Class Notes

Summer 2009

 

1951

Joe Hefti, BA, wrote in response to a Spring 2009 UNO Alum article on his brother, 1940 graduate John Hefti. Excerpts from his letter: "Thank you for writing such an excellent article on my brother, John, including also a little about Neal. Both were nationally prominent musicians, but so was our brother, James (UNO, '??), who played sax and clarinet with Lawrence Welk, Sammy Kaye and others. John was also an excellent photographer, having had displays of his work at Joslyn Memorial. He started high school at Technical High because at that time he was more interested in electricity and science than in music. As for Neal, I could write forever about his musical accomplishments. It was a little difficult for me having three brothers who were so musically talented, as everyone expected me to also have musical talent. Alas, no talent here, only a music appreciation. I knew by the time I was 12 I needed another way to make a living, so I majored in chemistry and graduated in 1951. I worked in aerospace for more than 40 years in the Los Angeles area. For the past 20 years I have been interested in writing poetry and short stories (almost 200 poems and 25 short stories)."

 

1953

Harlan E. Petersen, BFA, lives in Sherman Oaks, Calif., and sends this email: "After graduating, two years were spent in the U.S. Army, most being in Germany. I worked for about nine months as the first full-time artist for the University of Omaha media department. Two more years at the L.A. Art Center School for the commercial art field indirectly led me into aerospace publications for seven years. My first wife and I had two daughters. Married to my second wife since 1978 and acquired a stepson and stepdaughter. Worked for the L.A. U.S.D. from 1967 to 1994, when I retired. Since then I have been active in three art clubs and art shows, choirs, choruses, lyric theater, traveling, volunteering, Braille Institute, Sierra Club, St. Jo Hospital and, of course, family Would enjoy hearing from anyone whom I knew back in those days of yore." Send Harlan email at harpet8027@gmail.com

 

Larry Boersma, BA, is a photographer (professional name Larry Allan) and lives in Sarasota, Fla. He recently completed his second DVD, "Little Lost Mountain Lion," a children's story about a baby cougar who accidentally gets left behind when its mother moves her den. He photographed this true story and narrates the story. He was on the UNO campus in late April meeting with a couple of classes. To see more, visit www.preservewildlifewithlarryallan.com To see his books, visit www.jalmabarrett.com

 

1960

Thomas Majeski, BFA, was among three inductees into the Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson High School Hall of Fame in March. Majeski was born in Council Bluffs in 1933 and graduated from Thomas Jefferson in 1951. After graduating from UNO he earned a master's degree in fine arts at the University of Iowa in 1963. He was a member of UNO's art and art history faculty for more than 35 years and now is a professor emeritus. His teaching fields include printmaking, intaglio, lithography, relief, papermaking and drawing. His work has been featured in exhibitions in the United States and abroad.

 

1969

John D. Coy, BGS, lives in San Antonio and writes: "Upon receiving my BGS I retired from the U.S. Air Force with over 20 years of service, most of which was spent in computer automation within the intelligence network. I moved to Austin, Texas. I worked for the Texas State Auditor's Office in the systems automation division for 17 years auditing colleges, universities and state agencies in all aspects of accounting and automate systems. I became director of automation at the Texas Commission for the Blind and retired from Texas state government in 1994. Since our three children were grown and on their own, my wife and I sold the homestead, purchased a 40-foot RV and traveled the United States full time from Key West to Alaska, from San Diego to Maine and all across the U.S. and Canada. Gave up that great lifestyle in 2004 and returned to the childhood hometown, San Antonio, where my wife and I are enjoying the twilight of our years in a no-maintenance townhouse, enjoying good food and lots of Margaritas. God bless America!"

 

1971

Larry Moore, BS, lives in Knoxville, Tenn., where he retired as a major, military police corps in 1978. He then worked as a certified emergency manager, a certified protection professional, and a certified business manager. He also became a certified lifetime member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police while employed at a Y-12 Nuclear Plant, where he retired again in 1997. He received his MS in criminal justice in 1976 from Jacksonville State University in Alabama. He has authored 16 feature articles in national magazines and received 23 book reviews published in the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin. Seven years ago he and his wife established a home-based distributorship in 16 east Tennessee counties where 68 stores carry their Big Game Jerky products.

