, Pa.
www.huskers.com
J
AThletics | Spring 2011 | 29
Hendricks Training Complex Will Be ‘Top-Drawer Facility, Huge Recruiting Tool’
Hendricks Training Complex at a Glance • 71,420 square feet of new construc- tion; 4,000 square feet of renovation. • Begun in July, 2010; complete in October, 2011.
Now, Nebraska not only will catch up with its rivals, but
Stories by Randy York, ’71 John Ingram’s job is to create championship-level facilities and
sprint ahead of many of the best basketball programs in the coun-
• Offices and locker rooms for men’s
develop forward-thinking plans for an athletic department that is
try in terms of practice facilities, not to mention the new Down-
basketball, women’s basketball and
always balancing the needs and wants of Nebraska’s student-ath-
town Haymarket Arena set to open in 2013.
wrestling. • Basketball meeting rooms with state- of-the-art A/V equipment. • Custom iPads and stainless steel recovery tanks in the basketball locker rooms. • Player hallway with interactive display
“A lot of newly built practice facilities across the country
letes with the desires and experiences of Husker fans. The $18.7 million Hendricks Training Complex, launched
only have eight extra feet of room around their full-sized courts,”
last summer and on schedule to open next fall, showcases what can
Ingram pointed out. “Each of our new practice facilities will have
happen when creativity meets vision and execution follows strategic
an extra half court beyond the full court, so while a full-court scrimmage is going on, players can still
planning.
be shooting three-point shots or free
“Through the generosity of all of
featuring lighted, red, 3D basketballs.
our great donors, this is going to be
throws or working on something else
• 5,000-square-foot strength and con-
a top-drawer facility. It’s going to be
they need to work on.”
ditioning complex.
among the very best in the country,”
• “The Oasis” nutrition station plus
said Ingram, Nebraska’s associate ath-
components that will separate it from
letic director for Capital Planning and
many recently built practice facili-
Construction. “It’s also going to be a
ties – cushioned courts and high-end
huge recruiting tool for us.”
acoustics, both of which are crucial for
full-sized kitchen with lounge, A/V and custom lighting sculptures. • Practice courts painted identically to the game court at the Downtown Haymarket Arena. • 103-inch plasma TVs to aid teaching
Nebraska will have two major
players and coaches.
In his 18th year working for Nebraska Athletics, Ingram smiles
on practice courts.
when he thinks of how much Bus
High-End Courts Will Be Similar
• Grand lobby with 25-foot video wall,
Whitehead would enjoy tracking the
to New Arena’s
custom granite basketball fountain
daily progress of a new 75,000-square-
and two-story custom artwork.
foot practice facility.
• Balconies overlooking practice gyms and connecting to basketball offices. • Court-and-a-half basketball gyms, allowing free throw and three-point shooting at the same time as full court scrimmage. • Three-mat wrestling practice facility with satellite training room.
“We’re putting a lot of resources into these new courts to make sure the flooring is as good as possible,” Ingram
“I really enjoyed my relationship with Bus,” Ingram said, recalling how
John Ingram. Photo by Tom Slocum.
said. “We’re installing high-end courts with dynamics that will be very similar
the late founder of Whitehead Oil would call him whenever he had an idea that he thought would
to the main court they will play on downtown. Our players will
help Nebraska basketball.
have incredible cushioning effects that will help the physical wear-
“Bus cared about this program, and he cared about our facilities,” Ingram said. “He would call several times a year with sug-
and-tear of daily practices. They will absolutely love the flooring that will bear the Bus Whitehead name.” Acoustics is equally important. “It’s a major focus for us,”
• Expanded athletic medicine facility.
gestions, and they were always productive conversations. He’d say:
• Remodeled swimming/diving locker
‘John, I’d really like to see this done’ and the next time, it might
Ingram said, “because we’re building this facility to make sure we
room and lounge.
be something like: ‘John, I’m having this issue, and I think a lot of
have more of a classroom environment where the coaches can teach
• New addition entrance to be
fans are having the same issue’.”
and the players can learn.”
Whitehead Viewed the Game Through a Fan’s Eyes
both personal visits and virtual online tours, Ingram and Maggi
Devaney Center day-to-day entrance.
In benchmarking other facilities across the country, through Yes, Whitehead was a legendary figure in Nebraska basketball history, but for more than half a century after he played, he was a fan, and he looked at Nebraska basketball through a fan’s eyes. “Every time I talked to Bus, I could feel his passion – not just for basketball, but for the entire program,” Ingram said. “Once
For a closer look at the Hendricks Training Complex, as well as a new training facility for Nebraska baseball and softball at Haymarket Park and the expansion of approximately 5,000 seats to Memorial Stadium’s east side, visit www.expandtheirexperience.com.
