ZHENG Nanning is president of Xi’an Jiaotong University. A native of Nanjing, Jiangsu province, he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Xi’an Jiaotong and a doctorate in engineering from Keio University in Japan. ZHENG Nanning has engaged in fundamental and applied research in pattern recognition, machine vision and image processing, intelligent systems and neural networks. He has directed a number of national key research projects, including several supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China, and various R&D projects for industry. He was elected to the Chinese Academy of Engineering in 1999 and has received several awards, including two second prizes for National Science and Technology Progress, a fourth prize for the National Technology Invention, the Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress, the Science and Technology Award for Youth of China, and the Prize for Outstanding Young Chinese Scientists. Thanks to the advocacy and leadership of ZHENG Nanning, UNL has enjoyed a partnership degree and faculty exchange program with Xi’an Jiaotong University City College since 2007. Through the degree program, students attend Xi’an Jiaotong and Zhejiang universities in China for two years and complete their studies at UNL.

Paul Engler is a cattle rancher from Amarillo, Texas. Born in Stuart, Neb., he took an interest in agriculture at age 12 when he helped manage the family’s small cattle herd and made his own cattle purchase. After studying animal science at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Paul worked at various agriculture companies before starting a cattle operation in Hereford, Texas. He also initiated a Texas-based operation for Iowa Beef Packers in Amarillo, and formed his own company, Cactus Feeders, which is now the world’s largest privately owned cattle feeding operation with locations across northern Texas and southwest Kansas. Paul recently announced a $20 million gift to the NU Foundation’s Campaign for Nebraska to support programs in agribusiness at UNL. The gift from the Paul F. and Virginia J. Engler Foundation will establish a permanently endowed fund to support the Paul F. Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program at the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The gift will provide new student scholarships and an endowed chair in agribusiness entrepreneurship.

Willard Henry Herman Waldo was an influential leader in the agricultural industry throughout his life. A farmer and breeder of Duroc hogs, Hampshire sheep and Polled Milking Shorthorn cattle, he won countless awards and honors for his service to the industry, including the Gage County Outstanding Farmer Citizen Award in 1957, the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Agriculture Achievement Award in 1962 and the Nebraska Farm Family of the Year in 1952. He also served as a teacher and worked with extension. Willard is perhaps best known for the years he spent as a member of the Nebraska Legislature with terms spanning 1957 - 1959, 1961 - 1963 and 1968 - 1973. He also served as a member of the State Board of Education from 1972 - 1976. Willard’s public service also included serving in delegate and adviser roles with People to People throughout Europe, the Soviet Union, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. He was an active member of the DeWitt community, participating in Rotary Club, the Masonic Lodge and Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, and was a 96-year member of the DeWitt United Methodist Church. He also attended the Nebraska State Fair every year of his life, and received a lifetime pass in 1987. Willard served as a University of Nebraska Foundation Trustee, and his family won the Alumni Family Tree Award in 2000.

Dr. Robert Fuller is an emeritus professor of physics at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He joined the faculty as an associate professor of physics in 1969 and served as a full professor in 1976 until his retirement in 2005. During 30 years of teaching he served as a visiting professor and research physicist at several institutions, was widely published in journals and presented at countless seminars and conferences. He was co-founder and director of the ADAPT Program, a program designed to introduce college freshmen to the expectations of university-level work. In 1987, Insight magazine named Robert one of the 10 best college professors in America, and in 1993, he received the University of Nebraska System’s Outstanding Teaching and Instructional Creativity Award. In 1995, he became a member of UNL’s Academy of Distinguished Teachers. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and a past president of the American Association of Physics Teachers, through which he received the Robert A. Millikan Medal for outstanding contributions to the teaching of physics. He is also a past president of the UNL Emeriti Association. Robert received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri Columbia in 1957, a master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1958 and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1965.

