UNO Business 2016

UNOBUSINESS

UNO BUSINESS 2016

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FEATURES

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CONTENTS 4

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NEWS & EVENTS PROGRAMS

26 STUDENTS 36 FACULTY 40 ALUMNI

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The University of Nebraska at Omaha shall not discriminate based upon age, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, gender-identity, sex, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran’s status, marital status, religion, or political affiliation.

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DEAN’S LETTER

UNO BUSINESS CONTRIBUTORS

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e are just a few weeks into the new academic year and Mammel Hall is alive with classes, seminars, guests and a host of activities. The first week of the semester included Durango Days with free food, drinks and programs for our new and continuing students. In just the last few weeks, we have hosted a National Defense University graduation (students in the program were here from June through August), a well-attended minisymposium organized by our Center for Real Estate and Asset Management, and our fall MBA leadership speakers, Gina Ligon and Doug Derrick, who updated us on their latest breakthroughs in studying ISIL through a business lens. You can read more about their fascinating research on page 38.

In last year’s note, I wrote that 2014–2015 was a year of accreditation reviews, four in total. We were successful in those reviews (business, accounting and two programs in our Nebraska Business Development Center). Review teams will return in 2020, and our work continues in the spirit of continuous improvement.

I invite you to visit cba.unomaha.edu/AACSB to learn about our college’s innovation, engagement and impact.

Perhaps you noticed our new look and new name for this publication, UNO Business. The change represents our vision to transform this annual review to look and feel more like a magazine, reflecting more accurately its purpose: to tell the story of our great college and celebrate the achievements of our students, alumni, faculty, friends, donors and more.

If you have a comment or story idea, we’d love to hear from you. Thank you for your interest and support.

Chelsea Bailey Tim Fitzgerald Ryan Henriksen Ellen Lincoln Josh Nichol-Caddy

COMMENTS OR STORY IDEAS Chelsea Bailey Director of Marketing College of Business Administration unocbainfo@unomaha.edu

SUBSCRIBE TO EMAIL NEWSLETTER cba.unomaha.edu/connect

facebook.com/UNOCBA twitter.com/UNOCBA instagram.com/unocba cba.unomaha.edu

Cover: Stedman’s Café student managers Luke Schnepel and Nicole Partusch

Best regards,

FSC bug Printed on FSC® certified Rolland Enviro paper manufactured with 100 percent post-consumer fiber using biogas energy. It is certified as environmentally preferable by EcoLogo and processed chlorine free.

Ink used is vegetable based with zero VOCs.

LOUIS G. POL, JOHN BECKER DEAN

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NEWS&EVENTS FROM MAMMEL HALL

EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTING EDUCATION CBA earns an extension of AACSB International Accreditation UNO’s College of Business Administration as well as its undergraduate and graduate accounting programs earned an extension of accreditation from AACSB International (the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), signifying the college’s continued excellence in student achievement, teaching and research.

777 BUSINESS SCHOOLS ACCREDITED IN 52 COUNTRIES 185 WITH ACCOUNTING ACCREDITATION

Less than 5 percent of the world’s business programs earn accreditation by AACSB, the longest serving global accrediting body for business schools.

Part of the association’s five-year continuous improvement review process, a peer review team visited Mammel Hall in October 2015. Before the visit, CBA submitted a comprehensive report, detailing how it is meeting rigorous standards for educational improvement, strategic management and fulfilment of mission.

Today, there are 777 business schools in 52 countries and territories that have earned AACSB accreditation. Additionally, only 185 institutions hold the specialized accounting accreditation.

Midwest Entrepreneurship Conference Marks Five-Year Milestone Celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2016, the Midwest Entrepreneurship Conference featured 12 keynote speakers plus two new events: a startup career fair and exclusive pitch session. Students were able to meet face to face with some of the region’s most innovative companies — including Flywheel, Year of the Startup (YOTSU) and Sojern — and a few lucky attendees pitched their business ideas and received coaching and critique from successful venture capitalists.

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MBA, EMBA Celebrate Anniversaries by Engaging Alumni The College of Business Administration’s MBA programs each celebrated major anniversary milestones during the 2015-2016 academic year. These classy occasions featured food, friends and fond memories exchanged by alumni from as far back as 1969.

EXECUTIVE MBA: 40 YEARS Celebrating four decades, the EMBA program hosted an alumni weekend Oct. 23–24, 2015. A resounding success, the weekend’s signature events included a hockey tailgate and viewing party on Friday and formal gala on Saturday.

Friday’s festivities attracted 110 guests, who enjoyed food, drinks and door prizes in Mammel Hall while watching the No. 1 Omaha Mavericks Hockey team beat Air Force during the inaugural game at UNO’s new Baxter Arena. The celebration continued on Saturday at Champions Run Country Club, where approximately 120 guests dined and danced to live music by the Confidentials.

Sponsored by Northwestern Mutual, the UNO College of Business Administration, Aureus Group and Core Bank, the anniversary weekend amassed 150 total attendees, including nearly 70 alumni.

MBA: 50 YEARS More than 150 alumni, faculty and guests gathered in Mammel Hall on Feb. 13, 2016, to commemorate the MBA program’s rich 50-year history. The event featured hors d’oeuvres and drinks, tours of Mammel Hall and special remarks from twotime alumnus Jack Koraleski (BSBA 1972, MBA 1981).

MBA PROGRAM RANKS AMONG NATION’S BEST The 2016 graduate school rankings from U.S. News and World Report again recognize CBA’s part-time Master of Business Administration program.

The program is ranked No. 93, which places it as best in Omaha, second best in the state and No. 57 among public universities. The ranking places the program as one of the two best part-time MBA programs in its Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities peer group and in the top third of the country overall.

#1 IN OMAHA #2 IN NEBRASKA #57 AMONG PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES #93 OVERALL

After connecting with classmates and alumni in Mammel Hall, guests made it a night at the Omaha vs. Western Michigan hockey game at Baxter Arena.

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GINA LIGON, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, MANAGEMENT UNO is part of efforts to counter violent extremist groups’ social media propaganda “If you just look at the platforms that people normally talk about with social media like Twitter and Facebook, then you are really just looking at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to ISIS.” Omaha World-Herald, June 14, 2016 What was behind ISIS’s attack on Paris, according to experts “One of the unfortunate consequences [of the Paris attacks] is that they are getting a lot of bang for their buck, so we imagine they will use the fallout to find more donors so they can finance future attacks.”

The Washington Post, Nov. 15, 2015 ISIL isn’t merely tolerant of people who speak languages besides Arabic; it needs them ISIL “puts a higher reward structure on English speakers when they’re recruiting foreign fighters. People are paid more if they have upper level degrees, speaking English as one of their languages, and having a wife who has an upper level degree.”

Quartz, Aug. 4, 2016

GEORGE MORGAN, FINANCE INSTRUCTOR, FORMER STOCKBROKER Apple’s latest innovation ... a big stake for Berkshire When Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway bought 9.8 million shares of Apple, Morgan speculated that the size of the investment makes it unlikely to be Buffett’s decision.

“My guess is he spends 90 percent of his days looking for whole companies to buy.”

Associated Press, May 16, 2016

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Lawsuits may follow after ruling exposed employers’ use of expensive plans The Supreme Court’s 9-0 ruling in the 2015 Tibble v. Edison International case essentially says many American workers are being overcharged on management fees and expenses by their 401(k) retirement plans, Morgan explained. Omaha World-Herald, April 7, 2016

DALE EESLEY, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, ENTREPRENEURSHIP PATRICIA MEGLICH, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Study: Small-business employees more likely to face abuse Their study, published in the Journal of Ethics and Entrepreneurship, found that workers at firms with 50 or fewer employees reported more abuse from their supervisors than those at larger businesses.

The Wall Street Journal, Jan. 24, 2016 Meglich and Eesley talked with host JJ Ramberg about their research on abusive supervision in large and small organizations. MSNBC Your Business, Feb. 7, 2016

PATRICIA MEGLICH The workplace bully is not always a lone wolf Focused on the “wolf pack” occurrence, when several members of the work group gang up on the target, the study found that if the supervisor is a bully, then co-workers are also more likely to mistreat others.

London School of Economics Business Review, Jan. 7, 2016

Students Pitch Business Plans Budding entrepreneurs pitched their business ventures — from online gaming and extreme sports marketing to craft beer and couponing — during the annual Maverick Business Plan Competition.

Winner IT major Taylor Korensky impressed judges with his mobile application, iTrapp, a first-of-its-kind trap shooting app that can be used to score traditional Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA) shoots and customized for advanced tracking and scoring.

Runners-up Second place winner Cuso Sports Network is an online platform that revolutionizes the manner in which extreme sports athletes acquire endorsement deals, pitched by Callen Hedglen, Matt Holtmeyer and Sue Yi. Third place winner Pampered Box is a subscription service that discreetly delivers feminine hygiene products, pitched by Veronica Oleson.

Softball Player Sweeps Pitch Contest Exercise science major Campbell Ditto hit a home run at the 2015 BigIdea! Pitch Contest, winning first place for her performance-enhancing batting glove, dubbed the Ditto Grip. The senior softball player won a $500 grand prize and trip to the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization national conference in Kansas City.

The first runner-up was junior IT innovation major Kat Slump, who pitched her idea for MavSpot, a mobile application that enhances the fan experience in UNO’s new Baxter Arena.

Senior entrepreneurship major Veronica Oleson was the second runner-up for her motion-activated hygiene product disposal system, FemClean.

Erin Bass, assistant professor of management, moderates the “Entrepreneurial Edge for Artists and Creatives” panel.

CIEF Hosts Entrepreneurship Week The “entrepreneurial edge” was the theme of UNO’s first-ever Entrepreneurship Week, sponsored by Northwestern Mutual and the Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Franchising. Events included a live elevator pitch contest and several panel presentations with community leaders, area recruiters, scholars and successful entrepreneurs.

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WorldCom Whistleblower Speaks in Mammel Hall Named one of Time Magazine’s 2002 Persons of the Year for her courage exposing the fraud at WorldCom, Cynthia Cooper spoke about ethical leadership, sharing her personal experiences at WorldCom and lessons learned from some of the largest corporate scandals. Cooper’s visit was made possible by the UNO James R. Schumacher Ethics Program.

USSTRATCOM Fellows Program Kicks Off Third Year A leadership development partnership between the University of Nebraska and United States Strategic Command entered its third year in 2016. U.S. Navy Adm. Cecil D. Haney gave the keynote speech at the kickoff event.

The program trains some of the nation’s top civilian security specialists in areas such as team building, collaboration management, data-driven decision making and project management, combined with mission-core competency development.

ACCOUNTING SPEAKERS SERIES “Inside the World’s Largest Retailer — Global Ethics at Walmart,” Mauri Myers, senior director of global ethics, Walmart “Predictive Analytics — Power and Profit Tools for CFOs,” John Wilenski, predictive analytics expert

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MBA LEADERSHIP SPEAKER SERIES

Students made cupcakes and counted expenses during the Maverick Young Entrepreneur Boot Camp.

Summer Camps Introduce Kids to Business When school’s out for the summer, the College of Business Administration invites students into Mammel Hall for a few days of fun, field trips and learning. The college’s two signature summer camps — Maverick Young Entrepreneur Boot Camp and Maverick Investment Camp — take place in June each year.

On June 6-10, future entrepreneurs in seventh through ninth grades learned all about business ownership through hands-on activities, behind-the-scenes site visits and guest speakers, including Shonna Dorsey, Van Deeb and Willy Theisen. Two weeks later, June 20-22, incoming college freshmen received a crash course on building wealth through the stock market, featuring investment experts from TD Ameritrade, Wells Fargo Wealth Management Group and more.

