Fall 2019 | Volume 40
FOCUSED Alumna Kim Moore Overcomes Obstacles to Earn Degree, Student Speaker Role
Change Agent
10 Ways Mary Hawkins Has Changed Higher Education
A Commitment to Sustainability Grants Help Establish Learning Lab
Master of Professional Studies Offers Flexibility
The Magazine for Alumni and Friends of Bellevue University
Fall 2019 | Volume 40 Cover: Kim Moore, a member of the women’s golf team, had to block out distractions on her way to earning her bachelor’s degree. Today, with her degree in Sport Management in hand, she is a golf pro at the The Ranch in Westminster, Colorado. Photo by James Zanders Table of Contents MPS Graduates…. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 3 David Kerber - OpsCompass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 5 Crystal and Josh Dosher - Better Together . . 6 - 7 Kim Moore - Student Speaker… . . . . . . . . . . . 8 - 9 President Mary Hawkins 10 Year Anniversary . 10 - 11 Master of Science in Child, Youth and Family Studies…. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Sustainability Lab…. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 New Board Members…. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Ambassador Nikki Haley…. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Secondary Ed Student Nicole Hatcher…. . . . 16
Mission Statement Bellevue University effectively engages students in earning awards and degrees that prepare them to thrive in a connected, competitive world. We provide students with a powerful foundation for personal value creation, instilling the confidence they need to take control of their lives and to be responsible citizens of the global community. We teach the value of a free market, capitalist economic system and the importance of preserving our American heritage of a democratic and free way of life. Vision The vision of Bellevue University is to be the premier open access university in the United States. Values Integrity in all we do Belief in the transformational value of education Student-centric Market-focused Innovative
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Master of Professional Studies Offers Students Flexibility Employers are looking for flexibility, adaptability, and a skill set that stretches far and wide. So why shouldn’t a master’s degree program embody those concepts, too? Bellevue University’s Master of Professional Studies (MPS) does just that – both in terms of what it teaches students and in what it offers students. Students start by creating an individualized degree plan with the help of an admissions counselor and faculty. A notable feature of the MPS is the flexibility to combine courses from more than one degree program with prior learning, and/or certificates of completion. In addition, for students who have earned credit from another graduate program or institution, the Bellevue University 30 credit-hour MPS degree program allows up to 12 transfer credits. Students may complete the remainder of the degree requirements either online or on-campus. Two Bellevue University employees recently completed the MPS program. While their goals were distinctly different, they were both able to expand their skill set in an area of their own choosing.
NATHAN KRAFT’S STORY Nathan Kraft is the Assistant Director, Multimedia Production Support Services. He had looked into several master’s degree programs at the University before settling on the MPS. The customizable aspect of the degree was a big selling point for him, but picking out classes proved to be a little daunting. “I went through and looked at everything. There’s a lot of class options and I was getting a little lost,” he said. “I had a little help from my counselor and was able to focus in on some classes. I concentrated on classes that would help with my management responsibilities. I did a counseling class because I felt it would be really interesting to learn about people from that perspective.” The class, Intercultural Communication taught by Dr. Kate Joeckel, discussed racism and sexism in the workplace among other issues. “It was the perfect time for that class. I learned a lot about hiring practices. I felt like I was doing things correctly in that regard and the class reinforced that, as well, shedding some light on the thought processes behind some policies and practices,” he said.
“It really helps you get through the class. She’s there for you. It really helps you focus and figure out where you’re going.”
“Dr. Michelle Eppler, Dean of the College of Professional Studies, takes a hands-on approach with the program and is readily available to all of the students,” Kraft said.
Kraft took advantage of the University’s tuition remission benefit to earn the degree and has his eye on teaching as an adjunct professor.
“At the start of each term Michelle gets everybody together on a discussion board to discuss what they’re doing, what’s going well and what you’re having problems with,” Kraft said.
“I really want to teach and you have to have your master’s degree to do that,” he said. “Earning my master’s degree has helped me become a better manager.”
