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UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA KEARNEYALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Jon BokenkampThe Blacklist

Centerfold

Watch forThe Lopes Up!

February2/15 Traveling Lopers: Phoenix, Ariz., Area Alumni Gatherings2/16 Traveling Lopers: Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz., Area Alumni Gatherings

March3/1 Traveling Lopers: Southern California Alumni Gatherings3/21 Traveling Lopers: Seattle, Wash., Alumni Gatherings, through March 22

April4/3 Traveling Lopers: Mac’s Creek Vineyard in Lexington, Neb., Alumni Gathering4/4 UNK Campus: UNK Alumni Board Meeting 4/5 Kearney Area alumni event at the Storm Hockey Game!4/25 UNK Campus: DNA Day with Nobel Prize Winner Mario Capecchi4/26 UNK Campus: Bringing back the Bike Bowl Tradition!

May5/9 UNK Campus: Commencement

June6/2 ATHLETICS: Blue/Gold Golf in Kearney, Neb., the Athletic Fundraiser 6/23 Scrambling for Scholarships Golf Tournament: Omaha, Neb., Oak Hills Country Club

Visit unkalumni.org for more UNK Alumni Association events and detailsand Lopers.com for more information on ALL sporting events.

Upcoming Events

The Gold Torch Society Alumni mentors Sharon Almquist ’81, Dr. Candace L.T. Walton ’97, Ph.D., Kimberly (Jenkins) Norblade ’87, Nicole (Dickmeyer) Fisher ’08, PT, DPT and Janet (Pokorny) Boettcher ’01 toured campus prior to meeting for the weekend.

On July 1, 2005, the University of Nebraska Foundation launched a major fundraising initiative – the “Campaign for Nebraska” – with students, faculty, academic, and facility support identified as major campaign priorities. The goal for the University of Nebraska at Kearney was a lofty $50 million to be raised by Dec. 31, 2014. I cannot be more pleased to announce that UNK has not only met, but has surpassed, that goal. Well ahead of the target date, no less. Congratulations and grateful thanks are in order to Ron Williams ‘67 of Denver and Larry Hall ’64 of Colorado Springs for serving as co-chairs of our Campus Leadership Team; to the team members; and to all who contributed so generously. Once again, the UNK family has exceeded all expectations.

Along with this exciting news, I want to share a few facts about those who will benefit most from your generosity. Our students. For the first time ever our enrollment includes students from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Over half of this year’s seniors are first generation (the first in their families to attend college); 36 percent started at another institution before attending UNK; and one in 10 studied abroad as part of their UNK curriculum. Perhaps most gratifying is that our seniors indicate experiencing higher quality interaction with advisors, faculty and staff, and fellow students in comparison to what seniors at our peer institutions have reported.

I’ve said it before and it is still true. There has never been a better time to be a Loper!

DOUGLAS A. KRISTENSEN, J.D. Chancellor

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA KEARNEY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Loper Pride. We all feel it in some way. For some, it’s the good feeling you get when you hear someone mention “Kearney” and you can say “I’m a Kearney grad!” For others, it’s the competitive fire that rises up when you hear a freshman-to-be talk about their college options, and you have to tell them that Kearney is the place for them. Or, it’s being moved to provide financial support to today’s UNK students.

In the past eight years, some 8,500 donors – graduates and non-graduates – have provided generous financial support to help UNK surge past $50 million in “Campaign for Nebraska.” We couldn’t be more appreciative. The opportunities that these charitable investments will provide for young people on the Kearney campus will be paid forward many times over in ways we cannot imagine. We should all take great pride in that, as each of us considers our best way to perpetuate our Loper Pride today and every day.

LUCAS DART ‘97UNK Campaign Director & Associate Director of UNKAA

Alumni events are fun ways to reconnect with old friends, to make new friends and to network with people who share a common interest – dear old UNK. These get-togethers are a great way to learn about what’s happening on campus. You’ll be surprised at what you learn – I hope to see you at an event soon.

On the previous page, you’ll see just a few of the many events taking place, including the Bike Bowl. Do you remember that classic event? They’re bringing it back!

Go to unkalumni.org to learn more or register to attend. There are many more things going on, including events in Omaha, southern California and Arizona that you can learn more about on the website.

There is a lot of activity on campus and you can help tell the story. Come to an event and learn more, meet some “old” friends and make some new friends. See you there!

GARY REBER ’86UNK Alumni Association Board President

Dear Alumni & Friends

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ON THE COVERTHE WORLD THEATRE: Jon Bokenkamp and his family moved back to Kearney from Los Angeles in 2007. After his return, Bokenkamp established the World Theatre Foundation, a nonprofit that restored and reopened Kearney’s historic World Theatre in 2012. He currently serves as executive director at the theater and selects the monthly art house and indie movies that screen each week. Cover photo provided by Corbey Dorsey.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORPete Kotsiopulos ‘70ASSOCIATE DIRECTORLucas Dart ‘97ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONMichelle (Thompson) Widger ‘90ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENTBrette (Covington) Ensz ‘06 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTToni (Winsor) Meyers ‘93

EDITOR, ART DIRECTOR AND GRAPHIC DESIGNERMichelle Widger ‘90, UNK Alumni Association Assistant Director CommunicationEDITOR EMERITUSJim Rundstrom ‘64, UNK Alumni Association Director EmeritusMANAGING EDITORDorothy Endacott, NU Foundation Asst. Vice President Dir. CommunicationsASSISTANT EDITORKelly Bartling, UNK Assistant Vice Chancellor Communications & Community RelationsPHOTOGRAPHYUNK Alumni AssociationCorbey Dorsey/UNK AthleticsUNK Creative Services and Communications

BOARD OF DIRECTORS - OFFICERSGary Reber ‘86, President, LincolnDennis Pool ‘70, President-Elect, OmahaBrett Kuhn, Ph.D. ‘86, Past President, Gretna Brenda (Snodgrass) Christensen ‘83, Ex-Officio Emeriti, MindenUNK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORSCarol (Green) Ballain ‘65, Fort Collins, Colo.Herman Baptiste ‘90, Olathe,Kan.David Bargen ‘96, LincolnLauren (Mollard) Brandt ‘09, KearneyAmy (Fagot) Cope ‘99, KearneyJay Dostal ‘01, KearneyMark Felker ‘86, AllianceAbby (Losey) Grenke ‘01, Aurora, Ill.Gregg Grubaugh ‘79, PapillionRobin (Rubenthaler) Hines ‘88, MSE ‘91, North PlattePat (Kelly) Hoehner ‘57 MSE ‘67 ES ‘82, KearneyLeah (Bruns) Holmberg ‘94, Jordan, Minn.Todd Van Horn ‘93, KearneyEileen (McDole) Jahn ‘96, Kearney Jack Kreman ‘04, Noblesville, Ind.Norman Lang ‘68, Mill Creek, Wash.Mary (Buchanan) Mach ‘85, FairburyBarry McFarland ‘00, MAE ’05, ES ’12, LexingtonBill Peard ‘84, Waukee, IowaKatherine Pollock-Peterson ‘79, KearneyBethany Spilde ‘06, Olathe, Kan.Carolyn Wagner-Snyder ‘64, Carbondale, Ill.Bret Walker ‘00, Brighton, Colo.Heidi Weber ‘07, HastingsVicki (Vetter) Zikmund ‘74, KearneyUNK Today is published twice a year by the Alumni Association and the University of Nebraska Foundation and is the official alumni publication of the University of Nebraska Kearney.

POSTMASTER:Please send address changes to:

UNK TodayUniversity of Nebraska Kearney

Campus Box 21Kearney, Nebraska 68849

Phone 308.865.8474Fax 308.865.8999

Web: unkalumni.org

facebook.com/UNKAlumni

twitter.com/UNKAlumni

linkedin.com/interests/groups/University of Nebraska at Kearney

Lopers@unkalumni.org

The University of Nebraska is an affirmative action/equal opportunityinstitution. Individuals needing accommodation under ADA shouldcontact the ADA Coordinator at UNK, 308.865.8655.

Spring 2014

IN THIS ISSUE 4 The Blacklist Bokenkamp makes it big with NBC hit

6 Kinesiology and Sport Sciences Department changes name and hopes to impact quality of life and society

8 Family Physician Dr. Robert Wergin ’76 to lead national association

9 Ilene Steinkruger ’61 on Giving Back From a conversation with Ilene Steinkruger

10 Wall Honors Rural Teachers One Room, One Teacher was the theme for long-awaited recognition

12 Giving Surpasses $50 Million Goal Generosity and vision will significantly impact students for decades

14 Delta Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Founded in 1963; celebrates its 50th year on campus

17 Witte ’05 Honored Bringing his passion for travel into the classroom

18 JoAn Scott ’86 New director of NCAA Final Four

21 Making a Statement With Art Dee Schaad ’66 turns passions into whimsical artwork

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA KEARNEY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

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Feature

The BlacklistBokenkamp makes it big with NBC hit

By Todd GoTTula

uNK CommuNiCaTioNs

efore his writing career got untracked. Before he graduated from film school, moved to Hollywood and worked with all of the big names. Before he wrote NBC’s new hit show

“The Blacklist,” Jon Bokenkamp took classes for two years at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

And he continues to cherish those memories and experiences that helped prepare him for a successful career in the entertainment industry.

“After high school, I was the guy who wanted to leave Kearney and go straight to New York or L.A. to pursue a writing and film career. I had no interest in sticking around,” Bokenkamp said. “But nobody, including myself, knew how to guide me and turn that into reality. That was a tall order for a kid from Kearney, Nebraska.”

Bokenkamp attended UNK from 1991-93, focusing on journalism, art and music classes he knew would prepare him for the USC School of Cinematic Arts, where he graduated with honors in 1995.

“Going to UNK was a great decision because it gave me time to figure out exactly what I wanted to do,” said Bokenkamp, a Kearney native. “UNK provided personal space I needed to grow up a little bit. That is a stretch of my life I remember fondly.”

Bokenkamp credits UNK faculty such as Keith Terry, Tom Draper and Roy Hyatte for challenging him.

“They encouraged me to be a self starter. I had so many positive experiences at UNK,” said Bokenkamp. “It was such a nurturing environment where you could succeed to the degree you wanted.”

One of Bokenkamp’s favorite memories from UNK was an opportunity to make movies, even though no film classes were offered on campus.

“We convinced the journalism department to do some independent study that allowed us to use some cameras and editing equipment,” Bokenkamp recalled. “We kind of created our own class. Because UNK was small enough, we were allowed some freedom to drive our own interests and coursework.

“The people I worked with there were always open to new ideas and doing things differently,” he added. “They always had our best interests in mind.”

Bokenkamp and his family moved back to Kearney from Los Angeles in 2007 because he wanted to raise his children in a tight-knit community such as Kearney. Bokenkamp’s parents, Tom and Sue Bokenkamp, and his in-laws, Ron and Mary Scott, also live in Kearney.

“We love the pace and lifestyle in Kearney. It is quiet, and the people are lovely. What Kearney lacks is also what makes it great,” he insisted. “I love that our best restaurants are locally owned and not corporate, for example.

“I love our charming downtown area, the idea of dinner and a movie, or an afternoon drive to check out amazing places like Cottonmill Park.”

He counts the UNK campus among his favorite Kearney hangouts.“I still love visiting campus. It just has a different level of energy

than the rest of town. More people who live in Kearney should take the time to visit. That campus is a gift with a very warm atmosphere.”

The BlacklistBokenkamp is the creator, executive producer and writer for

NBC’s new hit show “The Blacklist,” which premiered in September. After strong reviews, high ratings and weekly viewership of more than 16 million per episode, NBC renewed the crime thriller in December for a 22-episode second season.

“Commercially, this is my most successful project, and I’m absolutely okay with that. Working with James Spader is an absolute gas; exciting and strange all at the same time. I feel very fortunate,” Bokenkamp said.

“We’re writing the best episodes we can and, for the moment, people are excited about it. I’ve heard from people in the industry who I haven’t heard from in a long time. So yeah, I think the show has changed my profile. I hope I can capitalize on that with this show or other projects.”

“The Blacklist” already has been nominated as Favorite New TV Drama in the People’s Choice Awards, and Spader received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actor.

“It has been a very surreal experience. I’ve been completely overwhelmed with the scripts, trying to get the stories right and the show made,” said Bokenkamp.

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Jon Bokenkamp credits faculty for challenging him.

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Strangely, he said he’s disconnected from the idea of the show being on TV and doing so well.

“I’m writing a scene that is shooting today. I’ll see it tomorrow, and it will air four days later. It’s such a fast process that there’s no time to know where you’re really at in the process. It’s incredibly exciting for me.”

While not surprised at the show’s success, Bokenkamp was never sure it would be a hit.