The 2015–2016 season hosted Lance Fritz, president and CEO, Union Pacific Railroad Corporation, and Kathy Mattea, Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, public speaker and activist.

Creativity, Philanthropy Shine at Annual artVenture More than 200 whimsical works were on display in Mammel Hall at this annual Girl Scout event that celebrates art and creative expression. Most of the pieces were made by girls, ages 5-18, who worked in small teams with professional artists. Proceeds from artVenture support Girl Scouting in Nebraska. The UNO College of Business Administration is proud to be among the sponsors of this signature event.

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KEYS TO FINANCIAL LITERACY New partnership prioritizes personal finance

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t’s no secret that student loan debt is skyrocketing. In 2012, college debt ticked past $1 trillion, and it continues to rise every year.

The average student graduates with nearly $30,000 in debt and very little knowledge of how they got there in the first place, said Laura Beal, CBA finance lecturer and chartered financial analyst.

“Even though the College of Business has long been dedicated to providing financial literacy through the Center for Economic Education and by regularly offering a personal finance class as an elective, we realized as a college, we needed to be more proactive,” Beal said.

In August 2015, CBA partnered with Wells Fargo to launch a new financial literacy program, featuring free noncredit classes for any college student, even beyond UNO’s campus.

The program — called Financial Literacy KEES, short for knowledge, engagement, empowerment and sustainability — comprises six 75-minute sessions, each offered in Mammel Hall and taught by Wells Fargo representatives. Topics include budgeting, credit and borrowing, buying a home, saving and investing, insurance and retirement.

Beal said the program has grown considerably since it debuted. Average attendance jumped from about 24 students per session in fall 2015 to 93 students in spring 2016 — a 300 percent increase between semesters.

The session on saving and investing yielded the highest attendance: 145 students.

Student feedback has been positive. “Comments such as ‘fantastic,’ ‘wonderful’ and ‘life changing’ are not uncommon remarks that we get in our post-session surveys,” Beal said.

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In addition to Beal, the KEES leadership team includes CBA professors Jamie Wagner, Stephanie Ludwig and Steve Nath as well as Wells Fargo Marketing Consultant Heather Kudron.

“Wells Fargo is proud to be a part of UNO’s KEES program,” Kudron said. “We are passionate about providing financial education in the schools and in the communities we serve.

This program allows Wells Fargo to help students better understand how to become more financially independent and what steps they can take now, in order to be financially successful in the future. We look forward to building upon our relationship with UNO in the future as the KEES program evolves.”

The program and partnership with Wells Fargo will continue for the foreseeable future, and the leadership team hopes to tweak the classes each semester so content stays fresh and students walk away with a tangible product, whether it’s a personal budget, spending plan or simply a better understanding of a FICO score, Beal said.

“If we can reach students and engage them early on in their college career, perhaps we can break some of their bad spending and savings habits.” n

KNOWLEDGE ENGAGEMENT EMPOWERMENT SUSTAINABILITY Pictured above: Laura Beal, finance lecturer and member of the KEES leadership team

ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP RECEPTION

Each year, CBA and the University of Nebraska Foundation host a celebration that brings together scholarship recipients and donors. It’s a special event that allows students the chance to visit informally with the people who have contributed directly to their academic success. Thanks to the generosity of many donors, 176 CBA students were awarded 269 scholarships totaling $678,513 during the 2015–2016 academic year.

CBA SCHOLARSHIPS Barbara O. Miller Memorial Scholarship Ben and Martha Simmons Scholarship Beta Gamma Sigma Scholarship Beverly Grace (Ward) Spencer Memorial Scholarship Building Owners and Managers Association Scholarship Building Owners and Managers AssociationStephen M. Cary Scholarship Bun Song Lee Scholarship C. Glenn Lewis Scholarship C. Marsh Bull Honors Scholarship in Marketing CBA Student and Faculty Excellence Scholarship Charles and Gloria Billingsley Scholarship Charles T. and Denise A. Olson Scholarship Dean and Maria Jacobsen Scholarship Dean John Lucas Marketing Scholarship Dean’s Scholarship Delaine R. and Dorothy M. Donohue Excellence Scholarship Dr. James J. Conway Memorial Scholarship Dr. Roger P. and Jeannine K. Sindt Scholarship Duffy Family UNO CBA Scholars Academy Scholarship Ed Belgrade Scholarship Emma Weibel Scholarship Ernest and Joyce Kenyon Scholarship in Public Accounting Financial Executive International Scholarship Frank L. Mansell Scholarship FrankelZacharia LLC Scholarship/Fellowship Fund Gary Penisten Talent Endowment Scholarship Genius of Buffett Scholarship H. Steve Anderson MBA Fellowship

Herb Sklenar Scholarship Hoenshell Leadership and Scholars Scholarship Hollis and Helen Baright Scholarship Horace Wu and Kate King Wu Accounting Scholarship Horace Wu and Kate King Wu International Scholarship Jack Haley Scholarship presented by DEI Communities Jack W. and Diane M. Williams Scholarship James C. Horejs Economics Scholarship John A. and Phyllis S. Jeter Accounting Scholarship John and Mary Schleiger Accounting Scholarship/ Fellowship Jon Guinn Scholarship/Fellowship Fund presented

by Lutz & Company P.C. Karla J. Stowe Memorial Scholarship/Fellowship Keith V. Kiernan Scholarship Kellogg’s Scholarship in CBA at UNO Laura Gogan Memorial Scholarship Lucille Gannon Memorial Scholarship Lynn A. Stephenson Memorial Scholarship Major Thomas A. Spencer Business Scholarship Mark and Frances Grieb Accounting Scholarship MC “Mike” Biggerstaff Memorial Scholarship Natan and Hannah Schwalb Scholarship Nebraska Bankers Association Scholarship Nebraska Society of CPAs Accounting Scholarship NSCPA 5th Year Accounting Scholarship Ora C. and Fred B. Vomacka Memorial Accounting Scholarship Paul and Barbara Kistler Scholarship R. Craig Hoenshell Talent Scholarship Richard and Jeanne Morrison Nuts and Bolts Scholarship

Richard E. Prince III Memorial Accounting Scholarship Robert Benecke Outstanding Finance Student Scholarship Robert C. Stedman UNO College of Business Scholarship Robert E. Bernier Nebraska Business Development Center Graduate Assistant Fellowship Robert Kreitner and Margaret A. Sova Textbook Scholarship Robert Kreitner and Margaret A. Sova Tuition Scholarship Ron and Shirley Burns Leadership Scholarship Ronald J. Bauers Memorial Scholarship Rose Marie Baumgarten Accounting Scholarship Sam and Dorie Leftwich Scholarship Scott Copple Memorial Scholarship/Fellowship Securities America Inc. Fund for Academic Excellence Scholarship Society of Industrial and Office Realtors Scholarship Tal Anderson College of Business/Athletic Scholarship Tim and Traci Harrison Scholarship Timothy J. Jensen Accounting Scholarship Trever Lee Memorial Scholarship Union Pacific MBA Scholarship Union Pacific Scholarship Virginia Pettengill Scholars Academy Scholarship Ward Y. Lindley and George T. Lindley Business Administration Scholarship Wayne M. Higley (Delta Sigma Pi) Scholarship William Brown Scholarship Woodmen of the World Leadership Scholarship

For more information or to make a gift, contact Sue Kutschkau, CBA director of development: sue.kutschkau@nufoundation.org or 402.502.4109.

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Nebraska event organizer Wei Jing (front row, fourth from right) and program managers from the 2016 SBIR Road Tour

NBDC WELCOMES SBIR MANAGERS Mammel Hall hosts federal agencies with grant funding for innovation

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n June, Mammel Hall hosted nearly 130 people involved in Nebraska’s innovation ecosystem.

Entrepreneurs and researchers could pitch their ideas and learn about funding opportunities from various federal agencies.

Although open to the public, most of the participants from across the state learned about it through working with the Nebraska Business Development Center’s technology commercialization program. They said the most beneficial aspect of the event was the one-on-one meetings with program managers from these agencies.

Annette Wiles of Midwest Hops Producers said the company’s meetings went well, providing feedback that would help refine the company’s application for a grant from the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.

Bugeater Foods, which has received funding from the Department of Agriculture, presented its innovation to other agencies. Bugeater Foods’ products look and taste like pastas and rice but include insect-based protein, providing a sustainable source of nutrition.

The SBIR Road Tour provided a rare opportunity for innovative small businesses to connect directly with federal agencies that fund the research and development efforts that could become the next big thing.

In addition to one-on-one meetings, the federal program managers made presentations about their

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agencies, specific funding opportunities and application processes. The event concluded with presentations from various state and local offices that can help small businesses develop their applications and make the most of their awards. In particular, a representative of the Department of Economic Development discussed the matching funds available from the state as well as other grants that support innovation in Nebraska. Companies that have received several SBIR awards to support their research and development also appeared on a panel, answering questions and sharing their advice about what it takes to obtain such funding.

The Small Business Administration resurrected the road tour in 2015, taking representatives of 11 federal agencies to 18 states in an outreach initiative that targeted advanced technology communities that have underutilized funding opportunities through the SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, which have provided seed funding to companies like Genzyme, iRobot and Qualcomm. The 2016 tour stopped in 17 states and Puerto Rico.

In its efforts to increase the number of successful SBIR/ STTR applications from Nebraska, NBDC has provided workshops to help companies prepare what to say during their 15-minute meetings with program managers. NBDC also has hosted workshops about writing the actual application that featured Jim Greenwood, a nationally recognized expert on SBIR/STTR. n

Participating Federal Agencies The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs represent the nation’s largest source of funding for small businesses’ early stage research and development efforts. The Small Business Administration administers the programs in collaboration with various federal agencies, collectively representing more than $2.5 billion in federal research and development funding in 2015. The 12 agencies represented at the SBIR/STTR Road Tour stop at Mammel Hall were: Department of Agriculture Department of Commerce: National Institute of Standards and Technology and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Department of Defense: Air Force, Missile Defense Agency, Navy Department of Energy Department of Health and Human Service: National Institutes of Health Department of Homeland Security National Aeronautics and Space Administration National Science Foundation U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Participating Service Providers 1 Million Cups Advent LLC Creighton University Nebraska Department of Economic Development Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Invest Nebraska Corporation Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development Li-Cor NUtech Ventures Nebraska Innovation Campus UNeMed University of Nebraska–Lincoln University of Nebraska at Omaha College of Business Administration

NBDC Technology Commercialization Assistance Wei Jing manages the SBIR/STTR program for the state of Nebraska.

Jing holds a Master of Professional Accountancy from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Before joining NBDC, Jing worked as an analyst for four years at Invest Nebraska.

At the venture capital organization, she engaged in subordinated debt and equity investment processes for entrepreneurs and high tech startups. As a business consultant, Jing has experience in start-up consultation, financing application processes for lenders and private investors, cash flow analysis, business model development and business plan writing, marketing plan development, and financial projections development and analysis.

Wei Jing can help researchers and small businesses identify relevant SBIR/ STTR solicitations and develop their applications.

Contact her at wjing@unomaha.edu or 402.554.6270.

Kelly Sturek and Julianne Kopf of Bugeater Foods meet with funding managers

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ANNUAL EVENT ATTRACTS INVESTORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

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nvestors from six continents and 33 countries met in Mammel Hall April 28–29 for the 13th annual Value Investor Conference and, new this year, Philanthropy Summit. This conference coincides with Berkshire Hathaway’s signature shareholders meeting each year.

Based on what they learn in the course, students select a portfolio of stocks for the Genius of Buffett (GOB) Investment Fund, established in 2013. After a 10-year holding period, a portion of the student-selected fund is sold each year to benefit the Executive MBA program.

The sold-out conference featured 13 speakers, including presidents, portfolio managers, chief investment officers, best-selling authors and more. Aswath Damodaran — author and professor of finance at New York University’s Stern School of Business — kicked off the day, speaking about pricing and value processes.