ANITA SCHAEPE’S STORY Anita Schaepe, a Content Marketing Specialist at the University, had some graduate-level coursework from the University of Nebraska-Kearney and wanted to take advantage of those credits to earn her master’s degree. “It was on my bucket list to get it done. I had stopped out a couple of times when I was pretty young,” she said. “I thought this would be perfect because it would dovetail with the classes I had already taken. I wouldn’t be starting over.” Schaepe came up with three goals she wanted to achieve through the program and then chose classes that would help her do just that. Like Kraft, teaching was something that intrigued her and she crafted her program toward that. Schaepe received support from a number of people throughout her program including Eppler, Joeckel, and Writing Center Coordinator Amy Nejezchleb. “I had a lot of people to turn to for help during the program,” Schaepe said. “Amy was terrific. We’d meet every week and go over my work.”
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David Kerber is at Home with OpsCompass
TRUE DIRECTION
FIND YOUR
“We’re going to help you get from here to there. They get it. They understand I’m a working adult.”
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David Kerber has spent a good deal of his adult life writing computer code. He’s on his way to writing quite the storybook life, as well, one that has had some unexpected plot twists along the way. Kerber is the Vice President of Development at OpsCompass, a cloud computing security company. The company provides real-time policy and governance-oriented tools and services for Microsoft Azure Cloud, AWS (Amazon Web Services), and SaaS (Software as a Service). In short, OpsCompass helps companies realize the promise of cloud computing by reducing costs with secure and compliant infrastructure.
Education Provides Foundation It was Bellevue University that gave Kerber a solid base from which to build his entrepreneurial dreams. He earned his a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University in 2003. A 1999 graduate of Bellevue East High School and a veteran of the United States Navy, Kerber was familiar with the University’s military-friendly reputation and an educational model that considered the needs of adult learners. An easy transfer of previously-earned credit helped sell Kerber on his hometown school, as well. “What Bellevue (University) did that I really appreciated was they said ‘Hey, we’ll take all your credits from here. We recognize your military experience and what that’s worth. We’re going to help you get from here to there,’ ” he said. “They get it. They understand I’m a working adult.” Kerber was guided through the Business Administration program by Bob Cook, a faculty member at the time. “He was awesome because he had this incredible way of cutting through the nonsense and going, ‘Okay, this is what it is. Let’s get to it and figure this out’,” Kerber said.
David Kerber, a 2003 graduate of Bellevue University, has his life on course as the Vice President of Development at OpsCompass. A job at Mutual of Omaha helped lead Kerber into the programming career that would power his future. A U.S. Navy Veteran and a father of four, Kerber is looking forward to seeing what the future holds.
Another impactful figure was the late Dr. Ed Rauchut, who was Kerber’s instructor in the Kirkpatrick Signature Series, the linchpin of Bellevue University’s undergraduate degree programs. The series focuses on various institutions and traditions of Western Civilization that have achieved unprecedented success in the United States. It explores the ground for intellectual, social, and cultural progress through the productive tensions that can arise between tradition, change, freedom, and responsibility. “What a brilliant man,” Kerber said. “I still think back to that class and all the lessons I learned — how to really think through something and how to separate out the intentions of something from the side effects.”
An Entrepreneurial Spirit Kerber started his own software development company, Agape Red, in 2009 before selling the company to OpsCompass in 2018 and becoming a partner in that firm. “I basically still run the same company, in addition to running product development, helping out in whatever areas I’m needed. Sometimes I’m on sales calls. Sometimes I help them with marketing, sometimes I’m coding. Just whatever needs to be done,” Kerber said. Kerber wasn’t quite sure what needed to be done coming out of high school, but he was pretty sure it wasn’t going to be done on a traditional college campus. He wanted to get to work rather than to a frat party.
“College really looked like just like being broke and not doing much for four years,” he said. So when a Navy recruiter gave him a call he was in their office 15 minutes later. He actually enlisted the summer before his senior year of high school. He planned to take advantage of the educational benefits offered by the military to kick start a legal career.