Tessa Alber, a senior from Blue Hill, will graduate from UNL this month with a major in international business and minors in Spanish and math. For the past two years, she has served as an alumni association intern for various activities, including the Volunteer Opportunity Bank, Nebraska Magazine class notes, profile write-ups, reunion slide shows, personalized business cards for life members and other duties as assigned. Tessa holds leadership positions in UNL Phi Beta Lambda and United By Yarn. She is also a Peer Mentor for the Office of International Affairs and a mentor in the Lincoln International Networking Community as well as a member of Scarlet Guard and Cather Circle. Her interests include reading, scrapbooking (which she has utilized to the benefit of Cather Circle), traveling and spending time with friends and family. She has studied abroad in Oxford, England, taking classes in economics, and Cusco, Peru, studying Spanish.

Susan “Suzy” Hammons, a native of Weeping Water, is a senior majoring in food science and technology with a minor in international agriculture. During her time at UNL, she has been a member of the University Honors Program, a J.S. Morrill Scholar, a UCARE participant, a study abroad student, a charter member and officer of Sigma Alpha Agricultural Sorority and a leader in the Food Science Club. Suzy is especially proud to be a member of the Food Science Club this year as the group was awarded a $24,000 grant by the Kimmel Education Foundation to support continuing club entrepreneurial activities. Suzy will graduate in May of 2011 and has accepted a fellowship at Purdue University to complete a master’s degree in food science with an emphasis in food microbiology. She is the daughter of Keith and Hylah Hammons, and also credits her big sister Erin Hammons for leadership and support.

Alexandria "Alex" Bieber is a senior business administration major from Kansas City and a cadet in the Air Force ROTC. She is a member of the College of Business Administration Student Advisory Board, Phi Eta Sigma and Alpha Lambda Delta honor societies and was an instructor’s assistant for business and professional communications. She was named to the College of Business Administration Dean’s List throughout her college career. Alex’s love of volunteerism has been reflected in her involvement with the Air Force Association’s Visions programs at elementary schools in Lincoln encouraging children to develop career aspirations. She has volunteered at the Lincoln People’s City Mission and served as team captain at Relay for Life. She has earned recognition with the Air Force ROTC Achievement Award and Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Award. Alex studied abroad at the International College of Management in Sydney, Australia. She will graduate and commission as a 2d Lt. May 2011, and begin undergraduate pilot training.

Alexandra “Alex” Law is a senior economics major pursuing minors in finance and psychology. She is a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. As a student, she has made volunteering a priority. She is the president of the Sigma Alpha Lambda Service and Leadership Organization. She has also served as chair of the planning committee for Relay for Life. Her numerous additional volunteer activities include The Salvation Army Operation Christmas Child, Salvation Army Bell Ringer, Children’s Hospital Dance Marathon, Sigma Alpha Lambda Food Fight Against Hunger and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Light the Night among others. She has interned at the Nebraska Alumni Association and Gavilon Group, LLC, and has been involved in countless student organizations. She studied abroad in Oxford, England, in the summer of 2009. Alex, the daughter of Douglas and Wendi Law, is from Omaha. She will graduate on May 7, 2011 and plans to attend law school.

Logan Suhr is a senior from Lincoln majoring in mechanical engineering with a minor in physics. A member of Air Force ROTC and the AFROTC Honor Guard, he has held numerous leadership positions. Logan was awarded the Air Force ROTC Achievement Award, the Academic Award, the Meritorious Service Award, the Military Order of the Purple Heart Award and the American Legion Scholastic Excellence Award, among others. He has been named to the Dean’s List throughout his college career, and tutors and participates in research in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. A member of the Selleck Quadrangle Council, Logan has served as executive board historian, secretary, social chair and interim editorial chair. He is also a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma honors societies and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Logan plans to study abroad in Germany where he will learn about environmentalism and sustainability in engineering. He will graduate in May 2012.