In May 2016, the fund surpassed $50,000 for the first time.

The first-ever Philanthropy Summit featured a panel discussion with two of Warren Buffett’s children, Susie and Peter, who shared their lessons learned, important early influences — including their parents’ dedication to helping disadvantaged people — and how they measure their success as philanthropists.

UNO adjunct faculty member, author, speaker and scholar Robert Miles directs this two-day conference each year.

Miles also teaches the Genius of Buffett class. Held twice a year, this one-of-a-kind course for Executive MBA students and lifelong learners covers the principles, methods and many dimensions of one of the world’s greatest business leaders.

“Our goal with the Genius of Buffett Fund is to support the UNO Executive MBA program and to make the course self-sustaining,” Miles said. “We are hopeful that one day a long-time Berkshire shareholder and fan of Warren Buffett will make a tax-deductible ‘A’ share donation. This will ensure that the principles and methods of the world’s greatest investor and business leader will be taught many decades from now.”

Early donors include Miles himself; CBA Dean Louis Pol and his wife, Janet; and GOB graduate and investment manager Michael Shearn. Contributors to the fund receive copies of the executive team’s investment research reports to consider for their own portfolios, among other benefits.

Donations are accepted online at nufoundation.org.

The next GOB class is scheduled for two weekends this fall, September 29–October 1 and October 20–22. n

HIGHLIGHTS Investors from 33 countries attended 13th Annual Value Investor Conference GOB Investment Fund surpassed $50,000 First Philanthropy Summit featured Susie and Peter Buffett

Aswath Damodaran, author and professor of finance at New York University’s Stern School of Business

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PASSING THE BATON NBDC is poised to change leadership for the first time in 40 years

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atherine Lang, who most recently served as the vice president of Accelerate Nebraska, will take over as the new Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) state director in fall 2016. She will be only the second person to take on this leadership role in NBDC’s nearly 40-year history.

Lang replaces Robert Bernier, who is retiring after serving as state director since 1979. He is the longest-serving director of a business development center in the U.S. Bernier will continue to provide consultation and support for NBDC in various capacities after stepping down as director.

“Bob Bernier has built NBDC into a statewide resource that serves a diverse range of Nebraska businesses and entrepreneurs,” said University of Nebraska President Hank Bounds.

“We are now in a strong position to bring our work to the next level, deepening the center’s engagement across the university and doing even more to grow a vibrant innovation economy in Nebraska.”

Lang has extensive economic development experience at the state level. In her role at Accelerate Nebraska, she connected educational institutions with business and community efforts to support workplace development and share best practices leveraging private, philanthropic and public resources to improve the state’s education and economic systems.

“I look forward to exploring the opportunities the University may have in developing stronger relationships with Nebraska’s private business sector,” Lang said. “A strong partnership between the business sector and the University will strengthen our economic future.”

Lang earned her J.D. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Law and has served in a number of governmental

roles, including director of the property tax division of the Nebraska Department of Revenue, commissioner of labor for the Nebraska Department of Labor, and director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

Lang is also a board member for Nebraska’s AIM Institute, the vice chair for Humanities Nebraska, and a member of the Nebraska State Bar Association, to name some of her community leadership positions.

Bernier, who also served as assistant dean for CBA, held leadership positions in the Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC), including president in 1990. He started the ASBDC national office in 1989 and directed its transfer to Washington D.C. in 1996. Bernier has earned national recognitions, including the Leavey Award for Excellence in Private Enterprise Education from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge and the Equal Opportunity for Women in Business Innovation Award from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International.

are proud “of theWesuccesses of NBDC and thank Bob for his innovation and unwavering focus on developing programs that bring value and results to a full range of small business clients. Under Catherine’s leadership, the center is poised to build on this momentum.”

Dean Louis Pol

After receiving a journalism degree from Kent State University, Bernier worked as a newspaper reporter in Ohio before joining the University of Nebraska at Omaha as assistant director of University Relations in 1974. He earned an MBA in finance and a Ph.D. in public administration from UNO. n

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CBA touts effectiveness of project-based learning

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otivate customers to “mob” a business on a specific date using an incentive.

That’s the logic behind an experiential project in Dr. Jonna Holland’s Integrated Marketing Communications class — aiming to not only engage students and equip them with real-world marketing experience but also enhance UNO’s community service initiatives.

Students are tasked with choosing a business and synergistic community cause. Then teams develop and implement an integrated campaign, including advertising messages, face-to-face promotion, a public relations plan and social media strategy.

The class project borrows from the Carrotmob concept, now more commonly called a “buycott.”

The concept is a combination of two consumer activism ideas, Holland explains. “The first is about motivating behavior by means of incentive rather than punishment — the carrot rather than the stick — and the second is based on the idea of a flash mob, or synchronized collective action.”

An associate professor of marketing, Holland says the project generates high student engagement and an enhanced mastery of learning objectives. “Although challenging, this project provides students a unique opportunity to experience the full breadth of marketing: research, planning, promotions, and partnerships with local businesses and community organizations.”

This spring semester, Holland’s students partnered with nine local businesses to plan events that spanned the month of April.

The incentive? The events raised money for a local nonprofit, and many included customer discounts or other special perks.

Michelle Ervin, a junior marketing major, was part of one team that planned a social fundraiser to benefit the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.

Held at House of Loom in downtown Omaha, the fundraiser featured a $5 donation at the door, live music and DJs from

Power 106.9, and various raffle prizes from sponsors such as Stella’s, Aksarben Cinema, Spaghetti Works, Liquid Courage Tattoo and more.

Dubbed the Cancer Aid: Power Jam, the event garnered $1,750 in donations during the event and in matching funds from Cricket Wireless, one of the sponsors.

“This event helped to build upon the correlation that community members have between Power 106.9 and giving back to the local community,” says Ervin, who appreciates how much the project taught her about marketing and its associated costs, the best (and worst) ways to reach a target audience, and how to create a cohesive theme. “When I sit down for a job interview, I can feel confident knowing I’ve had experience in the various channels of marketing in a hands-on way.”

Other teams’ events included a dance night with the Omaha Jitterbugs — amassing 225 pounds of canned food for the Open Door Mission — and a pet spa day at the Green Spot to benefit the no-kill shelter Hearts United for Animals.

All nine teams reported successful events. Combined, the “buycotts” raised more than $4,500 in donations directly benefiting the community partners, not to mention a boost in revenue for local businesses.

The new norm Holland’s class project is just one example of experiential learning opportunities in the UNO College of Business Administration. In fact, many undergraduate and graduate classes employ project-based, active learning approaches to promote students’ academic and professional engagement.

AACSB International, the college’s accrediting organization, lists experiential learning in its accreditation standards, touting it as an important pedagogy for business schools “as deans, faculty and executives increasingly recognize that critical aspects of managing and leading are learned most effectively through practice.”

The college has long employed this important practice, Continued on next page

Photo: Alyssa Siebken, UNO student and singer, performs live during the Cancer Aid: Power Jam fundraiser at House of Loom.

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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Experiential learning opportunities help students connect theory and practice

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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Continued from previous page

which is quickly becoming the norm rather than the exception.

are “alwaysStudents surprised by the lack of guidelines. They learn how to do really good research and come up with information that matters to the business. It’s a unique experience.”

Matthew Deetz

Since 2010, the college has offered a project-driven marketing class in partnership with Union Pacific Railroad. Students, who must be upperclassmen and meet certain requirements to enroll, work in teams to solve real-world business challenges the company is facing. Past projects have ranged from improving the company’s customer claims website to conducting market research on new technologies.

“Students are required to use their knowledge and common sense to address the problem and develop recommendations,” says Bill Swanson, who facilitates the class alongside several key Union Pacific representatives, including Assistant Vice President Shawntell Kroese, who developed the course. “We don’t give them a how-to sheet.”

Teams do ample research and work with subject matter experts from the company and then present their solutions to a panel of Union Pacific managers, who in turn rank the teams based on their presentations and written reports. “It’s a competitive process,” Swanson says.

In addition to the projects, students visit Union Pacific’s corporate headquarters for a half day of job shadowing and attend a managers meeting hosted by the executive vice president, where students present to and mingle with senior marketing managers.

Swanson says the experience provides “excellent exposure for the students to top-level managers within a major corporation.” Although the class is hard work, he says that students find it valuable and often recommend it to others. Additionally, several students have secured internships or full-time employment at UP as a direct result of this class.

Matthew Deetz, a business analyst, took the class when it was first offered in 2010 and is now employed full-time at Union Pacific. He says the class was the highlight of his undergraduate college career. Now, he’s one of the UP reps who facilitates the class.

“Students are always surprised by the lack of guidelines,” says Deetz, who graduated from UNO in 2010 with degrees in business administration and management information systems. “They learn how to do really good research and come up with information that matters to the business. It’s a unique experience.”

Capstone experiences Another opportunity that grants students exposure to the business community and tests their research prowess is the This page: at the Green Spot, students washed 54 dogs and raised $920 for Hearts United for Animals. CBA student Hannah Olson with canned food donations for the Open Door Mission. Opposite page from top: 2016 Case Study Competition finalists (fourth place); first place team presenting to judges.

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CBA Case Study Competition, implemented in 2014 and mandatory for all undergraduates.

This semi-annual competition brings the boardroom experience to seniors enrolled in the Corporate and Business Strategy capstone course. Students form teams and compete in three rounds of competition toward the end of the semester.

Student teams are given a complex case study and have only a few hours to research, analyze and develop solutions before presenting their recommendations to a panel of faculty and area business professionals. The final round of competition is open to other students, faculty and staff as well as family and community members.

Students are not only challenged to synthesize and apply content from across their undergraduate business careers, but they are also given an opportunity to make an impression on business leaders who are serving as judges.

“This case competition has allowed us as faculty members to assess our students’ strategic-thinking strengths and weaknesses and also identify ways to enhance the capstone course, ensuring that all CBA students are graduating with the knowledge and analytical skills that will help them address strategic challenges throughout their careers,” said Erin Bass, assistant professor of management.

Other undergraduate examples include service-learning classes in sustainability and ethics, a student-managed investment fund, business plan competition, entrepreneurial elevator pitch contest, international trips and internship experiences.

On the graduate side, CBA’s MBA and Executive MBA programs both employ experiential learning activities. During a project-focused capstone course, MBA students provide pro-bono consulting to nonprofit and for-profit organiza-

tions throughout the Omaha area. Past partners include Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska, Omaha Home for Boys, Child Saving Institute and Project Harmony.

While the MBA students stay local, Executive MBA program participants travel abroad, completing an international capstone consulting project. The multi-part project involves extensive pre-travel research for the client, up to two weeks of in-country research and considerable post-travel analysis.

No matter the project, it’s clear that experiential learning benefits students, faculty and the business community. This pedagogy also pushes students beyond their comfort zones, allowing them to walk away with new worldviews, problem-solving skills and a heightened sense of self-efficacy.

When Ervin’s group was in the thick of event planning, she admits to feeling stress and panic but also pride and satisfaction. “At times it would feel like there was no way we would pull it off,” she says. “At the end of the day it was all part of the learning experience, and we were able to end the class knowing we had a successful event, which meant a lot to the whole group.” n

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S IS BUSINESS BREWING

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New student-centered café honors alumnus, serves as learning laboratory

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he whirl of an espresso machine and the smell of roasted coffee beans are the new normal in Mammel Hall.

Stedman’s Café, a student-operated store that doubles as a learning laboratory for business students, opened in early January with the start of UNO’s spring semester.

The UNO community was invited to see the new space (and sample smoothies) during a grand opening event on Feb. 25.