Family Inspires Change of Direction “I was in boot camp and my girlfriend at the time sends me a letter and lets me know I’m going to be a father. My whole world flipped upside-down,” he said. Kerber briefly considered staying in the Navy, but knew a 20-year hitch wasn’t for him. He finished out his commitment and returned to Nebraska. After a few starts and stops, he landed at Mutual of Omaha as a Business Analyst. After some in-house training, his job evolved to about 90% coding. “It turns out I was pretty good at it,” he said. “That really is what set my whole career trajectory.” Kerber, a member of the Suburban Rotary, spent about four years as Director of Technology at Proxibid and started Agape Red during his tenure there. He’s now been at OpsCompass for right about a year. Thus, that life-changing letter from his high school sweetheart and now-wife, Abbie Bontrager, has grown to full-length novel featuring four children. Kerber credits his wife with inspiring much of his success. “She’s incredible,” Kerber said. “I have done some really crazy things and she’s always been there for me.”
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BETTER TOGETHER Mother, Son Overcame Obstacles to Earn Degrees Within a Week of One Another
It was another milestone in the journey for single mother Crystal Dosher. She had just gotten her only child, Kyle, settled in at Creighton University for his freshman year, while she herself was beginning pursuit of her own bachelor’s degree at Bellevue University.
shoulders,” Kyle said. “I know that this is the goal that she’s had in her head for the longest time.”
It was all going swimmingly until April 2, 2016.
“We’re simple people and so is our family,’ Kyle said. “We celebrated by just going to Cracker Barrel and getting some chicken and dumplings and all that. That’s satisfying enough.”
“I was home alone and had this massive headache,” Crystal said. “One symptom lead to another. I couldn’t talk. I found my phone and called my son for help. I didn’t realize I was having a stroke.” Fortunately, Kyle did. He rushed home and transported his mother to Bellevue Medical Center, where she would spend the next few days. She pulled through because of her son, for her son. There were other challenges including a heart attack a few months later, but together they would meet every challenge.
While Crystal and Kyle have buoyed each other during their journey, they are quick to point out that they have not been on this journey alone. Bellevue Church of Christ helped bolster the pair during the toughest times.
“A lot of encouragement, prayers, and faith has kept us going and will continue in our next chapters.”
Walking Across the Stage Crystal was able to celebrate another milestone as she watched Kyle walk across the stage with his bachelor’s degree in finance in hand on Saturday, May 18, 2019. “It was overwhelming. I was so very proud of him,” Crystal said. “We’ve overcome a lot of obstacles to get to that point. It’s like a giant check mark. He’s persevered and it was a dream come true for me.” Kyle watched his mother check that same box when she walked in Bellevue University’s 2019 Spring Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, June 1 at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Crystal earned her Bachelor of Science in Business. “I’ll be relieved. I just can’t wait to see that weight lifted off her
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The pair celebrated the same way they celebrated Kyle’s graduation.
“They came and prayed for me. They’ve been a big inspiration to us,” Crystal said. “If we needed anything, they were there to help. I believe in a higher power and my faith has been what’s gotten me through. For both Kyle and I, our strength and perseverance has allowed us to never give up and go after what we want, to be better people and to give back.” Additionally, Crystal had support from friends and family across the community and Gallup in Bellevue (her former employer). Key faculty and support staff helped Crystal navigate her degree program at Bellevue University while in recovery and beyond including Professor Michaela Schaben and Student Coach Sarah Hamik. “Professor Shaben knew me before my stroke. She saw the effects. She told me just the other day that the one thing she knows about me is that I never give up. She’s been so supportive and so happy to see me succeed. And then Sarah has been there to encourage me throughout the stroke and coming back to school. She’s helped me find resources if I needed help, including tutoring.”
Crystal Dosher overcame several health setbacks during pursuit of her bachelor’s degree, but walked across the stage with her degree in hand during Bellevue University’s Spring Commencement ceremony on June 1, 2019. Crystal graduated from Bellevue University just a week after Josh earned his degree at Creighton University. The pair were instrumental in supporting one another while attending classes and through Crystal’s recovery from a stroke.
Onward and Upward Crystal has taken a job at the University of Nebraska Medical Center as a Customer Service Associate. “I’m very encouraged and hope to move up within the organization,” she said. For his part, Kyle has started with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). “I’ll be a Financial Institution Specialist and I’ll spend four years taking tests and progressing to become a bank examiner. I’ll be coordinating with other examiners to maintain stability and trust in the banks across America.” Crystal is grateful to have come this far on her journey with her son and is looking forward to what’s next, including a bit of a breather from homework. “We’re very thankful for each day that we are blessed with and we just like spending time with family. It’s been a crazy four years,” she said. “A lot of encouragement, prayers, and faith has kept us going and will continue in our next chapters.”