Jenna Busboom is a senior speech-language pathology major from Pickrell. She has been active in Scarlet Guard for three years, and has served on the board of directors for two years. Jenna credits Scarlet Guard for introducing her to many new people and experiences she would not have encountered without the organization’s help. She has been to every Third Thursday Social this year and also participated in the homecoming parade and Career Prep Night. Jenna also serves on the Leadership Council and as the social chair of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. She is a member of the Dance Marathon Family Relations Team and Cather Circle women’s mentoring program. Jenna currently works at Belmont Community Center with the before and after school programs along with helping as a preschool teacher. Jenna will graduate this spring and will begin her master of education studies in special education at UNL this fall.

Sarah Schroeder is a junior biological systems engineering major from Columbus. As a three-year member of the Scarlet Guard, Sarah has been involved in many activities and currently serves on the board of directors. She has participated in the Alumni Advisory Council mentoring program, Alumni Masters Week and Career Prep Night. Sarah has helped market Scarlet Guard to her peers, and leads the entire organization in recruitment with a record 22 new members in one school year. Being a part of Scarlet Guard has helped her to develop leadership skills and grow an appreciation for the University of Nebraska. Sarah is also a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and Cather Circle and serves on the ASUN Environmental Sustainability Committee along with the National Society of Professional Engineers. Her outgoing personality and dedication to everything she does makes Sarah a perfect recipient for this year’s Jack Miller Scholarship.

Jessica Simpson is a senior advertising major from Omaha. As a member of Cather Circle, she has been a student representative on the executive committee. Jessica also has volunteered as a member of the Cather Circle marketing committee, helping design the popular Cather Circle T-shirts and staffing booths to help promote the organization on campus. On her own initiative, she researched questions new students have about Cather Circle and provided additional feedback to the Student Development Committee for an FAQ document. Jessica is also active in the Public Relations Society of America and Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. She has held internships at the UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications dean’s office, Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation and the Center for Rural Affairs. Jessica will graduate May 7, 2011.

Linda Daniel is a retired radiologist and partner of Virginia Radiology Associates PC in Culpeper, Va. Earlier in her career, Linda practiced with four hospitals in Virginia and served in executive leadership positions at three of them. She also served as president of the state chapter of the American College of Radiology. Linda first became involved with Cather Circle in 2001. She has played a leadership role in the organization, serving on the finance committee and most recently as chair. Linda has been an outstanding mentor to many UNL collegians, giving freely of her time and expertise. Linda has also given generously to support and redefine Cather Circle’s endowment at the NU Foundation. She has been a friend and mentor to many students and alumnae alike.

Daniel E. Dawes is a healthcare attorney at Premier Healthcare Alliance. He received his Juris Doctorate at the UNL College of Law. During health reform negotiations, he worked closely with the White House and Congress, and founded and chaired the National Working Group on Health Disparities and Health Reform to ensure that health reform legislation included health equity provisions to reduce disparities in health status and health care among vulnerable populations. In recognition of his efforts, Daniel was one of 13 experts invited by the Congressional Black Caucus to serve on the new Health Equity Leadership Commission to provide guidance to members of Congress, the Obama Administration and officials at the Department of Health and Human Services on implementing health reform. Daniel has received the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Leadership in Advocacy Award, the Congressional Staff Leadership Award, the American Psychological Association Exceptional Leadership in Advocacy Award and the SHIRE Health Reform Champion Award. He and his wife, Nedeeka, reside in Silver Spring, Md.

Matthew DeBoer, a native of Omaha, earned his bachelor of science in design and master of architecture from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Upon graduation, he was a finalist for the Alpha Rho Chi Bronze Medal Award, a high honor for architecture students. Matthew started his professional career with LEO A DALY where his primary roles are the design and production of buildings and their construction documents along with the supporting presentation graphics, including three-dimensional modeling and photo-realistic renderings. He also serves as the architectural photographer, taking photos of the firm’s recently built projects in locations across the country. Matthew took the lead for the design of SAC Federal Credit Union’s Ames Branch, converting a former Hollywood Video Store into a functioning branch facility. SACFCU Ames was one of five projects in 2010 to receive a Design Excellence Honor Award from AIA Nebraska in the extended use category.