 

1973

Richard Stanley Wadleigh, BGS, lives in Turnersville, N.J., and takes email at rsw45@hotmail.com

 

1975

Zane Schauer, MS, lives in Palm Coast, Fla., and writes: "I retired from the Federal Senior Executive Service in 2004, completing my career as the HR director for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). I'm blessed with a wonderful wife, four adult children, and a grandson on the way, as well as a successful second career as a personal trainer." Send him email at schauers@bellsouth.net

 

John W. Wilke, BS, is owner of Wilke Law Office in Omaha and handles cases involving personal injury, domestic relations and criminal defense. He and his wife of 36 years, Marilyn, have two adult children, both of whom live in San Diego. Send him email at Jwilkelaw@aol.com

 

1976

Rebecca S. Fahrlander, MA, is a visiting assistant professor at UNO. She traveled to Patagonia, Chile, and Antarctica with the National Geographic Society and the Explorers Club in January. She now has traveled to all seven continents.

 

Jan Pinaire, MS, lives in Bethlehem, Pa., and is employed with Penn State University. She also is owner of Images by Jan. She writes: "After leaving Omaha a few years ago to be closer to my son and his family, I now teach and supervise student teachers for Penn State, the Lehigh Valley location. I also have a small photography business and do photos for Lehigh University, Sands Casino and local visitor centers. I would love to connect with some Omaha folks out here." Send her email at jpinaire@rcn.com

 

1979

Mark Bappe, BSIT, lives in Pavillion, Wyo., and writes: "After 30 years in industry and healthcare, I have retired to our farm/ranch in Wyoming. My wife of 23 years continues to work in healthcare in order to afford fuel for the tractors. I enjoy hearing from football and wrestling teammates of the '74 to '78 era." Send him email at bappefarm@dishmail.net

 

1981

William (Father Jonah) Wharff, MS, lives in Peosta, Iowa, and is a Trappist Monk. He writes, "I have been appointed sub-prior of the abbey community. In addition to administrative duties I will be teaching classes to new members and giving conferences at other abbeys throughout North America." Send him email at hobbitmonk@yahoo.com

 

1982

Michael J. Geppert, BSBA, joined HDR as its new chief information officer. Geppert has more than 27 years of experience in business management, applied technology, product and solution development and strategic planning centering on the use of technology to address business opportunities and challenges. Prior to joining HDR, Geppert was senior vice president at First Data Information Services, and president of First Data Solutions, both divisions of First Data Corporation, a $9 billion payment processing company. Geppert was with the Omaha World-Herald from 2000 to 2007, serving as president of World Media Company, an independent operating company of the Omaha World-Herald.  From 1998 to 2000 he served as president of VideoYellowPagesUSA.com, a wholly owned subsidiary of infoUSA. HDR is an employee-owned architectural, engineering and consulting firm with more than 7,700 professionals in more than 165 locations worldwide.

 

1984

James Temme, MPA, was elected president-elect of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), the largest radiologic science association in the world. Temme is an associate professor and associate director of radiation science technology education at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. As president-elect, Temme will work with ASRT's seven-member board to represent the association's 131,000 members and govern the organization's strategic initiatives. He has more than 35 years of experience working in the radiologic sciences. He has served as a practicing radiologic technologist at Children's Hospital in Omaha and a radiologic science professor at UNMC. He also is serving a second term as a member of the UNO Alumni Association Board of Directors.