As Crystal walked across the stage to receive her diploma her son was on hand to cheer her on.
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FOCUSED Kim Moore Overcomes Obstacles to Earn Degree, Student Speaker Role
Kim Moore knows more than a little about focusing to accomplish her goals. Earlier this year, she brought her powers of concentration to the 36 holes that stood between her and a conference golf title. She focused. She blocked out all the distractions. She hit the drives, made the putts, and defined herself as a champion by claiming the North Star Athletic Association women’s golf individual prize. That focus also served her well as the student speaker at Bellevue University’s 2019 Spring Commencement speaker Saturday, June 1 at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Kim Moore stayed focused during her collegiate career at Bellevue University. That focus helped her earn her bachelor’s degree, win the North Star Athletic Association women’s golf championship, and land a spot as the student speaker at the Spring Commencement ceremony.
Originally, from Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Moore has had to block out distractions during her entire tenure at Bellevue University and a good portion of her life prior to that. The focus she has demonstrated paid off recently as she earned her bachelor’s degree in Sports Management.
Moore spoke about troubles at home, including the incarceration of her father, during her commencement speech. Golf played an important role in Moore’s success at Bellevue University allowing her time away from other distractions.
Overcoming Obstacles Moore’s support system began to fracture at a young age when her father suffered a disabling accident at work. Her parents divorced while she was in high school and both her father and younger brother fell afoul of the law and were incarcerated for different periods of time. “I have fought to overcome those circumstances. College gave me the freedom to push beyond the past and embrace the future,” Moore said. “Statistics show that children with an incarcerated father have a 15% chance of ever graduating from college. Today, I am of that 15%. I made the choice to break away from the mold that could have so easily defined who I was going to be.”
Brenda Mechels and Bob Danenhauer, kept her engaged and supported her efforts. “The thing I’ve enjoyed the most is the awesome coaches I have. Shelly is great, the athletic department is great. My teammates have been great. It’s been an awesome way to spend my last two years,” she said. “Brenda and Bob — they have kind of taken me in and mentored me.” Mechels said Moore’s focus carries beyond the golf course and into the classroom.
“Kim is a great student, but an even better person. She’s so respectful and pleasant to be around, plus, she carries a quiet confidence. In the classroom, she’s a quiet leader, often raising the standard of those around her without them even knowing it,” Mechels said. “When she commits, whether on the golf “The University had strong academics course, in the classroom, or other in the area I wanted study — Sports day to day things, she follows Management,” Moore said. “It seemed through. Kim is driven to succeed, and I’m so excited to watch what like the right fit.” she will accomplish in the years to come!”
Moore graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 2014 having led the Bearcats to the Nebraska State High School Championship. She was a three-time qualifier for the state tournament and two-time all-state selection. She began her collegiate career at Metropolitan State in Denver playing her first two years for the Roadrunners.
But some trouble at home forced her to take a year off. She made a pact with her personal golf coach, Ed Oldham, to return to school. The opportunity to play collegiate golf kept her motivated. Bellevue University women’s golf coach, Shelly Liddick, began recruiting her and Moore decided to head east.
Coaches, Faculty Step Up Liddick, along with Sports Management professors Dr.
Following graduation, Moore has lined up an opportunity as an assistant golf professional out at The Ranch Country Club in Westminster, Colorado and is considering pursuing a Master’s degree in Sports Management. “We have the choice to set the bar for ourselves,” Moore said. “The adversity that each student and graduate had to overcome did not stop us from being successful today. It has made us stronger and will surely make us even stronger for what lies ahead.”
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10 WAYS MARY HAWKINS HAS CHANGED HIGHER EDUCATION Dr. Mary Hawkins joined Bellevue University 24 years ago, and this past summer she celebrated a milestone decade as the University’s President. Throughout her tenure, and particularly over the last 10 years, Dr. Hawkins has overseen dynamic growth in the institution, and instigated sometimes-disruptive innovations that have well positioned Bellevue University to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Although her contributions over the last 10 years are too numerous to count, here are 10 ways that Dr. Hawkins has changed higher education for the benefit of employees, faculty, and, most of all, students.