David Graff, an alumnus of UNL’s Raikes School of Computer Science and Management, is co-founder (with Early Achiever Award winners Brian Kaiser and John Wirtz) and CEO of Agile Sports, a Lincoln-based company that supplies Hudl, cutting-edge game preparation software, to three NFL teams, 10 Division I college football teams and more than 1,300 smaller colleges, high schools and youth teams. At UNL, David was a student assistant in the Nebraska sports information department and worked on a few statistical projects for the Husker football coaches, which led to the idea for the software. He also was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha and Beta Gamma Sigma, an international business honor society. David received his bachelor’s degree in accounting, with honors, in 2005 and his MBA in 2006, both from UNL. In 2010, he earned recognition among Inc. Magazine’s 30 under 30: America’s coolest young entrepreneurs.

Misti Hogan graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and agribusiness and a minor in agricultural leadership, education and communication. She is currently the senior marketing representative for Mid-Tractors at Deere and Company, where she works closely with her counterparts in Germany and Mexico to align global customer requirements with product and information delivery. Constant dedication to her work has allowed her to continuously move forward with John Deere. From starting as new marketing representative to designing and presenting national promotional and training programs, Hogan has represented John Deere on many fronts. Outside of work, Misti volunteers in the classroom through Junior Achievement. She resides in Cedar Falls, Iowa, with her husband, Chad, and daughter, Madilyn.

Brian Kaiser is chief technology officer and co-founder (with award winners David Graff and John Wirtz) of Agile Sports, a Lincoln-based technology company that provides online video analysis and coaching tools for sports teams at all levels, from youth to the NFL. Numerous NFL and Division I college football teams now use Agile’s Hudl software, including the Huskers. As CTO, Brian holds the challenging responsibility of keeping the company on solid technological ground. In 2010, he earned recognition among Inc. Magazine’s 30 under 30: America’s coolest young entrepreneurs. As a student, he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha and studied abroad in England through the College of Business Administration’s Nebraska at Oxford Program. Brian attended UNL’s Raikes School of Computer Science and Management, graduating with honors and receiving a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering in 2006.

Amanda McGill is a lifelong Nebraskan, born and raised in Omaha. She graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with degrees in broadcasting and political science. Amanda began her career as a television reporter and anchor, working at KCAU-TV in Sioux City, Iowa, and KOLN/KGIN-TV in Lincoln. In 2006, Amanda left broadcasting with the idea of helping candidates for public office. Instead, she was talked into running for office herself. She was elected to the Nebraska Legislature as the representative for the 26th district in northeast Lincoln, and was re-elected in 2010. She currently serves on the General Affairs and Judiciary committees and as the chair of the Urban Affairs Committee. When she is not focusing on the legislature, Amanda serves as executive director of the YWCA of Lincoln, an organization committed to empowering women and eliminating racism.

Angel McMullen-Gunn is a Manufacturing Business Manager and Senior Mechanical Engineer at Hamilton Sundstrand’s Mechanical Operations in York, Nebraska. Her diverse responsibilities include Manufacturing Business Manager of the Ram Air Turbine Manufacturing Department as well as test engineer for precision matched valve assemblies. McMullen-Gunn’s educational background includes a BS Mechanical Engineering (2003) and MEng Engineering Management (2007), both from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Additionally she holds a MS Quality Systems Management (2010) with Six Sigma Black Belt Certification from the National Graduate School of Quality Management of Falmouth, MA. In 2010 Angel was selected as both the Society of Women Engineer (SWE) and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Top Nominee for the New Faces of Engineering Award. She is currently the SWE Eastern Nebraska President-Elect and Membership Chair, as well as the SWE University of Nebraska–Lincoln Counselor and sits on the National SWE Membership Committee.

