Renee Ballenger
Editor
The new academic year for the faculty and staff of the University of Nebraska, Kearney, was officially kicked off Friday, August 22, by Chancellor Douglas A. Kristensen, during the Opening Convocation.
The mood was lighthearted in the Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Building; in fact, the Chancellor stated that as his intention–thus, the many references to who was wearing what kind of shoes! The morning’s procedures were, indeed, filled with much laughter and fun, but also abundant instances of sincere accolades to faculty and staff, and overall accomplishments of the University in the last year.
Guest speakers included Peter Kotsiopulos, Vice President of University Affairs for the University of Nebraska; Kent Schroeder, Regent to the University of Nebraska; Timothy Hruza, Student Regent, and Student Body President; and Daren Snider, President of the Faculty Senate.
Tom Tye, of Tye & Rademacher Law Firm, and trustee of the Pratt-Heins Foundation, was on hand to make presentation to this year’s recipients of the Pratt-Heins Award. In the area of recognition for exemplary Teaching, Dr. Anne Foradori, associate professor of music and performing arts, received award.
Dr. Max McFarland, professor of Counseling and School Psychology, received recognition in the area of Service. For commendable Research, Dr. Susanne Bloomfield, Professor of English, was recognized with the Scholarship/Research award.
A representative from TIAA/CREF gave that organization’s annual Staff Awards for Excellence (SAFE). Dannien Jones, Administrative Associate in the College of Natural and Social Sciences, and Lisa Neal, Assistant Director of Institutional Research, are the 2008-09 recipients of this prestigious acknowledgment.
Chancellor Kristensen also bestowed upon Paul and Linda Younes, the Ron and Carol Cope Cornerstone of Excellence Award for their longstanding support of UNK. Then, as tradition maintains, the vice chancellors and deans of the University introduced new faculty and staff in their respective areas. Vice Chancellor Murray recognized faculty who recently received promotion and tenure.