Supported by UNO’s Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Franchising (CIEF), Stedman’s serves high-quality coffee, espresso-based beverages, smoothies, fountain sodas and locally sourced food options.

In addition to fueling students between classes, Stedman’s Café benefits students through class projects and employment opportunities.

“Our goals for Stedman’s Café are not only to offer superior service to patrons in Mammel Hall but also to utilize this business and the data it generates as a real-life, real-time case study for students studying topics such as social media marketing, analytics and consumer behavior,” said Dale Eesley, associate professor of entrepreneurship and director of CIEF. “Plus, the business benefits students financially by increasing the number of on-campus jobs.”

Eesley hired Stedman’s first student manager, Zander Thornburg, in December 2015. Thornburg then had four weeks over the university’s winter break to interview, hire and train a staff of seven student baristas — all while the store was under construction, buzzing with electricians, plumbers and consultants.

When the time came for the café to open — sans some of the necessary equipment, including the espresso machine — on a brisk Monday morning in January, she looked at Eesley and asked, “Can we just wait until we’re really ready?”

Continued on next page

WHAT’S IN THE NAME? The café is named after Robert C. Stedman, who graduated from UNO (then Omaha University) in 1951 with a business degree.

An Army veteran and former student athlete, Stedman worked for 25 years as an auditor and insurance fraud investigator for the Equitable Life Insurance Company.

He created a unitrust through the University of Nebraska Foundation to fund scholarships for business students. In 2010, CBA named its statistics laboratory in his honor.

“Bob Stedman was a tremendous supporter of the university and our students,” said Dean Louis Pol. “His generosity lives on through the Robert C. Stedman UNO College of Business Scholarship Fund. Naming this new student-centered space after him is yet another way to honor his legacy.”

for Stedman’s Café are not “only Ourto offergoalssuperior service to patrons in Mammel Hall but also to utilize this business and the data it generates as a real-life, realtime case study for students.” Dale Eesley Opposite page: Assistant Manager Luke Schnepel (business major); above: Manager Nicole Partusch (education major) UNO BUSINESS 2016

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ister and also on our digital display,” said Heather Holmes, who joined CBA in January as assistant director of CIEF. “The project manager from the class met with Stedman’s student manager and me three times throughout the semester to show the results and impact. We did sell many more fountain sodas.”

As with any new business, marketing and training were also a priority. Jonna Holland’s marketing graphics class created a comprehensive marketing campaign — with deliverables including digital signage, an updated menu and table tents — while Patti Meglich’s human resources class developed training manuals and processes.

Eesley and Holmes expect class partnerships like these to increase in coming semesters. And even when the café isn’t able to implement all the recommendations, these handson projects are invaluable for students, Holmes said.

Student baristas Luke Schnepel, Matt Okalebo, Sara Forster and Nicole Partusch

BUSINESS IS BREWING

Continued from previous page

Of course, waiting wasn’t an option. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but the café has thrived thanks to motivated (and likely well-caffeinated) student workers and Thornburg’s leadership.

This spring, Stedman’s also partnered with three classes to help students apply course concepts to a functioning business as well as help the new store streamline processes and assess fiscal impact.

Through tracking and analyzing sales, students in Ben Smith’s social economics class were tasked with choosing an area where the café could increase revenue and sustainability. Students suggested that Stedman’s make all fountain sodas the same price to test the impact of bottled soda sales.

“We communicated this change via a printed sign at the reg-

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Products and partnerships will also increase. This fall, for example, Stedman’s will now offer a flavored coffee every day, in addition to a regular roast. The café will use local coffee roaster A Hill of Beans as its primary coffee bean vendor moving forward.

In addition to working with local vendor Lunch Box Foods to supply fresh sandwiches, salads and healthy snacks, the store plans to roll out additional specialty products, including cupcakes, donuts and hardboiled eggs.

Sustainability is another priority for Stedman’s. “We are super excited to have fully recyclable coffee cups and lids arriving for fall semester,” Holmes said. “We are also the first unit in CBA to adopt a fully electronic payroll.”

Because Thornburg graduated, returning student baristas Nicole Partusch and Luke Schnepel will take on management roles this fall.

Although the new managers have big shoes to fill, they are inheriting a well-oiled operation that they will undoubtedly improve even further.

Plus, unlike Thornburg, they will have an espresso machine to use on their first day. n

STUDENT CONNECTIONS Above: Dale Eesley, Zander Thornburg and Heather Holmes at grand opening; right: Thornburg

Thornburg nominated for UNO Student Employee of the Year If Zander Thornburg wanted to coast through her final semester of college, no one could have blamed her. The senior business student from Papillion, Nebraska, already had a full resumé and full-time marketing position waiting for her.

But she decided to embrace one last challenge before collecting her business administration degree — become the first student manager of Stedman’s Café.

“I wanted to grow my management skills and learn more about myself as a leader,” said Thornburg, 24, who served as vice president of UNO’s Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO). “I wanted to learn more about actually starting something and have real-life examples that I could share with CEO members.”

As manager, she dabbled in everything from communicating with vendors and ordering inventory to scheduling shifts and coordinating digital signage and promotions. Thornburg was a finalist for UNO’s 2016 Student Employee of the Year, an award that recognizes dedication, professionalism, responsibility, initiative and creativity of student workers’ contributions.

A marketing major, Thornburg started her college career at Nebraska Wesleyan, planning to study musical theatre. But then she realized she liked promoting the shows better than starring in them. She decided to take a break and took a job at Pier 1, where she gained valuable management experience. “I learned a lot about myself as a person,” she said.

That’s when she changed course and enrolled in the UNO College of Business Administration, choosing it for the college’s deep connections to companies and business leaders across the country.

QQ CBA student Erin Dabbs originally proposed the idea of a student-run coffee shop in Mammel Hall during the 2015 Maverick Business Plan Competition.

QQ In November 2015, CIEF asked the UNO community to help create a visual identity for the new café.

Connor Brandt, a sophomore in the College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media, submitted the winning logo design.

QQ Blabfeed, an Omaha-based digital signage communications company founded by CBA alumnus Keith Fix, supplied and installed the café’s digital menu board and storefront signage.

FALL/SPRING SEMESTER HOURS Monday–Thursday, 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. Friday, 8 A.M. to Noon

Last summer, Thornburg completed a marketing internship at Henderson Engineers Inc. in Lenexa, Kansas. The company created a permanent position for her after graduation — an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.

Now as an alumna, Thornburg can look back on her time at UNO without regrets, knowing she took advantage of every opportunity. And when she could have coasted through her senior year, she chose instead to help build a business from the ground up.

“I look back on what we started with and where we are now and, holy cow, am I proud,” she said. n

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E X E C U T I V E M B A S T U D E N T S

TRAVERSE THE GLOBE

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rom Argentina to Vietnam, Executive MBA students have literally traversed the globe, completing 102 consulting projects in 41 different countries since 1989. Last summer, four teams took off to different parts of the world, acting as consultants and conducting a range of market research.

Teams also experienced new cultures and came back with an unparalleled perspective on complex corporate issues, equipping them to be better decision-makers at their own companies in the future.

Learn about the international capstone experiences of the Class of 2015.

Team FIIRO Destination – United Kingdom Team – Jared Dennison, Andy Gassman, Emile Messan, Doug Peterchuck Faculty advisor – David Volkman Charge – Market and business analysis report in the financial services/products market Client – FIIRO FIIRO’s (Financial Industry Information & Rating Organization) mission is to bring together investors and advisors while educating the financial community.

EXECUTIVE MBA UPDATES QQ This fall, the program switched to a 17-month, 39-credit-hour format. The Class of 2017 began in August, and students will attend classes in Mammel Hall every other weekend.

QQ Alumni will soon have the opportunity to complete special elective classes on weekends at no cost, allowing them the chance to earn continuing education points toward certification or recertification.

QQ In December, the program will graduate its first student to earn not only an Executive MBA but also an additional certificate in human resource management.

QQ The program is exploring partnerships with professional organizations that would allow additional dual degree and certification combinations — for example, project management as well as supply chain and operations management.

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102 consulting projects in 41 countries

Team Oxbow Destination – Italy, Germany, United Kingdom Team – Lloyd “Buzz” Buzzell, Rod de Zafra, Negil McPherson, Scott Moulton, Matt Samson, Ryan Sherwood Faculty advisor – Phani Tej Adidam Charge – Market entry and expansion study Client – Oxbow Animal Health Oxbow Animal Health is an internationally recognized brand committed to serving the needs of small animals.

(Partially funded through Nebraska Department of Economic Development STEP Grant)

Team Right at Home Destination – Switzerland, Czech Republic Team – Jeni Alm, Beckie MacDonell, JD Davis, Matt Fong, Rony Kappuzha Faculty advisor – Rebecca Morris Charge – Market entry and feasibility study Client – Right at Home Right at Home, an international franchise company, provides a variety of home care and assistance services to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently.

Team Shishito Destination – United Kingdom, Chicago, Portland Team – Kim Ager, Chad Kinart, Julie Zetterman, Michael Kosalka, Larry Parks, Kelly Gray Faculty advisor – Jonna Holland Charge – Market entry and feasibility study of casual dining industry Client – Shishito The company is exploring a concept restaurant focused on healthy, tasty international cuisine in a fast-casual environment.

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Military and veteran students who want to earn a graduate degree in business should look no further than Omaha

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or the second year in a row, Military Times ranked the UNO College of Business Administration as the nation’s best business school for military and veteran students seeking education beyond a bachelor’s degree.

The college works closely with UNO’s Office of Military and Veteran Services to offer tailored services and resources to all military-affiliated students, supporting them from their transition into the classroom through their transition into the workforce.

CBA stood out in a number of areas, including a 92 percent military retention rate and four-star rankings for staff and academic support.

“Our college really benefits from having military students in the classroom,” said CBA Associate Dean Lynn Harland. “They are leaders in the classroom, extremely professional, and they are exceptional students.” n

MEET A STUDENT VETERAN After serving eight years in the Army National Guard, Nicole Higgins finished her MBA in a record two semesters

D

uring her two semesters in the MBA program, Nicole Higgins enrolled in well over a fulltime course load while raising her 3-year-old daughter, planning a wedding, interning at Seim Johnson and studying for the CPA exam.

There, she managed logistics and ordered supplies for over 3,000 soldiers.

But she kept her demanding schedule in perspective.

The May 2016 graduate was able to apply those same skills in the classroom, noting that her military experience made her a more focused and motivated student.

“It’s not as rigorous as the experiences I had in the military,” she said.

Higgins, 31, served eight years in the Hawaii Army National Guard, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Lincoln, Nebraska, native joined the Guard as a junior in high school.

When her peers were soaking in their summer vacation, Higgins was sweating at basic training. At 19, she deployed to Iraq — the youngest person in her section.

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“It was a lot of responsibility,” she says, explaining that she mastered time management and backwards planning. “You have to be on top of things all the time.”

Higgins — now employed full time at Seim Johnson, an Omaha accounting firm — said she chose an MBA to get a well-rounded educational experience.

“Faculty and students really welcome you and appreciate what you can bring to class discussions. I can’t count the number of times people have thanked me for my service. I couldn’t ask for a better experience.” n

BACK TO BACK:

BEST BUSINESS SCHOOL FOR VETS

ADDITIONAL POINTS OF PRIDE QQ In 2015, CBA’s Nebraska Business Development Center offered training to roughly 150 veterans and worked with 200+ clients that were either veteran-owned companies or had contacts who were veterans.

QQ The University of Nebraska’s USSTRATCOM Strategic Leadership Fellows Program, in its third year, is housed in Mammel Hall and trains civilian security specialists in areas such as team building, collaboration management, data-driven decision making and project management.

QQ Over the past two years, student veterans have drawn on their valuable experience, working with Fellows Program coordinators Gina Ligon, associate professor of management, and Doug Derrick, associate professor of IT innovation, on national security research projects.