“I’ve worked on other things that I liked just as much, and that I worked just as hard on and that I saw in my head just as well. For whatever reason, “The Blacklist” has connected and had a lot of elements fall in place, from the right actors and right time to the right idea and good business decisions. Great material doesn’t rise to the top on its own.”

Asset to KearneyWhat makes Jon Bokenkamp special?“He honestly is one of the nicest guys you will meet,” said Bill

Sinnard, a World Theatre Foundation member. “He is very humble, genuine and laid back. And he’s intelligent. He’s very smart.”

Beyond Bokenkamp’s kindness is another side that few people get to see, Sinnard said.

“The guy is absolutely relentless when he’s determined to get something done. His focus is incredible, and he has an aggressive side to him that demands perfection. He’s one of those guys who can be told no a thousand times and keeps working hard until he hears that one yes.”

It is that quality, Sinnard said, that has helped Bokenkamp establish himself as one of today’s top young writers in Hollywood. It is also what led to the successful renovation of Kearney’s historic World Theatre, which reopened in 2012.

Bokenkamp established the World Theatre Foundation after he moved back to Kearney in 2007 and spearheaded a fundraising effort that brought in almost $1 million.

“Jon is an incredible asset to our community. With the theater, he taught us not to be afraid to take on a big idea and do something that most people don’t think can be done,” Sinnard said. “He is a tremendous leader.”

Despite all of Bokenkamp’s accomplishments in Hollywood, he doesn’t let his celebrity status define him, said Sinnard.

“We’re in the presence of a big-time screenwriter and director, yet he doesn’t have that Hollywood flare to him. He’s just as happy being known as that guy from Kearney who helps with the popcorn in his theater. I think he loves that about Kearney. The best is yet to come from him, but I don’t think Jon will ever let all of his success change how he goes about things.”

What is Next?In 1996, as his patience waned, Bokenkamp got his break.He was waiting tables at The Old Spaghetti Factory on Sunset

Boulevard and had a second part-time job parking cars at Universal Studios. He spent his days writing, passing up apprenticeships to perfect his craft.

That’s when a friend – CBS Studios producer and Holdrege native Todd Nelson – encouraged Bokenkamp to enter a movie script in a contest hosted by Fade In magazine.

His inclination was to say no, but Nelson’s constant nudging won out. Bokenkamp said yes, and his original screenplay “Preston Tylk” won the national contest.

He still calls it the most important moment in his career. “It cost $40 to enter, and I remember thinking there’s no way I

could afford to do it,” explained Bokenkamp. “But it won and got me an agent. That was the break I needed at that time. It was huge for me because I was somewhat unsure of myself.”

For Bokenkamp, uncertainty about his career as a writer and filmmaker has always existed.

“In Hollywood, every writer has fear and a tremendous amount of insecurity that it is all going away and you’ll never get another job,” he said. “I’m no different.

“I know this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I want to continue to write, but also see myself produce. I know how difficult it is to get shows made. A lot of people are writing scripts just as good, if not better, than me. I’m in a position with “The Blacklist” that a lot of people dream of being in. I don’t intend to squander that.” . n

Kinesiology and Sport SciencesDepartment changes name and hopes to impact quality of life and society

Campus News

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After a year of study, the Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Leisure Studies has changed its name to the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences.

Department chair Dr. Nita Unruh said the change was the result of a suggestion from the academic review team to better market the various programs offered.

The department is the second largest undergraduate department in the College of Education with five undergraduate degree programs and 739 students within the major.

The largest of those is the Exercise Science program followed by Health and Physical Education, Sports Management, Athletic Training as well as Recreation, Parks and Tourism.

Dr. Unruh pointed out that 38 percent of the majors are pursuing a degree in kinesiology and 55 percent in sport sciences with 5 percent in graduate programs and 2 percent undecided.

She said that as part of the process to change the name, “We looked at programs similar to ours and found that a majority

of those departments are either named Kinesiology or have kinesiology as a part of their department name.”

Dr. Unruh said the American Kinesiology Association definition of kinesiology fits closely with what the

department is all about: an academic discipline which involves the study of physical activity

and its impact on health, society and quality of life.

Kinesiology includes exercise science, sports management,

athletic training and sports medicine, socio-cultural analyses of sports, sport and exercise psychology, fitness leadership, physical education-teacher education, and pre-professional training for physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine

and other health-related fields.In addition to researching

other institutions, “we also surveyed our students to get their

perception of the term ‘kinesiology,’” she said. “Most students thought the name

sounded more professional than HPERLS and representative of what we do in the department.”

The addition of the term sport sciences to the title also comes from research with the students, when asked what attracted them to the HPERLS department, more than 90 percent stated it was because they were involved with sports and wanted to continue to be involved.

Below is an example of what the completed Wellness Center on Campus will look like. Dr. Nita Unruh is pictured above.

Campus News

According to Dr. Unruh, the term sport sciences is also a more contemporary term that is defined as the study of human movement through sport and recreation.

“This terminology in our name also continues to indicate our strong relationship with our athletics department in providing students opportunities to be involved in the athletics setting.”

Dr. Unruh said the department is multi-disciplinary with a lot going on.

“We offer one of the very few cadaver-based anatomy classes in the state to undergraduate students. Our Athletic Training program is a comprehensive entry program with students who complete the program passing the national exam in excess of 90 percent on the first try.

“Sports Management is the only one in the university system. Exercise Science is a rapidly growing program with 219 majors. Health and PE remains our second largest major with 202 majors. The third largest is Sports Management with 108.

“Overall, being such a diverse program gives us a unique niche on the campus to serve a wide variety of students and their needs. Beyond our educational program, the Kinesiology and Sport Sciences Department is also responsible for the intramural program and the open recreation program and will be responsible for the new student Wellness Center.”

That Wellness Center, under construction now and attached to Cushing Coliseum, will be completed by fall. n

Dusty Jura ’08 Returns to UNKThe University of Nebraska Foundation has named alumnus

Dusty Jura as director of development for UNK’s College of Education and Athletic Department. He will help establish relationships with individuals and organizations interested in advancing the university through charitable giving.

A Columbus native, he graduated from UNK in 2008 with a sports management major. As an Academic All-American member of the Lopers men’s basketball team, he’s among the school’s top-ranking players.

“I am excited to begin working with Dusty on development for the college,” said Ed Scantling, dean of the College of Education. “As an alumnus, he understands our academic programs well, and I’m confident he will maintain the momentum we’ve built.”

Athletic Director Paul Plinske said: “I met Dusty my first month on campus and was impressed with his contagious personality and enthusiasm for UNK and Loper Athletics. He understands the road to success and is going to be a tremendous addition.”

Following graduation, Jura played pro basketball in Spain and Australia before starting a career in medical technology marketing. We asked him about returning to Nebraska:

After living away, even outside the country, what drew you back? “It was easy to realize there truly is no place like Nebraska. My wife and I have so many friends and family in Nebraska,

specifically the Kearney area, so it was an easy decision. It’s hard to match the hospitality and friendliness of

Nebraskans, and that creates an atmosphere we believe is ideal to raise our family.”

What interests you in a career promoting giving to your alma mater?“I’m very grateful for the opportunities UNK provided me through my education, and it’s a

wonderful feeling to work for something you truly believe in and care about. I think the best

years of UNK are still ahead, and I am thankful for the opportunity to help with its progression.”

What are your best memories of going to UNK? “My best memories revolve around meeting wonderful people and being able to establish meaningful relationships. UNK is a big enough campus where you would meet interesting people every semester, yet it was small enough to never really lose touch with them.” n

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DFamily PhysicianDr. Robert Wergin ’76 to lead national association

Feature ~ College of Natural and Social Sciences

r. Robert Wergin ’76, a family physician in Milford, has been selected president-elect of the American Academy of Family Physicians. The AAFP represents

110,600 physicians and medical students nationwide. He was elected to the position by the Congress of Delegates and the AAFP’s governing body during the organization’s annual meeting last summer.

Dr. Wergin and his brothers all have ties to UNK. All four attended UNK when it was Kearney State.

“My oldest brother Chuck ’74 is a masters-level math teacher, my brother Rich ’78 is a masters-level math teacher, my brother Ron ’79 is a coach and PE teacher and my youngest brother Jack played football at Kearney and earned his prerequisite classes and is a civil engineer.”

Son Brett, now a medical student at UNMC, also attended UNK.Dr. Wergin said his journey began after graduating from

Milford High School. He adapted immediately and found the joy of learning and leadership as a college student. “The role models I had as professors served me well over these years in practice and in the academy.”

At UNK, where he graduated summa cum laude with majors in biology and chemistry, Dr. Wergin served as president of Tri Beta biology honorary and Lambda Tau medical technology honorary in the same year. He also was vice president of the student American Chemical Society.

“Studying in the library and being a student tutor in Men’s and Mantor Hall are great memories,” he said. “Now my path takes me to the challenges we face in health care delivery. I hope to shape the practice of family medicine

that my son Brett, a third-year student at UNMC, will face as he completes medical school and goes onto a family medicine residency.”

Dr. Wergin works in private practice at the Milford Family Practice Center, where he practices the full spectrum of family medicine, from obstetrics to geriatrics. He also serves as medical director for Sunrise Country Manor Nursing Home and Crest View Care Center.

He said that growing up in a rural setting, he learned the importance of community involvement. Dr. Wergin serves as chair of the Milford Public Schools Foundation Board, medical director for the Milford volunteer fire department, team physician for the Milford Public Schools and sideline physician for the Nebraska Shrine Bowl. He also serves as Milford city physician and is an instructor of advanced-cardiac and advanced-trauma life support. In addition, Dr. Wergin is a volunteer faculty member at UNMC, teaching medical students and residents on their rural rotations.

At the national level, Dr. Wergin has been an active member of the AAFP since 1982. He served as a delegate to the AAFP Congress of Delegates and is a former member of the AAFP’s Commission of Membership and Member Services and assisted the Website Advisory Committee.

At the state level, he has served in numerous leadership positions, including president and board member of the

Nebraska Academy of Family Physicians. He was Nebraska Family Physician of the Year in 2002 and Nebraska Nursing Home Medical Director of the Year in 2012. n

By ColleeN FleisCherBy Jim ruNdsTrom

Dr. Robert Wergin ‘76 practices a full spectrum of family medicine, from obstetrics to geriatrics.

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A Portrait in Philanthropy

y dad died very, very suddenly. He was young, just in his

early 30s. My mom became a widow when I was 10. She struggled. I was the oldest of three kids, and there was just no money.

I started working when I was in sixth grade. I worked for a dentist’s wife. When I got older, I cleaned houses and went to work at a Dairy Queen-type of drive-in. I was always interested in food – mostly eating it! So that’s probably what led me into home economics. I majored in home-ec in college at Kearney and I loved it. While I was in college I worked in a restaurant that’s no longer there, Grantham’s. I did well. I knew all the customers and I earned good tips. But trying to do my studies at night and still maintain a little social life was tough because I worked pretty much full time.

I received a loan from Job’s Daughters. I also received money from the Kearney Junior Chamber of Commerce – money they designated for a sophomore who needed it in order to continue with college. It probably wasn’t much by today’s standards, but it helped pay my tuition.

My late husband, Milton, struggled, too. He had a football scholarship to the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He was a real good punter. He’d actually gone to training camp and had a tryout with one of the major football teams. But he broke his foot in high school and the doctor didn’t set it right.

The medical expert on the football team took one look at the foot and said they’d have to pull the scholarship. Milton was so disappointed. He stayed at UNL a semester and then came to Kearney to take his pre-mortuary college basics. He had to work real hard while studying. He worked at the funeral home just a block away from Grantham’s. One day while I was working, he walked in and winked at me, and that was it!

He built his own funeral home from scratch here in Colorado Springs. The mortuary business was a good field. He really enjoyed it and was very successful at it. But believe me, he worked hard. I’m sure that may have led to his early death, because of the stress.

We thought one of the things we would try to do in our wills was to help UNK students who are struggling, who are in jeopardy of dropping out because of a crisis situation. Most universities have so many specific scholarships and grants for students in certain fields, like math or science – great fields. But I think

sometimes a crisis can happen to a student and when it does, this type of scholarship is much more needed. I let the people at UNK decide who gets the scholarships. I get a report every year on the number of scholarships. I get thank you notes sometimes. Those make me feel good, like I’ve contributed to someone else’s success. There’s so much need out there.

I hope that the students appreciate this kind of help, because I sure did. n

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CourTesy oF NuFouNdaTioN

Ilene Steinkruger ’61 on Giving BackFrom a conversation with Ilene Steinkruger

Ilene Steinkruger, at her home in Colorado Springs, Colo. The UNK alumna says she and her late husband, Milton, both wanted to help students at UNK who are struggling because of a crisis, who are in jeopardy of dropping out. They felt that type of scholarship could do a lot of good.