1. Providing Career-Relevant Education As part of its open access mission, Bellevue University offers inclusive and accessible real world learning. Leveraging her economics background, Dr. Hawkins and University leadership have focused on designing – and regularly updating — degree and certificate programs that are closely aligned with the labor market and provide students with both the technical and Power Skills™ needed to become confident, capable and change-ready leaders. Plus, the University’s Kirkpatrick Signature Series, which all undergraduates complete, ensures students enter the workforce with the foundation needed to serve their communities as active and engaged citizens.
2. Making Education Affordable Recognizing early on that cost is a major factor for students
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and families, Dr. Hawkins championed articulation agreements that make it possible for transfer students to receive credit for prior relevant learning, whether it’s taken place at a community college, in the military or in the workplace. Today, Bellevue University students incur less debt for their education and default on student loans at a markedly lower rate than the national average.
3. Opening Opportunity to Degree Attainment Under Dr. Hawkins’ leadership, Bellevue University has demonstrated a commitment to open access – and open opportunity – education. Fundamentally, Bellevue University believes that everyone, regardless of their status or circumstance, should have the opportunity to earn a quality college degree. Toward that end, Bellevue University works hard to ensure student success through a system of support that includes coaches, counselors, student emergency funds, advisers, credit for prior learning and work experience, and engaged, first-rate faculty.
4. Embracing Innovative Technologies As an early adopter of online, asynchronous learning technologies – the University launched the nation’s first online MBA program in the mid-1990s — Dr. Hawkins has helped ensure Bellevue University uses technology to meet students wherever they are. Ten years of prudent investments into hardware and software, faculty and staffing have positioned Bellevue University to explore, apply and teach using nextgeneration technologies like 3-D video, Artificial Intelligence, and Virtual/Augmented Reality.
5. Building Relationships At Home and Abroad Even before she assumed the role of President, Dr. Hawkins focused on forging relationships in order to create pathways to education for students who wanted to build a better life for themselves and their families. As President, she’s prioritized relationships and reached out to help create the nation’s largest partnership network of community colleges, the nation’s first-ever combined undergraduate and graduate certificate program spanning two distinct institutions, an innovative 2+2 program with China’s Guangzhou College of Commerce, as well as educational programs with other international partners.
6. Collaborating With Corporate Partners Dr. Hawkins has helped reimagine education as a benefit for today’s workforce. During her tenure, the University has partnered with Guild Education and enrolled record numbers of new students from some of America’s best-known brand name companies, including Walmart, The Walt Disney Company, Home Depot, Verizon and others. Bellevue University has scaled to meet employer demand and demonstrated flexibility in customizing degree programs and course work to meet the unique needs of organizations. 7. Creating a Culture for the Future Bellevue University is in the peopledevelopment business. We understand that expanding the horizons of one person improves the possibilities for all of us. That’s why Dr. Hawkins has consistently invested in the University workforce and championed Bellevue University’s unique culture, one which values integrity, transformation, innovation, focus on our students and on the market, and care and concern for others. In recognition of the University’s people-first culture, Bellevue University was named one of the country’s Great Colleges to Work For in 2019 by The Chronicle for Higher Education.
8. Investing in Workforce Development Bellevue University was a leader in organizational development and
credentialed careers long before the term “workforce development” came into vogue. Under Dr. Hawkins’ leadership, one of the University’s four colleges is dedicated to continuing and professional education, and there are subject matter experts who develop and implement more than 100 different non-credit offerings, ranging from PMP test prep, to entrepreneurship, to apprenticeship programs registered through the U.S. Department of Labor and more.
9. Making Diverse Enrollment the New Normal Dr. Hawkins has a lengthy track record of connecting with students from diverse backgrounds. Before assuming the presidency, she implemented an outreach and scholarship program for Omaha’s South Omaha Hispanic community, and more recently, she initiated a partnership with the Mexican Consulate in Nebraska. Today’s Bellevue University’s Latino enrollment is more than 14% and the University’s master’s degree program in social sciences and its undergraduate business degree program were recently recognized as the nation’s top program for Hispanics by Diverse Issues in Higher Education.