Nicole Higgins, MBA 2016

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MBA STUDENTS AWARDED

COMPETITIVE RESEARCH GRANTS

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wo UNO College of Business Administration graduate students spent their summers reviewing literature, conducting interviews and crunching data.

Last spring, MBA students Haley Shelton and Anjani Danthuluri received Graduate Research and Creative Activity (GRACA) grants of roughly $5,000 each. Less than 40 percent of 2016 GRACA applicants were awarded funding.

Shelton and Danthuluri submitted their research proposals in January, outlining the projects and their importance as well as detailed timelines.

Shelton, 22, is creating a standard job analysis methodology for knowledge workers using the technology in CBA’s Koraleski Commerce and Applied Behavioral Laboratory, where she serves as a graduate assistant.

“The knowledge worker of today sits in front of a computer and makes decisions,” Shelton said. “So when HR is creating hiring standards or salary packages, there’s nothing concrete to base the job requirements on.”

RESEARCH GOAL Create a standard job analysis methodology for knowledge workers, collecting data through surveys, eye tracking technology, virtual private network (VPN) remote access and ethnographic interviews.

Gina Ligon, associate professor of management, is Shelton’s faculty mentor.

In addition to taking a full-time course load and working as a graduate assistant, Shelton — from Kansas City, Missouri — plays goalie for UNO women’s soccer and serves as vice president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, which connects athletes with university administration.

Shelton aspires to start her own business — a “mix between Shark Tank and consulting,” she said. “I want to work with individual entrepreneurs and help people achieve their dreams.”

Also a graduate assistant and aspiring entrepreneur, Danthuluri is focusing her research on bridging the gap between microfinance institutions, which supply loans and other financial services to low-income individuals, and microentrepreneurs, or owners of small businesses with only a few employees.

“Many microentrepreneurs are unable to develop comprehensive business plans; thus, the microfinance institutions fail to fully understand the scope of their business, which often results in their applications being rejected and their failure to secure loans,” Danthuluri, 25, wrote in her grant proposal.

RESEARCH GOAL Identify microfinance institutions’ common lending standards and develop a typology that summarizes these standards to ultimately help microentrepreneurs secure funding.

Erin Bass, assistant professor of management, is advising Danthuluri during the project.

“As an international student from a developing country, I see potential in this study,” said Danthuluri, who’s from Visakhapatnam, India. “I am positive this will make me a better entrepreneur and understand the field of microfinance.”

Danthuluri, enrolled in the dual MBA/MIS program, works for the UNO Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Franchising and has an interest in disruptive markets.

“I believe everything has been invented,” she said. “I want to help people be more innovative — for example, changing procedures or shortening production cycles.”

Shelton and Danthuluri, both set to graduate in May 2017, will present their research findings at UNO’s Student Research and Creative Activity Fair in February 2017. n

Opposite page from left: Anjani Danthuluri, Haley Shelton UNO BUSINESS 2016

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Cole Gruber Outfielder, Oakland Athletics

LIVING A DREAM

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Accounting major is the 14th MLB draft pick in UNO baseball history

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ole Gruber was just settling into his summer accounting internship at BKD. Then the Oakland Athletics called. The Omaha baseball player was selected in the 27th round of the 2016 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on June 11.

Trading his suit and tie for an A’s jersey, cap and cleats, Gruber immediately headed south to sweltering Mesa, Arizona, to begin his rookie season.

“It’s been a dream of mine ever since I was little,” he says. The 22-year-old grew up wearing various MLB team jerseys. “To finally put one on was a great feeling.”

The outfielder adjusted well to life in the professional league — except for the heat.

“The only difference is the temperature hasn’t been below 110 here,” he says. “In Omaha, it doesn’t get above 80 during the season.”

As the Summit League’s leading hitter and the Mavericks’ all-time leader in sacrifice bunts and stolen bases, Gruber is not one to shy away from sweat equity.

but also for the business school after he toured Mammel Hall. “Once I realized the business school was great, that just solidified my decision.”

The senior accounting major plans to finish his degree with the 150 credit hours required to take the CPA exam. He’s shooting for a summer 2017 graduation date.

“Right now one of my first goals is to finish school, and then see how far baseball takes me,” he says.

If all goes as planned, Gruber will head to Mesa again in late February or early March 2017 to put in the training and time it takes to move to the next level.

“It’s a long trek,” he says. “Everyone starts at the bottom. You have to work your way up.”

Whatever happens with baseball, Gruber knows that his biggest fans — family and friends — and his education are the keys to his success.

The rookie clocked 12-hour days a majority of the summer between batting practice, weight training, traveling and playing games. He calls it living the dream.

“Just being a part of UNO and the great community, and all my teammates and friends, and my parents and everyone surrounding me — I would obviously want to thank them for all the support they gave me because without them, it couldn’t have happened,” he says, describing his MLB draft selection.

By mid-August and after about 50 games, Gruber came back to reality in Omaha, resuming life as a college student at the UNO College of Business Administration.

Long term, he wants to work for a public accounting firm. So if he’s not catching fly balls in the majors someday, perhaps he’ll be back at BKD. n

A native of Papillion, Nebraska, Gruber says he chose UNO primarily for his baseball scholarship

ANOTHER MAV SIGNS About a week after Gruber was drafted, right-handed pitcher Tyler Fox signed a freeagent contract with the Minnesota Twins.

Fox, a management and marketing student, graduated in May.

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SPOTLIGHT ON S T UDEN T IN T ERNS

Meet four Mavericks who made the most of their summers by investing in their future careers

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Justin Oehm

Sports enthusiast Justin Oehm didn’t miss a single Saltdogs game this summer.

He wasn’t spectating. Rather, he was one of 12 interns who worked behind the scenes, juggling jobs such as guest relations, ticket sales and stadium operations at Haymarket Park in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The Lincoln native, who aspires to earn his MBA and become a certified public accountant, shares more about his work at the ballpark.

Q: What are your job duties?

During non-game days, we prepare promotional and marketing

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strategies for upcoming games, make ticket sales and deliveries, give stadium tours and help with other operations tasks. During game days, the 12 interns are in charge of guest relations (i.e., customer service), ticket sales, on-the-field games and other promotions, and stadium operations such as setting up tables, chairs and kid zone areas.

Q: How does your job relate to your coursework?

Although this internship doesn’t necessarily relate to my major, it provides me with real-world experience. The promotional aspect relates to CBA’s core marketing class, while guest relations relates to management and communications classes. My managerial communications class relates the most to this internship because of the different communication that occurs in the workplace.

2015–2016 CAREER CENTER STATS Established in 2013, this full-service career development center is exclusive to UNO business students. Signature events include career and internship fairs each fall and spring semester, employer visits to Mammel Hall throughout the semester, and an employer appreciation day to recognize area employers who support our students through internships, mentoring and full-time employment.

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Adrienne Cavill

This summer, Adrienne Cavill amassed 8,000 airline miles and 280 internship hours — not to mention countless memories exploring Europe for the first time. She spent eight weeks in Dublin, Ireland, as a digital marketing strategy intern at the Entrepreneurs Academy, a government initiative that provides training and support to small businesses.

From Kearney, Nebraska, Cavill is a member of the CBA Scholars Academy and is starting her second year of college.

This CBA Scholar with an appetite for adventure shares more about her international internship and career goals.

Q: What are your job duties?

The duties of my internship include having the full social media responsibility in regards to researching, producing and scheduling content for both Twitter and Facebook, which have thousands of followers. I am also responsible for the analytics of managing the social media accounts.

Q: What are your career goals? How is CBA helping you achieve them?

I hope to one day work for an international marketing consulting firm. Some of the most important tools a business student can have are professional development and networking skills. I am grateful that the professors and administrators at CBA have given me the support and instruction to utilize these skills and to flourish in all my future career endeavors.

3

shares more about the Yahoo culture and her accounting aspirations.

Q: What do you enjoy about your job?

Yahoo has an awesome work environment. The staff members are always ready to help you and teach you. Working with and among them helps me gain valuable knowledge and skills.

Q: What are your career goals? How is CBA helping you achieve them?

I would like to do another internship in a public accounting firm to gain more experience. As a student in CBA with an accounting concentration, I was able to join Beta Alpha Psi (BAP). Through BAP, I have the opportunity to meet representatives from different firms and look for other internship and job opportunities.

4Derrick Broekemier

A native of Central City, Nebraska, Derrick Broekemier worked as an HR associate at Gordmans corporate headquarters — an open-concept space stationed in Aksarben Village and a mere 0.2 miles from Mammel Hall.

“I owe Professor Patti Meglich a huge thank you for helping me get this job,” he said. “She was the first person who told me about the opportunity and encouraged me to apply.”

Planning to graduate in May 2017, Broekemier shares more about his position and career goals.

Q: What are your job duties?

Ranjina Rai

When Ranjina Rai learned that Yahoo was hosting an open house to help fill internship positions, she turned to faculty and staff at CBA to help her prepare. The Nepal native said she received interview pointers from her managerial communications instructor, Angelika Walker, and Bianca Harley, career development coordinator at the Career Center at CBA. Rai must have aced the interview. She was hired as a fulltime accounting and reporting intern — a role that’s giving her valuable experience and an opportunity to work with a mentor. Anticipating a December 2017 graduation, Rai

My duties vary day to day, but generally my week consists of coordinating monthly reports, helping with new associate orientation, completing administrative paperwork and conducting reference checks.

Q: What do you enjoy about your job?

I enjoy many things about Gordmans. First, I love the atmosphere that hits you as soon as you walk into the building.

Second, this sounds a little cliché, but I love everyone I work with. The Human Resources team at Gordmans has really made me feel at home during my time here so far. Finally, Pat, my boss, is somebody I look up to for everything he has accomplished at Gordmans since he first started. I am happy to call him not only my boss but also a mentor. n UNO BUSINESS 2016

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CBA Scholar Brianna Eisert teaching financial literacy at Marrs Magnet Middle School

SCHOLARS ACADEMY DOUBLES IN SIZE

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bout two years after the CBA Scholars Academy was formed, this prestigious honors program for business students has hit its stride — and there are no signs of slowing.

The second cohort was chosen in March, boosting the program from 20 to 40 students.

Students selected for the 2016 cohort earned an average high school GPA of 3.9, ranked in the top 12 percent of their graduating classes and received more than $134,000 in scholarships from CBA. “I’m thrilled that the Scholars Academy will double in size this fall,” said Bethany Hughes, director of the CBA Scholars Academy. “The longer these high-achieving students are on campus, the more I realize the extent of their impact. I look forward to watching as this second cohort hits the ground running.”

In addition to attracting top-notch students, the Academy makes it a point to serve the community.

Over the last year, students in the inaugural cohort wasted no time planning various outreach activities.

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From “academics to extracurricular activities, these are sought-after, exemplary students who could go to schools virtually anywhere.”

Dean Louis Pol

In November, the Scholars taught two workshops at the Future Business Leaders of America national conference. Focused on finding the right college, both workshops filled to capacity, allowing them to reach more than 600 high school students.

Later the same month, the Scholars developed curriculum and taught financial literacy topics to more than 900 Marrs Magnet Middle School students over two days. Topics included banks, taxes, credit and college preparation.

In February, the Scholars welcomed about 160 students to Mammel Hall for the first annual High School Business Competition, where students completed tests on various business subjects and competed for scholarships to CBA. These service activities, in turn, helped attract students in the newest cohort.

“I’m stoked to be part of the Scholars Academy and to participate in all the opportunities available to us,” said Lauren O’Malley, of Omaha. “On Interview Day, last year’s Scholars talked about going to schools and teaching young students about finance. I instantly wanted to be part of the

Inaugural Scholars Academy cohort

MEET THE SCHOLARS

Scholars Academy even more because of how much I enjoy being with and teaching kids.”