College of Education

Wall Honors Rural TeachersOne Room, One Teacher was the theme for long-awaited recognition

Thirty-five rural school teachers were honored at the dedication of the One Room, One Teacher

Wall of Honor during homecoming on Sept. 20. About 150 honorees, their families and

former students traveled to Kearney from across the country for the event at the College of Education.

Monty Nielsen ’71 and his wife, Anne ’73, came from Manhattan, Kan., to recognize Monty’s mother, Neva Nielsen ’70, who is among the

teachers now permanently honored.“My mother said upon retirement

from teaching that she would not have traded being a teacher for any other career,”

Nielsen said about his mother who taught for 30 years in several rural and small city elementary

schools in south central Nebraska, capping her career at North Ward Elementary School in Superior. “She loved to teach, and she loved the children she taught. She cherished all of those relationships and the positive impact she had on her students’ lives.”

Nielsen said his mother knew she wanted to be a teacher ever since she was a young girl growing up in south central Nebraska. She enjoyed teaching despite the challenges of instructing in a one room rural school during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl.

Nielsen, who received a bachelor’s degree from UNK and a doctor of education from UNL, has also devoted his own life’s work to education through higher education administration.

Donations to the University of Nebraska Foundation in support of the One Room, One Teacher Wall of Honor created an endowed scholarship fund to support future teachers studying at UNK.

Contributors have their name or the name of a person they are honoring permanently displayed on the wall of honor within the College of Education. Many of those honored are alumni, but the university is also honoring non-alumni. Anyone who taught in a rural school in Nebraska is eligible for the honor, and individual schools may also be recognized.

UNK’s unique effort also aims to preserve the stories and history of rural education, said Ed Scantling, dean of the College of Education.

“These teachers have had such an impact on so many people, on so many lives in the community. And they’ve never been honored like this before,” he said. “There’s never been any recognition for who they are and what they did.”

College of Education Dean Ed Scantling and Chancellor Doug Kristensen presented Josephine Bissell ’55 with her One Room, One Teacher award. Bissell said, “I taught for 44 years and enjoyed every minute of it. To this day, it’s the children that I miss the most. What a wonderful program One Room, One Teacher is, to remind me of such wonderful memories.”

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College of Education

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Ed Scantling, dean of UNK’s College of Education, announced his decision to return to the faculty ranks at the end of academic year 2013-14.

Scantling became dean of education in June 2006, after two years as associate dean. Prior to that he was chairman of UNK’s department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Leisure Studies, from 1998 to 2004.

Scantling is a former high school and collegiate wrestling coach, previously serving as head wrestling coach for the Lopers. Before coming to UNK in 1985 Scantling was an instructor of physical education at the University of Northern Colorado, and before that, a high school teacher in Clear Lake (Lakeport, Calif.) High School. He served as assistant wrestling coach at Northern Colorado and head wrestling coach in Lakeport.

Charles Bicak, senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs, congratulated Scantling on his accomplishments, “Ed has guided the college (of Education) through a highly successful NCATE reaccreditation, overseen advances in all five departments, enhanced the fundraising within the college and launched several important academic initiatives,” Bicak said.

“These include collaborative workshops with Kearney Public School teachers and UNK faculty, the One Room, One Teacher

recognition program, the advancement of the iPad initiative, approval of the Early Childhood Unified Endorsement online degree completion program and grant-supported outreach efforts in communication disorders.”

Scantling will return to teaching in the Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Leisure Studies, soon to be renamed the department of Kinesiology and Sport Science.

An expert scholar and research in physical education and recreation, Scantling has had numerous articles published in journals such as “Physical Education, Recreation and Dance,” and “Strategies: A Journal for Physical and Sport Educators.” He has written two textbooks on fitness education, “Fitness Education: Teaching Concepts-Based Fitness in the Schools” (1997), and “Fitness Education: Ideas and Implications for Secondary Schools” (1996).

As a faculty member Scantling has received the Leland Holdt Distinguished Faculty Award in 2001 and the Pratt-Heins Faculty Award for Service in 2005.

Scantling said, “It has been an honor to serve as the Dean of the College of Education over the last eight years. I would like to thank the Chancellor and Dr. Bicak for their support of the College of Education and express my gratitude to the chairs and faculty members of the COE for their dedication to UNK.” n

“The highlight was the opportunity for the former teachers to share memories of teaching in one room school houses or rural school houses,” Scantling said. To participate or learn more, contact Kristin Howard at the University of Nebraska Foundation at 308-698-5276 or at KHoward@nufoundation.org. n

LEFT TOP: Roxann (Ficken) Brennfoerder, Pat Norris and Chancellor Kristensen presented the late Doris (Brust) Fisher her plaque. Many of her students donated to purchase a plaque for Fisher who passed away after the event. BELOW LEFT: Ed Scantling and Chancellor Kristensen presented Keith ’61 and Eileen Carpenter with awards. The Carpenters honored their mothers who taught in one room schools. BELOW RIGHT: Tracy Lungrin ’97, MSE ’01 presents Mary Lou (Martin) Kristensen ’52, MSE ’62 her article with Mary Lou’s long-time college friend, Joyce (Psota) Wink ’54 who contributed a significant gift to honor Mary Lou.

Scantling Returns to Teaching

12

Campus News

University of Nebraska at Kearney alumni and friends have generously given the most private support in the campus’ history during the Campaign for Nebraska:

Unlimited Possibilities. And it’s not too late to participate and have your gift counted.

More than 6,000 individuals and organizations have given at every level to help UNK surpass its goal to raise $50 million during this historic initiative that concludes Dec. 31. (It’s also five times more than the $10 million goal during its last campaign from 1993 to 2000.)

A gift announced last fall from Robert Sahling of Kearney helped take UNK over the financial goal. He wasn’t able to go to college in the 1940s but is doing what he can to help generations of Nebraskans have access to an education and made a $1.2 million gift to create an endowed fund for full-tuition scholarships, including ones for students from Nebraska studying any major on campus and ones for students on the Loper football team.

This isn’t the first time he demonstrated support for students. Longtime university benefactors, Robert and his late wife, Dode, enjoyed supporting students over the years with scholarships.

“I experience real joy in getting to know the students and seeing their many accomplishments,” Sahling said. “What has also motivated me to give is witnessing the dedication of university leadership to the important mission of UNK.”

University history was also made in 2013 when UNK received its largest single gift ever. The estate of Kearney resident and philanthropist Carol Cope made a $12.6 million gift to provide permanently endowed support for students, faculty and programs. The gift established multiple permanently endowed funds to generate annual support for student scholarships, faculty awards, academic programs and more. Of the total gift, $11.6 million benefits UNK, and $1 million was directed to UNL for professorships.

“This gift is a blend of generosity and vision that will significantly impact students for decades to come,” said Chancellor Doug Kristensen.

The top focus of the Campaign for Nebraska has been increasing need and merit-based scholarship support for students. Donors have responded positively to this need by giving more than $26.6 million, nearly completing the goals of this priority.

Gifts are still needed to fulfill the campaign’s priority to increase support for faculty, including endowed professorships and chairs. Gifts are also sought to support the planned Health Sciences Education Complex, Wellness Center, Honors Program, Loper Fund and more.

“Gifts of absolutely all amounts to support any area of UNK are welcomed as we approach the end of this monumental campaign,” said Lucas Dart, campaign director. “We cannot thank our alumni and university friends enough for what they’re doing through philanthropy to make an already great university even stronger for the future.” n

Giving Surpasses $50 Million GoalGenerosity and vision will significantly impact students for decades

The top focus of the Campaign for Nebraska has been increasing need and merit-based scholarship support for students. Donors have responded positively to this need by giving more than $26.6 million, nearly completing the goals of this priority.

Family members Beth Ann (Bush) Placek ’91, undergrad Mallory Placek, Barbara (Hershberger) Bush ’63 and Kate (Bush) Goodwin ’11, attended the chapter’s 50th event. Barbara Bush was a founding advisor for Alpha Phi in 1963. A recently established scholarship fund honors Barbara Bush and promotes Alpha Phi Leadership Development for current UNK Alpha Phi members. To learn more, contact Kristin Howard at the University of Nebraska Foundation at 308-698-5276 or at KHoward@nufoundation.org.

F ive decades of University of Nebraska at Kearney Alpha Phi women gathered on campus recently to celebrate 50 years of sisterhood.

“We had women from all five decades – from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s – plus over 100 current collegian members,” said Tracy Lungrin ’97 MSE ’01, an Alpha Phi and the reunion organizer.

Alpha Phi 50thIn early October, the 50th anniversary

reunion of UNK’s Alpha Phi chapter included a reception at Kearney Country Club with music by UNK student Lanny Fuller and a welcome by Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Joe Oravecz. Activities also included a campus tour and a tour of the Alpha Phi house that was built in 1991. Followed by a pre-game party at the Alumni House to prepare for the Loper football game against Lindenwood University.

“Everybody found their sisters that they haven’t seen forever. There was tons of chatter, constant chatter. It was great,” Lungrin said.

More than 300 Alpha Phi members attended the “Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence Banquet and Celebration” at the Younes Conference Center. Humorist Juli Burney entertained, and Alpha Phi International President Linda Boland spoke at the dinner.

“Today we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Alpha Phi’s beloved Delta Xi chapter,” Boland said during her speech. “We celebrate your commitment to sisterhood, scholarship and service. We celebrate the collegians and alumnae alike who hail from UNK and represent their university and fraternity with honor and pride.

We celebrate your belief in lifelong, never-ending friendship. You are a true source of inspiration for Alpha Phi.”

Twelve charter members attended the celebration and were given charter pins. “That was really special

because they were the first members of our chapter back in 1963,” Lungrin said. “We wanted them to

feel really honored.”Twelve charter members were among

five decades of UNK Alpha Phi women who gathered on campus to celebrate 50

years of sisterhood.Founding advisors Barbara (Hershberger)

Bush ’63 and Jane Smith, both of Kearney, were also given charter pins.Alpha Phi members came from 18 states, including

Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Arizona, California and Florida.“Your college experience, if you do it well, is such an

important time for growth in your life,” Lungrin said. “People were saying, ‘These women supported me, they helped me grow, they’ve been the bridesmaids in my wedding, they’ve been there for the good times and the bad.’ They wanted to come back and participate in that original sisterhood.”

The importance of the event, Lungrin added, was reconnecting people to the organization and the university.

“They didn’t just come back for their connection to Alpha Phi, they came back because of their connection to Kearney. So many of them have not been here for years. When they were walking around the campus they couldn’t believe how much is the same, and how much has changed. It was really neat to see.” n

Campus News

Delta Xi Chapter of Alpha PhiFounded in 1963; celebrates its 50th year on campus

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UNK Alpha Phi Delta, Delta Xi Chapter:w Founded in 1963, it was Alpha Phi’s second chapter in Nebraska.wHas initiated 1,444 members since its founding.

BELOW: Twelve charter members were among five decades of UNK Alpha Phi women who gathered on campus to celebrate 50 years of sisterhood.

By sara GiBoNey

uNK CommuNiCaTioNs

Campus News

45 Years of Alpha Omicron PiThe Phi Sigma chapter founder reflects on the chapter’s beginning.

It was August 1967. Kearney State College was preparing for another school year as students bustled about campus. Joyce (Bryan) Strout ’70, a sophomore

from Holdrege, could hardly wait to begin her college career. Classes, study groups, new friendships and countless opportunities awaited her. Yet the one event she was most looking forward to would lead her on a journey she never expected.

Strout and her roommate eagerly participated in the campus sororities’ rush, or recruitment week.

“I was a bit disillusioned,” Strout said. “I thought all of the campus sororities had wonderful opportunities, but like Goldilocks, I needed to find just the right one.”

Seeking advice, Strout and Cristy (Best) Koch visited with Dean Ruth Sisler, who introduced the two women to three others who had similar concerns.

“And it all began,” Strout said. “We met. We planned. We laughed. We worked. We became friends; the best of friends.”

The five women, Strout, Koch, Glenna (Johnson) Derr ’69, Kathy Lewis and Betz (Powers) Quincy ’69, founded the local sorority, Phi Sigma Phi, in 1967. Its first pledge class held 14 members.

Strout remembered choosing the sorority’s colors, blue and crème; its mascot, the fawn; and typing the organization’s constitution and by-laws on her Royal manual typewriter. Derr became the sorority’s first president.

In December 1968, Phi Sigma Phi was recruited by five national sororities, including Alpha Omicron Pi. After discussion, the sorority leaders chose the red rose of Alpha Omicron Pi. The chapter name was Phi Sigma, or “proud sisterhood” in Greek, a nod to the group’s past. More than 60 members pledged to the new colony

in May 1969. The chapter grew significantly over the years, blossoming at every turn.