Abby Miller graduated from the University of Nebraska in 2002, receiving her bachelor’s degree in theater performance. She studied abroad in London and moved to Los Angeles in 2003. Abby has achieved success acting in national commercials including T Mobile, Target, State Farm and Domino’s pizza. She has also appeared on such shows as “Mad Men,” “Justified,” “The Nine” and “Private Practice” and has acted in several features, including “One Too Many Mornings,” which premiered at the Sundance Festival in 2010. Abby enjoys music as well, and performed in a band, Jen And Abby, in Los Angeles for five years. Jen And Abby played at Hotel Cafe and released an album, “Cannot Rearrange,” last year. Abby also started Bailey Park Productions with her writing partner, Brian Dietzen, in 2010. They have written several scripts together over the past two years, including “Just Pretend.”

Kiersten Runnels graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a bachelor of science in fashion merchandising and a minor in marketing. During her time at the university, she was able to study for a semester at the London College of Fashion. Kiersten has worked as an assistant buyer for notable companies throughout New York such as Escada USA, Yves Saint Laurent and Saks Fifth Avenue. She was honored to be chosen as a keynote speaker at the 2008 Fashion Group International Kansas City Career day and selected to serve on the University of Nebraska’s Professional Advisory Council as a member of the fashion industry.

Katherine Juhl Telligman graduated from the College of Journalism and Mass Communications in 2001. She continued her education at Syracuse University, receiving her masters in broadcast journalism. Katie began her career in the news business with ABC and PBS affiliate stations in Omaha and Lincoln, worked on the Jim Lehrer News Hour and worked as a coordinating producer at ABC News. She also held positions at Agence France-Presse and taught journalism and media courses at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School. Katie is now the manager of National Geographic Mobile for the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C. She was named by the Mobile Marketer as one of the Top 25 Mobile Women to Watch in 2011.

John Wirtz is chief operating officer and co-founder of Agile Sports in Lincoln. As COO, he leads the sales team that promotes the company’s Hudl software, designed to give football coaches cutting-edge tools and video analysis for their teams. Numerous NFL and NCAA Division I college teams, including Nebraska, now use the Hudl software. John earned recognition among Inc. Magazine’s 30 under 30: America’s coolest young entrepreneurs in 2010. As a student, he was a member of the Innocents Society and Pi Kappa Alpha. He also studied abroad through the College of Business Administration’s Nebraska at Oxford Program. A student in the Raikes School of Computer Science and Management, John graduated with honors, receiving a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2005. He received his master’s degree in business from UNL in 2006.

Marc Kaschke currently serves as mayor of North Platte. In addition, he is an entrepreneur who works to support early-stage investments in companies with an emphasis on rural Nebraska. Marc is actively involved in the Nebraska Republican party, serving on the state finance committee and co-founding a Young Republicans chapter in Lincoln County. In 2009, he was one of four Americans selected as a McCloy Fellow and spent three weeks overseas learning about German municipal government. Marc serves on the boards of the Great Plains Regional Medical Center, Community Connections and the Rape and Domestic Abuse Program. Marc holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He resides in North Platte with his wife, Kimberley, and their five children.

Angie Klein is executive director of marketing, operations and execution for Verizon, where she leads a team of six executives and more than 100 managers. As a direct report to the chief marketing officer, Angie’s responsibilities are broad-based and include management of the strategic partnership with DIRECTV, oversight of a $100M+ annual capital budget, design of the customer delivery plan for new product development and overall IT systems execution and performance assurance management for marketing programs across the consumer and small business voice, Internet and TV businesses. After joining Verizon in 2001 in a 2-year development program, Angie has quickly worked her way up the corporate ladder. She has continued her involvement with UNL as a member of the Nebraska Alumni Association’s Advisory Council. Angie is also a member of Cather Circle, the association’s mentoring and networking group for women. She was the first recipient of the Howard and Judy Vann Student Leadership Award in 1999. Angie holds bachelor’s degrees from UNL in marketing and advertising.