2015 COHORT

Likewise, Jakob Mach of Bellevue, Nebraska, said that he’s looking forward to working on projects that benefit the community.

In addition to top-notch academics and a drive to do good in the community, the 2016 cohort have diverse backgrounds, hailing from four states, 12 cities and 19 different high schools.

Two students will compete in Division I athletics for the Omaha Mavericks, one on women’s soccer and the other on women’s golf.

“From academics to extracurricular activities, these are sought-after, exemplary students who could go to schools virtually anywhere,” CBA Dean Louis Pol said. “We are excited to welcome them to UNO and are eager to see their positive contributions to our college.”

An honors program for business students was a long-time vision of CBA faculty and administration. Following a financial gift from the Virginia Pettengill Estate, it became a reality in 2014. Twenty first-year students will join the program each year. At full capacity, the Academy will comprise 80 Scholars. n

kkLearn more: cba.unomaha.edu/scholars

Director receives Dean’s Citation Award for Service Since starting the Scholars Academy, Bethany Hughes has demonstrated excellence in recruiting, balancing scholarship money, developing a first-rate learning community and mentoring students in the cohort program.

The inaugural cohort had a 100 percent retention rate, which is virtually unheard of in similar programs.

Nebraska Trevor Koger, Arlington Caleb Moyer, Cambridge Robert (RJ) Dechow, Gretna Adrienne Cavill, Kearney Rhys Hansen, Lincoln Northeast Juan Sebastian Barbosa, Blessing Kyaw, Omaha South Emelia Getzfrid, Archbishop Bergan Riley Herold, Karina Pisetsky, Millard North Spencer Marxsen, Millard West Alyssa Wiese, St. Mary’s Academy Brianna Eisert, Papillion-La Vista South Mackenzie Jung, Papillion-La Vista Christian Dauel, Philip Faughn, Waverly Iowa Dominika Jedinak, Lewis Central Stephanie Freund, Atlantic Kansas Zachary Marquess, Olathe East Gabrielle Estivo, Wichita Collegiate

2016 COHORT

Nebraska Garrett Uecker, Sandy Creek Alison Raszler, Elkhorn Jaime Andersen, Papillion-La Vista David Mata, North Platte Michael Brooks, Creighton Preparatory Victoria Eremeeva, Millard South Alejandra Escobar-Serrano, Maria Perez Hernandez, Omaha South Dylan Loerts, Elkhorn South Jakob Mach, Daniel J. Gross Gerald (CJ) Monahan, Millard North Lauren O’Malley, Millard West Christopher Winchester, Omaha Central McKenzie Bruce, West Point-Beemer Samantha Young, Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca Zach Tabor, Waverly Emily Bednar, Douglas County West Illinois Benjamin Gerber, Adlai E. Stevenson Iowa Jorden Hansen, Sioux City East South Dakota Samantha Langford, Madison UNO BUSINESS 2016

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NEW FACES Meet the new full-time faculty, who began their appointments during the 2015–2016 academic year.

Aaron Cerrone, Management Instructor A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Aaron Cerrone is a corporate and military leader with over 20 years of experience in operations, planning and program development.

He has completed graduate work in human relations at the University of Oklahoma and received a certification from Villanova University as a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt.

Cerrone is an Air Force Reservist currently acting as Chief of Operations in the Global Command Center at USSTRATCOM and is involved with the UNO ROTC Detachment, serving as a combatives instructor and mentor. Cerrone is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist; he owns and operates Mid-America Martial Arts in Millard.

Ed Cochran, Management Instructor Ed Cochran earned an MBA from DePaul University in his hometown of Chicago. He has over two decades of teaching experience and, before joining CBA, served as an adjunct faculty member at DePaul University and Loyola University. Cochran has over 20 years of corporate management, consulting and executive-level experience with companies including Allstate Insurance, First Data Resources, SITEL

and IBM. He teaches corporate and business strategy, international management, international marketing and business foundations. He enjoys golf and salsa dancing in his spare time and volunteers his time serving on the board of the Nebraska Children’s Home Society.

Christopher Diller, Management Instructor Chris Diller earned a Ph.D. in Management Information Systems from the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona and earned two graduate degrees (MBA and M.S. in Decision & Information Science) from the University of Florida. Before joining CBA, he served in the School of Interdisciplinary Informatics at UNO’s College of Information Science & Technology. Diller has over a decade of corporate management and executive-level experience.

He teaches management information systems, principles of collaboration, and various undergraduate and graduate strategy courses.

Aaron Knape, Accounting Instructor A Certified Public Accountant, Aaron Knape earned a BSBA from UNO in 2005 and an MBA from Creighton University in

Front row (from left): Aaron Knape, Elizabeth Wessling, Angelika Walker, Jamie Wagner; back row: Ray LeBlanc, Ed Cochran, Chris Diller; not pictured: Aaron Cerrone

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teaching a wide range of business courses at three different high schools in Millard Public Schools. He has also worked in accounting and finance at National Indemnity Company and Union Pacific. Born in Norwalk, Connecticut, LeBlanc has lived in Omaha since age 12. His wife, Laura, teaches sixth grade math at Beadle Middle School. They have a 2-year-old son, Dylan.

Elizabeth Wessling, Business Statistics Instructor With a bachelor’s in secondary education and master’s in mathematics from UNO, Elizabeth Wessling spent nearly 20 years teaching middle school and high school math before coming to UNO, where she now teaches statistics and works in CBA’s statistics lab. Interested in the fields of educational research, statistical analysis and program evaluation, Wessling is nearly finished with her coursework for UNO’s educational leadership doctoral program.

Jamie Wagner, Assistant Professor of Economics, Director, UNO Center for Economic Education

2009. He worked as a staff accountant for several years at two different firms where he was responsible for personal, fiduciary and business tax returns. He also has significant experience with financial reporting and auditing for business and governmental entities. With a wealth of teaching experience, Knape taught accounting at Peru State College for four years and worked as an adjunct at UNO for one year before being hired full time in August 2015. He is married to Annie, a nurse practitioner at Nebraska Medicine, and they have two Cairn terriers, Lucy and Stuart. In his spare time he enjoys bowling and golfing in leagues with his friends and playing his trumpet and trombone in his jazz combo.

Angelika Walker, Managerial Communications Instructor A UNO alumna (BSBA 2011, MA 2013), Angelika Walker teaches four sections of Managerial Communications each semester.

After earning a master’s in English, she worked as the founding program coordinator for UNO’s Master of Arts in Critical and Creative Thinking, helping shepherd the program through the approval process. Her teaching experience includes teaching basic writing, English as a second language, composition-level writing, and professional/business writing at UNO and Metropolitan Community College.

Ray LeBlanc, Corporate Financial Management Instructor A two-time UNO College of Business Administration graduate (BSBA 2009, MBA 2015), Ray LeBlanc comes to CBA after

Earning a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Jamie Wagner teaches micro- and macroeconomics as well as several noncredit workshops covering principles of economics and personal finance. She also works with K-12 teachers throughout the state, helping with curriculum development and other special projects related to economic education. Originally from Aurora, Colorado, Wagner lives in Omaha with her husband, Colin, who works at Yahoo; dog, Rodgers; and future daughter, due in October.

ACCOLADES 2015–2016 Dean’s Citation Awards: Excellence in Teaching, Research and Service TEACHING Roopa Venkatesh, associate professor, accounting RESEARCH Gina Ligon, associate professor, management SERVICE Phani Tej Adidam, professor, marketing Catherine Co, professor, economics Bethany Hughes, director, Scholars Academy Roger McCullough, Nebraska Business Development Center

2015–2016 Faculty Honorees MBA Professor of the Year: Erin Bass MBA Professor of the Year: Steven Nath Graduate Accounting Professor of the Year: Jennifer Riley UNO Alumni Outstanding Teaching Award: Birud Sindhav EMBA Distinguished Professor of the Year: Steve Schulz Faculty Honors Award for Teaching Excellence: Dale Eesley

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FACULTY RESEARCH

Business theory and the fight against terrorism

I

n the hours after the Orlando nightclub shooting on June 13, Gina Ligon was on the phone with reporters.

Citing psychological theory and referencing her research on the Islamic State, she shared insights with the Omaha World-Herald for a story in Sunday’s paper. Later that day, she spoke with a local radio station about the terror group’s social media savvy.

Ligon’s 15 years of research on violent radical groups, along with an uptick in terrorist attacks, have placed the associate professor of management in a unique position to help untangle the motives and ideology behind these unthinkable acts.

As the director of research and development for UNO’s Center for Collaboration Science and a member of the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START), she speaks periodically to local and national news media.

Ligon is part of an interdisciplinary research team at UNO that’s conducting government-funded research on what she calls the global jihad industry.

“We fill an important niche in the field,” she says, referencing the team’s use of different theoretical frameworks — from business, criminology and psychology to information science and technology — to study terrorist organizations.

During the 2015-2016 academic year alone, Ligon secured $1.9 million in federal research grants. As an applied psychologist and scholar, she uses a business theory lens to

STUDYING THE

look at extremist groups’ leadership styles, organizational structures and marketing strategies.

A set of serendipitous circumstances in graduate school are what jumpstarted Ligon’s study of terrorism. Working toward a doctorate in industrial and organizational psychology at the University of Oklahoma, she split her time between the psychology department and business school.

As a research assistant, she was assigned to a Department of Defense-funded study investigating terrorist groups as organizations.

After graduate school, Ligon worked at a St. Louis-based consulting firm specializing in executive coaching, succession planning and leadership development. She then moved back to academia, working as an assistant professor at Villanova University before arriving at UNO in 2012.

Since moving to Omaha, Ligon says her terrorism research has greatly benefitted from her colleagues’ varying perspectives.

“We’re able to get a much clearer picture of what the organizations are capable of because of all the different lenses we bring.”

One recent study for the Department of Homeland Security included

GLOBAL JIHAD INDUSTRY

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MEET THE RESEARCH TEAM

Leif Lundmark, assistant professor, management Erin Pleggenkuhle-Miles, assistant professor, management Gina Ligon, associate professor, management Doug Derrick, associate professor, IT innovation Pete Simi, associate professor, criminology (not pictured) Graduate and undergraduate research assistants

creating organizational profiles for 10 different terror groups, including ISIS. Comparing the groups’ “strategic differentiators” such as leadership, organizational structure, cyber profiles and attack sophistication, Ligon says, can lend insights into how to break them down.

Another upcoming study will examine images that ISIS uses to recruit and radicalize online. Using technology in Mammel Hall’s Jack and Stephanie Koraleski Commerce and Applied Behavioral Laboratory, the team will test eye movements and physiological responses to these visual elements, which are used to communicate a sense of organizational legitimacy, Ligon says.

Ligon speculates that ISIS’s ability to inspire “lone wolf” attacks is the most significant threat for the United States. Part of the solution, she says, is learning how to disparage the group’s brand, and that’s where marketing theory and other business literature can really help.

resolving barriers to collaboration — or simply applying the literature in new ways, Ligon hopes her research can help “prep the cognitive battlefield.”

“There are a lot of resources and time spent on making conventional, for-profit organizations stronger with business research, and that’s a laudable, valuable thing to pursue,” she says. “But what I hope this research can result in is to use some of the same theories and methods to degrade and defeat these nefarious organizations.”

With several studies underway and additional grant applications under review, Ligon and the rest of UNO’s anti-terrorist research team know they bring a unique skillset to this topic. The team, as well as the university, knows they have much more to contribute in the fight for national security.