After 43 years of successful recruitment and retention, the Alpha Omicron Pi Phi Sigma chapter is preparing to celebrate its 45th anniversary as a campus organization.

“It’s wonderful to see something you helped create grow into a living legacy,” Strout said. “I’m proud of all the members who pledged to Alpha Omicron Pi and keep this legacy going.”

The celebration will be held in Kearney this year on October 3-4, with a banquet Saturday evening at the Holiday Inn.

The Alpha Omicron Pi, Phi Sigma chapter is requesting all alumnae to submit their contact information, including name, home address, email address, phone number and years attended at UNK. Information may be sent to Kylee Gardner ’08 at (402) 366-8147 or PhiSigmaAlum@gmail.com, or respond via the Alpha Omicron Pi, Phi Sigma Alumnae page on Facebook. n

WriTTeN By Chelsea GeNGeNBaCh & Kylee GardNer

While clothes, faces and hairstyles may have changed over the last 45 years, the Alpha Omicron Pi, Phi Sigma Chapter values of sisterhood and friendship still remain the same.

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TOP RIGHT: Since leaving campus, the group has been meeting on a yearly basis. Standing: Sharron Altmaier, Marlene McKean, Colleen Jacobson, Joan King, Deb King, Joyce Sind, Marilyn McGahan, Maxine Erpelding, Betty Friskopp, Patty Herington, Marilyn Peterson, Shirley Urwiller, Linda Schutte, Diana Wubbenhorst, Carol McGahan, Mary Lou Kristensen, Kneeling: Joyce (Gohl) Spickelmier and Karen Humphrey McBride.

TGamma Phi BetaGamma Kappa chapter celebrated 50th in 2013

Campus News

he Gamma Kappa chapter of Gamma Phi Beta celebrated its 50th anniversary in September. Over 200 members attended the weekend celebration, including

some current collegiate members. On Saturday, Sept 21, Gamma Phi alumnae started arriving at

the Gamma Phi house around noon to catch up with fellow alumnae and current members. They had a catered lunch from Ruby Tuesday, and each attendee, including current collegiate members, was given a T-shirt in celebration of the sorority’s 50 years at UNK. The group definitely stood out in their pink shirts at the Loper Homecoming football game against Lindenwood University.

On Sunday, a slideshow of pictures provided by the alumnae of the last 50 years of the Gamma Kappa chapter was shown at a morning brunch. Some alumnae were asked to speak about their memories and experiences as Gamma Phi members, and many stories were shared about the great college times and sorority memories. Two members, Betty King and Suzanne Peterson,

were recognized for their 50 years as Gamma Phi. The group then participated in some of the sorority’s rituals before ending the weekend celebration.

The weekend celebration of the Gamma Kappa chapter of Gamma Phi Beta sorority was a great time for sharing old memories and making a few new ones. n

The Delta Gamma Chapter of Alpha Xi Delta has been reinstalled following a 45-year absence on the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus.

The sorority – which recolonized in March 2013 – initiated 29 women on Jan. 12 at Kearney’s Younes Conference Center.

“We are so excited to welcome our Delta Gamma Chapter back into our sisterhood and continue the legacy of Alpha Xi Delta at UNK,” said Sandi Edwards, Alpha Xi Delta’s national president. “We look forward to continuing our history at UNK and watching these outstanding women realize their potential.”

Alpha Xi Delta installed its Delta Gamma Chapter at Kearney State College in 1962 to become the first national Greek organization on campus. The chapter became dormant in 1969.

Alpha Xi Delta currently is one of four National Panhellenic Conference sorority’s at UNK. n

Alpha Xi DeltaDelta Gamma chapter reinstalled on campus

Current members of Alpha Xi Delta include Sara Fecht, Randi Todd, Sarah Maginnis, Cacia Lyon, Traci Turek, Bethany VonSpreckelsen, Shayna Cepel, Taylor McDuffee, Tosha Foulk, Rebecca Meyer, Whitney Frost, Ashley Kreutzer, Jayden Esch, Carrie Prososki, Megan Rash, Lesley Ahrens, Claire Dull, Salene McCall, Whitney Brown, Jessica Paloucek, Allison Reimers, Arin Reimers, Sarah Overman, Gabrielle Pane, Lea Stenslokken, Jeslynn Kearney, Ellen Mannschreck, Brittany Wolken and Ashley McHugh.

Over 200 Gamma Phi Beta, Gamma Kappa chapter members enjoyed a full weekend of celebrating their 50 years on campus during UNK Homecoming 2013.

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1717

K evin Witte ’05, a social studies teacher at Kearney High, went to what he thought was a routine assembly in November. It turned out to be anything but routine

as Witte was honored with an exclusive award, a Milken Educator Award and an accompanying $25,000 prize.

Witte is one of only 17 nationwide teachers to receive the award in 2013. The surprise announcement was made by Gov. Dave Heineman and Jane Foley, senior vice president of the Milken Family Foundation.

Before announcing Witte’s name, Foley said, “Good teachers make the difference. Outstanding educators are the backbone of every distinguished school. Foley then called on Heineman to make the announcement.

“Teaching for me has always been my passion. It’s what I love. I get to do exactly what I want to do every day. To have the state and even maybe the country notice is about the most amazing thing I

could imagine. None of it would be possible without the incredible school, community and students that I get to work with,” Witte said.

KHS principal Jay Dostal ’01 said, “This is about all of the hard work and effort that he puts in on a daily basis to provide the best educational opportunities for our kids.”

The award was established in 1987 by Lowell and Michael Milken to recognize the important contributions of exemplary teachers and other educators. Selection is based on innovative teaching practices, student results and leadership. n

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Bringing his passion for travel into the classroom

His mom committed suicide when he was three years old. His father was sent to prison just a few years later. But Dan Carlson has a family worth celebrating. Carlson’s family received the UNK Outstanding Family Award during Homecoming where Dan was also voted king.

After losing both parents, Carlson and his brothers – Andy, Tom and Steve, moved in with their former neighbors Bob and Rita Hays of Grand Island and their four children – Grant, Matt, Beth and Emily. Carlson’s oldest brother, Phil, started college that year.

“Over the course of the next 13 years, as I went through elementary, middle and high school, we’ve all become one big family,” Calson wrote in his 2013 UNK Outstanding Family application. “Even though they aren’t my biological parents, Bob and Rita have done so much to encourage me and help me succeed.

“We’ve overcome so much as a family,” said Carlson, a junior music and organizational and relational communication major.

Combining two families was a challenge, he said, but they came together as one family to love and support one another. “All the support they’ve given us through the years, and everything

that they’ve done for us even though they necessarily didn’t have to – I just thought that was something that was very cool,” Carlson said about why he nominated his family.

Although Carlson isn’t sure what convinced the Hays family to take in him and his brothers, he wanted them to get some recognition for their support.

“My parents lived next to them and they were really close with our family. They already cared about us even before we had moved in,” Carlson said.

Carlson, who was the youngest of all the children, said he enjoyed always having someone to play with and having his older siblings look out for him. “It was tougher for the older siblings. They had to adjust a lot more than I did.”

“They were touched that I thought to nominate them,” Carlson said. “I didn’t tell them I was going to do it.”

The day was also meaningful for Carlson because it was his biological mom’s birthday. “To be recognized as the outstanding family on that day, that was special,” he said.

Carlson is a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and the band along with being a resident hall assistant. n

Family of the Year, Homecoming King

Kearney High School social studies teacher Kevin Witte ’05 honored for his passion and innovation in the classroom with the Milken Educator Awards.

Junior Dan Carlson was raised by Bob and Rita Hays of Grand Island. The family received the Outstanding Family Award during recent homecoming festivities, where Carlson also was voted king. (Photo courtesy Jamie Emal)

Campus NewsBy sara GiBoNey

uNK CommuNiCaTioNs

College of Business & Technology

JoAn Scott ’86New director of NCAA Final Four

J

By Jim ruNdsTrom

18

oAn Scott ‘86 has been named the NCAA’s managing director for the Division I men’s basketball championship. She will work with men’s basketball vice president Dan Gavitt and current managing director Jeanne Boyd, who

she will succeed after the 2004 Final Four.She joins the NCAA after spending the previous 17 years with

NIKE, including the last four as director of governing body relations. She joined the company in 1996, serving as manager of Nike Sports Entertainment, before becoming an event manager for Nike Basketball in 1998 and then manager of NCAA Division I conferences and National Federation of High School relations in 1999.

In September, before being named to her new position, Scott was the 2013-14 Ron Landstrom Executive in Residence speaker at UNK. That program brings successful business executives to campus to talk with College of Business students about “best business practices as well as their personal career paths and lessons learned.”

Before a capacity crowd of more than 500, Scott’s presentation “Go Global or Be Left in the Dust: Think Globally, Act Locally,” discussed the importance of global marketing. She said that the NIKE brand had experienced such strong growth because it had partnered with elite athletes at all levels.

“You want to align yourself with the very best,” Scott said. She emphasized the need to “win while the world is watching.”

Much of NIKE’s global exposure came from parterning with Olympic athletes who were successful in taking home a medal, and that validated the NIKE brand on the world stage.

Scott credits her years at Kearney for her career success.“I got a fantastic education here,” she said. “I learned. It was

hard to check out here.”The lessons Scott learned in the classroom were enhanced by

her participation in other campus and community activities. She was a member of the volleyball team and worked with basketball coach Jerry Hueser, was on the Student Alumni Board and completed an internship at Eaton Corporation.

College of Business & Technology

19

After struggling to find work after graduating from college, coach Hueser helped Scott land a job at USA Basketball.

“He was a respected coach. I will always be indebted to him for getting me started in the business,” she said.

Scott worked with USA Basketball, including four years as director of basketball operations. She was a member of the project team that coordinated the 1995-96 Women’s National Team and the 1992, 1994 and 1996 Dream Team.

She was also involved with the U. S. Olympic Festival, the Goodwill Games and events such as the World Championship of Basketball, Olympic Games, World Soccer Tour, Tiger Woods Japanese Invitational and Melbourne/Sydney Track Tour.

The secret to her success, she said, is building relationships. “I treat everybody equally. Maybe that’s a Nebraska thing. I don’t care what your job is at NIKE, if you’re a janitor or whatever. I’ll have a conversation with anybody.”

Scott, who was awarded the Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2003, shared the lessons she

has learned. “It brings it full circle. Where you go is a lot about where you came from,” she said. “What you believe in, in your job, has a lot to do with what you were taught.”

In making the announcement of Scott’s new position in October, Gavitt said,

“JoAn brings to the NCAA diverse and deep relationships throughout the membership

and basketball community, and her different experiences in marketing and event management will

provide incredibly valuable perspectives.”Syracuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim, said, “JoAn

is one of the best people I know at building relationships. She understands how to work with people. JoAn will be a tremendous asset to the NCAA.”

Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski said, “The NCAA made a fabulous addition in hiring JoAn Scott. The sport of basketball is all about relationships and there are few, if any, people in our industry who have better relationships in place that JoAn Scott. In addition, she will bring the highest level of strategic thinking into this important role. This is a terrific day for college basketball as she will be an amazing asset for the organization and the sport.” n

Buy a book and support the Calvin T. Ryan LibraryThe rain storm last April severely damaged UNK’s library building and thousands of books inside. However, the outpouring of support the library received from the Kearney community made the library staff realize just how much people still love books.

And the UNK Buy a Book for the Library Program was born.

The Buy a Book Program was created to help rebuild the Calvin T. Ryan Library book collection and to enhance the overall quality of the collection.

The program is simple. With a minimum gift of $100, a personalized bookplate with your message is placed inside a newly purchased book selected by UNK librarians. The bookplate bears the name of the donor and the person(s) in whose honor the gift is being made.

THERE ARE THREE LEVELS OF GIVING:uA $100 gift receives a nameplate in one book.uA $500 gift receives a nameplate in six books.uA $1,000 gift receives a nameplate in twelve books. uUNK’s Buy a Book Program is a great way to remember someone

important to you while also helping to rebuild UNK’s library.

For more information contact Anne McConkey at amcconkey@nufoundation.org or308-698-5282. To give, visit nufoundation.org/unkbuyabook.

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he longtime Kearney businessman made a

$1.2 million gift to the University of Nebraska Foundation to create a permanently endowed fund to provide full-tuition scholarships each year.

The Robert P. Sahling Scholarship will provide five or more annual scholarships of about $6,500 each to undergraduate students from Nebraska who study any major at UNK, and the Robert P. Sahling Football Scholarship will provide three or more annual scholarships of about $6,500 each to students who are members of the Loper football team.

