UNK Today, Spring 2009 Issue

FROM

THE CHANCELLOR Campus abuzz with activity

I’m beginning to hear talk of “Spring Break” which, hard as it is to believe, means that we are nearing the middle of another very busy, very productive semester.

In spite of looming budget reductions and poor economic reports at virtually every turn, the news from your alma mater is good! On the construction front, William R. Nester Hall opened for student occupancy in August, and we were honored that Chancellor Emeritus Nester and three of his sons could be with us for the formal dedication ceremony in September.

The Campus Utilities Project, while not as noticeable as the residence hall project, rivals it in importance in terms of modernizing campus utility management. The renovation of Bruner Hall of Science has taken center stage and is proceeding on time and on budget, with a targeted completion date of December 2009. It is fascinating to see the day-to-day progress and promises to be quite impressive when finished.

During the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, my family and I had the privilege of traveling to Italy with the UNK “Pride of the Plains” Marching Band. The trip was filled with highlights, but the brightest was their performance at Saint Peter’s Square in Rome on New Year’s Day before the Pope and a crowd of nearly 200,000. At the risk of sounding corny, I must say that our students made me truly proud to be a Loper. They were wonderful ambassadors for the university and, really, our country, and my highest compliments go to Professors Neal Schnoor and Gary Davis for the time and care they devote to these talented young people.

This coming May it will be the Choraleers’ turn to travel. Professor David Bauer and the student performers are finalizing plans for a 10day tour of Argentina and Uruguay.

I also want to mention UNK’s Pep Band. On January 6, the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association voted them “The Best Pep Band in Division II.” I couldn’t agree more. They’re talented, enthusiastic and always entertaining, and Loper athletics wouldn’t be the same without the spirit they bring to every contest.

There’s so much more that I could and should mention. But space dictates the length of my message so I’ll close with an invitation to each of you to visit campus whenever time and opportunity allows. Stay in touch with all that is happening at UNK. It’s truly a great place, and growing stronger student by student.

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THE COVER

Jodi Neil, Philip Boon and Trevor Sehnabel

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NK’s pep band was recognized as the best pep band in NCAA Division II for 2009 by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA).

Annually the WBCA recognizes Division I and Division II individuals and schools in a variety of categories called Superlatives.

WBCA CEO Beth Bass said the recognition program continues to gain popularity each year and “we are excited to see participation coast-to-coast from our members and fans of women’s basketball.”

UNK’s Pride of the Plains Pep Band under the direction of Drs. Neal Schnoor and Gary Davis, is not only popular at Loper events, but was a hit with teams and fans when Kearney and UNK hosted the Division II National Elite Eight women’s tournament in 2006 and 2007.

“That exposure was great for the pep band and made a big impact on the NCAA Women’s Basketball Committee,” said athletic director Jon McBride.

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NUMBERS

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Hastings High School Teacher Daniel McCarthy '75, MSE'83 was named Nebraska's top teacher by the Nebraska State Education Association. See page 1.

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After a 12-year leave of absence, ROTC returned to campus last fall. See page 6.

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U.S. News & World Report's annual college rankings issue named UNK 15th among the Midwest's best colleges. See page 7.

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An Illinois chiropractor who earned his degree entirely on-line, returned to campus in December to attend graduation. It was his first time to meet his professors in person and see the university. He was the 100th graduate of the master's program of science and biology at UNK's eCampus. See page 2.

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Sincerely,

Alumni numbers grew with 334 undergraduate students and 78 graduate students who received degrees in December. See pages 3.

Douglas A. Kristensen, J.D. Chancellor

Gregg and Lisa Schwartzkopf Daake established a $10,000 fund to assist students in visual communications. See page 5.

UNK Today l Spring 2009

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Making a difference It’s all about knowing you can

FEATURE

After 33 years of teaching, Daniel McCarthy ’75 received the ultimate feedback when he was named Nebraska’s 2009 Teacher of the Year

By Al Koontz ’76 Assistant Director of Communications Nebraksa State Education Association arly in his teaching career, Daniel McCarthy ’75, MSE’83 said he didn’t get a lot of feedback from former students. And had the right opportunity come along, he might have changed professions.

Today, in his 33rd year in the classroom, McCarthy seems glad that he stayed in teaching.

“I taught 10 or 15 years and didn’t get a lot of feedback,” he said. “But as a program develops, you start getting feedback.

Kids start coming back, and they tell you how they’re using the skills they learned in your classes. That’s what hooked me.”

McCarthy received the ultimate feedback in October.

Nebraska Department of Education officials accompanied all of his mechanical and architectural drafting and industrial technology students into his Hastings Senior High School classroom, and announced that McCarthy had been selected as Nebraska’s 2009 Teacher of the Year.

McCarthy said at a luncheon in his honor at the Nebraska Governor’s Mansion that there is good work going on every day in classrooms across the state, and that he represents all teachers doing good work. He is the 35th Nebraska Teacher of the Year, and fourth from Hastings.

There’s no doubt that McCarthy has taught and led by example, and he asserts that he learned how to become a good

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EXPERIENCE AND ENTHUSIASM: Daniel McCarthy works with students in his Hastings Senior High School. teacher based on examples set by others.

“Those master teachers showed me that it takes a lot of work to be a good teacher,” he said. “I’d go to the school on a weekend and see them up there.

I thought that “this must be what it takes to be a good teacher.’”

That trait took hold with McCarthy. Early in his career at Hastings, he took a group of freshman students to an industrial arts fair at UNK. The students were so impressed by the work of other students at the fair that McCarthy soon had to open his classroom at night to provide his students time to get their projects done.

“The fair ended,” McCarthy said, “but my nights never did.”

He’s been working with and challenging students in the classroom and out ever since.

Active in his church, McCarthy has also been involved in youth sports, from helping with youth baseball for his sons, to coaching his daughter’s basketball and particularly her softball teams, where he often put his players at positions on the field to which they were unaccustomed.

“I will always cherish the looks on their faces as they came off the field after accomplishing something that they were not sure they would be able to manage.”

As with many youngsters, it was a good teacher who pointed McCarthy to a profession. He was a Gothenburg High School sophomore when UNK alum Lowell Eloe’s ’61, MSE’68 industrial arts class formed a company to manufacture and sell doll flies – lures for fishing.

There was an assembly line, stock and product sales, and company profits. Those experiences stuck.

“Whenever I think of them, I realize how innovative and creative Mr. Eloe was with his teaching,” McCarthy said.

His family moved to Ainsworth soon after, and McCarthy didn’t take another industrial arts class until his senior year. That class was drafting, and he was soon hooked on the precision and exactness.

At UNK, he became a student assistant to professor Kenneth Carlson, and was on the road to teaching.

“I’ve been very lucky in that I’ve had great cooperating teachers,” he said.

He student taught under another UNK alum, Harold Korb ’68 of Minden. UNK alumnus Glen Marshall ’48 spent nearly 40 years in the industrial arts department at Hastings and was a big influence.

“I learned so much from him (Marshall died in 2004). He could discipline a kid and the kid wouldn’t even know it happened. It was so subtle, and it worked,” he said.

He also credits the school district, his community and his close-knit department.

“They’ve had a lot to do with my teaching. It’s not at every school that you get that closeness,” he said.

Those factors all combine to benefit McCarthy’s daily classroom lessons.

“It’s all about knowing you can make a difference.”

He does make a difference.

He’s got the feedback to prove it.

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CAMPUS NEWS

Illinois Chiropractor

First time on campus to receive his degree Dr.Todd Gill was the 100th master’s degree eCampus graduate in science and biology ust a day before receiving his master’s degree from UNK, Dr. Todd Gill walked on campus for the first time.

“It was neat to be able to see everything. I’d had several dealings with the local bookstore and to see the bookstore and campus, it was nice to put some visuals to things I had dealt with,” Dr. Gill said.

Dr. Gill, 34, was the 100th graduate from the master’s program in science and biology at UNK’s eCampus.

He took all of his classes online, did research projects from home and

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UNK Today l Spring 2009

turned in all of his papers via email, without setting a foot on campus.

The program began in 2003 with just 43 students and has expanded to serve about 300 students from 47 states and eight countries.

“During graduation, we sometimes get students who have never visited campus. They meet faculty and get their diplomas in person,” said biology professor Dr. Wyatt Hoback.

Dr. Gill of Mount Carmel, Illinois, is a chiropractor and earned his doctorate degree in 1997 from the Logan College of Chiropractic in Chesterfield, Missouri.

When a friend suggested that he consider teaching community college courses, he realized he needed to have a master’s degree in biology to teach.

After looking for a reputable school online, Dr. Gill came across UNK’s distance learning program and in 2005 took his first class online.

“It didn’t cause disruption in my current career and not too much disruption at home,” he said.

Dr. Gill spends 40 to 60 hours a week at his practice, Mount Carmel Chiropractic Clinic. When he began taking online courses, he had one child and his wife, Tracy, was expecting. They have now three children, Drew 6, Rachel 3, and

LONG DISTANCE DEGREE: Dr. Todd Gill stands between two of his biology professors Dr. Wyatt Hoback and Dr. Janet Steele at December graduation. Dr. Gill earned his master’s degree on-line making the trip from Illinois to receive his degree. It was his first time on campus. Also pictured are members of his family, wife Tracy and children Drew, Rachel and Rebekah.

Rebekah 5 months.

He did most of his coursework after his family went to bed.

“To me, it was no different than being an on-campus student other than I wasn’t face to face with students,” he said.

Dr. Gill, who had already logged close to 400 credit hours of college courses before he began the distance learning program, found the instructors at UNK to be approachable and helpful.

“I could drop an email and have a response within a day,” he said.

Dr. Hoback said many of the eCampus classes are videotaped and a DVD is sent to students.

Students take tests online, turn in term papers via email and have complete access to the UNK library for research projects.

“We serve a very big audience that needs a master’s program,” Dr. Hoback said. “People are place-bound with jobs and family.”

Dr. Gill and his family drove more than 11 hours so he could see the university he earned a degree from and walk across the stage at the Health and Sports Center December 19 to receive

his degree.

“I felt like it put closure to things,” he said. “My family had been by my side through the whole program. We could spend some time together and see the program come to a close.”

Dr. Gill was also able to meet all the professors he communicated online with for more than three years. His family had dinner with Dr. Janet Steele, professor of biology. Dr. Marc Albrecht, associate professor of biology, threw a reception for Dr. Gill at his home.

“The ceremony wasn’t as important,” Dr. Gill said. “I wanted to thank people face to face.”

Dr. Gill said seeing the ailments of some of his patients and having such a physical job made him realize that he may not be able to do his job 30 years from now. His master’s degree will allow him to change careers if needed. He will also have the opportunity to teach classes in the future.

For more information on UNK’s eCampus, go to www.unk.edu/acad/ecampus.

Story courtesy of Kearney Hub, written by Sara Giboney

CAMPUS NEWS

Pride of theEntertains Plains St. Peter’s Square or the second time, members of the UNK Pride of the Plains Marching Band celebrated New Year’s Day performing and touring in Italy.

A group of 95 students, alumni, faculty and community members, including Chancellor Doug Kristensen and his family, were among the group traveling to Italy.

The UNK Marching Band performed there in 2005 and was invited back to perform again.

The band paraded through Sorrento and played in the main square, Piazza Tasso, on its first stop. The group then traveled to Naples, where it took a tour of the city before traveling to Rome.

The band spent New Year’s Eve in a private hotel room playing music and dancing.

On the first day of the New Year, the band joined more than 75,000 people to hear Pope Benedict XVI give his annual New Year’s blessing. They also played in the St. Peter’s Square and participated in an annual

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PEP BAND PLAYS AT THE PIAZZA TASSO: A group of 95 students, alumni, faculty and community members, including Chancellor Doug Kristensen and his family, were among the group that toured Rome. While there, the UNK marching band performed. parade.

Senior MacKenzie Cochran said the trip helps students learn that there are other cultures.

“Never in a million years before

I came to college did I think I would get to go overseas and play for people and have thousands of people lined up to see us.”

The band had a similar experience two years ago. Director Dr. Neal Schnoor said he hopes to take a similar trip again in two years.

‘Lily’ to graduates: Experience the world! ecember graduation keynote speaker Dr. Ronald Roskens encouraged the 412 graduates to be productive. “The greatest waste of natural resources is the number of people who never achieve their potential,” he said.

He told the graduates that as students at UNK they had been given a chance to grow and form their own ideas and to think for themselves. “As a result, you’re going to be ready to pioneer in this new complex century,” he said.

Dr. Roskens, president emeritus of the University of Nebraska, was awarded an honorary doctorate by Chancellor Doug Kristensen during the ceremony. Roskens was NU president from 1977 until 1990.

Graduating senior Yuri ‘Lily’ Kawamura of Japan, who gave the senior class reflection, advised her fellow graduates to experience the world.

“The last five years at UNK,

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REFLECTIONS: Chancellor Douglas Kristensen, graduate Yuri “Lily” Kawamura, Japan and Dr. Ronald Roskens prepare to speak at the Winter 2008 Commencement.

I learned the two most important things. I need to try every time to make my world bigger.

Second, without taking any action, nothing happened to

bring me joy.” she said.