30 | GoodNUz | athletics
this new training complex is finished, I know that he would be just as proud for the women’s basketball program and the wrestling program as he’d be for men’s basketball.” Whitehead always wondered why two major college programs
Thorne, assistant director of Capital Planning and Construction, saw expensive facilities being built with poor acoustics. “It made it very difficult to communicate what you’re trying to accomplish during practice,” Ingram said. The more Ingram and Thorne analyzed the issue, the more determined they were not to repeat the problem. With sound acoustics, it made sense to install 103-inch plasma TVs on each practice court to aid teaching. “We’ve looked all over the country to learn what works and
had to share the same practice floor and how difficult that made it
what doesn’t,” Ingram said. “With the layouts we’re putting to-
for both to keep up with their main rivals.
gether, we believe we’re going to be among the elite in the country.”
Children Say Bus Whitehead Would Be Honored, Humbled With Name on Huskers’ Practice Court On a Friday afternoon in late January, a brother who oversees the family oil business and his two sisters were making their first visit to the Hendricks Training Complex, where the Nebraska
Huskers’ biggest and best known fan. Listen to his children describe what they remember most about their dad:
$10 Million Gift Jump-Starts Devaney Center Expansion For anyone who thinks Nebraska Athletics revolves solely around Big Red
men’s basketball court will be named in honor of their father –
football, think again.
Milton Edgar “Bus” Whitehead.
Lesley Jaggers, Lincoln:
This summer, Nebraska will join the
I will always remember going to Nebraska
Big Ten Conference, the nation’s oldest
inside the newly constructed building that connects to Lincoln’s
basketball games with my dad and run-
league that has led the NCAA in men’s
Bob Devaney Sports Center. It was not easy to pause and collect
ning around the Coliseum after the game.
their thoughts as they stood on the concrete that will become a
Dad would stay late, talk on the radio,
daily practice facility with three permanently inscribed words on
and the three of us would crawl around
beautiful hardwood overlaying the concrete.
under the bleachers. It was surprising how
It was easy for the three siblings to put on hardhats and go
“Bus Whitehead Court” has a nice ring to it, but Mark Whitehead and his sisters, Sydney Uthoff and Lesley Jaggers, had to
quickly the Coliseum emptied, and all the
Lesley Jaggers. Photo by Tom Slocum.
clear their throats and wipe a tear before explaining why each gave
basketball attendance for 36 consecutive years. Fortunately, thanks to visionary donors who won the 2010 Dr. Barbara Hibner Trailblazer Award from the Nebraska Athletic Department, the Huskers
lights would be off except for the lamps
will be ready for prime-time in big-time
along press row (where Bus served 18 years
college basketball.
equally to honor their dad and how humbled he would be to have
as a radio analyst for Husker games with Bob Zenner, among others).
his name on Nebraska’s everyday practice court.
I loved looking up to that press area and seeing my dad. Looking back,
their children, Jennifer and Brandon,
that’s how I remember him … literally in the limelight.
donated $10 million to jump-start the
Bus was a 6-foot-9 all-conference player on back-to-back Big Six and Big Seven Conference championship teams in 1949 and ’50 – the last two regular-season conference titles in Nebraska
Sydney Uthoff, Houston:
basketball history.
I have many great memories that come
Blessed with character, charisma and personality, Bus lived his
my mom and my dad. Basketball was a big
for his family, his friends and his alma mater. He died last June at 82.
part of our lives growing up, and I doubt
Bus Whitehead not only had character; he was a character. He
fundraising effort for the Huskers’ new basketball practice facility that accommodates both the men’s and women’s teams (see sidebar on page 30).
back to me about Nebraska basketball with
life with abundant faith, never-ending hope and unconditional love
Tom and Mary Hendricks, along with
Honored last fall at the NebraskaTexas football game in Lincoln, the Hendricks family, natives of Pipe Creek,
we missed many games, if any. I especially
Texas, made the contribution to UNL
knew every head coach in the Big Eight Conference and counted
remember dad taking us early to the fresh-
Athletic Director Tom Osborne, so
some officials among his personal friends, triggering at least one
man games, so we could enjoy hot dogs for
unforgettable moment.
dinner. We never missed a game and loved
Going through boxes last summer, for instance, the family
Sydney Uthoff. Photo by Tom Slocum.
ships beyond the football field. “Our new practice facility is vital
running up and down the Coliseum ramps
found a “Technical Genius” trophy that Bus received for a certain
and hitting the concession stands. Mom would always come later and
game at Kansas State. Sitting directly behind Nebraska’s bench, Bus
join us for the varsity game, so it was just a fun evening all the way
suggested that officials call the game both ways. The result was an
around.
for student-athletes’ game-day preparations as well as recruiting,” Osborne said. “With the introduction of Title IX and women’s athletics after the Devaney
immediate technical foul. Mark Whitehead, Lincoln: All Three Siblings Contributed Equally
Nebraska could compete for champion-
Center was built, we have two Division I basketball programs trying to effectively
My dad always got home about an hour
practice and compete on one floor, not
or so later than everyone else’s dad. But on
to mention all of the other sports and
the family name on a basketball court, and those golden moments
Husker basketball nights, he was always
activities that take place in the Devaney
spurred all three to contribute to the Athletic Department in honor
home by 4:30 to pick us up and head to the
Center.
of their father – a Nebraska basketball Hall-of-Famer and the cap-
Coliseum. It was a tremendous bonding ex-
tain of the Huskers’ all-time basketball team. Bus also played in the
perience for the family, even when it was just
For the Whitehead family, memories are more than having
East-West All-Star Game in Madison Square Garden and earned the program’s first Distinguished Hall-of-Fame Alumni Award. Always thinking that Nebraska would win every game, Bus
Mark Whitehead. Photo by Tom Slocum.
a Red-White scrimmage. When the freshman team didn’t play anybody, they would scrimmage each other. Sometimes, we were the
personally watched more than 500 games at the Devaney Center
only fans in the stands, but it didn’t matter to my dad. We made every
in addition to hundreds more at the Coliseum where he played,
scrimmage. We were never late, and my dad focused on every single play
starred, coached, announced and earned his reputation as the
while we ran all over the bleachers. He would just soak it all up.
“We are very grateful for this most generous gift from the Hendricks family and appreciate what they are doing for the future of our student-athletes and programs,” Osborne said. “In a tough economic climate, this gift gave us a tremendous lift.”
Continued on back cover AThletics | Spring 2011 | 31
Nonprofit U.S. Postage Paid Alumni Association of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln
N E B R A S K A
A lu m n i A s s o c i at i o n
oodNUz
Wick Alumni Center 1520 R Street Lincoln, NE 68508-1651
Continued from page 31
Doc Sadler: Bus Deserving of Honor Nebraska Head Basketball Coach Doc Sadler can’t imagine a more fitting name for the Husker men’s daily basketball court. “Bus loved Lincoln, he loved Nebraska, and he loved Nebraska basketball,” Sadler said. “I’m sure he lived his life like he did when he played here. He was just a giving person – the kind who would put his own stats in the back end so he could do what was best for the team. He was the same way as a fan and a donor – always willing to give without ever asking for anything in return. I saw him at every game, every luncheon and every banquet. He was always there, doing whatever he could to help us win.” Mark Whitehead said his dad relished envisioning ways Nebraska could keep pace with the conference. “He talked constantly about building a foundation and keeping us competitive,” Mark said. “He might have been a little torn about having his name involved, but he was in favor of supporting anything that benefitted the program.” Both sisters agree. “Nebraska basketball was near and dear to his heart – it was No. 1 when he played at Nebraska and stayed there when he came back to Lincoln to run a business,” Uthoff said. “Dad was very excited about the practice facility, about the new downtown arena and about having Doc Sadler lead us into the Big Ten Conference.” Jaggers said her dad would have enjoyed having a practice facility that will be second to none. “He was all about the players,” she said. “He loved coming to practice to meet them, watch them
Picture Perfect Framed by construction materials on the site of “Bus Whitehead Court” at UNL, Bus’s children (left to right) Lesley Jaggers, Mark Whitehead and Sydney Uthoff, reflect on the mark the Nebraska basketball legend left on them and on his beloved Cornhuskers. In honor of their father, the Whitehead offspring donated funds for the practice court, part of the $18.7 million Hendricks Training Complex addition to the Devaney Center. For the whole picture – and how it will benefit NU Athletics – turn to pages 30-31. Photo by Tom Slocum.
and support them. He would be proud and honored to be associated with all of this, but more than anything, he would be humbled. That’s just the way he was.”
www.expandtheirexperience.com
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