“Bob Sahling has been a loyal and enthusiastic supporter of UNK for many years,” UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen said. “This generous gift benefits the entire campus as a model for how to improve the lives of young people. This gift will touch the lives of many people forever. I’m proud to have the chance to work with Bob Sahling.”

Paul Plinske, UNK athletics director, called Sahling a “pillar of Loper Athletics’ success.”

“We are grateful to him for passing on his legacy to our student-athletes,” he said. “He wants to see us successfully transition to the MIAA, and we hope this scholarship gift will encourage others to help us build our success in football.”

The Sahling scholarships will be awarded by the UNK financial aid office and athletics department. Award recipients must maintain academic requirements to remain eligible.

“Bob has been a wonderful friend to our football program for many years,” said UNK head football coach Darrell Morris. “Our players enjoy spending time with him, and I know he enjoys them as well. His numerous gifts, which we have used for many scholarship awards, have been instrumental in helping us start the process of becoming a competitive team in the powerful MIAA.”

This is not the first time Sahling has demonstrated his support for UNK students. Longtime university benefactors,Sahling and his late wife, Dode, enjoyed supporting students over the years by providing scholarships for student-athletes and non-athletes on campus. Sahling has also established a planned gift at the University of Nebraska Foundation to provide additional support for students through his estate.

“I experience real joy in getting to know the students and seeing their many accomplishments,” Sahling said. “What has also motivated me to give is witnessing the dedication of university leadership to the important mission of UNK, including Chancellor Doug Kristensen, Coach Darrell Morris, former Athletics Director Jon McBride, University of Nebraska Foundation’s Pete Kotsiopulos and others.”

Sahling grew up in the Dust Bowl days on a farm near Kenesaw and is a childhood survivor of scarlet fever, which took his sister’s life when she was 8. His mother worked tirelessly to care for her family, making their own clothes and maintaining their home, while his father operated trucks to support his family.

Bob and Dode married in 1955 in Kearney and raised four children: John, Sherry, Ron and Holly. Bob operated trucks and sold used ones before starting his own Kenworth franchise in 1972, which grew to include operations in Kearney, York and Columbus. The company is now owned and operated by his son, John.

“Dode and I experienced some wonderful times through the years until her unfortunate passing in 1997. She would be delighted to know we have continued to support outstanding education in Kearney,” said Sahling

In 2007 Bob and Dode Sahling were awarded the Ron and Carol Cope Cornerstone of Excellence Award, the highest campus honor at UNK. n

TBusinessman Gives $1.2 MillionFor Robert P. Sahling, giving is about experiencing joy in the students’ accomplishments

Robert P. Sahling

By Nu FouNdaTioN

A Portrait in Philanthropy

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ee Schaad ’66, has always loved history, literature and current

events. The artist combined those interests into a significant part of his creative work in the area of ceramics, especially with his whimsical figures.

Schaad, a professor in the Department of Art and Design at the University of Indianapolis, recently gave one of those pieces, “The Cantor That Sings Off Key,” to the UNK Alumni House art collection. That collection of more than 30 pieces is composed of works by alumni and art faculty.

“These figures give me an opportunity to comment on life in general and on some events in particular. ‘The Cantor That Sings Off Key,’ is based on a real person,” he said.

Although many of Schaad’s ceramic characters are whimsical, his influence in the art world is varied, popular and widely respected.

He has been on the staff at the University of Indianapolis since 1975 and served as department chair for 17 years. He was the university’s Teacher of the Year in 2005. In 2007, he was the recipient of the highly competitive Creative Renewal Grant from the Arts Council of Indianapolis.

His work has been shown in many regional and national exhibitions and is included in collections both public and private. He has written extensively about art, conducted many workshops and served on boards of local and national arts organizations, including the National Council for the Education in Ceramic Arts.

Schaad said his work appears in both stoneware and earthenware. His clay pieces vary from the functional works such as dinnerware, beautifully glazed platters and funky stemmed goblets, to wall-hung and free-standing sculptural works.

“I enjoy making pieces using traditional stoneware processes that are both formatted and sculptural. I also make earthenware forms that are more whimsical in nature,” Schaad said. “My most recent pieces are part of a series called ‘Tipping the Sacred Cow.’

I previously did works based on Dante’s Inferno. All are based on history, literature or current events. These works allow me to poke some fun at the people and world around me. Art should be taken seriously, but not all of the time.”

Schaad is preparing an installation to be exhibited at the Indianapolis International Airport starting in August, titled “Pilgrims on the Way to Canterbury.”

He said the instillation will include characters from the Canterbury Tales but will also include “some of my own additions, because we are all pilgrims going somewhere.”

Schaad said he came to Kearney in fall 1963. “I found the school and particularly the Art Department to be the right place for me. Jack Karraker, Keith Lowry and Gladys Rose were just what I needed to get me on the right track and make it possible for me to begin my personal journey.

“I don’t think they realized what an impression they made on me, but I feel that I owe them a lot. I have other mentors, but they were the first and I am grateful,” he said. n

D

Feature ~ College of Fine Arts & Humanities

Making a Statement With ArtDee Schaad ’66 turns passions into whimsical artwork

By Jim ruNdsTrom

Dee Schaad ‘66 combined his love of history, literature and current events to create whimsical characters out of clay. A sample of Schaad’s work below called “Blind Justice Takes a Peak.”

LOPER ATHLETICSlopers.com

TFall Loper Sports

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he fall sports season was full of highlights with the volleyball team making its 15th consecutive appearance at the NCAA tournament and the men’s

cross country team finishing 17th at the national meet.The volleyball team posted a 28-7 mark, losing to Central

Missouri 3-2 in the first round of the NCAA regional. Central Missouri also beat the Lopers 3-2 in the finals of the MIAA tournament. UNK has made 15 consecutive appearances in the NCAA tourney, third longest streak in the country. Coach Rick Squiers’ team was ranked 8th nationally in the final national poll, finishing in the Top Ten for the fourth consecutive year.

Katie Sokolowski, 6’2” Kearney Catholic senior, was a first team All-MIAA selection and NCAA all-regional pick. Outside hitter M J Masanet, Manhattan, Kan., also was named to the MIAA first team. Sokolowski and two other seniors, Ashley Leitner, Lincoln Southwest, and Ellie Pesaveno, Omaha Marian, reached the 1,000 career kill mark. Pasevento ended her career with 1,071.

The cross country team was led by Kevin Carder, Albion senior, who finished 68th in the field of 248 runners. He earned All-MIAA and All-Central-Region honors. “The men have to be pleased. We didn’t hit a home run but our depth showed through like it did all year,” coach Brady Bonsall said. “You have to run at one of these meets to realize how competitive you can be at the national level.”

Liz Damman, Seward senior, led the cross country women with a 10th place finish at the MIAA meet. UNK came in second at the league meet, the highest finish ever for a Loper women’s squad at a conference championship in the Division II era.

Cole Manhart, 6’3”, 300-pound junior left tackle from Highlands Ranch, Colo., was named American Football Coaches Association first team and AP Little All-American first team. He was the only unanimous selection on the MIAA all-conference football team. The Lopers found the MIAA competition tough, posting a 3-8 mark. They did defeat three conference foes, Lindenwood University, Lincoln University and Southwest Baptist.

Kellen Werner, 6’1” 230-pound Grand Island linebacker, set a school record in the NCAA era for career tackles with 316. He, as well as Tyke Kozeal, 6’ 220-pound Sargent redshirt freshman, set a new single season tackle mark, each recording 117.

In only its fifth year, the Loper women’s soccer team made history by qualifying for the MIAA tournament. The fifth seed, UNK lost to Washburn 4-2 in a first round shootout. They finished the season with a record of 8-8-3.

Both golf teams got their seasons off to flying starts. The men won three tournaments, setting new school records for 18, 36 and 54-hole scores while a young women’s squad placed first in their own invite at Awarii Dunes. n

Cross country runner Kevin Carder, football player Cole Manhart, soccer player Sarah Stalcott and volleyball sisters and teammates Bailey and Katie Sokolowski.

LOPER ATHLETICSlopers.com

aul Plinske already has many memorable moments since starting as UNK’s new athletics director on Sept. 1. None better, he says, than that night at a Loper volleyball game just a few weeks after he arrived on campus.

During player introductions, outside hitter MJ Massanet gave Plinske an autographed miniature volleyball to give to his 2-year-old daughter, Allison.

“When MJ did that, it really sunk in that I found a home. That moment was very special for my family. It made us feel welcome,” Plinske said.

It was a simple gesture, but one that sticks with Plinske.“That night is when I realized everybody at UNK is one big

family. The people here are great. It’s a place where the student-athletes, staff and coaches embrace one another and honestly care. I went home after the game feeling a great deal of pride in UNK and excitement about the future.”

What do you want people to know about you?Interacting with people invigorates and inspires me. I also get a

real charge from the enthusiasm shown by our coaches and student-athletes. I am personable, approachable, dedicated and passionate, but I am also pretty task-oriented. I enjoy behind-the-desk activities, working on different projects and accomplishing goals.

Any big surprises since you arrived?The MIAA is better than advertised. Many teams could compete

in Division I very effectively. And it’s really challenged me. We can make huge strides at UNK and still not be a conference champion. So I tell myself on a regular basis to be patient for success, but impatient for growth. If we can continue to grow, results will take care of themselves.

My focus is to “walk the talk” and get projects done. We all like to talk about our visions and goals, but it’s time for UNK to embrace the challenges of the MIAA and start making things happen for our student-athletics. For starters, we need to provide more scholarship opportunities. We also need to acquire more resources for our teams so they can operate stronger. Our MIAA counterparts are miles apart in terms of their financial support.

How will UNK achieve success in the MIAA?By getting everyone affiliated with UNK Athletics to value,

appreciate and support the mission and vision of Loper Athletics. It’s a one-step-at-a-time, one-person-at-a-time approach that will require buy-in from multiple areas. Establishing funding for scholarships, building our internal resources, renovating existing facilities and creating others and re-establishing our brand are all areas of focus. However, it’s also about the people. We can’t forget that we are here to serve our students and student-athletes. In the end, we will achieve success with great people. I will remain grounded in building up our personnel so we can represent UNK and the Kearney community with great respect and dignity.

What are your top priorities?Addressing our financial shortfalls is definitely high on my priority

list. We are currently putting the building blocks of this approach together. The blocks of this foundation—also known as pillars of success—are established in multiple areas. Building relationships, setting standards, creating a unified vision and holding to our values are priorities we will emphasize on a regular basis. As Athletic Director, I need to build relationships by earning the trust of our internal and external constituents. I’m currently learning how things are done, but I need to exhibit character and competence to our stakeholders so they can believe in what we are doing and become partners in this process.

What facility improvements do you have planned?

The Health and Sports Center is a landmark facility on this campus. Cope Stadium isn’t far behind. We would like to create a ‘wow’ factor that can help us bring in the masses to this campus. Not only am I referring to prospective student-athletes, but I also feel that students, summer campers, spectators, fans, outside groups and guests will be drawn to UNK if we continue to upgrade.

Chair back seats, video boards, remodeled offices, upgraded locker rooms and state-of-the-art athletic training and strength and conditioning equipment are needed in the Health and Sports Center.

At Cope Stadium, we will need to replace the artificial turf, add a new scoreboard/video board and finish the second floor of the press box so that our coaches have improved office space and meeting rooms for instruction. We also need to build new facilities for some of our sport programs.

Ten years from now, I hope we can look back to 2013 and see how the building blocks of our planning finally started coming together. Ultimately, I want this entire university to be bursting with pride and excitement as we provide outstanding sporting venues for our students and student-athletes. n

By Todd GoTTula

uNK CommuNiCaTioNs

PPlinske Already Feels Loper Pride

23

LOPER ATHLETICSlopers.com

Linebacker Drew Wagner Gives a stranger life-altering gift

T

24

he grind of preseason football camp is not an ideal time to donate stem cells. But for

UNK linebacker Drew Wagner, there was no better time to find out he might be a leukemia patient’s last chance at living.

“I would have been willing to put that guy’s life over football, obviously,” said Wagner, who balanced practices with needles and hospital beds.

Wagner had his DNA matched with a 36-year-old leukemia patient and donated stem cells while going through two-a-day football practices.

“When I got the letter it was cool and crazy at the same time, but I was also nervous because I knew with donating marrow you can miss the whole football season,” said Wagner, a junior recreation management major from Madison.

Luckily, the patient only needed stem cells, which meant Wagner missed just a few days of football practice before the season opener.

Wagner joined the National Bone Marrow Registry in spring 2013 after seeing Jim Munroe, an illusionist, perform on campus. Munroe was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of leukemia in 2008. An anonymous donor saved Munroe’s life by donating bone marrow. So when Munroe encouraged students to join the National Bone Marrow Registry, Wagner was one of hundreds of UNK students who got their cheeks swabbed and joined the registry that day.