10. Supporting All Those Who Serve and Sacrifice Dr. Hawkins is from a military family and she continues to celebrate and honor Bellevue University’s heritage as an institution founded by a military hero, Bill Brooks, to serve the military. About 25% of the University’s student body is active duty, veteran or a member of a military family, and in 2018, Bellevue University became an official Purple Heart University. The University is regularly ranked among the nation’s most military-friendly schools and serves military students and the local military community with a host of services available at its Military and Veteran Services Center (MVSC). While it’s difficult to count the ways that Dr. Hawkins has impacted students and the community over the past decade, the “Real Learning for Real Life” motto and focus she has established bodes well for a present and a future that are already being shaped by the need for lifelong learning.
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organizations need leaders who are fully prepared and qualified to diagnose complex multi-dimensional issues, supervise cases, and help communities solve their most pressing social service challenges.” The new program launches in October under the leadership of Program Director David Hoppe. “This graduate program is tailored to those people who are dedicated to improving the lives of children and families,” he said. “Students in this program will interact and gain valuable experience with a social service agency or company,” he explained, “but they will be able to do it while still working full-time or raising a family.”
“That’s who we’re trying to serve — those diverse populations,” Hoppe said. Hoppe noted there are several differentiators that set the program apart. One such example is a class that helps students understand cultural differences within the family dynamic.
The new Master of Science in Child, Youth, and Family studies, under the leadership of Program Director David Hoppe, endeavors to set itself apart with classes that address issues such as diversity and the impact of technology and social media on today’s families.
New Master’s Program
Focuses on Serving the Most Vulnerable Protecting the most vulnerable among us – there is no higher calling. Bellevue University’s new Master of Science in Child, Youth and Family Studies, which focuses on the social and psychological issues affecting children and their families, will equip students to answer that call. “Today, there is growing recognition that children and families across the United States need the support, guidance and care of professionals who can deal appropriately with complex issues such as poverty, childhood hunger and child abuse,” said Bellevue University President Dr. Mary Hawkins. “While there are many organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children,” she said, “these
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“We want to recognize and understand the intricacies of what they’re going through and what they’ve experienced. If you don’t understand what they’re going through, you aren’t going to be able to help them.” Another unique class is on contemporary child, youth and family issues and addresses the new aspects, such as technology and social media that can impact children and families. “The challenges presented by social media is something previous generations have not had to deal with,” Hoppe explained. “It can skew a child’s self-image, as well as their view of what the world looks like.” While many similar programs require an internship, oftentimes the adult students who make up a large portion of Bellevue University’s student body don’t have the flexibility to accommodate the time commitment that an internship would require. Instead, the new program will include an applied project that students will be able to complete over a nine-month period. “The project will be developed and completed with the cooperation of an agency,” Hoppe said. “It should benefit the student by gaining real-world experience, while also benefiting the agency by getting professional level input into a real issue that the organization is addressing.” The program is offered in a cohort format with students taking one class at a time, one after another. Students will earn 36 credit hours over nine courses. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the demand for child and family social workers will increase by 14.2% now through 2026. “It’s a very demanding, yet very rewarding field,” Hoppe said. “People are called to do this kind of work and we want to be able to give them the tools to do their job to the fullest.”
A COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY Nebraska Environmental Trust Awards $330,000 in Grants to Help Establish Sustainability Learning Lab Earlier this year, the Council of Independent Nebraska Colleges Foundation (CINCF) received $330,000 in grant funds from the Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) to help establish a sustainability learning lab at Bellevue University. The grant funding from NET will be matched by Bellevue University and its partners and donors over the next three years. According to Treva Haugaard, Executive Director of CINCF, the sustainability learning lab has tremendous potential to benefit the State of Nebraska by raising awareness and educating future generations of students and citizens about how to conserve, enhance and restore natural environments. Haugaard added that the grant and lab project aligns well with CINCF’s mission to provide support for students attending Nebraska’s private colleges and universities. Bellevue University President Dr. Mary Hawkins said the grant serves as a prime example of a partnership resulting in a unique educational resource. “We are grateful for The Nebraska Environmental Trust’s support of this project and for the CINC Foundation’s advocacy on behalf of the state’s independent higher educational institutions,” she said. “We
are confident that real world, applied learning that will take place in the lab will help preserve Nebraska’s valuable natural resources and strengthen the state’s workforce.” Hawkins explained that the sustainability lab is part of a broader multi-million dollar innovation investment made by Bellevue University and the University’s donors into STEM education facilities, programs and student support resources. The sustainability learning lab is partially funded through a grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust. The Trust is funded by proceeds from the Nebraska Lottery and has awarded more than $305 million to conservation projects in Nebraska since 1994. Prep work on the 7,000-square foot indoor-outdoor facility supporting a greenhouse, solar and wind generation stations, a biofuel algae pond and an outdoor classroom began in early September, with a formal groundbreaking ceremony held on Friday, Oct. 4. When completed, the lab will support and facilitate science and environmental sustainability education, research, public awareness and green workforce development. The lab will support Bellevue University courses and degrees, and when completed is
Faculty, students, and staff all volunteered to help plant thousands of native plants as part of the groundbreaking event in October.
expected to engage and educate more than 2,500 students, educators, researchers and campus visitors a year. Dr. John Kyndt, Associate Professor of Microbiology, Nutrition, and Sustainability, is excited that the space will be available to the community.“We want to open it up for people to come and enjoy the space and work with us in the space,” he said. “We’re opening it up for people to plant their own plants if they want to as long as it’s native.”
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Bellevue University officially welcomed Diva R. Mejias and Luis J. “Javier” Fernandez, both of Omaha, to its Board of Directors during the board’s spring meeting held on campus on May 31. Both Mejias and Fernandez bring strong business and organizational skills to the Board.
Bellevue University Welcomes
TWO NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Diva R. Mejias
Javier Fernandez
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Diva R. Mejias
Javier Fernandez
Mejias, a New York native, has three-plus decades of professional corporate finance and management experience. She retired in 2010 as District Controller for United Parcel Service’s Central Pennsylvania District, where she managed more than $350 million in annual spending.
Fernandez is Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Omaha Public Power District (OPPD). He came to OPPD from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), U.S. Department of Energy, in Portland, Oregon, most recently serving as executive vice president and chief financial officer there.
She is owner and President of DM Financial Services, Inc., which specializes in property, casualty, life and health insurance. Mejias earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from St. Peter’s University in Jersey City, New Jersey, and a Master of Business Administration from Bellevue University. She also earned a Long-Term Care Certification (CLTC) designation, and is licensed to provide insurance services in Nebraska, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Georgia, Massachusetts and California.
Before joining BPA, Fernandez served for three years as Senior Vice President with D.A. Davidson & Co., a financial services firm, and seven years with SeattleNorthwest Securities, where he provided public finance banking and financial advisory services to municipal jurisdictions.
Known for volunteering her financial expertise to assist non-profit organizations, Mejias currently serves as Treasurer of the Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and its Foundation, as a supporter and volunteer with Women on a Mission for Change, and as Chair of Omaha’s Latinas Unidas. She previously served on the Boards of the Omaha Women’s Fund, the Metropolitan Community College Foundation and the Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation. Mejias and her husband, Al, have two adult children and six grandchildren. In 2016, the Mejias family was honored by Heartland Family Service with its Salute to Families Award for outstanding community service.
Fernandez earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM) in Mexico City, a Master of Business Administration degree from Yale University, a Utility Management Certificate from Willamette University, and a Utility Executive Certificate from the University of Idaho. “We are very excited to have these talented individuals involved with Bellevue University and know their experience and expertise will enhance our efforts in providing educational opportunities for our students and community,” said Michael S. Cassling, President and & CEO of CQuence Health Group and Chairman of the Bellevue University Board of Directors. “The University Board has always provided exceptional leadership,” said Bellevue University President, Dr. Mary Hawkins. “Clearly, these new members will continue that tradition. One of the keys to our success is that our Board members share our passion and commitment to students.”
program. We stopped that. And that eventually brought them to the negotiating table to talk about denuclearization… It remains to be seen, but the fact that we continue talking gives me hope.” Russia — “We can never trust Russia. They meddled in our elections. It’s what they do. We all need to be aware of what Russia did in that last (2016) election. Americans actually showed up for rallies (that) the Russians created and used to create divides on race and religion. They aren’t a wealthy country with the biggest military. Their thing is to cause chaos or hold hands with the worst people in the world. But at the same time, they’re like China. You have to talk to them.”