“There’s so much support for this research here,” Ligon says. “It’s awesome.” n

Through inversing traditional business theories — for example, accelerating instead of

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ALUMNUS SPOTLIGHT BERNARD GRAVES, BSBA ‘49

One of CBA’s oldest living alumni reflects on his 30-year career and life-changing encounter with founding Dean John Lucas

A

23-year-old World War II veteran seeking re-entry to Omaha University walked nervously, G.I. Bill in hand, into the business school dean’s office. (Five years earlier, the soldier collected all D’s in his first semester at O.U.) Bernie Graves sweated as John Lucas, the founding dean of what’s now the University of Nebraska at Omaha College of Business Administration, motioned him into his office.

Mr. Graves, I find nothing in your prior records that would indicate your ability to handle college curriculum, Lucas said. We are loaded here with returning veterans who are very serious about their education and show a willingness to work for good grades in their classes. We have no space for anyone to loaf just because they have the G.I. Bill.

Bernie knew his next move was important. His future depended on it.

Sir, Bernie began, I was just a dumb kid five years ago, but I’m not a dumb kid anymore. I have been through a war. I know I must prepare for the future I helped preserve. I know I can handle college curriculum. Just give me the chance.

Silence and smoke from Lucas’ pipe filled the room.

With a wrinkled brow, Lucas responded, nearly shouting: OK, Graves, I will approve your admission, but I will put you on probation for one entire year! If you get a grade lower than a B, you will be out of this university, no “ifs” or “buts.”

This is how Bernie, now 94, tells the story of his admission to CBA and his first encounter with Lucas — a man, Bernie says, who changed the course of his life.

Thanks to Lucas, Bernie went on to earn a business administration degree in 1949. Shortly after, the Omaha native moved to California with his wife,

that “degreeI usedworking in a dynamic organization for approximately 30 years where excellence was always a standard requirement, where continuous improvement was demanded and whose products have shaped the world.”

Bernie Graves

Above: College of Adult Education registration line in Arts & Sciences Hall reflects the tremendous increase in enrollment at Omaha University following the war. Photo provided by Les Valentine, UNO Library.

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June, soon starting what would become a life-long career at Hughes Aircraft Company.

“I used that degree working in a dynamic organization for approximately 30 years where excellence was always a standard requirement, where continuous improvement was demanded and whose products have shaped the world,” Bernie wrote in a letter to CBA Dean Louis Pol. “John Lucas, whether he realized it or not, was part of that production.”

Sixty-eight years of marriage, four children, seven grandchildren and two great grandbabies later, Bernie and June, 88, still reside in California. They’ve lived in the same house for 42 years in Los Alamitos, a small city in Orange County.

Bernie shares more about his military service, college experience and career.

CBA’S ROOTS

Q. How long were you in the service?

About Founding Dean John Lucas

Three years, two months and 20 days. I wrote a book about it, and that was the title. I was inducted; I did not volunteer. I wound up being a replacement to a division of New Yorkers — the 389th infantry division, an anti-tank company. I’m just awfully glad I never saw any combat. To go up against a tank, the odds are not good.

n early job in Steubenville Pottery Company’s business office likely sparked John Wayne Lucas’ interest in business, leading to his college education and lasting legacy as an administrator.

Q. Why did you want to get a business degree?

I started out thinking that I would be a journalist. That was when I was 18. But soon I learned I was in the wrong college. I just didn’t have any connection with any of the classes I had that first semester, so I wound up with all D’s.

Continued on next page

A

The Ohio native graduated from Ohio State University in 1929 with a bachelor’s in business administration and next joined the executive training program at the Ohio Bell Telephone Company.

Lucas later returned to Ohio State to pursue graduate work, earning an MBA in 1935 and then embarking on a doctoral program. But then Nebraska came knocking.

In 1938, University of Omaha President Rowland Haynes invited Lucas to become a professor of business administration. As the university and its business program expanded, Lucas took on administrative duties, serving as department head and dean of students simultaneously.

In 1952, the Division of Business Administration received full college status, with Lucas at the helm as dean.

During his deanship from 1952–1969, Lucas led the college through significant advancements, including its initial accreditation by the American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business in 1965, and positioned it as an important influence in Omaha’s business community.

Bernie recalls an unusual job duty during the 1979 Iranian Revolution “Hughes Aircraft had established a long-term contract with the Iranian government that required several top-ranking engineers to live there.

When the government toppled, we had to get our people out as soon as possible. We had people scattered all over Europe, totally dependent on Hughes for housing, food and ultimately bringing them home safely. That was my job — to handle the money end of it. There was no precedent for this. We just had to wing it, and it all worked out.”

Revered for his vision and determination, Lucas was awarded a Doctor of Laws from OU in 1968, one year before his retirement.

In 1988, CBA established the Lucas Society to honor individuals and organizations that have made a substantial commitment to the growth and continued success of the college — just like Lucas.

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June shares how she and Bernie met. The pair has been married for 68 years and counting.

“We love to tell that story. We met on a blind date. He had been home only a week from the service. One of his buddies was dating my roommate. They had a party for him, and they decided Bernie needed a date. So they set us up, and we went to the Music Box dancing. He was very nervous that he was going to use his Army verbiage. We hit it off. We were lucky. We liked each other, and we still enjoy each other.”

ALUMNUS SPOTLIGHT

Continued from previous page

I was convinced I was not college material. But I also knew that I had to get a better education. I had to be better prepared. That’s when I showed up with my G.I. Bill [five years later], and I was routed to Dean Lucas’ office.

Q. What was it like to be an Omaha University business student after the war?

I learned if you want to get good grades, you studied. My classes were all worthwhile. The basic accounting classes were the basis of practically everything I did when I began working.

That situation of thousands and thousands of ex-G.I.’s enrolling in universities across the country was unheard of. Everybody worked like they had never worked before because here we were getting this education, and the government was going to pay for it. It was a totally different atmosphere.

Some of those guys showed up limping with canes because they had been knocked around in the war. But once they sat down in that seat, they were on an equal basis with everybody, and you better know the subject matter because you could be left behind if you don’t.

John Lucas referred to that time as the golden years. He loved it.

Q. Talk about your career trajectory after you earned your business degree.

We left Omaha and headed for California with the idea that the job market was better. I had no problem getting a job with an oil company. It took me about a year to figure out I was not going any place with that organization.

Then I learned from a friend that Hughes Aircraft was hiring. We had just purchased a new home about a mile

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from the Hughes property. I joined Hughes Aircraft as a very minor, low-key employee. That turned out to be the right thing to do for me.

Q. What was it like to work at Hughes Aircraft Company, and what were your job duties?

It was a time of turmoil because Howard [company owner] was having problems with the government — contract situations and so forth. He more or less turned the organization over to a man who turned out to be the best thing that could ever happen to Hughes Aircraft Company.

My first three years there I held several positions. I started off as cleric in accounts receivable. Then I was asked to do some research of some problem areas where the government was giving us trouble and refusing to pay. I was able to resolve some problems.

One job led to another. Finally, I got involved in the very beginning of the finance organization of a new division and stayed with that organization the rest of my career. I did practically anything that came along.

I was in financial planning to begin with. After that I got into cost accounting. That division was unique in that our engineers were scattered all over the world. That in itself created enormous problems of control. It was an interesting job. It seemed like it changed daily.

From there, I moved on to my last position as department head in general accounting. It was a terrific experience. It just kept on being that way for most of my 30 years. n

Ashley Eisert, BSBA 2016 Hometown: Papillion, Nebraska Concentrations: Marketing, Business Finance and Investment Science & Portfolio Management; minor in Spanish

WIENERMOBILE = 27 FT. LONG (60 HOT DOGS) UNO BUSINESS 2016

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FROM SOUTHERN COMFORT

TO SILICON VALLEY

Susan Brennan Chief Operations Officer, Bloom Energy Hometown: Granite City, Illinois Master of Business Administration, 1991 On Twitter: @STEM_SUSAN Brennan received a CBA Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award in 2009 and was featured twice on Automotive News’ list of 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry.

Photo courtesy of Bloom Energy

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A new career aligns alumna’s passion for innovation and the environment

S

usan Brennan decided to start her life over at age 51. Leaving behind a “cushy job” and beautiful home, she moved her family from Tennessee’s southern comfort to California’s Silicon Valley.

Brennan closed a 25-year career in the automotive industry, where she led operations at Ford and later Nissan. As vice president of manufacturing at Nissan North America, she helped launch the all-electric LEAF, short for leading environmentally friendly affordable family car.

With roots in “steel town” Granite City, Illinois, Brennan couldn’t bypass a job opportunity that would blend her operations prowess and passion for the environment. Now, as chief operations officer at Bloom Energy in Sunnyvale, California, Brennan is helping the 15-year-old company bring its power generation system — the Bloom Energy Server® — to the mass market.

“Our vision is to continue to grow the business and then, that’s where my job comes in, to bring the cost down while we scale our manufacturing to meet the growing market demand,” she said.

Also called the Bloom Box, this system uses a proprietary fuel cell technology that produces reliable, clean and cost-effective energy, according to the company.

Before founding Bloom Energy, Chief Executive Officer KR Sridhar worked for NASA’s Mars program, designing an oxygen-production unit for use on the planet.

“He took the product that was designed for Mars and reverse engineered it for the Earth,” Brennan said. “It started out as this really cool technology, and then he was able to prove that it would work, and he was able to prove that it could be built at scale.”

Bloom continues to enhance the technology with each new generation of the Energy Server, optimizing its power density while shrinking its footprint.

“There’s never a day here where things stay static,” Brennan said, adding that Bloom has evolved from a technology company developing a new product to a multifaceted organization developing a new industry. “Launching the LEAF was very exciting for me because no one had launched a mass-manufactured all-electric car, and this goes to the next level.”

At Bloom for almost three years, Brennan has thrived not only because the company is innovative and fast-paced but also because she has technical expertise.

She earned a microbiology degree from the University of Illinois and subsequently spent several years as a chemical, biological and pharmaceutical researcher.

“One of the reasons I believe I’ve been successful is because I chose a technical field,” she said.

She also credits her graduate education at UNO, noting that she still uses some of the skills she learned in her business classes, especially operations. Brennan enrolled in the MBA program between 1989 and 1991, taking classes while working full-time at an automobile hardware manufacturing company. There, she learned her aptitude for operations and management. That job opportunity changed the trajectory of her life, she said.

Believing so strongly in the value of a technical degree, Brennan spends time speaking to young girls, encouraging them to continue taking science, technology and math classes.

When she has a captive audience of middle school girls, for example, she asks them three questions: Do you want to make a lot of money? Do you want to travel the world? Do you want to make the world a better place?

“Generally one, two or all three of those resonate with them,” said Brennan, who has traveled the world with her roles in automotive and at Bloom.

Aside from mentoring young women, Brennan is raising two teenagers of her own, a 17-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter, with her husband. Since moving west, the family has made it a point to explore all that California has to offer.

They live just four hours from Yosemite National Park.

“I never see myself retiring, partially because I had children late in life,” she said, explaining that she plans to work in technology and innovation for at least another decade. “I’m hoping that by having the kind of job I have, I’ll be able to create really good jobs that are good for the planet and for people.”

After that, she has plenty of other passions to keep her busy: supporting professional development for women, speaking engagements, even saving elephants.

Content in what she calls her dream job, Brennan has traveled a winding path to arrive in a field — or valley, rather — that feels like home.

In fact, soon after arriving in Silicon Valley, an encounter with a car, of all things, was another sign that she made the right choice to leave her old life and open a new chapter in a special part of the country that celebrates ingenuity.

“I wasn’t here a week when I was driving and an autonomous car passed me on the road,” she said, explaining how, in her previous career, she had been in many meetings where people dismissed the idea of a self-driving car. “I was like ‘Oh, this is so cool, I’ve finally landed in my place.’” n

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ALUMNI UPDATES Ryan Massa (BSBA ‘15) combined his coaching, business and hockey skills to launch a new business focused on developing goalies. The former UNO goalie, who helped lead the Mavericks to their first Frozen Four appearance in 2015, hosted clinics at Baxter Arena over the summer.