But he was the only student who received an email from the National Bone Marrow Program’s “Be The Match” just months later.

To prepare for the stem cell donation, Wagner got a physical exam at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha to make sure he was healthy enough to donate. Wagner was then given daily injections of filgrastim, a drug that causes the bone marrow to make and release stem cells into the blood, for one week. Side effects of the injections are bone pain, headaches, fever and tiredness.

Wagner said he was sore, achy and tired the week he received the injections. “That was a challenge having to do that during fall camp two-a-days for football,” he said.

Just a week before the first Loper game of the season, Wagner traveled to UNMC to donate his stem cells. Wagner’s blood was removed through a catheter in his arm then cycled through a machine that separated stem cells from other blood cells.

“It really drains you. It makes you feel weak and groggy,” he said. The process was repeated for two days.

He took a few days off from football practice to regain his strength and returned to the field just a few days before the first game on Sept. 5.

If he gets a call to donate again, Wagner knows what he will do.“I’d definitely donate again,” Wagner said. “It’s really neat just

to know that I helped somebody out.” n

By sara GiBoNey uNK CommuNiCaTioNs

Drew Wagner, a linebacker for the UNK football team, donates stem cells at the University of Nebraska

Medical Center in Omaha. His blood was removed through a catheter in his arm then cycled through

a machine that separated stem cells from other blood cells.

2525

MINNEAPOLIS: Kennon Rothchild, John Kirkwood ’81, Nina Rothchild (Bruggeman’s mother in law),

Tracy Lungrin ’97, MSE ’01, Jan Lowe, Leah (Bruns) Holmberg ’94, Mary Rothchild, Dan Bruggeman ’80,

Brette Ensz ’06, Tim Urban ‘12, Anne McConkey ’02, Beverly Weddle ’81 and Ken Ushio ‘73 met at the

Groveland Gallery for a meet and greet with alumni and artist Bruggeman. Working loosely within the

landscape tradition, Bruggeman’s work straddles the conceptual gap between art, science and history.

legends

Dr. Charles (Chuck) Schaepler graduated in 1976 from Kearney State College with a double major in chemistry and biology. He continued his studies at Kearney State College, earning a master’s degree in biology in 1978.

In 1983, he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Upon completing his training, Dr. Schaepler has maintained a successful private practice in general dentistry in Kearney. Over the years he has been an advocate for UNK and an avid fan of the Lopers.

Dr. Schaepler was honored in September as the 2013 Don Fox Chemistry lecturer. The Don Fox Lecture Series was established to honor Dr. Don Fox, chemistry professor at Kearney State College for more than 30 years. Each year the Chemistry department selects a UNK alumnus who has made outstanding contributions in the field of chemistry.

Activities of the Don Fox Lectureship award winner involve an awards banquet given in his or her honor and presentation of a public lecture to the faculty and select students of the department. n

Charles Schaepler, D.D.S. BS ’76, MSE ’78, UNMC ’83Don Fox Lecturer

What’sHappening

Locally & Nationally

KANSAS CITY: Tim ’89 and Catherine Anderson talk with Tim ’91 and Tressie (Harms) Nootz ’91 at the social at the AMC Movie Theatre in Olathe, Kans. Each alum attending the event received a movie pass to use at their convenience.

IOWA: Kurt ‘02 and Angel Kosmicki ‘99 and Terry Head

‘87 enjoyed the atmosphere of Mickey’s Irish Pub in

Waukee, Iowa in early October. The “photo-bomb” is by

David Ely, husband to alumnae Jean Milne-Ely.

GOLD TORCH: These Gold Torch Society Members Mar-

ci (Story) Asche ‘92, student Amanda Swenson, Rachel

Ann (Brown) Daugherty ‘92, student Mackenzie Reynoso

and Lisa Waechter-Cass ‘93, MAE ’05 found a common

ground when they realized they were members of the

same Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. Gold Torch Society is a

women’s mentoring program and taking undergraduate

applications now at www.unkalumni.org/goldtorch.

VISITORS: Tony ’01, Erin (Brewer) ’01 and Autumn

Graczyk stopped by the UNK Alumni House on their way

to a volleyball game. The couple met while playing in the

UNK Pride of the Plains Marching Band. They currently live

in Grand Island. Visit us at the Alumni House at 2222 9th

Avenue in Kearney, and share your story.

26

Loper HappeningsAlumni Events Near and Far

HomecomingRecognitions and reunions

CELEBRATION: John Leehy III ’80, Seth Blank ’02, Kurt Karjalainen ’01 and Trevor Charbonneau

at the UNK Alumni Homecoming Banquet prior to the awards presentation.

UNK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBERS: Katherine Pollock Peterson ‘79,

Abby Losey Grenke ‘01, Mary Buchanan Mach ‘85, Robin Rubenthaler Hines ’88, MSE

‘91 and husband, Ron Hines ‘75, Eileen (McDole) Jahn ‘96 and Jack Kreman ‘04 make the

banquet a successful event with all of their help and enthusiasm.

Alumni, students and friends celebrated homecoming with a week of activities in September.

Six alumni received awards and six individuals were inducted in the Athletic Hall of Fame at the 34th annual UNK Homecoming Awards Banquet.

Dr. Susanne (Flack) Bloomfield ’68, MAE’79 of Walsenburg, Colo., Dr. Harold Deselms ’64, MSE’68 of Pueblo, Colo., Terry Heimes ’86 of Lincoln and John Leehy ’80 of Fisherville, Ky, received Distinguished Alumni Awards.

John and JoDell (Peterson) Payne ’62 of Kearney received the Jim Rundstrom Distinguished Alumni Service Award and Dr. Brad Bohn ’06 of Kearney received the Distinguished Young Alumnus Award.

Inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame were Justin Coleman ’02 of Omaha, Laura (Espenmiller) North ’00 of Oskaloosa, Iowa, Terry Renner ’63, MAE ’67 of Kearney, Diane Davidson Rouzee ’83 of Grand Island, Jim Rundstrom ’64 of Kearney and Nick Svehla ’04 of Omaha.

Jeff Stelling ’93 was honored with the Gary Thomas Distinguished Music Award. Dr. Charles Schaepler ’76, MSE ’78, UNMC ’83 was the Don Fox Memorial Lecturer in Chemistry.

Dan Carlson of Grand Island and Rachel Harvey of Scottsbluff were chosen homecoming king and queen. Carlson is a junior double majoring in music and organizational relational communications who represented Mantor Hall. Harvey is a senior organizational communications and social work major who represented Loper Liaisons.

The largest homecoming parade in Nebraska featured more than 25 bands, floats and a variety of other entries.

Missouri Western defeated the Lopers 31-19 in football, but the volleyball team won two matches over the weekend, beating Pittsburg State and University of Central Oklahoma. n

OLD FRIENDS: Doug Peterson ’79, Terry Renner ’63, MAE ’67, Jeff Stenslokken

’82 and Myron Placek ’80 reminisce about times out on the football field.

NEW ACQUAINTANCES: Distinguished Alumni honoree Susanne (George)

Bloomfield ’68, MAE ’79, and UNK Homecoming Queen Rachel Harvey were

excited to meet face to face because they had spent a semester together through

an online class Susanne teaches through UNK.

GOOD TIMES; GOOD DISCUSSIONS: Emeriti Football Coach Claire Boroff ’59 and Herman Baptiste ‘90 enjoyed talking at the Homecoming banquet reception. Lucas Dart ‘97 congratulated JoDell and John Payne ‘62 on their Distinguished Service Award.

2727

legends

Dr. Brad Bohn is a UNK and 2010 graduate of UNMC who began his family practice in Kearney this summer. He is also a captain in the medical corps of the United States Air National Guard.

While a student at UNK, he was a Regent’s Scholar, student body president and student regent. He also was an outstanding football player who earned All-District and Academic All-American honors as defensive tackle. He was co-chair and co-founder of the Big Event on campus. He was chosen as Outstanding Senior, Outstanding Health Science Student and received the UNK Nester Leadership Award.

At UNMC, Dr. Bohn received a number of scholar awards and again served as student senate president and regent. He was president of the College of Medicine Class of 2010. In addition, he was a distinguished graduate, U.S. Air Force Commissioned Officer Training in 2010, earning the General Hoyt Vandenberg Academic Excellence Award.

Following graduation from UNMC, he continued his work at Mayo Clinic Family Medicine Residency in Rochester, Minn. He received his certification of family medicine training in June. He was chief resident for 2012-2013. n

Dr. Brad BohnBS ’06, UNMC ’10

GAMMA PHIS: Lori (Goa) McClurg ’82, Judy (Mickelson) Richter ’80, Lori (Fink) Hannan, Julie

(Schenzel) Darr ’80, Deb (Freitag) Carstens ’82, Lisa (Morris) Blankenau ’82, Kathi Krane, Barbara

Hurt-Simmons ’82 and Judy (Carlson) Nanfito ’80, Jan (Riggert) Troester ’82 and Jana (Barnell)

Fitchett ’83 take time out of Alpha Phi Delta 50th reunion and UNK Homecoming festivities to

pose for a picture at the Alumni House.

LOPER PRIDE: Marsha ’72 MAE ’85 and emeriti faculty member Bruce

Stewart show their support of the home football team prior to enjoying some

home cooked brats at the Loper Luncheon during Homecoming.

UNK ROYALTY: Daniel Carlson of Grand Island and Rachel Harvey of

Scottsbluff were crowned homecoming king and queen. Carlson, a junior

double major in music and organizational and relational communications,

represents Mantor Hall. Harvey, a senior organizational communication/

social work major, represents Loper Liaisons.

FAMOUS STORIES: Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees Jim Rundstrom ’64, Terry Renner ’63,

MAE ’67, Nick Svehla ’04, Diane (Davidson) Rouzee ’83, Laura (Espenmiller) North ’00 and

Justin Coleman ’02 always have great stories to share about competitions and time spent

on the road with fellow athletes and friends.

DISTINGUISHED: Alumni Award

Recipient Harold Deselms ’64, MSE

’68 asked his fraternity brother Ron

Cropp ’65 to introduce him. One of the

many perks award honorees receive

during Homecoming.

Jack Robison ’73 took a route to his degree unlike most students. He said that in reading about the one-room school houses in Nebraska in the Nebraska Life Magazine, it brought back memories of his 57 years of teaching.

He began his career in 1956 when Kearney State Teacher’s College offered its final 12-hour teaching degree summer program. In this program, students attended college classes during the summer and were able to teach the following year. Robison explained that this process was repeated until the students took enough classes to earn a two-year degree.

“However, by the time I had earned my two-year degree, it had changed to a four-year degree. Therefore, I stopped teaching in 1961, and began that fall to attend college on a full-time basis,” he said. However, Robison’s college career was put on hold again when he took time off after the first semester in 1962 to marry “the girl of my dreams.” Robison said he began teaching again in 1963 and finally earned his degree in 1973 by attending night classes.

During his teaching career, a total of 41 ½ years was spent in rural schools in Dawson County. He commented, “I really enjoyed every year of my teaching career, especially the last years at District 44-R where many of my students were children whose mother or father I had taught years before.”

The first year he taught, he said, could have been his last. Robinson had been teaching grades K-8, and, because of this, didn’t feel that the students were learning as much as they could. Robison told the county superintendent Bill Trupp that he would like to make changes to his schedule so the subjects would be taught similarly to the way they were taught in high school. He came up with a block scheduling system that “worked so well that I used it for the rest of the 41 ½ years that I taught in country schools.”

Robison retired in 1999 due to back trouble. After four surgeries on his back and one for prostate cancer, “I was once again ready to teach. So in 2003, I began subbing in the Cozad Middle School and High School. I am still subbing today.” n

unkalumni.org28

Class Notes

2012 UNK HOMECOMING AND FAMILY DAY

1948Dean and Jean (Taylor) Nicholson were honored in their home community of Sanger, Calif., in October. Dean was a coach and math teacher at Fresno City College from 1951 to 1989. He was head varsity basketball, golf and tennis coach. He was also assistant football coach for more than 20 years. Dean and Jean were Fellowship of Christian Athletes leaders and have been active in local church since 1954. They are currently still guiding church youth groups.1954Darrrell Lenz of Chappell was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame in September as an official. Lenz start-ing officiating in 1964, working basketball for 20 years and football for 42 years until retir-ing at age 72. A school principal, he officiated 26 state football playoff games.1962Sharon (Wisch) and Gary Mason ’63, MSE 66 celebrated their 50th Anniver-sary on August 24 in Kearney. 1963Hilda (Jesske) Meyer is retired and lives in Campbell. She taught 33 years, retiring in 1999. She and her husband, Merlyn, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 9. They have two chil-dren and six grandchildren.1964Stan and Judy (Price) Spomer of McCook celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 24.1965Don and LaDonna (Trueman) Scheel of Broomfield, Colo., are retired. Don spent 29 years at the Boulder TEC Center as principal and director. LaDonna spent 30 years as a Farmers Insurance agent. 1973Tom Buecker has released his latest book, A Brave Soldier & Honest Gentle-man: Lt. James E.H. Foster. Foster was a cavalry officer stationed in Nebraska in the 1870s. Buecker was curator of the Fort Robinson Museum for 26 years and is a widely-respected historian on the west. He and his wife, Kay, now live in Lincoln.1979Tony Dillehay is sales manager for Morris Press in Kearney.1980Mike Sunderman is athletic director, teacher and coach at Madison Public Schools. He married Cathy Trowbridge in 2009. His sons are, Ben, 27 and, Jacob, 21 and stepsons are, Collin, 25 and, Chase, 20.