Dr. Andrew Timming is director and principal consultant at Oliventis LLC, a consultancy specializing in labor union strategy and advisory services. He also is a faculty member at Manchester Business School at the University of Manchester in England, the oldest and largest business school in Great Britain. He teaches international and comparative human resource management and was granted a permanent contract (the British equivalent of tenure) after three years of teaching and research. He has lived, worked, or studied in the United States, Chile, Argentina, England, Hong Kong and Singapore. An avid cyclist, Andrew once rode his bike coast-to-coast across England in order to raise money for cancer research. He received a bachelor’s degree (summa cum laude) in sociology and Latin American studies in 2000 and a master’s degree in sociology in 2002, both from UNL. Andrew also holds a Ph.D. in social and political sciences from the University of Cambridge. He lives with his wife and son in St. Paul, Minn.

Dr. Teresa Zimmerman is an assistant professor at Chadron State College where she leads the rangeland and wildlife program. She teaches 13 courses in this area and has developed two new courses in wildlife and livestock disease and human dimensions. In 2010 she was awarded the Nebraska Wildlife Society’s Professional of the Year Award. Teresa is co-adviser of the Wildlife Club and the Women’s Rugby Club. She organized the first student wildlife conclave for college students from across Nebraska, and it has become an annual event. She was elected to the Nebraska Wildlife Society Board of Directors and was selected as one of the nine participants from across the nation for the Wildlife Society’s Leadership Institute. Teresa graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in fisheries and wildlife in 2001. She also received a Ph.D. from South Dakota State University.

Dr. Brian J. Bossard is an attending physician in the Department of Internal Medicine at BryanLGH Medical Center. He is also founder and CEO of Inpatient Physician Associates, LLC, providing all-day hospitalist services to several Nebraska hospitals. He serves on many boards and committees in the Lincoln area and has volunteered abroad on medical mission projects to Honduras and El Salvador. Brian graduated with distinction from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1982. He received his doctor of medicine degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1987 and subsequently completed an internship and residency at the same institution, both in internal medicine. He and his wife, Monica, have two daughters.

Dr. Randy Cerveny is a full professor at Arizona State University specializing in weather and climate in the School of Geographical Sciences. He is also an editor for the magazine Weatherwise. He has studied weather on all seven continents, earning the Antarctica Service Medal of the United States and the British Cartographic Society Medal. Randy has written two books and more than 100 scientific articles covering topics ranging from the characteristics of severe surface drought to computing the weather for the next 10,000 years. He has been interviewed by BBC, CNN, ABC News, NPR, the NBC Today Show and the CBS Morning Show. He has also received awards for his teaching and advising at ASU. Randy graduated with distinction from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1981. He continued at UNL to receive his master’s degree in 1983 and his Ph.D. in geography in 1986.

Boyd Epley is the director of coaching performance for the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the most decorated strength coach in history. Lindy’s National College Football magazine named him one of College Football’s Top 100 Most Important People of the Century after his training program helped produce five national championships and 356 wins in 35 years of Nebraska football. Boyd’s “Four Steps to Success” philosophy has impacted millions of athletes. During his time with Nebraska Athletics, he held many positions, including director of weight training classes, director of athletic performance and associate athletic director for facilities. The first paid strength coach in collegiate history, Boyd trained 64 strength professionals, 78 All-American football players and three Heisman Trophy winners. He graduated from UNL with a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1970 and a master’s degree in education in 1972.

Frank “Dutch” Meyer, Ed.D. was a professor in the Physical Education Department at Catawba College. He was born in Omaha and grew up in Lincoln. Dutch served his country as a radioman in the Navy during World War II. During his 30 years at Catawba College, he initiated the institution’s Athletic Training Program and served as the wrestling coach from 1970 to 1983, leading his team to 13 winning seasons. His honors and recognitions are numerous, including the Herne Swink Award for outstanding teaching and the Phi Epsilon Award for campus leadership and outstanding character. Dutch was inducted into Catawba’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1997 and was recognized by the N.C. Athletic Association with its Distinguished Service Award. He graduated from UNL with a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1951. He received a master’s degree from the University of Colorado in 1954 and a doctor of education from West Virginia University in 1971.