 

Richard Zpevak, BGS, lives in Papillion, Neb. Zpevak completed 14 years with the U.S. Coast Guard and 17 years with the Federal Aviation Administration. He retired in 2006 after 20 years with the Omaha Airport Authority. He has been an adjunct associate professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) since 1991. He also has been an instructor with the UNO Aviation Institute. He earned his master's degree in aeronautical science from ERAU in 2006. He is married with seven children and 25 grandchildren. Send him email at zpevakdick@cox.net

 

1985

Dean Olson, BS, has published a book, "Perfect Enemy: The Law Enforcement Manual of Islamist Terrorism," Charles C. Thomas Publishing. Olson formerly commanded the Criminal Investigation Bureau of the Douglas County Sheriff's Department in Omaha, including the department's participation in the regional Joint Terrorism Task Force. He retired in 2008 after 30 years of law enforcement service. He also earned a master's degree in public administration from UNO and an MA in Homeland Defense and Security from the Naval Postgraduate School, Center for Homeland Defense and Security, in Monterey, Calif. He is researching his second book, "Tactical Counter-terrorism." See more at www.chds.us/?press/olson_book

 

Duane Williams, BSBA, lives in Woodbridge, Va., and writes: "I am very saddened to hear that Harold Young, a key member of the UNO football team in the mid '70's, passed away. He was an outstanding football player as well as an outstanding person. You will be missed, my friend. I am very proud of my UNO experience and I love the new '0' logo." Send him email at duane708@aol.com

 

1986

Philip C. Howze, BS, was named an outstanding faculty member by Southern Illinois University Carbondale's Library Affairs. Howze, a research/reference librarian whose specialties include anthropology, black American studies, economics, psychology, social work and sociology, teaches one course each semester in the black American studies program as well as sections of the library information literacy course. A full professor since 2005, he also is a popular mentor for younger faculty throughout the library. He also serves on the Faculty Senate and the Judicial Review Board. Howze has been at SIUC since 2000. He also has a master's degree from UNO (1989) and a library degree (1990) from the University of Iowa.

 

1988

Michael John Divoky, BSBA, lives in Memphis, Tenn., and in October 2008 accepted a senior accounting research analyst position at FedEx Express Worldwide Headquarters. He also serves as president of the Lake Village Home Owners Association and treasurer for the Mystic Krewe of Pegasus Memphis, a volunteer community service organization that raises money for charitable purposes. Send him email at mdivoky@yahoo.com

 

Mark Manhart, BS, writes that he "returned from the best dental conference ever attended all these 47 years as a dentist, the ConsEuro 09 in Seville, Spain. Dentists from Russia to London, Istanbul to Seoul, Granada to Belgium. None that I could find from U.S. It was real dental science, with real research. While presenting a small portion at it, I was struck again how advanced Europe is in my own field. They understand our work with calcium and are drawn to it easily, esp. when I mentioned how we see European patients. Our CTI methods and products are directly related to dozens of the researchers I met. Our plans are to work with them and return as soon as possible. In three hours I learned more than years here. In the 1950s I worked for a couple Omaha dentists who were ridiculed by my schools for going to Europe to learn more in their fields. Now, Omaha patients finally get what those two knew 40 years ago."

 

Toni Condon, BA, was appointed vice president for institutional advancement with Maryland Science Center in Baltimore. She previously was senior director of development for the Walters Art Museum, where she led fundraising efforts to support the current free admission initiative, allowing equal access to the museum for all members of the community. She previously held positions in the fundraising departments of McDaniel College, the Johns Hopkins University Kreiger School of Arts and Sciences, and the National Aquarium in Baltimore. She also has a master's degree in technical and scientific communication from Miami University of Ohio.

 

1989

William Ostlund, BGS, lives in Fort Benning, Ga., and is a colonel in the U.S. Army, serving as deputy commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment. He has participated in Operation Desert Shield/Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He also has traveled to the Balkans 12 times and served or trained in more than 30 countries. He also has earned a master of arts degree in law and diplomacy from Tufts University, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. He is married with three sons. Send him email at william.ostlund@us.army.mil

 

1991

Cindy Burchett, MS, was named 2009 Shelby County Mother of the Year by the Shelby County Mother's Association (Iowa). Burchett and her husband, Rick, have three children: Sara, Ryan and Garrett, and four grandchildren. From 1987 to 1992 she was the media specialist and special education coordinator at New Park Elementary School. She served as elementary principal and special education coordinator for Harlan Community Schools from 1992 to 2007. Burchett has been involved in many community activities, including Concerned Foundation Board, P.E.O., MMC Wellness Center Fund Drive Committee, Loess Hills Area Education Agency, Harlan Community Library Board, Nishnabotna Girl Scout Council Board and others. She also has received the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Award and has been named Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year and Southwest Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year.