1981Kimberly Humphrey Laeger MAE ‘00 received the White House Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching on December 20, 2013. Humphrey was one of two Ne-braska teachers selected. “I could not have achieved this honor without the teamwork and collaboration of my colleagues, principal, and parents at Meadowlark school,” said Humphrey, a kindergarten teacher at Meadowlark Elementary School in Kearney. David Welch of Omaha is a partner in the firm of Pansing, Hogan, Ernst & Bachman LLP since 1996. He has been elected to membership in the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) and the Nebraska Chapter of ABOTA. He has more than 25 years of active experience as a trial lawyer.

1982Bob Gentzler is vice president, solutions, of CRi, a technology provider that delivers IT Solutions and IT Talent in Omaha.1985Jay Grant of Fort Collins, Colo., was honored for helping save the life of an employee of Greeley Beef by implementing critical CPR/AED training shortly after the employee collapsed at his workstation. The time use of the Automated External Defibrillator by Grant and Troy Weinbender used their training to save the person’s life using an AED in a professional timely man-ner. Grant is employed by the world’s largest meat packing company in Greeley. Prior to joining the Greeley team, Grant, LPN-C, BS, was director of health and medical services for American Foods Group LIC.

One Room School Letter to the Editor

29unkalumni.org

Class Notes1986Amy (Reynolds) Richardson MSE is president and chief executive officer of the Women’s Center for Advancement in Omaha.1988Karen (Couvillion) Goracke is presi-dent and chief executive of Borsheims Fine Jewelry in Omaha.Michelle (Demuth) Wiese is market president for the Fremont branch of Great Western Bank.1990Dr. Anita (Fritz) Cory MSE ’93 received the AFA/CSCF Richard McKaig Outstand-ing Doctoral Research Award for her doctoral dissertation “The Influence of Fraternity or Sorority Membership on the Leadership Identity Development of the College Student Leaders” at the fall meeting of the Association of Fraternity Advisors. She has worked more than 20 years at Washington State University in fraternity and sorority life.1998Russ Sebek is market president and business banking manager at Wells Fargo Bank in Lincoln.Melissa Cox Ruff has been promoted to audit director in the Omaha office of Deloitte & Touche LLP.Mike Klimek and two friends, Jade Stun-kel and Caleb Pollard, started a business, Scratchtown Brewery in Ord in October. Another UNK connection is Jade’s wife, Michelle (Stunkel) Boyce ’01.2001Jay Dostal, principal at Kearney High School, was named 2013 Principal of the Year by the Nebraska Association of Student Councils.2002Erik Emerson is head football coach at Hastings High School.2003Ryan Meyer has been named senior associate with McGladrey in Omaha. He joined the firm in 2011 and provides technology consulting services to clients in a variety of industries.2004Sheri (Smith) Blaha is a therapist with the Center for Psychological Services in Kearney.Joe Lienemann is account manager at Five Nines Technology Group in Lincoln. Five Nines Technology Group provides managed services, IT services and consulting.

2005Brett Chloupek is an assistant profes-sor of geography at Northwest Missouri State University. He and his wife, Sylvia, live in Maryville, Mo.Kristi (Cleaver) Castillo has been promoted to cross-reference researcher in the catalog department Baldwin Filters in Kearney.2009John Dutton MS ’12 is a therapist with the Center for Psychological Services in Kearney.Nathan Wrage is manager of Ace Hard-ware and Garden Center in Kearney.2013Ariane Aten is data coordinator for Buffalo County Community Partners. She manages a data tracking system for the strategic directions of Buffalo County Community Partners’ 2020 Vision.Alyshia Nelson is an account coordina-tor with SCORR Marketing in Kearney.

MarriagesJesse Calabretto ’04 and Danika Spurgeon Aug. 17 in Gretna. Jesse is president of Calabretto Building Group.Laura Goracke ’10 and Zachary Ander-son October 13, 2012. They live in Carson City, Nev.Tara Dodds and Cole Archer ’08 April 20 in Kearney.Sarah Emal ’08 and Andrew Bartling ’05 August 17 in Kearney.Kristin Schoettger and Cody Bland ’12 May 18 in Kearney.Lacey McPhillips ’13 and Josh Brum-mer ’13 July 20 in Kearney.Kelsey Jezbera ’08 and Dustin Dale July 27 in Kearney.Lacy Jo Marshall ’09 and Alex Donald May 25 in Elm Creek.Jade Gunther ‘ 09 and Reese Florang December 21 in Kearney.Lynelle Snider ’08 and Jason Fritzen ’03 September 28 in McCool Junction.Amy Widman ’11 and Carlos Godinez September 7 in Kearney.Jessica Jurzenski ’04, MS ’07 and Geoff Putney July 20. Jessica earned her Ph.D. at UNL in 2012. She is a environ-mental scientist with Felsburg Holt and Ullevig (FHU) consulting firm in Lincoln.Emily Carlson ’12 and Eric Holmes September 1 in Kearney.Elizabeth Toedtli ’13 and Robert Lynn III June 28 in Alliance, NE.Becky Robles and Donovan Johnston ’05. They live in Winter Haven, FL.

Jessica Jurzenski ’04, MS ’07 and Geoff Putney July 20 in Lincoln.Amanda Kreikemeier ’05 and Adam Krueger ’06 August 3 in Kearney.Cari Smyth ’09 and Adam Haag ’09 September 21 in Shelton.Lyndsey Luxford ’10 and Jordan Haag August 3 in Lincoln.Callie Erickson ’09 and Brady Metz ’09 May 18 in Omaha.

Don’t missyour next UNK Today?

Moving? Please attach your oldmailing label to the right. Provide your new information and return to:

UNK Alumni AssociationCampus Box 21Kearney, NE 68849-6120

Name: _____________________ __________________________New Address: ______________ __________________________City: ______________________State: _____________________Zip + 4: ____________________Ph.: _______________________Email: _____________________

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unkalumni.org30

Class NotesLogan Besse and Craig Payne ’12 June 22 in Kearney.Dillon Riley ’09 and Elise Danwin September 1 in St. Charles, IL.Michell Fox ’12 and Caleb Schoneman June 15 in Holdrege.MaLania Granger ’11 and Spencer Schubert June 1 in Sargent.Lyndsey Malone ’08 and Tony Wilson ’07 May 24 at Trunk Bank, Virgin Islands.Danielle Policarpio ’10 and Steve Wolf ’10 on September 1 in Kearney.Andrea Peachey ’07 and Jace Wool-len ’11 on June 8 in Kearney.Liz Gunderson ’09 and Josh Wozny September 21 in Kearney.Taylor Teply ’09 and Kendall Jernigan Nov. 2 in Kearney.Whitnee Yager ’10 and Jessa Hoyt July 2 in Kearney.Austin Young ’06 and Tiffany Teichmeier Sep-tember 28 in Lincoln.

BirthsKathy and Mike Asche ’94 of Milton, Pa., are parents of a daughter, Olivia Leigh, born Aug. 26.Matt ’10 and Megan (Smith) Blanton ’10 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Kinsley Louise, born Sept. 30.Nathan ’07 and Megan (Anderson) Blazek ’06 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Presley Faith, born Nov. 6.Richard and Tenise Gillming Bogus ’00 of Ord are parents of a son, Isaac Michael, born Nov. 5. Reggie and Crystal (Floyd) Bosshamer ’05 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Ali Mae, born Aug. 4.Jonathan ’03 and Mimi (Klingel-hoefer) Brandt ’02 are parents of a son, August Emerson Conroy, born Nov. 30.Ryan ’07 and Melissa (Huffman) Bucher ’07 of Medina, Ohio, are parents of a son, Jackson Rhea, born Dec. 20.Chris and Allison (Keller) Caddy ’06 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Stephanie Louise, born Nov. 5. She has a sister, Shaelyn.

Sean and Lisa (Wiederspan) Callahan ’03 of Lincoln are parents of a daughter, Kit Grace, born July 22.Shannon and Jessica (Ziegler) Car-raher ’08 of Franklin are parents of a daughter, Nora Elsie, born July 19.Taylor ’04 and Ashley (Ehrman) Car-rier ’04, ES ’09 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Henley Dale, born Oct. 18.Joey ’03 and Amber (Ross) Cochran ’02 of Kearney are parents of a son, Jameson Joseph, born Sept. 3. They also have a daugh-ter, Mackenzie, and sons Carter and Lawson.

Matt and Kelsey (Deterding) Dobesh ’11 of Kearney are parents of a son, Lane Matthew, born July 30.Marcus and Megan (Stienike) Emken ’02 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Emma Jean, born Oct. 12.Dustin ’98 and Kami Frasier of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Brittyn Ranee, born Jan. 25.Marc ’09 and Laura (Thompson) Fredericks ’08 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Emma Grace, born Nov. 26.

Katherine and Wade Goodwin ’06, MSE ’08 of Kearney are parents of a son, Titus Barrett, born June 30.Ryan ’07 and Sarah (Westesen) Haack ’07 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Katherine Grace, born Oct. 24.Kyle and Amy (Mathis) Hansen ’08 of Aurora, Colo., are parents of a son, Landon Stephen, born Oct. 4, 2012.David ’03 and Sara (Beckenhauer) Hager-man ’05, MS ’07 of Denver, Colo., are parents of a son, Rohn Charles, born Aug. 8, 2012.Justin and Makensey (Marsh) Harris ’09

of Fairbury are parents of a son, Jett Dexter, born Oct. 10.April and Sam ’09 Harris of Grand Island, are parents of a daughter, Brooklyn Louise, born Sept. 3.Nicholas ’08 and Heather (Zoucha) Hauder ’07, MSE ’12 of Columbus are parents of a son, Nolan Ryan, born Oct. 12. Heather is a teacher at David City Public Schools. Nicho-las works at Becton Dickinson.Matthew and Denise (Summers) Heikkinen ’99 of Gibbon are parents of a son, Kamryn Brod-eric, born July 10.Shawn and Erin (Holl) Herter ’02 of Gibbon are parents of a son, Blake Allen, born July 24.Todd and JoDee (Jensen) Hubbard ’00 of Elm Creek are parents of a daughter, Haylee Jo, born Sept. 10.Dale and Kelli (Trampe)

Jacobs ’00 of Kearney are parents of a son, Kalen Keith, born Sept. 24.Amanda and Matt Jochum ‘04 of Omaha are parents of a daughter, Lydia Jo, born June 3. They also have a son, Austin 3. Matt is an assistant manager at Scheels and Amanda is a dietitian.Jason and Sarah (Teply) Jones ’05 of Kearney are parents of a son, Kameron Edward, born Sept. 23.Bill and Nicole (Brown) Kennedy ’06 of Omaha are parents of a son, Eli Orion, born May 23. They also have a son, Quentin 4.

Want to surprise a student, staff or faculty member at UNK with a special treat? Send them a BlueGold Brigade Cookiegram.Cookiegrams include a 6-inch personalized Eileen’s

Cookie and a BlueGold Brigade gift. For only $10, you can be your student’s favorite family member, or your past professor’s favorite alum. Delivery to the Kearney campus only. Purchase yours today at:

unkalumni.org/cookiegramProceeds go to benefit the UNK Alumni Association

student organization BlueGold Brigade.