Jane Olson is chair of the board of directors of Human Rights Watch and has served on the board for 16 years. She began devoting her time to human rights organizations in 1979 when she helped to found the Interfaith Center to Reverse the Arms Race. Jane also worked on the Nuclear Freeze Campaign in California, and for more than 10 years, she chaired the board of the Landmine Survivors Network, now known as Survivor Corps. She also co-founded and co-chaired the California Committee of Human Rights Watch and has worked with the Women’s Commission for Refugee Women and Children. Jane has received numerous awards for her volunteer work, which has taken her to conflict zones throughout Eastern Europe and Latin America. Jane graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

John Plucknett was president of Home State Bank in Louisville. He is remembered in the Louisville community for his work ethic, commitment and volunteerism. John was a member of the Cass County Economic Development Board and past chairman of the Keith County Economic Development Corp. and the Nebraska Innovative Zone Commission. He was also involved in several other organizations including the Nebraska LEAD Program, the Nebraska Affordable Housing Commission and the United Methodist Church in Louisville. John worked as regional president of Adams Bank & Trust in Ogallala as well. He graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture.

Tom Burnell is CEO of the Nebraska Heart Institute and Heart Hospital in Lincoln. He manages the Institute’s six offices throughout the state, as well. Prior to joining Nebraska Heart, Tom served as CEO and vice chairman for Eurofins Scientific, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eurofins Scientific Group, S.A. Additionally, Tom started his own international consulting business, Milestone Business Management. He has also served as CEO of GenomicFX, a privately held livestock genomics company, and president of Continental Grain Company’s Animal Nutrition business. Tom has also provided tremendous support and volunteer service to UNL and the Nebraska Alumni Association. He served on the association’s board of directors (2002-2010), the executive committee (2003-2010), and as president of the board (2008-2010). Tom played a leadership role in the restructuring of the association and has been a generous contributor of time, talent and treasure to many association events. Tom also supports Husker athletics, and serves on the NU Foundation’s CASNR Advisory Council and UNMC Nursing Campaign Committee. He graduated from the UNL with a bachelor’s degree in 1984 and a master’s degree in 1985, both in animal science. He received a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky in 1988.

In 1927, William Wilson Cook, Sr. became the first member of his family to attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Two of his children and four grandchildren also attended the university, receiving degrees in the areas of education, business administration and art history. After his time at UNL, William had a 60-year career at the Beatrice National Bank, serving as president and chairman of the board. He was also elected mayor of Beatrice (1962-1966) and served as school board president, president of the Nebraska Banker’s Association and on the boards for many other banks and organizations. William received the Builder Award from UNL in 1966. He and his wife, Margaret, were well known for giving back to their community. Their three children, Martha Cook Fricke, Mary Cook Schiermeyer March and William S. Cook, Jr., continued this legacy of service. Martha served on the Ashland-Greenwood School Board for 23 years and as president of the National School Board Association Board of Directors. Bill Jr. was president of the Nebraska Bankers Association and served in many roles in the American Bankers Association. They have also continued their involvement with the university. Martha and Bill Jr. both served on the Nebraska Alumni Association Board of Directors, and were trustees of the University of Nebraska Foundation. William, Martha and Bill Jr. were all Alumni Achievement Award recipients as well.

Family Members Who Attended UNL Are:
William Wilson Cook, ’27 Carol Cook Geu, ’82 William Wilson Cook III Martha Cook Fricke, ’54 Jerry Schiermeyer Robert H. Fricke William Wilson Cook, Jr., ’60 Robert Cook Fricke, ’77