She quoted the Japanese proverb, “A frog in a well does not know the great sea,” which means people are satisfied to

judge things by their own narrow knowledge and experience, never knowing the world outside.

“I was a frog in Japan,” she said. “The diversity of UNK made me realize how narrow my world was.”

The program also included welcomes from Kent Schroeder, Chairman of the NU Board of Regents and Brenda Christensen, president of the UNK Alumni Association who encouraged the new graduates to stay connected to the university and to support it with their time, talents and resources.

In addition, music professor Dr. Ron Crocker received the Leland Holdt/Security Mutual Life Distinguished Faculty Award.

Of the 412 graduates, 334 received undergraduate degrees and 78 received graduate degrees.

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Forensics: Revived program has rich history

FOUNDATION

ating back to 1905, when UNK began as a normal school, one of the oldest activities for students was forensics.

The program had widespread success through the years enjoying popularity with students.

The Forensics League joined the national fraternity Pi Kappa Delta in 1924, and in 1926 debate became a part of course offerings.

In 1930, Kearney won its first state championship in debate.

The team traveled to Honolulu University in 1938 to attend the Aloha Tournament.

Women, too, began winning intercollegiate competitions, beginning with the team of Addah Jane Ludden and Florence Williams in 1939-40.

Between 1940 and 1963, Kearney students placed first 77 times in the Nebraska Forensic Association in debate, extemporaneous speaking, oratory and peace oratory as well as posting victories in regional and national PI Kappa Delta Tournaments.

In 1949 Jeanette Harrison won the women’s division of the annual Interstate Oratorical Contest Association at Northwestern University. Judy Funkhouser won the same title in 1961 for her speech “File Under S.” an oration about the growing problem of sex crimes.

After a number of years of

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OUTSTANDING: Robert Friedman, Plattsmouth Freshman; Laura McAtee, Wahoo Sophomore; Brandon Pettigrew, Kearney Senior; Cassie Larreau, Kearney Freshman; Brock Ingmire, Manhattan, KS Freshman; Allison Henri, Bellevue Sophomore and Grant Campbell, Tecumseh Senior are current forensic team members. inactivity, the forensics team was re-established in 2005 to compete on the American Forensics Association circuit that is the most prestigious in the nation.

Since that time, UNK competitors have earned hundreds of individual awards and three team sweepstakes awards. They continue to increase their number of qualified events for the American Forensics Association National Individual Events Tournament.

Directed by Rachelle Kamrath ’96, who competed when she was a student, the team is growing quickly and is more

Mantor, Randall, Men’s Halls next in line for renovations

With the completion of Antelope Hall and the Nester Hall residence hall complex, UNK is moving ahead with renovations of the older halls on campus.

Mantor Hall, built in 1965, is the first of those. Now closed, the $4 million renovations will include installing fire sprinklers and updating an audible fire alarm system; remodeling restrooms; updating heating and cooling units and related wall repairs.

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UNK Today l Spring 2009

An older hall will close each fall for renovation. Each year, UNK will seek approval to spend more funds for the renovations.

Randall Hall will close the fall of 2009 and Men’s Hall will close the fall of 2010.

Both will reopen a year after they close.

Furniture was replaced and roofs repaired at both Centennial Towers East and Centennial Towers West, and painting and general maintenance was performed at all the older halls last summer.

competitive every year.

Each season, the team travels approximately 15 weekends and attends 25 tournaments. They host two tournaments and the Nebraska State Activities Association State Speech and Debate tournament.

Each member of the UNK forensics team qualified for National Competition this year.

Accomplishing all of this on a meager budget has prompted two former debate participants to help lead a campaign to fund forensics. Judge Karen Lueck Hunt ’61 of Anchorage, Alaska,

and Doug Steinkruger ’74 of Omaha have provided kick-off gifts to the Forensics Debate Fund with the NU Foundation.

Additional gifts to that fund will provide assistance to furthering this quality program.

Forensics has played a key role in the education of senior Grant Campbell. “The team has helped me to become a better student, writer, and has even provided potential career opportunities.

By traveling on weekends, I learn how to manage my time and homework during the week. My critical writing has improved tremendously due to the structure required by public address speeches.

“Also, several high school teachers, college faculty and community members judge at our tournaments. Most of these people are excited and enthusiastic about hiring people who have competed in forensics because of their speaking skills. With teaching Language Arts as my future profession, I know I will be able to transfer my speaking skills to the creation of an effective learning environment.”

Individuals interested in knowing more about supporting the forensics program should contact Kristin Howard, the director of development, at khoward@nufoundation.org or call the Foundation office in Kearney at 308-698-5276.

Enrollment reaches 10-year high all enrollment reached 6,543, the highest number in nearly a decade. This was the fifth consecutive year UNK had an increase in enrollment.

The areas that increased were first-time, full-time freshmen up from 1,524 last year to 1,566 this fall.

International students continue to play a significant role in the student body. There were 483 students from 44 countries. That number included 236 from Japan, 128 from China, 69 from South Korea, 30 from Nepal, 15 from Cote d’Ivoire and 11 from Turkey.

Chancellor Doug Kristensen said, “We are gratified that enroll-

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ment continues upward in this very competitive environment. We have been working hard to improve our campus in every way, and the results – which are all around us – should place us in a very good position to recruit and retain students.”

Online courses continue to grow in popularity. Of the 1,439 graduate students, approximately 66 percent are enrolled exclusively in online courses. More than 75 percent of UNK graduate students are taking at least one online course. Eight percent of undergraduates are blending face-to-face with online instruction.

FOUNDATION National Strings Project UNK among nation’s elite music programs t’s easy to understand why Dr. Valerie Cisler, chair of the Department of Music and Performing Arts, exudes so much enthusiasm about UNK’s elite membership in the National String Project Consortium (NSPC).

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ONLY 35 member universities nationwide make up the consortium and only six are located west of UNK. “Just look at the map,” Dr. Cisler said.

“UNK’s Music program has been chosen to be in the company of some very impressive programs in higher education institutions across the country.”

Dr. Cisler said that the creation of NSPC came about in the late 1990s when people in music education discovered a severe shortage of string teachers in the United States. “It didn’t take us long to deduce that if there aren’t enough teachers, we wouldn’t have enough performers in the near future. Something needed to be done to avoid that.”

Thus, NSPC was born. The

National String Project Consortium Sites project is working to alleviating this shortage by facilitating undergraduate music students to teach their art to pre-college students.

“What’s happening, among so many other wonderful results,” Dr. Cisler said, “is these students, most of whom have never considered teaching, are finding that they love teaching and are very effective doing so.”

The NSPC benefits to elementary students are many.

First, the children are receiving quality instruction through NSPC, two hours per week, for only $35 a semester, or $70 a year. It gives students, grades 3 to 12, the opportunity to learn violin, viola, cello and bass with UNK string faculty.

Children who choose to participate come to a classroom on campus outside their regular

school day, and they must have their own instruments.

In its first semester last fall, 30 students began learning how to play the strings. UNK music major and teacher Rachel Holl said, “Besides the obvious educational rewards, look at the kind of role models and environment we, as an institution, are able to provide to our community.”

Professor Ting-Lan Chen, who was responsible for writing the proposal to become part of NSPC, and Dr. Cisler, are both grateful for the private support that was provided to fund the proposal and UNK’s commitment to strings education.

It was all possible because of assistance from UNK’s Office of Sponsored Programs, the Department of Music and Performing Arts, College of Fine Arts and Humanities, the Kearney Area Symphony Orchestra Board, The Kearney Area Arts Council, the Dana Foundation and many private donors and friends.

Daakes: UNK helped shape who we are reg ’96 and Lisa Schwartzkopf Daake ’95 know that the cost of a college education is expensive. So the young couple decided to establish a fund with a $10,000 gift to the NU Foundation to assist in the academic area where Greg studied at UNK – visual communication.

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“WE KNOW how difficult it can be to pay for an education, particularly a bachelor of fine arts with the quantity of supplies and additional items required,” Greg said. “We both valued and enjoyed our time at UNK and feel it has helped shape who we are today and the fortunate success we have experienced with our business,” Lisa said.

That success is a by-product of many things, one of which is

the education and experiences we received at UNK, they said.

Greg and Lisa own Daake Design, Inc. in Omaha. In one of their most recent projects, Daake Design, Inc. partnered with Children’s Hospital & Medical Center to develop and design their new identity, new name and a new brand highlighting their expertise, growth and more than 60 years of service to children.

professionals) that are just starting to realize the value of design in everything we touch, hear, see and feel. We are excited to be on the forefront of that explosion.

“We hope this will provide a bit of assistance to a tal-

ented individual pursuing a visual communications career. And, that it might inspire other regional firms to give back to programs like UNK,” they said.

THEY ARE excited about the explosion around an appreciation of design as a visual solution and a requirement for all businesses. “We feel this region has many talented individuals on both sides of the table (marketing professionals and design Greg and Lisa Daake

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CAMPUS NEWS

ROTC

‘Strong piece of our academic offering’ OTC has returned to the University of Nebraska at Kearney after a 12-year absence.

A Blackhawk helicopter landed on the practice field west of the College of Education to welcome the return of the ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) program to the university.

Lt. Col. Elizabeth Cisne, professor of military science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, passed the symbolic guidon to Chancellor Doug Kristensen at the press conference that followed the helicopter landing.

“The Army ROTC produces leaders for our nation,” Cisne said. “Historically, data has shown us that officers commissioned into the ROTC program at the smaller schools have a higher propensity to serve a full career of service.”

Kristensen said the program ended in 1996 because of budget cuts in the military.

“Times have changed, and priorities are always adjusted. I think we’re very lucky to have

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BACK ON CAMPUS: Dr. Will Prusia passes the guidon to Chancellor Kristensen to officially establish ROTC back on campus. them back on our campus. It’s a strong piece of our academic offering,” Kristensen said.

Bruce Forster, College of Business and Technology dean, said discussions to bring ROTC back to campus began nearly two years ago.

The National Guard approached the university administration to bring military science to UNK using the

GOLD program, which allows soldiers to earn a baccalaureate degree.

In fall 2007, the university began offering military science classes.

Students in the program can earn degrees in any field of study the university offers.

“This is a great opportunity for our students, and the programs provide a diversity of

career paths for our students,” Forster said. “I’m really proud that we’re able to bring them back.”

Maj. Will Prusia serves as the first assistant professor of military science at UNK. He planted the guidon to officially establish ROTC at UNK. “There’s a level of excellence and leadership that takes place in Army ROTC, so it’s great to see this come back to campus,” Prusia said.

The guidon is black and gold, traditional U.S. Army colors, and has a cadet patch with four quadrants representing the fouryear academic program.

“I think there’s a renewed sense of importance about military education and the career future that it holds,” Kristensen said.

More information about the ROTC program can be found at www.unk.edu/acad/militaryscience.

Story courtesy of Kearney Hub written by Sara Giboney

Nester Hall Dedication:

‘Day by day, this institution is in my head and in my heart’ edication ceremonies were held in September for the new residence hall complex named in honor of former chancellor William R. Nester.

The complex, which opened to student occupancy at the beginning of fall semester, is comprised of two halls built on the east side of the campus. They accommodate 172 students. One was constructed on the site of the razed Case Hall on the north side of 26th Street and the other on the south side of 26th Street, north of Founders Hall. The two halls are connected by a bridge called the University View room that provides a view of the campus to the west and Kearney to the east.

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UNK Today l Spring 2009

Nester Hall Dr. Nester served the campus from 1983 to 1993 and oversaw the transition of Kearney State College into the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 1991.

Dr. Nester, who now lives in Cincinnati, and his family were special guests throughout the dedication’s events.

At the dedication ceremony, Dr. Nester told the audience, “Day

by day, this institution is in my head and in my heart. . .today is my final roll call with you, and when I cross the river, my last and continuing thoughts will be of duty, honor, country. . . and UNK, UNK, UNK.” Chancellor Doug Kristensen said, “The naming of this Hall has great symmetry. The University ‘View’ bridges living and learning.

I couldn’t be prouder of having (Dr. Nester’s name) as the first vision of people as they come onto campus.”

The Nester complex completes Phase I of UNK’s comprehensive Residential Renewal Project. A year ago students moved into Antelope Hall, a facility that was constructed on the site of the razed Ludden Hall.

CAMPUS NEWS

Campus continues to change UNK is bringing its science department into the 21st century with a $14.5 million renovations which are expected to be completed by December 2009.

Bruner Hall of Science which is home to the Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Health Science Programs as well as

Mary Morse Lecture Hall was built in 1966.

The extensive renovation will help the university compete with other schools in the field of science technology.

Doug Kristensen, UNK Chancellor, said that the renovations will advance the aca-

Dr. Charles Bicak ’74 back as vice chancellor r. Charles Bicak ’74 is returning to campus as senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs in March. Dr. Bicak will also have a faculty position as professor of biology.

Dr.Bicak has been dean of the School of Natural Sciences at St. Edward’s University in A u s t i n , Dr. Charles Texas.

Bicak ’74 He first joined the UNK Department of Biology in 1982. He was chair of the department from 1997 to 2004 and was assistant to the dean of the College of Natural and Social Sciences from 1993 to 1995.

In 2005, he accepted an

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appointment at St Edward’s, where he also served as president of the university’s Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, a corporation that promotes environmental education, research and preservation. In addition, he was president of the Texas Hispanic Serving Institutions Consortium, a group of 21 Texas colleges and universities.

While a faculty member at UNK, Dr. Bicak received the Leland Holdt/Security Mutual Life Distinguished Faculty Award and was active in regional and professional organization, including serving on the board of directors of the Central Platte Natural Resources District and the advisory board of the Edgerton Education Center.

Dr. Bicak earned a master’s degree from the University of British Columbia and a doctorate degree in range management from Colorado State University.

demic mission of the university and help to better train students in science education.

The facelift to Bruner Hall involves partially renovating the existing building, demolishing Mary Morse Lecture Hall, and the construction of a 26,000 square-foot addition

that will house new laboratories, a public lobby, classrooms, a herbarium, a crossdisciplinary Biochemistry Suite, the Health and Sciences program area and a new planetarium. The new addition will be two stories and located 45 feet north of Bruner Hall.

National Ranking reflects UNK’s core values NK ranked 15th among public universities in U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of the Midwest’s best colleges last fall.

UNK ranked 59th among public and private universities offering master’s degrees. The 12-state Midwest region also includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

“We are pleased that these rankings continue to recognize our progress,” Chancellor Doug Kristensen said. “Even though the higher education community does not assign a great deal of weight to these rankings, students, their families and the general public obviously pay attention to them. U.S. News has placed us in good company, and we’re glad to be there.”

Kristensen said in comparison with its peer institutions, UNK’s ranking reflects an outstanding freshmen retention rate

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at 81 percent and a high graduation rate at 55 percent.

“Success on those benchmarks reflects our student-oriented values and the contributions of faculty and staff who live those values every day,” Chancellor Kristensen said.

“The entire UNK community should be very proud of those achievements. We’re committed to staying on that course.”

The rankings measure 11 areas of university performance and peer assessment. In addition to the retention and graduation rates, UNK scored high in two critical areas – the percentage of classes with 20 or fewer students and in the student/faculty ratio. In all, 37 percent of UNK’s classes have 20 or fewer students. The student/faculty ratio is 16/1. In addition, 93 percent of UNK faculty are full time.

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FEATURE

Miss Nebraska

UNK student Gretchen Bergquist ebraska’s representative in the Miss America pageant in January was UNK student Gretchen Bergquist of Oxford.

Bergquist was named Miss Nebraska in June and has been representing the state at activities and events since that time.

The junior organizational communications major has a minor in health sciences. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in occupational therapy.

Bergquist, 23, grew up as one of nine children on the family farm of her parents, Bob and Martha.

Before winning, she said she didn’t realize that the Miss America organization was the No. 1 scholarship program for young women in the country or that every state winner chooses a community service or issue she will work with during the year of her reign.

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Her community service job has been promoting blood donation.

Until getting involved, she said she didn’t realize how many people take blood donation for granted.

“As Miss Nebraska, I have had the opportunity to speak out on the importance of donating.”

Bergquist won the overall talent contest at the state contest with a song titled “Feeling Good,” which she performed at the Miss America competition in Las Vegas.

She said she is proud of having the opportunity to represent Nebraska. “How else could I spend at least a year promoting an issue I really believe in and earn scholarship money to help continue my education? A person can’t succeed in this world without education and giving back through community service, and I’m getting to do it all.”

Dr. Chipps ’72 1,552 community colleges vital to higher education r. Michael Chipps ’72, MSE’80, president of Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte, was one of 20 college officials to write letters about the future of U.S. higher education. Those letters have been collected in a new book that were designed to reach the president and the political leaders.

In “Letters to the Next President: Strengthening America’s Foundation in Higher Education,” Dr. Chipps says community colleges are vital for the lifelong learning Americans will need in an era when people likely will change jobs – and careers – often.

“As America transitions deeper into a lifelong learning society, where people change jobs 10 times and careers three, the need for expanded continuing education continues to grow,” he

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UNK Today l Spring 2009

wrote. “Today, more than half of all students in higher education attend community colleges.”

Dr. Chipps, who has been Mid-Plains president since 2003, said the key messages he hopes the new president draws from his letter are “that higher education is what America has valued since its beginnings” and that America’s 1,552 community colleges play a significant role.

Dr. Chipps said he believes he was chosen because of his 29 years in higher education that has also included leadership posts at Central Community College in Grand Island and Hastings.

He said, “investing in rural community colleges can help the nation make a truly powerful statement about its entrepreneurial spirit. Place-based, regionally focused rural community colleges continue to deliver a myriad of innovative services to rural America, whose entrepreneurial spirit is far from dead.”

MISS NEBRASKA: UNK student Gretchen Berquist of Oxford was named Miss Nebraska in competition last June. She represented the state in the Miss America pageant in Las Vegas in January.

Sankey ’87 plays key role in Nebraska State Patrol ave Sankey ’87 was named associate superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol in beginning in January.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Sankey joined the State Patrol and graduated from the Nebraska State Patrol Training Academy.

“Over the years, I have worked in different divisions and I have had different challenges, and now I have the opportunity to broaden my horizons even more,” he said.

In his new position, he assists State Patrol superintendent Col. Bryan Tuma and oversees Investigative Services, Administrative Services and Field Services.

“I am pleased to promote Maj. Sankey to the rank of lieu-

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tenant colonel,” Tuma said.

“Dave is a proven leader who had dedicated his career to helping improve the agency.”

Sankey was exposed to the public safety profession through his father, who worked as the warrant and extradition officer for the state of Nebraska.

“From the very first day I went into criminal justice, it was something that interested me. “I’ve always been interested in public safety,” Sankey said.

“My experience and education at Kearney State has provided me with a good foundation to do well in this organization and to succeed as a leader.”

He and his wife, Colleen Regan ’87, live in Lincoln.

They have three children, Drew 18, Austin 14 and Regan 9.

Watch for UNK Today to be published twice a year. Once in August and once in March.

Homecoming 2008

lumni, students and friends celebrated a “Homecoming through the Decades” with a variety of activities and events in October.

The Alumni Association presented seven awards and the UNK Athletic Hall of Fame inducted five alumni at the 28th annual Homecoming banquet.

Tom Carman ’71, a teacher at Omaha Westside; Bill Dunn ’73, editor of the Grand Island Independent; Dr. Jean Lukesh ’85, MAE’90, MSE’93, retired Grand Island teacher and author of a Nebraska history book for fourth grade students; and Brenda VanLengen ’88 of Kansas City, vice president of operations for PE4Life, a program for improving physical education programs for children and national women’s basketball television analyst; received Distinguished Alumni Awards.

Kathy Schnase Horvath ’67 of Girdwood, Alaska, and Dallas ’74 and Sheryl Wymore of Kearney, received the Distinguished Alumni Service Award for their long-time contributions to projects on the Alumni House.

Five alumni were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame: Ivan Ivanov ’96 of Lincoln, national champion track and cross country runner; Gene Lawhead ’60, who earned 11 letters in football, basketball and track; Jennifer Warner Ramsey ’97, who was RMAC Most Valuable Player twice; Brian Nielsen ’93 of Omaha, one of the most prolific scorers and rebounders in basketball history; and Roger Wachholtz ’78, a two-time All-American defensive lineman.

Wachholtz, who was from Pierce, was honored posthumously. He

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HOMECOMING

HALL OF FAME: Five individuals were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. They are Brian Nielsen, Gene Lawhead, Jennifer Warner Ramsey, Ivan Ivanov and Roger Wacholtz, who was inducted posthumously. Receiving his award are brothers Larry Wacholtz and Keith Wacholtz. (Right) The 2009 Homecoming king was Mason Doughty and the queen was Claire Bryan. died from exposure during a snow storm in Northeastern Nebraska in 2005.

Dan Hays ’79 (see story page 2) received the Gary Thomas Distinguished Music Award.

Professor emeritus Jim Roark was honored as the 28th Annual Dr. Don Fox Lecturer. Dr. Roark, who retired last spring after 39 years with the Chemistry Department, chronicled much of the history of the department.

North Platte senior Mason Doughty and Katy, Texas, senior Claire Bryan were named Homecoming King and Queen.

Bryan, a business management major, is a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, a student diplo-

mat and vice president of Order of Omega. Bryan, a special education major, is president of Gamma Phi Beta sorority, a Chancellor’s Ambassador, a member of the tennis team and Order of Omega. The royalty crowning, part of an evening that featured the popular lip sync competition, was attended by a crowd of more than 2,500.

They were crowned by Chancellor Doug Kristensen and the 2007 royalty, Criss Salinas and Lea Schneider.

Competitive student activities filled the week, including the limbo competition, banner competition, spirit competition, trike race, lip sync competition, and lawn display competition. The

sweepstakes winner was Antelope/Nester Halls with Alpha Phi sorority/Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity second.

The Loper athletic teams did their part to make the week successful. The football team treated fans to a 58-14 victory over New Mexico Highlands and the volleyball team rolled past RMAC foes Mesa State and Fort Lewis.

The always popular Loper Luncheon tailgate sponsored by the Alumni Association at the Alumni House attracted more than 250 after a Homecoming parade that began in downtown Kearney and ended on campus. More than 130 entries were part of the parade.

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ALUMNI NEWS

LOPER gatherings

TUCSON, AZ: Helen and Dewayne Triplett, Dr. Ray and Marvel Heuke and Lanny Jorgensen attended an after work social hosted by Lanny and his wife, Panda Vest.

MINDEN: Kristin Howard, Shan Lieske, Jeff Ensz and Brette Covington socialize at the first gathering of alumni and friends in Minden.

Alumni GOLD TORCH: At the ninth annual Gold Torch mentoring program in September, alumni mentors and student mentees take a break from their activities. For their 10th anniversary celebration, the Alumni Association is inviting all former alumni and student participants back to campus for a special banquet which will be held on September 25th.

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across the nation

ALUMNI NEWS HEARTLAND: The annual gathering of Heartland alumni in Des Moines, Iowa, was an after work social. Pictured here are Craig Van Matre, Elizabeth Goerke and Marcus Kloepping.

WATCH PARTY: The Alumni House was the site of an alumni gathering to watch the basketball games between UNK and Metro State in February. Among those attending were Nancy and Bob Polk and John and Deanna Lakey.

Events SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: Dr. Kenya Taylor, dean of graduate studies (center) was the special guest at the 34th annual luncheon of the Southern California Alumni Association. She is pictured here with June Murty and Tricia Luse.

GOLDEN, CO: Prior to the UNK basketball games against Colorado Mines in February, alumni gathered in Golden. Brett and Kim Walker, along with their children Gavin and Paige were among those in attendance.

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ALUMNI NEWS dventist GlenOaks Hospital in Illinois has renamed its Emergency Department in honor of long-time emergency physician Dr. Joseph Shanahan ’72 who pledged a $500,000 gift to the newly-built department.

The Shanahan Emergency and Trauma Center honored Dr. Shanahan, medical director of emergency services at the hospital, who has worked at the hospital since it opened more than 25 years ago. Dr. Shanahan and his wife, Joann, wanted to give back to the hospital in a meaningful way. The gift to the GlenOaks Hospital is the largest gift the foundation has ever received.

“Dr. Shanahan’s gift demonstrates his commitment to the hospital,” said Larry Golden, chairman of the GlenOaks Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. “He’s willing to go above and beyond to show how much he believes in the emergency department and the kind of care patients receive there.”

Adventist GlenOaks Hospital’s Emergency Department, which opened in June 2007, has a unique concept – there is no waiting room. Upon arrival, patients are escorted directly to a private treatment room where they are promptly treated. Dr. Shanahan is credited with bringing the idea to fruition after seeing a similar design at Ball Memorial Hospital in Indiana.

“We dared to be different,” Dr. Shanahan said. “We felt we could

Center named for Dr. Shanahan ’72

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David L. Crane, president and CEO of Adventist Midwest Health, Brinsley Lewis, CEO, Adventist GlenOaks Hospital, Joseph Shanahan, M.D., medical director of Emergency Services, and Larry Golden, chairman of the GlenOaks Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, stand outside the new Shanahan Emergency and Trauma Center. truly differentiate ourselves with an efficient design and patient comforts that can make for a good patient experience.”

That experience includes private rooms big enough to accommodate family members, high ceilings, wide corridors, natural light and skylights, soundproofing, flat screen televisions, Internet access and much more.

“It’s so nice that during the last World Series, our patients were asking if they could stay until the ninth inning because our televisions were better than theirs were at home,” Dr. Shanahan said.

“The patients just love it. It’s nice

to hear people appreciate what we’ve done.”

The emergency department offers a patient-centered approach to emergency care, which is often overlooked in emergency treatment, said Brinsley Lewis, President and CEO of Adventist GlenOaks Hospital.

“The emergency department will be Dr. Shanahan’s legacy to his community,” Lewis said.

“The department is the physical outcome of his philosophy of how an emergency room should operate.”

When the decision to expand

the emergency department was made, Lewis looked for ways the hospital could stand apart from other emergency departments in the area. The department was already promising a 15-minute wait and the hospital wanted to build on that concept. Lewis saw a story about the no-waiting room concept at Ball Memorial and asked Dr. Shanahan to research the idea.

“I’m always ready to listen to ideas that can improve patient care and services,” Lewis said.

“Everything Dr. Shanahan came up with has the patient in mind. It was easy to support his vision.”

performance at Dana College in Blair.

Before he began teaching, Hays was a professional performer for many years. He is a choreographer, a musical director and an actor. He has acted in television commercials and specials, choreographed and wrote the musical score for movies, sang radio jungles, danced and sang in industrial shows and toured the United States.

Hays also has directed for professional theaters, community theaters, high school and college theaters in a number of states. He

said he is proud to have been on the production team of Omaha’s longest and most successful professional production, Dan Hays Beehive. He was one of the original staff members of the Emily Gifford Children’s Theater which is now the Theater for Young People at the Rose in Omaha.

Hays also taught drama at UNO and has directed the UNK

Nebraskats. He served as an artist in schools and communities for the Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri Arts Councils for many years.

Hays is a recipient of numerous awards including the Outstanding Music Educator from the Nebraska Music Educators Association and the Teacher of the Year from Show Choir Camps of America. He is a highly soughtafter clinician, conductor, director, choreographer and adjudicator.

Hays and his wife, Kathy, live in Elkhorn. They have two children, Caitlin and Patrick.

Hays ’79 receives music alumni award

an Hays ’79 is deeply involved in a career that includes his two passions – art and theatre.

For his nearly 30 years of successes, Hays received the Gary Thomas Distinguished Alumni Award from the Department of Music and Performing Arts during Homecoming.

Hays, whose undergraduate majors were music performance and theatre, teaches vocal music at Elkhorn High School and music, dance and musical theater

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Christa Speed: hrista Witt Speed ’78, orchestra director at Grand Island Senior High School, has been inducted into the Nebraska Music Educators Association (NMEA) Hall of Fame.

“No one in Nebraska has done more for string education over the years than Christa,” said Larry Maupin, who nominated her for the award. Maupin was the orchestra director at the high school for 38 years.

“Her connections to nationally known and respected string educators have been a tremendous asset to the Grand Island school system and to orchestra students and teachers around the state,” he said.

Speed began her career in the Grand Island Public Schools in

String specialist inducted into NMEA Hall of Fame

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Christa Witt Speed 1978 as a vocal music teacher.

She has been a string specialist in the school district since 1982.

From 1982 to 2003, Speed assisted with the string program in elementary and middle schools. In 2003, she became the orchestra director at the high school. She is also a string specialist in six elementary and two middle schools.

“She has taught at virtually all elementary, middle and high schools in the Grand Island Public Schools,” Maupin said.

In addition to teaching, Speed also maintains a private cello studio.

Speed co-directs an elementary string orchestra with musicians from the district’s 14 elementary schools. This group meets after school and performs two concerts annually.

Maupin said one of Speed’s major accomplishments was

ALUMNI NEWS establishing the ‘Strictly Strings’ Middle School Orchestra Festival in 1987. That event brings together more than 200 middle school string players from throughout Nebraska for a concert held in November.

Speed has served as the national secretary and executive board member for the American String Teachers Association, chair of the NMEA orchestra affairs and president of the Nebraska Chapter of the American String Teachers Association.

She was the Nebraska ASTA Teacher of the Year in 1993 and has received other music awards.

Speed has written articles for music publications, plays professionally and founded the Tri-City Youth Symphony.

Bill Roach ’78 to represent U.S. in Austria Cup ill Roach ’78, a tennis pro from Papillion, recorded “the biggest win of my life” when he outlasted 100 other competitors to win the U.S. Tennis Association’s National Men’s 55 Hard Court Singles Championship in November.

The tournament in Indian Wells, California, earned Roach his first gold ball, the award for winning major national tournaments. Roach had won three runner-up silver balls but never a gold.

The 5-foot-8 Omaha city firefighter combines that job with his other career, tennis pro at the Westroads Club in the winter and Shadow Ridge Country Club in the summer.

Roach, who has been playing tennis since age 12, has a storied resume of athletic accomplishments. At UNK, he was conference singles champion both years he competed and reached the national quarterfinals his junior year, the highest achievement by a Loper tennis player.

Roach also was a standout Loper basketball player. He was inducted into the UNK Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996.

After graduating, Roach con-

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tinued his tennis career. He was the No. 1 ranked open player in Nebraska for five years and has been among the top players nationally for the past 20 years.

It was at age 35 that Roach began competing nationally only every five years when he entered a higher bracket. This time around, at age 55, Roach had extra motivation to become a champion.

Five years ago when he was ranked No. 5 in the nation and with the No. 1 player injured, he thought he had the opportunity to represent the United States as part of the four-man Austria Cup team, the senior version of the Davis Cup. However, he was not selected.

Roach responded by setting two goals: 1. Win a gold ball. 2.

Represent the U.S. in the Austria Cup. He has accomplished both.

“Five years ago, I told myself ‘Let’s train hard, and really compete for the 55s,’ ” Roach said. That meant early morning workouts, competition against quality younger players and developing a mental toughness.

The Outdoor Hard Court Tournament is the USTA’s final grand slam event of the year – and, according to Roach, “the

Bill Roach granddaddy of them all.”

He dropped only one set in six matches. His mental toughness and foot speed lifted him to a 6-4, 7-6, 7-4 finals victory over Californian Geoff Cykman, the man who had eliminated Roach at the previous Grand Slam in Atlanta.

“I won a lot of big points,” he said.

One reason Roach won his first gold ball may have been that his friend Phil Landauer, 56, of Oklahoma, chose to compete in the doubles at the tournament.

Landauer is the only man in the country ranked ahead of

Roach, and has gone undefeated in both singles and doubles.

Landauer has known Roach for 20 years, and is thrilled that he has been selected to join the US team in Majorca, Spain, at the end of April to play in the Austria Cup. “He’s the ultimate competitor,” Landauer said. “If you’re talking about a guy you’d want in the foxhole with you when you need someone to step up to the plate, it’d be Bill.”

After Roach won the championship point in the tie-breaker of the second set, sealing 20 years of scrapping for first place, Landauer walked up to him and said, “Welcome to the club.”

Coming Summer ’09 www.unkalumni.org Spring 2009 l UNK Today l

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LOPER SPORTS RMAC Centennial

Lopers among all-time best s part of the RMAC C e n t e n n i a l Celebration, all-time teams are being recognized by the conference. The RMAC, the fourth oldest conference in the United States, was founded in 1909.

UNK has been well represented in the sports that have been released so far.

In volleyball, Erin Gudmundson was named the All-Time Top Player. She was twice RMAC Player of the Year and national Player of the Year as a senior in 2005.

Others on the team were Erin Arnold ’04 and Danielle Shum-Stowell ’96. Arnold was All-RMAC three times and All-American twice.

Shum-Stowell was RMAC Player of the Year twice and All-American twice. UNK coach Rick Squiers was named Coach of the Century.

In ten years at UNK he has a 320-47 record.

In women’s basketball, Jessica Kedrowski Carlyle ‘99 and Jennifer Warner Ramsey ’97 were named to the team. Kedrowski was a three time first-team all-conference selection and MVP of

A Jeri Walkowiak

Jeri Walkowiak Volleyball Player of the Year ophomore middle hitter Jeri Walkowiak earned All-American honors and was RMAC Player of the Year for the Loper volleyball team that posted a 32-4 record.

The 5-11 Walkowiak was a first team All-American selection by the American Volleyball Coaches Association and a third team choice by Daktronics.

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WALKOWIAK joins middle hitters Kelli Brummer ’99 and Erin Gudmundson ’04 and ’05 and setter Danielle Shum ’96 as the only UNK players to earn first-team AVCA AllAmerican honors.

Coach Rick Squiers said that Walkowiak is athletic as you are going to find. “She’s got a big jump. She hits the ball extremely hard. She’s somebody that really changes the complexion of a match as an attacker.”

During the 2008 season, The Grand Island High School graduate Walkowiak had 3.27 kills and 0.84 blocks per game while hitting .335. She also averaged 2.36 digs per game over the last 17 matches and was named to the Central Region all-tournament team. At that NCAA Central Region tournament, UNK lost to eventual national champion Concordia-St. Paul in five sets.

The Lopers won the RMAC regular season title and made the NCAA tournament for the 10th consecutive year.

Other conference honors went to junior middle hitter Nikki Scott, a first team selection; sophomore Cola Svec, the setter-of-year; and coach Rick Squiers, the coach-of-the year for the fifth time. In 10 years at UNK, Squiers has compiled a 320-47 record.

For the latest on ALL 16

UNK Sports visit

www.lopers.com Buy your Loper tickets today!

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UNK Today l Spring 2009

Football he Loper football team posted a 7-4 season mark and a 7-2 conference record that was good enough to give the Lopers a tie for second in the RMAC last fall.

Freshman quarterback Jake Spitzlberger, Lakewood, Colorado, was named the conference Offensive Player of the Year.

Junior center Jack Hiett, Arvada, Colorado, earned all-conference first-team honors for the third consecutive year and sophomore receiver Kyle Kaiser, Broomfield, Colorado, also made the RMAC first team.

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the 1997 RMAC tournament.

Warner was RMAC Player of the Year twice. Coach Amy Stephens was Coach of the Century. She built UNK into a powerhouse during her tenure from 1994 to 2002, compiled a 197-43 record and qualified for seven straight NCAA Tournaments.

IN MEN’S basketball, Nick Branting ’04 and Nick Svehla’03 were named to the team. Branting capped his career by being named the National Player of the Year as a senior. Svehla was a twotime RMAC Player of the Year and was twice an AllAmerican.

In wrestling, Brett Allgood ’08 and Tervel Dlagnev ’08 made the team. Allgood won national titles at 133 lbs. in 2006 and 2008. He was third in 2007. Dlagnev was a twotime national champion at heavyweight who led UNK to a national championship his senior year. He was the first recipient of the NCAA Division II Wrestler of the Year award. He finished his career with 71 consecutive wins.

Coach Darrell Morris and his staff will return nearly the entire offensive team and five starters from one of the RMAC’s top defensive squads.

Cross Country UNK’s cross country teams faced the challenge of competing against Adams State and Western State, always among the top teams in the country.

The Lopers men and women both finished seventh in the RMAC. At the regionals, the men were ninth and the young women’s squad 15th.

Fall Sports: UNK’s winter sports teams completed successful seasons in March.

The women’s basketball team tied for first in the RMAC East Division with a 14-5 conference record and a 19-8 regular season mark.

Seniors Jade Meads, Elm Creek, and Jonni Mildenberger, Sterling, Colorado, led the team in scoring and rebounding.

Meads averaged more than 18 points and 8 rebounds a game while averaged Mildenberger averaged 17 points and 8 rebounds.

Without a senior, the young men’s basketball team suffered its first losing season since 1991-92 while posting a 11-15 mark. Junior forward Drake Baranek, Ravenna, led the conference in scoring with a 21.9

Wrap-up

average. A year ago as a sophomore he averaged 20.5. He was also the team’s leading rebounder for the second consecutive year. A win in the final game of the season marked Coach Tom Kropp’s 400th career victory. He has a record of 400-163 in 19 seasons.

Western State ended UNK’s streak of seven consecutive RMAC wrestling titles by winning the conference meet. The Lopers, who were national champions a year ago, finished third and had two individual champions. Junior Taylor May, Imperial, captured the 165 lb. titles and Junior Marty Usman, Arlington, Texas, won the 174 lb. championship.

Both track teams placed third in the RMAC Indoor Championships. Adams State

captured the women’s title for the eighth consecutive year along with winning the men’s title.

Franklin junior Sam Murphy won the women’s shot put with a season best 47-10.75, Sidney sophomore Jessie Golden captured the 55-meter hurdles and Kearney senior Kelli Dring won the high jump at 5-5.75. Her title was her fourth RMAC indoor crown. The versatile Dring also was second in the 55 hurdles and triple jump.

LOPER SPORTS For the men, Fairbury junior Dakota Cochrane won the pole vault at 15-7 and Chadron freshman Allen Osborn captured the 55-meter hurdles in a time of 7.55.

The women’s swimming and diving team placed fifth in the RMAC Championships. Diver Annie Moyer, Lincoln East, won the three-meter competition and was fourth on the one-meter board. She was named the Female Diver of the Year.

Mark your calendars!

The 22nd annual Blue/Gold Golf Scramble will be June 8th.

Call 308.865.8330 for reservations today!

SOCCER: Women kick off a new sport in 2009

NK will begin its soccer program for women next fall with a home game on August 27 with a veteran coach leading the program.

Mike Munch, who has an extensive soccer background, has been selected as the first coach.

Munch has previously been a head coach at Texas A & M University-Commerce and the University of North Florida. He started the program at Commerce while he took over the UNF program in its third year of existence.

“Mike’s extensive head coaching experience, especially at the NCAA Division II level, will be a real plus for us as we start our program,” athletic director Jon McBride said. “He has played integral roles in building two successful soccer programs and has worked closely with local soccer communities in growing appreciation for the sport. This is an exciting announcement in the development of UNK women’s soccer.”

At Commerce, Munch went 270-20-3 from 1995 to 1997. He then moved on to UNF, a school that moved from NCAA Division II into NCAA Division

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I in 2005.

From 1998 to 2006, Munch helped UNF become a Division II national powerhouse, posting a 116-52-11 mark and making four NCAA tourn a m e n t appearances.

His teams won three Peach Belt Mike Munch Conference t i t l e s , advanced to the Elite Eight three times and were consistently in the national rankings, reaching as high as No. 2 during the 2000 season.

He was the 2000 NSCAA Division II National Coach of the Year and was selected 2006 Amateur Soccer Coach of the Year by the Jacksonville TimesUnion.

In 12 seasons as a head coach, Munch has a career mark of 143-72-14, putting him 30th on the Division II all-time wins list.

Munch said he was looking forward to becoming part of the Loper family and Kearney community. “It is my hope to build a

women’s soccer program that will reflect the class tradition and success of UNK athletics.”

Since August 2008, Munch has served as an assistant coach at Commerce. He has also coached at numerous soccer camps and clinics and has been involved with soccer clubs in Texas and Florida.

When UNK announced the addition of women’s soccer last fall, it became the 17th competitive sport for the Lopers. UNK will also be the 11th school in the RMAC to sponsor women’s soccer. The sport is a popular and successful conference sport.

RMAC member Metro State won Division II titles in 2004 and 2006. UNO claimed the national title in 2005. Last season, 225 Division II schools sponsored soccer.

At the announcement of the addition of women’s soccer, Chancellor Doug Kristensen said, “I believe women’s soccer will be a wonderful addition to UNK in general, and to our athletic program. It will increase opportunities for women who wish to participate in university athletics, it will increase opportunities for fan participation and

it is a program that has been requested repeatedly by our student body. It is a winwin proposition. I am grateful to Jon McBride and his staff for turning a vision into reality, and am very excited about what the future holds.”

UNK officials expect the Loper women’s soccer program, with an annual budget of approximately $120,000, to be self-sustaining through a combination of resources, including private donations, newly established student activity fees and program revenue.

“We anticipate UNK women’s soccer to be extremely popular from the first kick.

Soccer was the only championship sponsored by the Nebraska School Activities Association not previously offered by UNK. Many of the top feeder high schools to UNK already have girl’s soccer programs. It’s a championship sport sponsored by the RMAC. So, it makes sense to add this sport at this time,” McBride said.

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CLASS NOTES

JOIN THE LOPER

E-network!

Please send your emails to mwidger@nufoundation.org and let us know your most current email address. Be sure to provide your name, address and year of graduation!

1949 Dee Siebenaler Barclay taught sixth grade for 43 years in Nebraska,Alaska and California. Now retired, she lives in Napa, California.

1956 Bob Gell and his wife, Susan, live in Historic Colonial Charleston, Maryland, in a home that was built in 1788. Bob, who retired from Cecil College in 2000 after 22 years as president, serves on the town board of commissioners, is chair of the Bainbridge Development Corporation and president of the International Hummingbird Society.

1966 Wallace Hansen is retired from a career in education at Wauneta, Ashland/Greenwood and Goodland, Kansas, where he now lives.

1969 Dean Dowson counsels families in personal finance areas on a volunteer basis for Crown Financial. He owned a real estate development company and restaurants in eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska for 20 years prior to that. He lives in Hershey.

Lynn James of Raleigh, North Carolina, has been elected to a two-year term as president of the National Association of United Methodist Foundations. He is executive director of the Raleigh-based United Methodist Foundation and oversees the services the foundation provides to Methodist churches throughout eastern North Carolina.

1973 Dianne Horrocks is director of the Office of Sponsored Programs at Idaho State University. She has been at Idaho State since 1987 after working in the Office of Research Administration at UNL for 10 years.

Gloria Ross Sterud is a second grade teacher at Gleason Lake Elementary School Wayzata School District #284 in Plymouth, Minnesota.

1974 Debra Dales Jacobs is the coordinator of data integrity and special district initiatives for the Metropolitan School District of Pike Township in Indianapolis.

Mike Rol, who died in 1999, was inducted into the Nebraska Softball Hall of Fame posthumously in January.After graduating, the 6-5 basketball player lived in Axtell and got interested in softball. He managed Rol’s Seed and Feed team for 14 years that won one state championship and was runner-up eight times. He also helped the women’s and youth teams in Central Nebraska and spent time organizing leagues and maintaining playing fields.

In 1984, when the master’s program began, he formed a team. That team was one of the first Nebraska participants in the national tournaments. He also served as the Nebraska ASA commissioner from 1983 to 1998.

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1975 Anthony Mulford of Virginia Beach is a partner with Virginia law firm Bowman Green Hampton & Kelly.

1976 Shelley Braun Biever is principal/interior designer at Model Interiors in Omaha.

1977 Lori Potter, staff writer and columnist for the Kearney Hub, won the sweepstake award for the 2007 Communications Contest sponsored by the National Federation of Press Women. She also won the sweepstake award at the state level.

1979 Barry Major has been promoted to president of Nebraska Book Company in Lincoln. He has been with the company since 1999.

Janelle Richey McKain was featured in an online magazine article – http://orangesandsardines.blogspot.com/.

She said art department faculty Jack Karraker, Larry Peterson, Keith Lowry and Ray Schultz played a huge role in her life. She is department chair and teaches drawing and advanced drawing at Millard South High School.

1980 Maryann Dvoracek Bolton received the 25th annual Outstanding Service Award from Central Community College-Hastings. She has been an accounting instructor at the Hastings campus since 1982.

1981 Jim Campbell MSE’81 is a development officer for the NU Foundation. He will work with the UNL College of Education and Human Sciences.

Darrel Smith is co-owner of First National Financial Services in North Platte. He began his financial adviser career with E. F. Hutton & Company in 1981 and established his current company in 1987. He and his wife, Frances, have two children Jacalyn 26, and Mitchell 23.

They have a grandson, Harper 1.

1982 Clay Schutz has been appointed the chief probation officer for Probation District 9 in Grand Island.

James Urban of Grand Island has been inducted into the Arcadia High School Huskie Wall of Fame. He is the division chief of administrative at Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska.

1984 Merrill Messbarger of Omaha has been named an associate at the Spencer Fane Britt & Browne LLP law firm in Omaha. He practices in the labor and employment group.

1987 Sid Haarberg is general manager of Microtel Inn and Suites in Kearney.

1988 Navy Cmdr. Vaughn Stocker has retired after 20 years of service. He was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service

Medal while serving as joint mobility officer and European Command branch chief, operations and plans directorate while assigned to the U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

1989 Steve Poppe is the vice presidential commercial loan officer at Hastings State Bank in Hastings. He lives in Doniphan.

1991 Sam Somerhalder is a senior vice presdient with Mutual of Omaha Bank.

Sam lives in Shawnee, KS. 1992 Theresa Hardy Engelhardt is the director of Senior Citizens Industries in Grand Island.

Michael Snodgrass is the executive director of NeighborWorks Lincoln working in the older neighborhoods of the city. For the past 15 years he worked in the urban core of Kansas City.

1993 Alan Hauschild and his wife, Keri, own PE 101 Kids Gym in Omaha. PE 101 Kids Gym offers birthday parties, open play times , classes, field trips, holiday and summer camps for kids 10 and under. They have two children, Kyla 7 and Logan 5.

Leah Broeker Norman works at Becton Dickinson in Holdrege. She and her husband, Bill, have three children.

1994 Christi Kathol Janssen is executive director of the Durham Museum in Omaha.

Angie VanLengen Mohr is the People Development (Human Resources) Coordinator at Linden Court in North Platte, a nursing home in the Vetter Health Services family. She and her husband, Sam, owner of Sam’s Lawn Service, have two sons, Jack 7 and Kade 5.

1995 Tammy Huebner Alvarado is marketing president for Pathway Bank in Grand Island.

Jeffery and his wife, Paula Reutzel ’89, MAE’98 entered the Silver Palette Show in Omaha. Jeffery got a first in 3-D and first in Animals. Paula got first in Still Life and second in Floral. They are artists and teachers in the Omaha, Bellevue area.

1996 Kristin Miller Gottula is small business account executive with Frontier, a Citizens Communication Co., in Kearney.

Shonda Doak Grant is a recruiting specialist for Merisel, Inc. in El Segundo, California. She lives in Venice, California.

Scott Rowe was recently promoted to partner in charge, interactive planning and strategy at Bozell in Omaha. Prior to that, Scott co-owned and developed SeeIt.com, a national apartment-hunting website.

Shane Schramm and his wife, Laurie Mason ’97, are living in Frisco, Texas, where Shane was selected for the George W. Bush Presidential Detail in Dallas with the United States Secret Service beginning in January. They have three children, Luke 4, Taylor 2 and Jake, who was born May 29. Shane earned his law degree from UNL in 2000.

Bill Taddicken is director of the National Audubon Society’s Lillian Annette Rowe Sanctuary and Nicolson Audubon Center located near Gibbon.

1997 Dave Persson is director of sales for Aerotek working out of their corporate location in Hanover, Maryland. He and his wife, Alissa, live in Baltimore.

Alumni are am ong UNK’s b est recruiters the university and could use yo ur assistance .

There are man y ways you ca n assist in attr ing prospectiv acte Lopers.

Make a p oint to visit w ith students an friends about d your experie nce at UNK and encourage them to give us a look Encourage them to check us out on the web at www .unk.edu Send the ir name school inform s, addresses and high ation to the admissions office

1-800-KEAR NEY admissionsu g@unk.edu

Help The EXPERIENC m – E KEARNEY

Jason Schmidt is a high school math teacher with Battle Creek Public School.

Krista Niemoth Uden MSE’97 and Rick Huls MSE’95 have a mental health practice named Revelations Counseling in Grand Island.

1998 Eric Garey is superintendent for the Medicine Valley Schools in Curtis. He had been secondary principal.

Kari Lidgett is a public relations associate for Swanson Russell in Omaha. The company works with clients to develop and implement public relations and social media plans and programs.

Courtney Goosic Mottet is a teacher in West Des Moines, Iowa. She and her husband, Billy, have four daughters.

Jennifer Pieper Lemke is the relocation director for Home Real Estate in Lincoln. Her husband, Eric, is a realtor with Home Real Estate and he owns Lemke Custom Homes. They have a son, Hunter Louis, born March 3, 2008.

Brian Wetjen is a partner in charge, interactive creative for Bozell integrated marketing services. Brian lives in Omaha.

1999 Cameron McCarthy earned his MBA in June 2008 from Bellevue University. He is the general manager for Applied Industrial Technologies. He and his wife, Jen Kruse ’99, live in Omaha.

2000 Troy Keiswetter is the Principal at Plainville High School in Kansas.

2001 Andy Romatzke has taken a position as claims attorney for Fidelity National Title Group in Omaha. He had been practicing law in Kearney.

2002 T. J. Isaacs is a campaign manager consultant with The Steier Group in Omaha.

The Steier Group is a national fundraising and development firm that specializes in feasibility studies and capital campaigns for nonprofits.

Misty Goffena Spitler completed her doctorate in clinical psychology in July from the University of Indianapolis and is working in private practice as a psychologist. She and her husband, Jeremy, were married September 13, 2008.

2003 Michaela Jennings received a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Iowa in 2006. She is employed by Pacific Municipal Consultants (PMC) as an associate planner focusing on long-range house and community development planning. She lives in Sacramento, California, along with her significant other, Andrew (Drew) Meismer ’03. Drew is a wildlife artist (taxidermist) at Wildlife Artistry in West Sacramento.

Molly Lungrin EDS’08 of Kearney was named the Outstanding Chapter Advisor of the past biennium by Alpha Phi Internatinal Fraternity at its 67th international convention in July. She has been advisor of the UNK Delta Xi chapter since 2005.

Inga Bruns Washington is a clinical pharmacy specialist in the area of primary care in Lebanon, Virginia. She graduated from Temple University of Pharmacy in May 2007 and married Patrick Washington in November 2007. She completed a PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at the Lebanon, Virginia, Medical Center in June 2008.

2005 Krista Timmons Carlson is an attorney with the law firm of Wolfe, Snowden, Hurd, Luers & Ahl, LLP, in Lincoln.

Luke Hansen teaches elementary physical education in San Jose Unified School District. He also coaches baseball at Bellarmine Prep Academy.

Marty Levinson is an elementary teacher in the San Jose Unified School District. He also coaches basketball at San Jose City College.

Bryan McIntyre was one of three UNMC College of Dentistry students recognized by the International Association of Dental Research. Out of 56 dental schools in the country, only 50 awards were presented. McIntyre’s research project was titled “Effects of Transforming jGrowth Factor-beta3 on Osteoblast Proliferation and Differentation.”

2006 Jen MacKay is head women’s basketball coach and co-athletic director for Fond du Lac Community College in Cloquet, Minnesota.

Lance Pfeiffer MBA’08 lives in Kearney. He is a sales consultant with Synthes Spine.

2007 Kyle and Sara Glidden-Mossman ’07 live in Castle Rock, Colorado. Kyle teaches and coaches in Monument. Sara is the head volleyball coach at Palmer Ridge High School in Monument. She teaches high school business in Elizabeth. They were married July 14, 2007.

2008 Alison Glidden is a graduate student at Iowa State University. As a graduate assistant, she teaches classes in the kinesiology/exercise science program.

Josh Hanshaw is the community manager for the American Cancer Society in Manhattan, Kansas.

Elissa Martin is secondary language arts teacher at Callaway High School.

Tina Mieth has joined the staff at Builders Warehouse as a graphic designer in Kearney. She lives in Rockville with her son, Carter.

Janice Robinson attends the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago.

Ashley Zinnel is a radiographer with Platte Valley Medical Group in Kearney.

Marriages Kylee Ackles ’01, MSE’03 and Kevin Moormann August 9 in Farwell.

Klarissa Bellamy ’08 and Staff Sgt. Joseph Haag February 21 in Grand Island.

Klarissa works for US Bank. Joseph is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom One

and Operation Enduring Freedom. He continues to serve in the Guard.

Shauna Birchard ’06, MBA’08 and Zebadiah Graham November 1 in Grand Island.

Bryce Bornemeier ’03 and Laura Colvin September 20 in North Platte.

Mitchell Broekemeier ’07 and Ariel Pearce August 22. Mitchel is a project engineer for Weitz Company in Omaha.

Blane Buckley ’00 and Sarah Wardyn August 30 in Loup City.

Jenny Callahan ’03 and Ralph Thompson III October 4 in Omaha.

Jamie Clausen ’08 and Nathan Clemans August 2 in Grand Island.

Jennifer Clausen ’04 and Michael Hiebner ’05 May 2 in Lincoln. Jennifer is an account representative with Sandhills Publishing and Michael works for Shelter Distribution.

Brett Christensen ’08 and Amanda Davis October 18 in Lincoln.

Hanna Christensen ’03 and Adam Rasmussen October 18 in Lincoln.

Joel Crocker ’97 and Tammi Sabatka February 8, 2008, in Rivera Maya, Mexico.

They live in Prairie Village, Kansas.

Kimberly Dennison ’07 and Brandon Schmidt October 18 in Kearney.

Jacquelyn Dibbern ’08 and Tim Moser ’08 June 15. They live in York.

Bryna Dixon ’07 and Brad Miller ’07 March 15, 2008 in Gering. Bryna is in her second year at Cleveland Chiropactic College in Kansas City. Brad is in his second year of the Ph.D. program in chemistry at UMKC. Meagan Lynn Ellis ’07 and Bret Basye June 28 in Omaha. Both work for Millard Public Schools and reside in Omaha.

Kelly Ems ’97 and D. J.Wood September 7 in Las Vegas. Kelly is a juvenile detention officer in Lincoln where they live.

Jennifer Farber ’03 and Joshua Modlin August 23 in Kearney. They live in Grand Island.

Amy Fehringer ’02 and Eddie Denny ’02 June 13 in Humphrey.

Crystal Floyd ’05 and Reggie Bosshamer August 30 in Kearney.

Jamie Fritz ’07 and Lucas Simonsen ’07 November 10 in Seward. They live in Omaha where Lucas is an assistant builder for Hearthstone Homes and Jamie is a respitory therapist with Alegent Health.

Where are the Lopers?

Alumni Events for Spring 2009 March 28: 11:00 a.m. - Social & Luncheon at Michelbook Country Club, 1301 NW Michelbook Lane, McMinnville, OR 2:00 p.m. – Wine Tasting at Methven Family Vineyards, 11400 Westland Lane, Dayton March 29: 11:30 a.m. Social and Luncheon at Napa Valley Grille - 6795 Washington St., Yountville, CA. April 25: 5:30 p.m. - Kearney Symphony Orchestra Pre-Concert Reception at the Alumni House.

May 8-9: Golden Anniversary Celebration, Class of 1959 plan now to attend by calling 308.865.8474 or emailing us at MWIDGER@nufoundation.org.

All details can be found at www.unk.edu/alumni For additional information contact: Lucas Dart at 308-865-8474 or LDART@nufoundation.org

CLASS NOTES Katherine Frost ’05 and Zachery Miller ’05 August 9 in Grand Island.

Abigail Garwood ’05 and James Reynolds ’05 August 2 in Butte.They live in Lincoln.Abigail is a second year law student and James is a director of purchasing at Masport Inc. Sara Gerdes ’05 and Brandon King August 30 in Holdrege. They live in Colorado Springs.

Amber Gregg ’05 and Kevin Swartz June 7 in Minden.

Susan Hafer ‘’79, MSE’85 and Dick Lessert November 28. Susan is a teacher with Morrill Schools. They live in Minatare.

Sarah Hamilton ’03 and Matt Kuhlmann June 7 in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Katie Harms ’07 and Brian Sisson August 2 in Holdrege. They live in Arapahoe Staci Heer ’06 and Joshua Nutt June 14 in Phillipsburg, Kansas.

Nicole Henning ’99 and Jason McNeil January 17 in New Orleans.

Ashley Hess ’03 and Chris Meyer ’03 December 27 in Kearney.

Kelly Hickman ’05 and Scott Miller ’03 May 24 in Grand Island. Kelly is the marketing director for the Hastings Family YMCA and Scott is a graphic designer for Idea Bank in Hastings.

Jeremy Hinze ’03 and Lindsey Tavlin September 20 in Lincoln.

Rebecca Holmstedt ’03 and Joshua Parde August 22 in Central City.

Mary Holoubeck ’07 and Chance Klasek August 30 in Kearney.

Channon Hunt ’98 and Antone Oseka July 12. Channon is a health teacher at Gretna Middle School.

Jill Janke ’03 and Christopher Novak July 26. Jill teaches K-8 art at St. Patrick’s Catholic School in Elkhorn and also has her own gallery and photography business. They live in Omaha.

Julinne Johnson ’00, MSE’02 and Andy Moore August 8. Julinne is a speech-language pathologist for ESU 4 in Auburn.

Kelsey Johnson ’07 and Tehl Keslar ’08 August 23 in Ogallala.

Kristopher Jones ’06 and Bridget Neill December 27 in Elm Creek.

Erich Kant ’01 and Susie Hurst July 26 in York.

Rhonda Kreutzer ’96 and Scott Dicke August 23 in Kearney. They live in Lakewood, Colorado.

Joe Krolikowski ’99 and Carina Kowalski August 16 in Loup City.

Amy Kwiatkowski ’03 and Rich Eber ’06 June 19 at Treasure Island, Florida.

Jennifer Leech ’06 and Christopher Prosiski ’07 August 2 in Beatrice. Both teach and coach in Lexington.

Kelly Liss ’03 and Seth Anson December 27 in Kearney.

Danielle Lively ’03 and John Neal June 11 in Kearney. Danielle is an assistant professor of criminal justice at UNK. Richard Loeffelbein ’04 and Sherise Wichmann October 25 in St. Libory.

Nicole Luth ’06 and Ryan Krantz ’02 June 21 in Kearney.

Phoukhong Manivong ’03 and Heather Morgan March 14 in Negril, Jamaica. Phoukhong is a police officer for the Grand Island Police Department.

Whitney Maxwell ’99 and John Emanuel May 10 in Lincoln.

Kaine McClelland ’04 and Melisa Tuttle October 18 in Lincoln.

Jackie McCloud ’04 and Justin Goosic May 2 in Grand Island. Jackie is an English language acquisition teacher for Newell Elementary.

Spring 2009 l UNK Today l

17

CLASS NOTES

UNK Today, official alumni publication of the University of Nebraska at Kearney is published two times a year by the Alumni Association, Kearney, Nebraska 68849. Third class postage paid, Kearney, NE 68847.

Phone: (308) 865-8474 FAX: (308) 865-8999 E-mail: LDART@nufoundation.org Internet: http://www.unk.edu/alumni BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Brenda Christensen ’83, President - Minden Chad Rutar ’97, President-elect - Omaha Bryan Kuntz ’95, Secretary - Kearney Maureen Nickels ’74, Past-President - Chapman Larry Feather ’66, Trustees - Grand Junction, CO DIRECTORS EXPIRING 2009 Fred Arnold ’83 - Fairbury Sue Batie ’73 - Cypress, CA Candy Fernau ’96 - Dallas, TX Andy Romatzke, J.D. ’01 - Omaha Robert Warren ’64 - McMinnville, OR Deb Schwenka ’76 - Minden Stephanie Hueftle Vogel ’89 - Lincoln

Dana Meier ’06, MBA’08 and Dana Harmony June 7 in Kearney.

Kristen Miller ’05 and Joe Lienemann ’04 August 9 in Lincoln.

Kristin Moncrief ’07, ‘MBA’08 and Drew Kamler ’08 December 20 in Kearney.

Jessica Obermeier ’03 and Matthew Skradski August 16. Jessica is a Creighton University pharmacist/assistant professor.

Matthew is an Omaha police officer. They live in LaVista.

Kimberly Otte MSE’98 and Daniel Kriha September 20 in Ravenna.

Amy Paneitz ’01 and Dan Harvey September 13 in Grand Island.

Clark Ribble and Cortney Dierberger June 28 in Ord. Scott O’Rourke ’96 and Melissa Christ October 18 in Kearney.

Danielle Phillips ’06 and Kurtis Duda August 9 in Kearney. They live in Grand Island.

Stephanie Paitz ’05 and Timothy Mahoney June 7 in Ravenna. They live in Kearney.

Kelsey Proskocil ’06 and Andrew Borden August 2 in Kearney.

Scott Reilly ’98 and April Weber February 14 in Spalding. Scott is a loan officer and crop insurance agent for First National Bank in Albion.

18 l

UNK Today l Spring 2009

EXPIRING 2010 Cynthia Schug Bahler ’94 - Lamar Doug Burritt ’95 - Osceola Denise Strother Christensen ’80 - Kearney Steve James ’77 - Danville, CA Lanny Jorgensen ’63 - Tucson, AZ Bryan Kuntz ’95 - Kearney Holly Nikels ’93 - Bettendorf, IA Nancy Yurges Osterbuhr ’95 - Minden EXPIRING 2011 Barb Lehmkuhl Estes ’74 - Kearney Dean Jindra ’85 - Papillion Dee Dee Schutte Kitzelman ’90 - Kearney Andrea Walton Miller ’02 - Scottsbluff Ben Rowe ’03 - Kearney Ryan Samuelson ’02 - Phoenix, AZ Troy Schleiger ’95 - Lincoln Candy Thompson Walton ’97 - Vermillion, SD Ryan Tworek ’98 - Newport Beach, CA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION STAFF Lucas Dart ’97 Executive Director Michelle Widger ‘90 Assistant Director and Assistant Editor Jean Starman - Office Associate Jim Rundstrom ’64 - Editor & Director Emeritus

Elly Sand ’02 and Eric Fugleberg July 20 in Lincoln. They live in Kailua Kona, Hawaii, where Elly is a teacher.

Kylee Schneckloth ’98 and Marissa Weber November 21 in Chandler,Arizona.

Heather Schroer ’05 and Joe Bornemeier October 25 in Hastings.

Jon Shafer ’90 and Lisa Gross September 27 in Branson, Missouri. Lisa is a charge nurse at North Kansas City Hospital. Jon is a lieutenant colonel for the Kansas National Guard working fulltime as the personnel officer for the 35th Infantry Division at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Between the two of them, they have seven sons. They reside in Olathe, Kansas.

Laure Smith ’95, MSE’03 and Steve Ragoss November 15 in Lincoln. Laure is assistant director of compliance at UNL. Steve is project manager and estimator for Johnson Hardware, Co. in Lincoln.

Jessica Snyder ’00 and Miles Maseberg December 27 in Broken Bow. Wendy Spaulding ’97 and Derek Hammerlun May 31 in Grand Island.

Melanie Spilinek ’07 and Matthew Rauert ’07 April 15, 2008.

Vikki Stamm ’91 and Rodeny Kunard September 6 in Kearney.

Dr. Andrea Steele ’05 and Matthew Baumann January 10 in Fairbury. Dr. Steele is an optometrist with Mid America Vision Center in Hebron.

Elizabeth Stevens ’07 and Yannick deAlwis June 21 in Kearney. They live in Paradise, California.

Meggan Stienike ’02 and Marcus Emken September 20 at Jeffrey Lake at Brady.

Christopher Thompson ’06 and Stacey Niemoth August 23 in Grand Island.

Laura Todd ’07 and Denton Cushing ’06 June 7 in Kearney. They live in Grand Island.

Jerod Trouba ’03 and Sarah Pillen December 6 in Lincoln.

Sandra VanBoening ’08 and Quinton Pohl December 27 in McCook. Sandra is a first grade teacher with Gothenburg Public Schools.

Greg Verraneault ’05 and Nicole Becklun July 26 in Omaha.

Jessica Vlcan ’06 and Mark White ’06 September 6 in Wilber. Jessica is director of the Before and After School programs with Westside School District 66 and Mark is a loan officer with TierOne Bank.

Hope Wagner ’98 and Scott Shuler August 8. Hope is media relations director for the Western Athletic Conference.

They live in Aurora, Colorado.

Lynne Wakelin ’92 and Patrick Follmer ’98 September 22, 2007 in Kearney. Lynne is a registered nurse and works in labor and delivery at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.

Patrick is a firefighter/paramedic for the city of Des Moines.

Katie Weber ’05 and Tyson Wiegel ’08 August 23 in Kearney.

Riley Weems MSE’08 and Jennifer Busch October 18 in Grand Island.

Angela Wickman ’85 and Timothy Ziemer November 15 in Gladstone, Missouri.

Births Edd ’00 and Jill Merklin Albrecht ’01, MSED’03 of Cozad are parents of a daughter, Abbie Christine, born July 14.

They also have a daughter, Ellie.

Nicholas and Amber Buerer Alexander ’05 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Adrianna Jayne, born October 9.

Josh ’02 and Kate DeTurk Allen ’02 of Ralston are parents of a son, Maddox David, born February 11, 2008.

Neal ’97 and Kristie Sidlo Arnold ’96, MAE’07 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Lena Marie, born November 30.

They also have a son, Brodie 4 and daughter, Reanna 1.

Jennifer and Chevy Bailey ’04 of Holdrege are parents of a son, Chance William, born November 12.

Nathan ’04 and Kelli Simmons Bentley ’03 of New Rochelle, New York, are parents of a son, Camden Nathan, born November 19.

Justin ’05 and Paige Wulf Bolin ’05 of Red Cloud are parents of a son, Mason Dean, born November 9.

Mark and Christine Svacina Bonk ’02 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Siena Rain, born Jul6 24.

Jolie and Bronson Bosshamer ’01 of Kearney are parents of a son, Jacob Chet, born September 30. They also have a daughter, Jenna, 2.

Doug MBA’02 and Heather Benfeldt Brummels ’05 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Brielle Jean, born January 6.

Josh ’02 and Stephanie Schneider Bruntz ’03 of Wichita, Kansas, are parents of a daughter, born December 19.

Clay and Nicky Tielke Cadwallader ’02 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Ansley Nicole, born November 14.

Mat ’99 and Amy Fagot Cope ’99 of Kearney are parents of a son, Canon James, born September 15.They also have a daughter, Riley 6.

Eric ’99 and Bridget Ellingson Bredenkamp ’02 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Ada Marjorie, born November 4.

Evan and Amber Brown MAE’06 of Bertrand are parents of a son, Rhett Lane, born November 6. They also have a son, Owen 4 and a daughter, Ella 1.

Shannon and Jessica Ziegler Carraher ’08 of Franklin are parents of a son, Calvin Scott, born August 1.

Craig and Tammy Allen Chamberlin ’05 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Madison Jessica, born January 19.

Chris ’98 and Gwen Luther Christner ’97 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Jenna Louise, born December 29.

Tony ’99 and Angie Usher Cox ’96, MBA’98 of Lincoln are parents of a daughter, Lauryn Ann, born January 19.

Shannon ’02 and Charisse ’00 Hoops Stenger of Papillion are parents of a daughter, Jenna Elizabeth, born January 20.

They have a daughter, Aleah, 3.

Todd ’93 and Teresa Kehlbeck Dahlke ’93 of Kearney are parents of a son, Ryan Alexander, born July 20. They also have Matthew 6, Meghan 5,Andrew 3, and Sarah 2.

MOVING? Don’t miss your next UNK Today!

If you’re moving, please attach your old mailing label to the right.

Provide your new information below and return to: UNK Alumni Association Campus Box 21 Kearney, NE 68849-6120.

Name Year Graduated New Address City

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Phone E-mail Address

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What’s happening?

NEW BEGINNINGS: Sara D. Brown ’06, Nohad Maloley ’06 and Logan Stickney ’06 attend the Midwest Regional Inaugural Ball in Washington DC. Brown lives and works in Washington as part of President Barak Obama’s Inauguration in January.

Alumni Update First Name

Send your update for UNK Today to: UNK Alumni Association, Campus Box 21, Kearney NE 68849-6120 or “sign” our online guestbook at http://www.unk.edu/alumni

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Grad Month & Year Employer Name Spouse Name News

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Is he/she a grad of UNK UNL UNO UNMC

Year

Akil ’05 and Jamie McCurry Davis ’04 of Omaha are parents of a daughter, Kendyl Rae, born October 28.

Justin and Amber Muirhead DeBrie ’97 of Gibbon are parents of a son,Wyatt William, born October 4.

Jessica and Marcus Donner ’05 of Shelton are parents of a son, Layne Gerard, born December 30.

Amy and Jason Downing ’02 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Harper Adaline, born October 1.

Jeffrey ’03 and Heather Whaley Ellis ’03 of Houston are parents of a son, Andrew Jeffrey, born December 1. They also have a daughter, Addison.

Josh ’98 and Nikki Henry Erickson ’98 of Lexington are parents of a son, Chaz Joshua, born February 8, 2008. They also have two daughters, Cali and Nina.

Tom ’05 and Nicole Ruybalid Eschliman ’07 of Grand Island are parents of a daughter, Calista Rae, born November 5.

Jeff ’98 and Carrie Iske Eurek ’98 of Kearney are parents of a son, Jensen Jeff, born July 9. They also have a daughter, Carleigh 4.

Shawn and Christina Sumner Eutsler ’03 of Shelton are parents of a son, Logan James, born December 28.

Michelle and Michael Fearnley ’00 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Sophie Mae, born November 10. Michael works for the Kearney Parks Department.

Eli ’03 and Addie Bevard Fichtner ’03 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Addie Marie, born September 15. They also have a son, Dylan 2.

Nick and Lindsay Peters Gappa ’07 of Loup City are parents of a daughter, Jaymeson Grace, born March 11, 2008.

Randy ’05 and Kara Asay Gehrt ’04 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Cordelia Grace, born September 4.

Travis Gifford ’01 and Angela Fanoele-Gifford ’96, MSE’01 of Bennington are parents of a son, Jax Harrison, born September 24. Travis is manager of customer care at Hearthstone Homes in Omaha. Angela is a mental health therapist at Arbor Family Counseling.

Kelinda and Aaron Gilg ’99 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Kira Elece, born September 30.

Chad and Kris DeNaeyer Grassmeyer ’96 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Ansleigh Kay, born January 15.

Lisa and Russ Guill ’02 of Lincoln are parents of a daughter, Lorien Fay-Leet, born August 17.

Lucas and Vicki Bunch Hanchett ’03 of Phillipsburg, Kansas, are parents of a daughter, Brooke Emily, born August 15.

They also have a son, Trace 3.

Shane ’98 and Missy Obermier Hatcher ’98, MAE’03 of Kearney are parents of a son, Kolby Ryland, born December 5. They have two daughters, Kaleigh and Kelsey.

Matthew and Denise Summers Heikkinen ’99 of Gibbon are parents of a son, Keaton Zander, born June 28. They also have a son Kolby 2.

David and Tracy Brown Henderson ’97 of Gering are parents of a son, Zephaniah Joseph, born April 21, 2008.

They also have a son, Isaiah 8, and a daughter, Alethia 6. Tracy teaches German at Scottsbluff High School.

Shawn and Erin Holl Herter ’02 of Kenesaw are parents of a son, Chase Allen, born july 27.

Greg and Cortney Schuller Hervert ’07 of Ravenna are parents of a daughter, Naomi LeAnn, born December 2.

Matt ’01 and Ashley Crawford Hillebrandt ’03 of Omaha are parents of a son, Christopher Saul, born June 17.

CLASS NOTES Elliot ’05 and Stefanie Becker Hoefs ’05 of Arapahoe are parents of a daughter, Adellyn Ruth, born November 11.

Elliott is the IT director for New Age industrial in Norton, Kansas. Stefanie is a stay at home mom. They also have a son, Landon.

Forrest ’94 and Tanya Peterson Holoubeck ’94, MSE’99 of Kearney are parents of a son, Gage Archer, born October 24.

Levi and Cheska Fisher Hubbard ’02 of Elm Creek are parents of a daughter, Kyra Grace, born September 1.

Melissa and Jason Jacobs ’06 of Kearney are parents of a son, Christian Andrew, born December 31.

Scott and Kelley Seward Jarzynka ’00, MSE’07 of Ravenna are parents of a daughter, Katie Christine, born June 20.

Brian ’01 and Allison Slama Judy ’01 of Omaha are parents of a son, Max Stewart, born July 28.

Megan and Ryan Killion ’07 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Penelope Winn, born August 20.

Darrell and Rachel Varilek Kleinschmit ’98 of Wausa are parents of a son, Brady Alan, born July 7.They have twin daughters, Hannah and Taylor 4.

Julie and Mike Klimek ’98 of Omaha are parents of a daughter, Molly Jean. They also have a son, Brodie.

Jillian and Jake Kottich ’03 of Funk are parents of a daughter, Chelsea Nicole, born November 14.

Frank ’03 and Amy Miller Kuchera ’03 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Darby LaRee, born July 29.

Ben ’03 and Nichole Griffiths Larson ’01 of Omaha are parents of a daughter, Emmalyn Louise, born July 18.

Desiree Letcher ’03 and Lance Davison of Hay Springs are parents of a son, Evan Christopher, born August 30.

Desiree is a family advocate for Western Community Health Resources in Alliance.

Danielle and Chris Lyons ’01 of Minneapolis are parents of a son, Charles Christopher, born June 8.

Laura and Nolan Little ’05 of Kearney are parents of a son, Emryk Deo, born July 12. Nolan is a ground water technician with the Tri-Basin natural Resource District. Laura is a lab technician with Institute for Environmental Health.

Amy and Clay Long ’05 of Kearney are parents of a son, Trevin Carl, born December 13.

Andy ’99 and Angie Vaughn Luebbe ’02 of Columbus are parents of a daughter, Sadie Lynn, born August 10. They also have two daughters, Gracie and Maggie.

Nathan ’97 and Becky Streff Luedke ’97 of Kearney are parents of a son, Briggs Benjamin, born December 31.They also have daughters Baylie Rebecca 7 and Breck Alivia 3.

Justin and Ashley Sedersten Mangabat ’05, MSE’07 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Addisyn Shay-Ann, born August 28.

Justin and Brittany Kahrs Marks ’07 of Holdrege are parents of a son, Steel Patrick, born June 12.

Tony ’02 and Melissa Stones McGowan ’00 of Omaha are parents of a daughter, Emma Elaine, born June 5.

Tyler and Jessica Hill Messersmith ’03 of Lincoln are parents of a daughter, Elizabeth Jean, born November 15, 2007.

Jessica graduated with her Ph.D. from UNL in December.

Wes ’01 and Kelli Nelson Molczyk ’01 of Kearney are parents of a son, Ethan Ryan, born July 30. They also have twins, Aiden and Alyse.

Spring 2009 l UNK Today l

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Bruce Christensen ’63 of Minden died January 6. He was a teacher and coach in Nebraska. He was 67.

Lois Cole of Kearney died September 22.

She was a librarian at Kearney Junior High School. Her husband, Harvey, was a biology faculty member at UNK. She was 96.

Janiece M. Holm Cotner ’60 MED ’69 of York died February 9. She was 77.

LaVerna Dahlin of Lincoln died October 21. Her husband, Don, was a professor at UNK. She was 84.

Gina Dunning ’73 of Lincoln died December 24. She was a former Nebraska Director of Social Services and spent many years in health and human services. She was 60.

Alice Johnson Elmore ’57 of Kearney died October 5. She was a former faculty member at UNK who retired in 2001. She was 72. Memorials include the University of Nebraska Foundation for the benefit of the UNK College of Business and Technology.

Mike Fitzpatrick ’63 of Papillion died March 1. He was a past president of the UNK Alumni Association and was president and CEO of Cosgriff Co. in Omaha.

He was 71.

Dr. Jim Gilbert, professor of criminal justice at UNK and former chair of the department, died October 4. He had been a faculty member for 20 years. He was 60.

Harland Layher ’69 of Wood River died December 14. He was 62.

RoDonna Lindholm Harden ’55 of Holdrege died December 15. She was a career educator retiring in 1992. She was 77.

Mary Fecht Hicken ’69 of Grand Island died December 10. She was 75.

Laura Elenor Hockman ’68 of Hastings died January 16. She was 90.

Fritz Hoehne ’83 of Panama City, Florida, died October 27. He was 49.

Elinore Blue Johnson of Ovid, Colorado, died September 30. She was 88.

Sharon McNeil Johnson ’60 of Holdrege died November 14. She was 68.

John M. ‘Jack’ Jones ’58, MSE’62 of Chappell died September 25. He was 78.

Carol Davis Krueger ’59 of Pleasanton died March 2. She was 74.

Donald Lake ’72 of Omaha died August

18. He was 58.

Marjorie Slack Mays ’64 of Wood River died January 15. She was 81.

Barney McGahan ’54 of Grand Island died November 15. He was 80.

Carl Meyer ’43 of Antioch, California, died October 19. He was a former member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988.

Fern Mills of Lincoln died January 21.

She was a teacher who retired from Park Elementary in Kearney. She was 95.

Lucille Minnick ’58 of Broken Bow died November 30. She was 87.

Alan Nelson ’97 of Kearney died August 13. He was 44.

Barbara Jean Jorgensen Nelson ’88 of Gothenburg died December 30. She was 43.

Violet Darlene Linville Neutzman ’74, MSE ’76 of Burlington, Colorado, died August 17. She was a teacher and educational consultant for 30 years. She was 72.

Howard Osterhoudt ’55 of Kearney died December 4. He was 82.

Bill Ramsay ’52, MSE’61 of Cozad died February 11. He was a career teacher and coach at Odessa, Gibbon, Grant and Cozad. He was 78.

Ethel Rother ’93 of Wolbach died November 1. She worked in education from 1938 until 1999. She was 87.

Zelda Jeanne Ryan Rouillard ’51 of Gunnison, Colorado, died December 29.

A career educator, she retired from Western State College where she was an English professor from 1969 to 2005. She was 79.

Margaret Shada of Kearney died September 29. She was 86. Her husband, Mike, was a professor at UNK. Merwin Smith ’06, MSE’69 of Seward died August 8. He was 75.

Dr. Phu Tonthat of Colorado Springs died September 4. He was a professor emeritus who taught political science from 1970 until his retirement in 1992.

Paul Wilmot ’50, MSE’57 of Kearney died February 22. He was a staff member at UNK for 27 years where he supervised student teachers and was director of placement and personnel before retiring in 1990. He was 83.

Deaths

Richard Albertson ’60 of Leavenworth, Washington, died August 8. He was 74.

Dr. Verna Mader Baker ’51 of Lancaster, California, died July 26. She spent 50 years in education retiring in 1986. She was 81.

Todd R. Benner ’69 of Lincoln died February 16. He was 61.

Frances Hancock Berge ’40 of Independence, Missouri, died November 15, 2007.

Dr. Laddie Bicak of Kearney died December 24. He was professor of biology at UNK who served on the staff from 1962 until his retirement in 1989. He served as dean of the graduate school for nine of those years. Memorials are to the NU Foundation for the Laddie and Iris Bicak Scholarship. He was 84.

Dr. John R Bliese ’66 of Kearney died January 3. He was a college professor at several universities until his retirement in 2002. He was 65.

Dr. Hal Blostein of Cochiti Lake, New Mexico, died December 24. Blostein was a professor of political science at UNK from 1964 until his retirement in 1991. He was 80.

Bernice Burmood ’70 of Wood River died November 8. She was 90.

Jim Cassey ’64 of Grand Island died December 7. He had been a career l UNK Today l Spring 2009 teacher. He was 69.

rs with Ph e t n y u o The Alumni Association is ll

is?

Nick and Megan Kirby Moran ’01 of Denver are paretns of a son, Oliver Thomas, born January 15, 2008.

Jared ’01 and Amber Kuenning Moscrip ’00 of Lincoln are parents of a son, Mason Paul, born September 7. Jared is vice president and controller for Information Technology Inc. Amber is HR consultant with Sandhills Publishing.

Karleen and Chad Muhle ’01 of Omaha are parents of a daughter, Kyla Jamae, born September 11. They also have a son Braylen.

Gary ’96 and Angela Prescott Needham ’07 of Kearney are parents of a son, Matthew Gary, born August 4.

Dave and Christy Neill Nelson of Newcastle are parents of twin sons, Josh David and Jerod Gregory, born July 25.

They also have a son, Isaac.

Andrew ‘09 and Abby Thompson Olson ’03 of Kearney are parents of a son, Alijah Rhea, born October 5. They also have a daughter, Alivia Mae 3.

Steve and Tiffany Conley Ortmeier ’97 of Escondido, California, are parents of a daughter, Allison, Kathleen, born November 30, 2007.They have two other children, Caden 6 and Tristen 3.

Stephanie and Heath Paulsen ’01 of Oconto are parents of a son, Conner Michael, born June 20.

Danielle and Josh Peisiger ’03 of Kearney are parents of a son, Brayden Douglas, born July 31.

Reed and Sheila Wallander Philips ’05 of Bertrand are parents of a daughter, Livia Ann, born September 23.

Benjamin and Rebecca Webb Pomajzl ’02 of Gothenburg are parents of a son, Colby Lee, born January 18.

Barry and Gina Schwager Pospichal ’99 of Chambers are parents of a son, August Jeff (A.J.) born October 2.

Tram and Dr. Steven Rademacher ’85 of Lincoln are parents of a daughter, Briana Nhu Mai, born September 18.They have two other daughters, Dianca and Belinda.

Jonathan and Kayla Patterson Rehnberg MBA’06 of Holdrege are parents of a daughter, Addison Brooke, born June 3.

Robert and Jennifer Avery Renken ’98 of Bertrand are parents of a son, Rylan Jon Thomas, born October 21.

Matt ’98 and Melinda Evans Riedel ’01 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Maddison Elizabeth, born September 13.

Derick and Melissa Florke Roelle ’02 of Lodgepole are parents of a daughter, Macey Grace, born July 13. Melissa is a fifth grade teacher with Sidney Public Schools.

Kelly and Stephanie Wooden Russman ’00 of Kearney are parents of a son, Preston Kelly, born December 2.

Landon and Brittany Thalls Sanchez ’05 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Adaleine Grace, born November 11.

Pamela Sanford ’04 and Edwin DeBraal of North Platte are parents of a daughter, MaKenna Jane, born April 23.

Jennifer and Allen Scarrow ’98 of Sugar Land, Texas, are parents of a daughter, Kylie Nicole, born June 10.

Paul Schleifer ’07 and Paige Bell are parents of a son, Braden Richard SchleiferBell, born August 7. They live in Aurora, Colorado.

Stacy and Ben Seim ’97 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Danielle Judith, born December 30. Ben is a material damage adjuster for Shelter Insurance.

Nathan ’00 and Tina Madsen Sherrill ’02 of Council Bluffs, Iowa, are parents of a daughter, Naomi Lea, born November 9.

They have three other children, Isaac, Lydia and Jeremiah.

Chris and Kelly Abbott Sheen ’01 of Wilcox are parents of a daughter, Madison Taylor, born January 8.

Nick ’04 and Amanda Hughes Shoemaker ’06 of Scotia are parents of twin sons, Lucas James and Landon Craig, born October 2.

Kelli and Michael Sindt ’98 of Pierce are parents of a son, Spencer Michael, born July 21.

Lance and Kara Kotsiopulos Steffen ’98 of Kearney are parents of a son, Sladen Alex, born October 16. They have a daughter, Sophia and a son, Syler.

Ismael ’02 and Andrea Hardenbergh Torres ’02 of Kearney are parents of a daughter, Hannah Kathleen, born January 13.

Todd ’98 and Ahren Willmes Travis ’06 of Kearney are parents of a son, Colton Michael, born November 13.

Andy ’95 and JoAnna Dippel Van Boskirk ’96 of Omaha are parents of a daughter, Liliana Joy, born April 25, 2008.

They also have daughters Madeline 8 and Emma 4. JoAnna is the owner of Captivating Photography and Andy is vice president of operations for Van Boskirk and Associates.

Justin ’03 and Shannon Marek Webb ’03 of Burleson, Texas, are parents of a daughter, Grace Elizabeth, born January 22.

Ricci and Dawn Rayburn Westland ’94 of Pleasanton are parents of a daughter, Emme Dawn, born August 31. They also have two sons, Jayden 7 and Tyce 5.

Christopher and Jennifer Westlake White ’02 of Kearney are parents of a son, Lee Alfred, born October 8.

Kevin and Monica Dow Whitmore ’08 of Colorado Springs, Colorado, are parents of a son, Kaden Alan, June 3.They also have a son, Kaleb 2.

Tara Sydow ’07 and Lee Wiese of Kearney are parents of a son, Noah Grayson, born July 1. They also have a daughter, Lillian Jean 4.

Marc ’01 and Melissa Wilcoxson Willis ’00 of Kearney are parents of a son, Cooper Anthony, born November 1.

En c

CLASS NOTES

compiling a list of stories from former students, friends and faculty who remember professor Phyllis Roberts who died in February 2006. A number of ‘Encounters’ were received when a statue was dedicated in her honor on campus.

Those ‘Encounters’ and additional ones received will be placed in the archives of the C. T. Ryan Library. Messages can be emailed to Paul Wagner at possibility@frii.com or Jim Rundstrom at jrundstrom@nufoundation.org. Messages can be mailed to the UNK Alumni Association, Campus Box 21, Kearney NE 68849.

Brenda Snodgrass Christensen ’83

leads Association

9

Nine begin three-year terms Barb Lehmkuhl Estes

B

renda Snodgrass Christensen ’83 is the newly-elected president of the UNK Alumni Association.

Christensen, who lives in Minden, is manager for Seminole Energy Services in Holdrege. She is active in her community, including involvement with the Minden Optimist Club, Minden Chamber of Commerce, Minden Booster Club and Minden Opera House.

Christensen also serves on the Gold Torch Mentoring Society board at UNK. S h e assumed the presidential duties at the association’s fall meeting, in Brenda Snodgrass Christensen conjunction with 2008 Homecoming activities.

Christensen replaces Maureen Gaffney Nickels ’74 of Chapman.

Other officers for 2008-09 are president-elect Chad Rutar ’97, and secretary Bryan Kuntz ’95. Rutar is a financial advisor with Renaissance Financial in Omaha and Kuntz is vice president of operations for Intellicom, Inc. in Kearney.

Eight board members completed three-year terms in October, and are now trustees of the association. They are Judy Johnson Hall ’63 of Colorado Springs, CO; Tammy Adelson Hayden ’90 of Kearney; Shelly Marks ’02 & ’05 of Atlanta, GA; Bill O’Neill ’95 of Omaha; Greg Shea ’89 of Kearney; Christa Boroff Spencer ’92 of Overland

Dean Jindra

Dee Dee Schutte Kitzelman

Andrea Walton Miller

Ben Rowe

Park, KS; Jerry Stine ’67 of Papillion; and Marsha Rodehorst Wilkerson ’90 of Kearney.

Ryan Tworek Alumni Association presi- Ryan Samuelson Troy Schleiger Candy Thompson Walton dent for 2006-07, Larry Edwards ’64 of Fort Collins, CO, has completed his term of Ryan Samuelson ’02 of earned a master’s degree in service on the executive comPhoenix, AZ is a district sales communication from Kansas mittee. manager for AstraZeneca State University, and is pursuing Nine board members were her Ph. D. in higher education elected to three-year terms at the Pharmaceutical.

Troy Schleiger ’95 of administration and student October meeting.

Lincoln is the project manager affairs at Kansas State.

Barb Lehmkuhl Estes ’74 is for business development at Ryan Tworek ’98 of quality assurance coordinator Sterling Transportation Newport Beach, CA is owner of for Region III Behavioral Health Services.

Dynamic Real Estate Services in Kearney. Her son Candy Thompson Walton Investments and is a relationship Erik ’01 is an alumni association trustee, and her sons Aaron ‘06 ’97 is assistant professor of con- manager for Dun & Bradstreet. and Luke ‘08 are also UNK temporary media and journalism He is president-elect for the at the University of South Southern California Alumni alumni.

Dakota in Vermillion. She also Association.

Dean Jindra ’85 of Papillion is senior documentation writer/analyst for First Data in Omaha.

Dee Dee S c h u t t e Kitzelman ’90 of Kearney has been I hope you enjoy reading your UNK Today. A lot of time and effort director and head goes into putting this out to all of you. We are working on updating our teacher at Holy email addresses. As your Alumni President, I would like to request that Cross Lutheran you email the Alumni Office at jstarman@nufoundation.org to give Church Pre-School them your email address. We are establishing the Loper Network where for 17 years. we will be sending out emails when we are having activities or events in A n d r e a your area. We also have groups on FaceBook and LinkedIn and will be Walton Miller ’02 of Scottsbluff is an using those tools to notify you of events in your area. If you haven’t attorney at the firm joined any of these groups, it is amazing how many classmates you will of Simmons Olsen. connect with. These sites aren’t just for the younger generation; they She earned her are for all of us. I encourage you to get involved, with your Alma juris doctorate Mater in whatever capacity that you would enjoy. If you have any from the questions on events or involvement, please give the Alumni House a call University of at 308.865.8474. You can also contact me at Nebraska in 2006.

Ben Rowe ’03 tc-bc@charter.net of Kearney is creGo Lopers! ative director for S C O R R Marketing.

Spring 2009 l UNK Today

UNK TODAY

University of Nebraska at Kearney Alumni Association Kearney, NE 68849-6120

PETALESHAROW, A PAWNEE BRAVE CHARLES BIRD KING (1785-1862) handcolored lithograph, 1836

Museum of Nebraska Art Collection Gift of Gary Zaruba harles Bird King, an accomplished 19th century painter, was commissioned to create portraits of prominent Native American delegates who were invited to Washington, D.C. starting in 1821 to discuss and sign treaties.

He eventually completed nearly 150 paintings, representing over 20 tribes.

Among the tribes represented were those from the Upper Missouri River region, part of which would become Nebraska.

These paintings were later rendered by various master printmakers as handcolored lithographs and published between 1836 and 1844 by Thomas McKenney and James Hall as a three-volume series entitled History of the Indian Tribes of North America. The Museum of

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PAID

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE

PERMIT NO. 14 KEARNEY, NE 68847

Nebraska Art has recently acquired four of these lithographs – depicting three Pawnee and one Omaha.

Dr. Gary Zaruba, Professor Emeritus, UNK Art and Art History Department, and Dr. Jean Lukesh, a UNK alumnae, have both shared their special expertise with MONA on the history and personages of these 19th century Nebraska tribes.

This piece is a new acquisition and will be a part of MONA's 19th Century Images of Pawnee, June 16-July 19, 2009.

MONA is the official art collection of the State of Nebraska.

The Museum is located at 2401 Central Avenue and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and closed major holidays.