Nikki Haley, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, provided perspective on a range of global events and issues during a conversation moderated by Mike Cassling, Chairman of the Bellevue University Board of Directors.
2019 Signature Event
A Conversation with Nikki Haley Nikki Haley, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, covered a lot of ground during her keynote appearance at Bellevue University’s 11th annual Signature Event held October 2 at the Holland Center in downtown Omaha. The former South Carolina Governor, and United Nations Ambassador, shared her perspective on some of the world’s geopolitical hot spots and the state of the American Dream with an audience of more than 700 University supporters and community members. Some of the highlights of her informal one-hour conversation with moderator Michael Cassling, University Board of Directors Chairman, include: China — “I think it’s the biggest long-term threat to our economy. The U.S. helped them get into the World Trade Organization because we thought they would be friendly with the West. We literally lose billions of dollars a year in trade with them… They steal intellectual property. We have to hold them accountable and call them out on protests like Hong Kong.” North Korea — “We initiated three strong sanctions packages to slow down their nuclear weapons. We knew that any revenue going there was going into their weapons program, not to feed their people. They make a lot of money from their foreign laborer
Iran — “The problem with Iran is that it’s not just a country, it’s a cause, and it’s a cause with surrogates. I believe the Obama Administration had good intentions when they did the Iran deal. The problem is, they gave them a plane-full of money that is now funding terrorism throughout the region. So the deal actually created a bigger problem. I think the President was right to get out of it.” Immigration — “I am the proud daughter of Indian parents who came here and reminded my brothers, my sister and me every day how blessed we were to live in this country. They came here the right way. They put in the time and followed the rules. They are offended by those who come here illegally. The second we give up being a country of laws, we give up everything this country was founded on. But the fabric of immigration is what has made America so great…The debate is not about whether you want people coming into this country, it’s about knowing the background of the people who are coming.” Partisanship — “We have to remember to be grateful. Right now we have members of both (political) parties calling the other side ‘evil.’ That hits a nerve with me, because I’ve been to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where they use slaves as a weapon of war. In South Sudan, I’ve talked to women whose babies were taken from their arms and thrown into fires. What we have to remember is that on our worst day, we are blessed to be Americans. We are the best and most beautiful experiment ever. The idea that America is the envy of the world, the idea that we have survived what we have survived and continued to come out of it is amazing, but we have to protect it.” Higher Education’s Role — “Higher education has obviously gotten very expensive. Bellevue University is teaching students why our country is great and why to be grateful. It is taking people who are already facing challenges and being flexible, so they can make a better life. I applaud what you are doing.” The Signature Event is an extension of Bellevue University’s required Signature Series courses, which emphasize active, involved citizenship. More than 38,000 undergraduates have completed the Signature Series since it was introduced two decades ago.
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A Future Right in Front of You Nicole Hatcher Enjoying the Ride at Her Hometown School Nicole Hatcher’s future was right there in front of her at an early age. Positive experiences with teachers at Bellevue East High School and Birchcrest Elementary School, both within shouting distance of the Bellevue University campus, helped lead her to the new Secondary Education endorsement available at the hometown university. Today, Hatcher is a senior in the University’s Health and Human Performance program and is pursuing her Secondary Education endorsement on top of that degree. “I grew up two minutes away from here. I have aunts and uncles that went here, so I’ve always been around Bellevue University,” Hatcher said. The advent of the Secondary Education option peaked Hatcher’s
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interest in her hometown school and a BRUIN Community scholarship award helped seal the deal. “In the back of my mind, I knew I wanted to be a teacher,” Hatcher said. “A professor at Bellevue University, Dr. Brenda Mechels, let me know that there was talk of Secondary Education being implemented here as a career choice. I kept tabs on it from that point forward.” Following graduation Hatcher hopes to land a job as a Health and Physical Education teacher. While she is open to relocating, she still sees a great future right in front of her. “I love the whole Omaha area, Bellevue, Gretna, everything. I would love to stay here. My heart is here.”