Dan Koraleski, Josette Gordon-Simet, Kevin Munro and Rob Friedman

Four more join exclusive list of distinguished alumni

I

n May 2016, the College of Business Administration honored four alumni for their thriving careers, leadership prowess and commitment to community service.

CBA’s most recent honorees join an exclusive list of 102 CBA graduates officially recognized as distinguished alumni from a pool of more than 20,000.

“These alumni and others like them who work in our community and around the world represent us so well,” said CBA Dean Louis Pol. “Their successes are a source of inspiration and pride for our college, and we’re glad they chose the UNO College of Business Administration to gain a strong foundation on which to build their business careers.”

Representing diverse career paths from marketing and healthcare to banking and accounting, the following individuals received CBA Distinguished Alumni Achievement Awards during the 29th annual luncheon in Mammel Hall.

Rob Friedman, BSBA 1985, is vice president of brand management and marketing at Amtrak. Previously, as vice president of marketing for American Airlines, Friedman led the transformation of the airline’s brand and customer experience as the company launched unprecedented modernization efforts.

Josette Gordon-Simet, Executive MBA 2012, has served as medical director since 2013 for CHI Health Clinic Advanced Practice Clinicians, Corporate and Retail Clinics, and the Virtual Resource Center. Gordon-Simet is board certified in family medicine.

Dan Koraleski, BSBA 1986, is an audit partner at KPMG LLP, where he specializes in providing financial statement audit and financial consulting services.

Kevin Munro, BSBA 1986, is the managing director for BMO Harris Bank in Omaha, leading a team that manages commercial banking relationships for corporate clients in Nebraska, Iowa, Colorado and South Dakota. n

kkLearn more about CBA’s distinguished alumni: cba.unomaha.edu/alumni 46

UNO COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Ryan Stowe (MBA ‘05) traveled to Washington D.C. in May to accept the President’s “E” Star Award for Export Service on behalf of his company, International Logistics Inc. This award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.

Jack Koraleski (BSBA ‘72, MBA ‘81), retired president and CEO of Union Pacific, was inducted into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame in April 2016 and was crowned King of Aksarben during the Aksarben Coronation & Scholarship Ball in October 2015.

Gail DeBoer (BSBA ‘87), president and CEO of SAC Federal Credit Union, received the inaugural ICAN Leadership Award at the 2016 Women’s Leadership Conference in April.

Jeff Slobotski (BSBA ’01), vice president of business development for Wave Interactive and founder of Router Ventures, was a featured speaker at TEDxUNO in February.

Keith Fix (BSBA ‘12), founder and CEO of blabfeed, was named a member of the Pipeline Entrepreneurial Fellowship program’s 2016 class.

Chris Hoke (MBA ‘11), principal and owner of Continuum Security Solutions, received a 2015 40 Under 40 award from the Midlands Business Journal.

Megan Carr (BSBA ‘16) earned a year-long national security fellowship with Veterans4Diplomacy, which pairs veterans from across the country with mentors who have achieved significant roles in foreign policy, in order to prepare student veterans to lead.

CBA Faculty and Staff 2015-2016 ACCOUNTING Susan Eldridge, Associate Professor and Department Chairperson, 2002. Union Pacific Professorship. Ph.D., University of North CarolinaChapel Hill, 1997.

Richard File, Professor, 1991.

Spencer Professorship. Ph.D., University of Texas, 1981, CPA. Wikil Kwak, Professor, 1989. Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1990.

Jack Armitage, Associate Professor, 1983. Distinguished Alumni Professor. Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1987, CPA. Xiaoyan Cheng, Associate Professor, 2009. Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2009.

Burch Kealey, Associate Professor, 2001. Ph.D., University of Oklahoma, 1996.

Jennifer Riley, Associate Professor, 2007. Hockett Professorship.

Ph.D., University of NebraskaLincoln, 2005.

Roopa Venkatesh, Associate Professor, 2009. Hockett Professorship. Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2008.

Aaron Knape, Instructor, 2015.

MBA, Creighton University, 2009, CPA. Stephanie Ludwig, Instructor, 2015. MA, University of NebraskaLincoln, 1999.

Steven Nath, Instructor, 2014.

MBA, University of NebraskaOmaha, 2003.

Jillian Poyzer, Instructor, 2011.

MA, University of NebraskaOmaha, 2006.

ECONOMICS Christopher Decker, Professor and Department Chairperson, 2001. John Lucas Professorship. Ph.D., Indiana University, 2000.

Catherine Co, Professor, 2000.

Lindley Professorship. Ph.D., Rutgers University, 1995.

Arthur Diamond, Professor, 1986.

Ph.D., University of Chicago, 1978.

Shuanglin Lin, Professor, 1989.

Noddle Professorship. Ph.D., Purdue University, 1989.

Mark Wohar, Professor, 1988.

CBA Distinguished Professorship.

Ph.D., University of Illinois, 1985.

William Corcoran, Associate Professor, 1980. Ph.D., Rutgers University, 1979.

Jinlan Ni, Associate Professor, 2006. Ph.D., Purdue University, 2005.

Ben Smith, Assistant Professor, 2014. Ph.D., Washington State University, 2014.

Jamie Wagner, Assistant Professor and Director of Center of Economic Education, 2015. Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2015.

John Dogbey, Instructor, 2012.

Ph.D., West Virginia University, 2009.

FINANCE, BANKING AND REAL ESTATE David Volkman, Associate Professor and Department Chairperson, 1989. Cloud Professorship. Ph.D., University of Nebraska–Lincoln, 1992.

Michael O’Hara, Professor, 1981.

J.D., University of NebraskaLincoln, 1978. Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1983.

Wei Wang Rowe, Professor, 1999.

Nebraska Bankers Professorship.

Ph.D., Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, 1999.

Steven Shultz, Professor, 2005.

Baright Professorship. Ph.D., University of Arizona, 1993.

Kathleen Henebry, Associate Professor, 1992. Ph.D., University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 1992.

Olivier Maisondieu Laforge, Associate Professor, 2004. Ph.D., University of Cincinnati, 2004.

Graham Mitenko, Associate Professor, 1987. DBA, Memphis State University, 1987.

Jeffery Bredthauer, Assistant Professor, 2012. Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2011.

Laura Beal, Lecturer, MBA, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1991.

David Beberwyk, Instructor, 2015.

MS, Pennsylvania State University, 1997.

MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT

Ziaul Huq, Professor, 1987. Ph.D., University of Kentucky, 1990.

NEBRASKA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Tom Martin, Professor, 1989.

Ph.D., University of Iowa, 1997.

Ingrid Battershell, SBDC Scottsbluff Center Director, 1992.

MBA, University of Nebraska at Kearney, 1987.

Dale Eesley, Associate Professor, 2008. Morgan Professorship.

Ph.D., University of WisconsinMadison, 2002.

Jonna Holland, Associate Professor, 1996. Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1996.

James Jones, Associate Professor, 1998. Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1998.

Ginamarie Ligon, Associate Professor, 2012. Ph.D., University of Oklahoma, 2004.

Patricia Meglich, Associate Professor, 2007. Ph.D., Kent State University, 2006.

Robert Ottemann, Associate Professor, 1973. Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1974. J.D., Creighton University, 1984.

Amy Rodie, Associate Professor, Marketing, 1994. Schumacher Chair of Ethics. Ph.D., Arizona State University, 1995.

Birud Sindhav, Associate Professor, 2000. Ph.D., University of Oklahoma, 2001.

A. Erin Bass, Assistant Professor, 2014. Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2014.

Leif Lundmark, Assistant Professor, 2014. Ph.D., University of Utah, 2014.

Erin Pleggenkuhle Miles, Assistant Professor, 2011. Ph.D., University of Texas at Dallas, 2012.

Steven Schulz, Assistant Professor, 2014. Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1992.

Aaron Cerrone, Instructor, 2015.

MS, University of Oklahoma, 2001.

Ed Cochran, Instructor, 2015.

MBA, DePaul University, 1985.

Chris Diller, Instructor, 2015.

Ph.D., University of Arizona, 2013.

Mary Hallin, Instructor, 2015.

Ph.D., University of NebraskaLincoln, 2013.

John E. Erickson Jr., Associate Professor and Department Chairperson, 2003. Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2004.

Greg Morin, Lecturer, 2008. MA, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 1999.

Phani Tej Adidam, Professor, 1996.

Executive Management Education Professorship. Ph.D., Texas Tech University, 1996.

Angelika Walker, Instructor, 2015.

MA, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 2013.

Pamela Peterson, Instructor, 2012.

MBA, University of Chicago, 1997.

Elizabeth Wessling, Instructor, 2015. MAT, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 2001.

Aretha Boex, SBDC Lead Center Director, 2009. MS, MBA, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 2012.

Veronica Doga, Manager, Procurement Technical Assistance, 2009. MS, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 2008.

Josh Nichol-Caddy, International Trade Consultant, 2015. MS, MBA, University of Missouri, 2015.

Wei Jing, Manager, Technology Commercialization, 2015. MA, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2011.

DEAN’S NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD 2015–2016 Mickey Anderson, Performance Automotive Group Kristin Streff Barnett, First National Bank Dennis D. Blackman, Blackman & Associates PC John Bredemeyer, Realcorp Gail DeBoer, SAC Federal Credit Union Becki Drahota, Mills Financial Marketing Ivan Gilreath, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands Dan Gomez, Great Western Bank Frances Grieb, Deloitte & Touche LLP (retired) Mark Grieb, AAA Nebraska

Gerald D. Parriott, Grant Financial Officer/NBDC Business Manager, 2012. MBA, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 2016.

Tim Hart, First National of Nebraska

Harold Sargus, Director, Professional and Organizational Development, 2011. MBA, University of Akron, 1983.

John Hoich, Hoich Enterprises

Jean Waters, NBDC Deputy State Director, 2001. MS, Kansas State University, 1990.

Richard Yoder, Director, Pollution Prevention Regional Information Center, 1996. MS, Iowa State University, 1982.

ADMINISTRATION Louis Pol, John Becker Dean, Professor, 1984. Ph.D., Florida State University, 1978.

Lynn Harland, Associate Dean, Professor, 1989. Ph.D., University of Iowa, 1991.

Robert Bernier, Assistant Dean, NBDC State Director, 1979. Ph.D., University of Nebraska at Omaha, 2000.

David Nielsen, Assistant Dean, 2015. MS, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 1992.

Rod Heng, KPMG LLP (retired) Mark Jaksich, Valmont Industries Jack Koraleski, Union Pacific Railroad (retired) Rodrigo Lopez, AmeriSphere Michael Maroney, Omaha Economic Development Corp.

Lloyd A. Meyer, Leo A Daly (retired) Gary D. Penisten, Sterling Drug (retired) Ross Ridenoure, Parsons Jeffrey R. Schmid, Omaha Financial Holdings Mark Theisen, Greater Omaha Packing Co. Mike Walter, Mike Walter & Associates Thomas Warren Sr., Urban League of Nebraska Roberta Wilhelm, Girls Inc. of Omaha Horace Wu, Attorney

Alexandra M. Kaczmarek, Director, MBA Program, 1990.

MBA, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 1989.

Bill Swanson, Director, Executive MBA/Professional Management Education. MBA, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 1991.

UNO BUSINESS 2016

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NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID OMAHA NE PERMIT NO. 301 College of Business Administration University of Nebraska at Omaha Mammel Hall 300 6708 Pine Street Omaha NE 68182-0048 402.554.2303 cba.unomaha.edu

CAREER CENTER AT CBA 185 employers attended fall and spring career fairs and employer day.

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UNO COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION