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Ak-Sar-Ben Scholarship Fund. Each year Ak-Sar-Ben partners with the Horatio Alger Scholarship Program to provide 50 scholarships to deserving students from Nebraska and Western Iowa. Since the introduction of scholarships in the 1950s the Foundation has granted more than $7 million to scholars. In total, the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation has contributed more than $58 million to the Heartland community.
Ak-Sar-Ben CXVI Honors Afton Robertson as its 116th Queen THE ROBERTSON FAMILY OF OMAHA was honored for its civic leadership and community service as Afton Robertson was crowned the 116th Queen of Ak-Sar-Ben. The civic organization’s Coronation and Scholarship Ball, held October 13, also featured the formal introduction of the 2012 Court of Quivira, honoring more than 200 Nebraska and western Iowa families. Miss Robertson is a senior at Indiana University where she majors in apparel merchandising, with a minor in business. A former state champion and All-American swimmer at Marian High School, Miss Robertson is a champion in and out of the pool. While she has been on the IU swim team, the Hoosiers have won the Big 10 title twice. On campus, Miss Robertson is an active member of athletic and academic organizations. She is a volunteer for The Varsity Club, a member of the Retail Services Organization and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and a swim camp instructor. A Dean’s List student, she is a member of the Alpha Beta Academic Society. She has also been involved with Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention, the Humane Society, the Salvation Army and Heartland Family Services. Civic involvement and philanthropy are in the DNA of the new queen’s family. Afton’s mother, Gail Werner-Robertson, is founder and CEO of GWR Wealth Management. She earned a gubernatorial appointment to the Nebraska Investment Council and serves as its chairwoman. Her many current and past board affiliations include Creighton University; Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce; Autism Action Partnership; Creighton
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University’s Werner Institute; Marian High School; Christian Business Women’s Forum; Boy Scouts Mid-America Council; Special Olympics; NASD Small Firm Advisory Board; and Bellevue University. Werner-Robertson serves as a Governor of Ak-Sar-Ben. Afton’s father, Scott Roberston is the director of the aviation division of an international corporation, and founder and president of UltraAir, a private aircraft charter service. He is a founding board member of the Nebraska Business Aviation Association and sits on the board of Mid-America Council of the Boys Scouts of America. Together Scott and Gail invest in their community through a variety of philanthropic works. They are strong advocates for Autistic children and their family co-founded the Autism Action Partnership. Afton’s grandfather, C.L. Werner is an icon of entrepreneurship and philanthropy. After leaving school in the ninth grade, he built a leading international transportation company, Werner Enterprises. In recognition for his remarkable achievements through hard work, self-reliance and perseverance, he received the Horatio Alger Award in April 2012 at Constitutional Hall in the nation’s capital. The great success of Werner Enterprises has created a platform for wideranging charitable activities including: funding for a new elementary school in Mr. Werner’s hometown of Petersberg, Nebraska; significant land donations for conservation; a $4 million gift to fund the Werner Institute for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution at Creighton University; and a $10 million foundation that awards grants to numerous non-profits that support women, children and the abused and neglected. Mr. Werner’s special interest in autism led to a $5 million gift that established the C.L. Werner Family Neurodevelopment Disorders Research Laboratories at the Durham Research Center. For Afton’s grandmother, Gloria Werner, charity begins at home. She has been a role model for the entire family in reaching out to those in need and offering time, talent and treasure wherever it is needed. The annual Coronation and Scholarship Ball recognizes individuals in the region for their civic endeavors and raises money for the Ak-SarBen Scholarship Fund. Each year Ak-Sar-Ben partners with the Horatio Alger Scholarship Program to provide 50 scholarships to deserving students from Nebraska and Western Iowa.
ak-sar-ben coronation ball • 2012