 

Betty Cernech, MS, was awarded the Exceptional  Merit Award at the 2009 Nebraska Public Health Conference in April. The award honors a significant, positive impact on public health, particularly among underserved populations. Cernech is vice president of Community Health Services and Development at the Visiting Nurse Association. She oversees the VNA's community/public health programs, which serve more than 44,000 individuals through services for families with infants and small children to services for older adults.

 

1992

Phil Farr, BS, wrote the following Class Note in late May: "I thought a note ... might be of interest in light of my current position and the fact UNO has such a comprehensive center for Afghanistan Studies. I am a lieutenant colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve attached to MARCENT, Tampa, Fla. I am currently mobilized and serving as the Deputy Chief CJ-9 Regional Outreach at Headquarters International Security Assistance Force Kabul, Afghanistan. This is the NATO command headquarters and I lead the department in charge of reporting on Stability and Governance within each of the provinces throughout the country of Afghanistan. We also work with the Regional Commands and Provisional Reconstruction Teams to ensure unity of effort in the stability operations throughout the country. I?met with the governor of the Wardak Province at the Turkish Provincial Reconstruction Team Headquarters located in the city of  Maydanshahr, Wardak Province. Send Farr emails at PHILIP.FARR@hq.isaf.nato.int.

 

1993

Kevin Lunt, BA, has been a Spanish interpreter for the Nebraska Medical Center for six years and recently became coordinator of interpreters for Douglas County's Department of Probation. Lunt will oversee the language needs of adult and juvenile programs. Lunt also recently was awarded the EPLE Diploma from Mexico's UNAM university for proficiency in Spanish.

 

1994

David Hartman, MBE, was appointed by Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman to serve on the Nebraska Real Property Appraiser Board (NRPAB). Since 1991 NRPAB has served as the state government agency that administers and regulates the credentialing programs for prospective and qualified appraisers in Nebraska. Hartman, one of five NRPAB board members, is senior vice president and director of real estate lending for TierOne Bank. He has worked for TierOne since 1995 and has served the real estate industry in various capacities for 26 years. He serves on the board of the Metropolitan Omaha Builders Association (MOBA) and is a past president of the Nebraska Mortgage Association.

 

1995

David Kortje, BS, lives in Benton, Kansas, and writes that he has published a book, "The Unseen War, Winning the Fight for Life" (Parson Place Press, 2009). "It looks at our lives and struggles in the context of the spiritual," he writes. "I am also president and founder of Knight Vision Ministries." See more at www.knightvisionministries.com

 

Matthew Streett, BFA, lives in San Antonio and notes that he successfully defended his dissertation and earned a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. "I will continue to serve as an active-duty military chaplain at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. I will use the knowledge gained through the Ph.D. program to write and publish." Send him email at matthewstreett@gmail.com

 

Jason Plourde, BS, was one of 70 recipients of a $25,000 Milken Educator Award honoring outstanding K-12 teachers across the nation. Plourde, principal of Washington Elementary School in Council Bluffs, Iowa, received his award in April at a ceremony in LA. First presented in 1987, the Milken Educator Awards represent the largest teacher recognition program in the United States, having bestowed more than $60 million in unrestricted cash awards.

 

1997

Jimmy Yeck Jr., BGS, lives in Council Bluffs and is a peer specialist for Alegent Peer Connection. "I lead, advocate, mentor, teach and work on goals with people who have mental health struggles. I have been told by many professionals I have found my 'niche.'" send him email at jimmyyeckjr@yahoo.com

 

1998

Scott Thor, BS, lives in Bakersfield, Calif., where he is on the senior management team at Lortz Manufacturing Company. He earned an MBA in 2001 from the University of Sioux Falls and recently began work on a doctoral degree in executive management at George Fox University in Newberg, Ore. Send him email at drpdhmr@gmail.com

 

2002

Paula Caruso Baggiani, BA, lives in Omaha and writes: "Since graduating I have gone on to earn an MS. Ed from Drake University. I got married and now I have two young boys that are 19 months and 3 months. Now I work part time as an online college professor for the University of Phoenix and as an instructor for Metropolitan Community College." Send email to pjcaruso1980@cox.net

 

2004

Michelle Hruska, MS, lives in Omaha and is married to fellow UNO alum John Hruska (2000). She is a therapist working with adolescents in a residential treatment center. Their first child, Addison Grace, was born in February.

 

2005

Janet Walker Boster, MBA, lives in Omaha. She and her husband, David, welcomed a daughter, Laurel Lynn Boster, on April 2. Send her email at janet@thebosterfamily.com

 

2006

Tara Renee Johnson, MSW, lives in David City, Neb., and notes that she and her husband, Joseph (UNO, '06) welcomed a son, Alexander Michael, on March 30. Send her email at Tarar_68847@yahoo.com

 

Beth Flynn, BS, lives in Omaha and recently started a business with her sister, Maggie Cannon. Capture the Moment specializes in portrait photography, all-occasion DVDs, photo restoration, and card collages/announcements. "All of which are perfect for graduations, weddings and family functions," she writes. More information about her business can be found at www.capturethemomentomaha.com. Send Flynn email at bflynn@capturethemomentomaha.com

 

2007

Nicak A. Semander, BS, lives in Lincoln, Calif., and is employed with CalTrans as an area bridge maintenance engineer. Send him email at nick_semander@dot.ca.gov

 

2008

Adam Bazer, BA, lives in Omaha and writes: "Signs-N-Designs is a family owned and operated business that specializes in t-shirts, custom artwork and vinyl signs and graphics. We offer reasonable rates and take great care in making sure you are 100 percent satisfied with your finished product." Send him email at abazer@cox.net

 

 

In Memoriam

1941     C. Meade Chamberlin

1944     Jane Griffith Lindsey

1947     Paul B. Ackerson

1948     Robert Stitt

1950     Lester E. "Les" Andrews

1952     Helen Matulka

            Karl E. Dankof

1954     Roger Orr

1956     Jean C. Miller

1957     Charles J. Prachensky Jr.

1958     Alvin E. "Al" Kohler

1959     Eleanor Marie Stroebele

            Harold D. Courtney

1960     Carl Hornor

1961     Theron G. Ladner

            Leonard K. Ewers

1962     Philip D. Grimm

1963     Harold B. VanDyken

            Lucile A. Sandy

            Raymond Rade

1964     Karl V. Lofstrand

            George Balog

            Walter R. Dawes

            Frederick E. Schwab

            Robert A. Swadell

            Henry Szychowski

 

1965     Edward John Hughes

            Louis L. James

            Edward John Hughes

1966            Raymond A. Siebert

1968     Goldie M. Ladner

1970     David D. Kidd

            Howard E. Yoder

            Robert Poshard

1971     Cheryl Lantz Hover

            William G. Riggs

            Elmer R. Lockett

            Elmer R. Lockett

1972            Maynard R. Dulak

            James Ruddle

1973     Dennis A. Pueppka

            Clifford M. Thomas

            William L. Boling

            Robert C. Elias Sr.

1974     Robert S. Scherr

            Elizabeth A. Kentopp

1976     David C. Warburton

1978     Mary K. Bennett

            Larry Dean Fox

1981     Pamela A. Herron

1982     Steve Colabello

1986            Jacquelyn B. Cairns

1988     James M. Gaughan

1996     David B. Goddard

            Carla A. Rasmussen

            Virginia "Ginny" Wiley

1961     Harold A. Mosenthin