C O O K I E G R A M S

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Class NotesDuane ’92 and Carrie (Sears) Kohles ’92 of Grand Island are parents of a daughter, Ava Renae, born Aug. 7. They also have twin sons, Grant and Wyatt 11.Sydney and Phil Klein ’01 of Cozad are parents of a daughter, Brecklynn Elizabeth, born Dec. 19. Joe and Becky (Brekel) Klute ’03 of Kear-ney are parents of a daughter, Ellie Ann, born Oct. 15. She has brothers A.J. and Ryder.Chris and Sarah (Bongle) Larsen ’02 of Kearney are parents of a son, Jase Christo-pher, born Sept. 23.Matt and Brooke (Peterson) Larson ’03 of Denver, Colo., are parents of a daughter, Collins Carol, born Aug. 8. Tony and Heidi (Blankenship) Larson ’05 of Kearney are parents of a son, Jaxson Brian, born Oct. 3.Gordon and Alicia (Blythe) Lassen ’02, MAE ’08 of Overton are parents of a son, Owen Gale, born Nov. 8.Timothy and Mindy (Streeter) Lester ’06 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Grace Katherine, born Aug. 24.Kent ’06 and Russtanna (Faimon) Lutt ’07 of Kearney are parents of a son, Maxson David, born Aug. 27.Marty ‘05 and Tara (McCann) Mad-den ’02 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Norah June, born Oct. 4.Tim and Stephanie (Paitz) Mahony ’05 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, London Elizabeth, born Aug. 17.Jacob ’10 and Lona (Fleming) Mason ’07, EDS ’11 of Nortonville, Kan., are parents of son, Elias Quincy, born Oct. 11.Bret and Shauna (Fisher) Melson ’07 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Landyn Lee, born Aug. 22.Kyle ’12 and Kasey (Nansel) McBride ’12 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Kaelani Ann, born Aug. 21.Patrick and Wendy (Parker) O’Neill ’97 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Amanda Jean, born Nov. 19.Rick ’08 and Hannah Mollard of Kearney are parents of a son, Jack Phillip, born Oct. 19. He has sisters Kinley and Ella.Ryan ’06 and Valeri (Czaplewski) McMahon ’06 of Omaha, are parents of a daughter, Erin Raelen, born July 3. Logan and Shari (Anderson) Mohr ’00 of Minden are parents of a son, Crewe Anton, born October 27. He joins his older brother, Boone, age 2.Charlotte and Chris Mroczek MSE ’05 of Kearney are parents of a son, Becket Owen, born Aug. 19.

“My favorite class at UNK was Marching Band- I moved halfway across the state to go to school and had no friends or family close. However, by the time classes started I had 100 good friends. They were my friends through college and still are today.” ~Kelci Fulton Wood ’11 from UNK Alumni Facebook Page •

Marching Band

“Both took an interest in all of their students. Dr. Nuss made every class fun to be in and made us all enjoy learning everything while Dr. Louishomme was constantly pushing to motivate you and very passionate about what he believed in.”~Nathan Blaha ’10 from UNK Alumni Facebook Page •

Dr. Mark Nuss & Dr. Claude Louisehomme

Often, the people we are today is because of the connections we made at UNK. We want to give you the opportunity to show your gratitude to those special people. Your letters are welcome! Whether it is to express gratitude to a past instructor, alumni or friend or to comment and/or add to a published story - we want to hear from you. Write us at UNK Today magazine, UNK Alumni Association 2222 9th Ave., Kearney, NE 68845-6120. Include your name, class year (if applicable), email, city, state and daytime phone number - or send letters or email Lopers@unkalumni.org.

Notes of Gratitude

“If Terry Renner told me to run through a brick wall today ... I would do it for him. Well, at least I’d give it a try. One of my regrets in life is that I’ve never told him how much he has meant to me in my career as a former Loper, and now as a football coach at Hastings. I’ve played for a lot of great coaches during my high school days who went on to become great college coaches, but I learned how to play the game from Coach Renner. Even today, I continue to teach my players techniques that I learned from Coach. I think of him constantly when working my players.” ~Fred Knapple ’89, ’92, MAE ’05 •

Terry Renner

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Ryan and Jennifer (Ahlers) Moser ’00 of Yankton, S.D., are parents of a son, Nash Raymond, born Feb. 12. He has sisters, Rylie Kate and Brady Margaret.Ashley and Curtis Ott ’07 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Tinley Ruby, born Aug. 4.Tracy and Jock Renz ’04 of Kearney, are parents of a daughter, Jakyia Dawn, born Dec. 28. She has sisters, Shy and Baylee, and brothers, Mak and Treyvn. Justin ’08 and Tasha (Lacey) Rethorst ’03 of Lincoln are parents of a son, Mad-dox Paul, born Dec. 9.Kevin and Christy (Hagler) Rose ’02 of Downingtown, Penn., are parents of a son, Bennett Millard, born Sept. 28.Eric and Beth (Solomon) Rosenthal ’03 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Isabelle Grace, born Aug. 15.Sarah and Chris Russell ’03 of Broken Bow are parents of a son, Kenneth ‘Kenny’ Reid, born Oct. 10.Michael ’05 and Shannon (Ryan) Sands ’07 of Omaha are parents of a daughter, Lucille Ryan, born Sept. 17.Kurt and Kalla (Hopkins) Sawyer ’13 of Mason City are parents of a daughter, Lauren Ann, born Aug. 30.Dakota ’01 and Jennifer (Aldridge) Shafer ’01 of Colorado Springs are parents of a daughter, Claire Elisabeth, born Aug. 8, 2012. They also have a son, Kaden 4.Nolan and Katherine (Sizer) Shinn ’08 of Kearney are parents of a son, Landon William, born Aug. 6.Brad ’09 and Heather (Sullivan) Slay-maker ’10 of Atkinson are parents of a son, Jacoby James, born Oct. 27. They also have a daughter, Taylor Therese 2.Erin and Jared Small ’04 of Kearney are parents of a son, Colton Gene, born Sept. 10.Kristine and Joshua Sole ’06 of Roch-ester, Minn., are parents of a son, Jacob Scott, born Aug. 5.Justin and Crystal (Nielsen) Staley ’03, MA ’13 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Samantha Ruth, born Nov. 8. Jeff and Melissa (Hambridge) Vinzant ’99, MA ’02 of Bertrand are parents of a daughter, Lillian Grace, born July 8.Matthew Voichahoske ’12 and Jor-dan Higgins ’13 October 25 in Papillion.Greg and Becky (Botsford) Wallwey ’04 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Eleanor Lora, born Aug. 16.Matthew and Alicia (Mullen) Walter ’02 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Kinsley Renee, born September 17.

Shannon and Justin Webb ‘03 of Burle-son, Texas, are parents of a son, Zachary John, born Feb. 12, 2013. He joins brother, Jude and sister, Grace. Barb and Jon Wegner ’05 of Kearney are parents of a son, Erik Lindell, born July 14.Ryan ’00 and Jody (Trautman) Wind-horst ’03, of Scottsbluff are parents of a son, Carson Bradlee, born on Aug. 30.Fred ’98 and Rhoda (Ottun) Woods ’02 of Burwell are parents of a son, Brigham Neil, born Nov. 25. They also have a daugh-ter, Isannah Claire. Fred is a production manager for SubCon Manufacturing in Ord. Rhoda is taking time off from her teaching career to stay at home with the children.Jeremy ’05, MAE ’10 and Elizabeth (Hoehner) Yilk ’04, MAE ’09 of McCook are parents of a son, Kasen Nicholas, born July 16.

DeathsRebecca (Knapp) Anderson ’94 of Lincoln died Dec. 6. She was 53.Constance ‘Connie’ Atkinson ’74 of Seward died Oct. 24. She was 62.Ronda (Bethke) Babl ’85 of Kearney died Oct. 28. She was a registered nurse. She was 59.Harold ‘Harry’ Barnes ’89 of Minden died Nov. 22. He was 55.Carol Best ’79 of Kearney died Dec. 16. She worked 34 years at UNK, many of those as a landscape assistant. She was 58.Glenn Critchley MAE ’82 of Bakers-field, Calif., died Nov. 25. He was a football coach at UNK before beginning a broadcasting career. He was 71.Cynthia Jo ‘Cindy’ (Catlin) Cooper ’87 of Lowell died Nov. 2. She was 51.Jean (Gustafson) Clymer ’72 of Go-thenburg died Dec. 11. She was 89.Patty (Anderson) DeFrance ’75 of Jackson, Wyo., died Aug. 6. She was 61.William ‘Bill’ Dunn ‘73 of Grand Island, died unexpectedly Jan. 18, 2014, while vacationing with friends in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Island. Bill served as a member of the UNK Alumni Association Board from 1996 through 1999. He was 62. Todd Elsbernd ’84 of Grand Island died Nov. 13. He was an attorney and member of the Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education. He was 52.Kent Felzien ’68 of Hot Springs Village, Ark., died November 20. He was retired owner of Layton Funeral Home in Minden. He was 68.Gwen (Jordan) Galloway ’52 of Washington DC, died Nov. 24, 2012. She was 82.

William ‘Bill’ Goa ’58, MS ’71 of Peo-ria, Ariz., died Aug. 18. He was a career educator who spent 32 years with the Grand Island Public Schools. He was 82.Gale Lorraine ’50 of Kenesaw died October 25. He was 86.Susan ‘Sue’ (Schrack) Kincaid ‘74 of Kearney died Sept. 3. She was an educa-tor who spent 34 years with the Kearney Public Schools. She was 61.Marilyn ‘Elizabeth’ (Morgan) Helle-berg King MSE ’70 of Green Mountain Falls, Colo., died Sept. 17. She was 82.Ron McKinney ’62 of Bemidji, Minn., died Aug. 9. He taught 35 years in Barneston and Odell, Neb., and Harlan, Iowa. He was 75.Deanne Pelz-Bryant of Omaha died Nov. 15. She was 55.Russell Schmaljohn ’62 of Maryville, Miss., died July 29. He was an art professor at Northwest Missouri State University for 35 years. He was 73.Rosemary (Reid) Stagemeyer ’63 of Cambridge, died Aug. 29. She was 73.Sharon (Silas) Strong ’61 of Kearney died Aug. 8. She was a high school teach-er and worked in speech communications at UNK in the counseling department in the 1970s,’80s and ’90s. She was 74.Stanley Talcott ’68 of Maitland, Fla., died Dec. 11. He was the founding dean of Barry University School of Law in Orlando. He was 71. Kimberly (Waugh) Thomas ’90 of Gib-bon died Dec. 13. She was 45.Thomas Tonak ’63, MSE ’71 of Lincoln died Oct. 30. He was a career educator, having taught in Kearney for 20 years and working for the Nebraska State Education Association until retiring in 2006. He was 72.Clarence Trumble ’73 of Omaha died December 26. He was 71.John Waterman ’70 of Omaha died Sept. 26 following a lengthy battle with ALS. He taught math in the Omaha Public School system from 1970 until his retire-ment in 2004. He was 64.Billy Williamson of Arapahoe died Oct. 18. He owned Williamson-Haase Funeral Home in Arapahoe. He was 84.Francis (Marion) “Willie” Wilson ’49 of Golden, CO died December 20. He was 88. Carol (Peterson) Zapata ’72 of Kearney died Dec. 11. She taught 40 years at Bry-ant Elementary School, retiring in 2011. She was 63.

Class Notes

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UNK Connections

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OPPORTUNITIES TO CONNECT:oCampus Visit, (Let us know when you will be on campus so we can plan a tour!)

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oOngoing Career Mentoring, (Gold Torch Society - women’s mentoring, conversation tables, etc.)

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Please let us know where you are and what you are doing.

facebook.com/UNKAlumniJoin in the fun!MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY: Motivational thoughts and quotes to get your week started off right!THOUGHTFUL TUESDAY:Thoughtful and Thankful! Thinking of those who have been extra special to the UNK Alumni Association.WHERE IS IT WEDNESDAY:Where or when - join us and guess to win FABULOUS Loper prizes!THIS OR THAT THURSDAY:Whether it’s a picture from days gone by or a trivia question? You won’t want to miss this day!FILL IN THE BLANK FRIDAY:Join the thousands of alumni who have already participated in this fun opportunity to share memories, advice and ideas

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Send in your updates, Loper Pride pictures or any exciting information or pictures you would like to share to UNK Alumni Association. You can also update your information online at unkalumni.org/member or email information to Lopers@unkalumni.org.

Campus Box 21Kearney, Nebraska 68849Phone 308.865.8474Fax 308.865.8999 Lopers@unkalumni.orgunkalumni.org

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Bringing back the tradition! After a 14-year hiatus, the Bike Bowl is returning to campus. The Bike Bowl started in 1967 and “rolled” for a good 33 years before it took a break.Now, the UNK BlueGold Brigade student organization is bringing it back. The Brigade is focused on creating and fostering traditions, so they wanted current students to experience an event that youmay remember fondly.

Students, alumniand community membersare welcome to put together a four-member team. 34th Annual Bike Bowl: April 26 at the UNK Safety CenterLook for more details at www.unkalumni.org/bikebowlRegistration begins March 1.

Follow the happenings of the UNK Bike Bowl on Facebook. #unkbikebowl