KEARNEY – Three people were recognized Friday with the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s highest honor.
Chancellor Doug Kristensen presented the Ron and Carol Cope Cornerstone of Excellence Award to Michael Yanney and Tami and Jerry Hellman during the spring commencement ceremony. The award honors individuals for their community service and support of UNK, the Kearney area, state of Nebraska and higher education.
A Kearney native and Kearney High School graduate, Yanney holds degrees from UNK and the University of Wisconsin School of Banking. His distinguished business and investment career spans more than six decades, and his remarkable accomplishments and philanthropy reach across the U.S. and well beyond its borders.
Yanney founded Burlington Capital, formerly America First Companies, in 1984 and currently serves as chairman emeritus for the Omaha-based investment management firm. Over the years, the company has evolved and expanded into multifamily real estate and international agribusiness investments. Burlington Capital has raised, financed and managed assets totaling more than $7 billion.
Prior to the organization of America First, Yanney was principally engaged in the ownership and management of commercial banks. He was employed by Omaha National Bank and Omaha National Corporation (now part of U.S. Bank), where he held various leadership positions, including executive vice president and treasurer of the holding company. Yanney was also a member of the board of directors and executive committee for FirsTier Financial Inc., and he served as a director for numerous corporations and investment firms.
He and his wife Gail, a retired physician, have given their time, energy and resources to numerous civic, community and educational initiatives, with a specific focus on the arts, health care and assisting disadvantaged and at-risk youth. Yanney has supported the University of Nebraska Foundation and UNK Alumni Association, as well as construction of the Peterson-Yanney Memorial Bell Tower on the UNK campus. He also created Yanney Heritage Park in Kearney and has been a strong advocate for rural health education in Nebraska and at UNK.
Kristensen described him as a “fierce leader” for the future of Kearney, UNK, the NU System and state of Nebraska.
“Mike’s contributions to both the business world and community exemplify the spirit of this award. His lifelong commitment to philanthropy, particularly in education and community development, has left an indelible mark on Kearney and UNK,” Kristensen said. “His generous support and visionary projects such as Yanney Park not only enrich our community but also inspire countless others to be visionaries and give back. We are proud to honor Mike Yanney. He is a true son of Kearney.”
The Hellmans are also Kearney natives. Tami earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UNK and Jerry holds degrees from Regis University and Denver University. He’s a certified public accountant and partner at Hellman, Main, Coslor & Kathol in Kearney.
Sharing a strong commitment to UNK and the NU System, the Hellmans have served as NU Foundation trustees since 2017 and they’re members of the Only in Nebraska Campaign Committee. Their financial support has benefited numerous areas on the UNK campus, including the College of Education.
Tami has served on the G.W. Frank Museum Advisory Board, Archway Advisory Committee, Nebraska Cultural Endowment Board of Directors and Museum of Nebraska Art Board of Directors. She currently chairs the MONA capital campaign. Jerry has served on the Kearney Area Community Foundation Board of Directors and Development Council for Buffalo County Board of Directors and is a past president of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce. Their civic endeavors also include Crane River Theater and Humanities Nebraska.
Kristensen called them great friends who are always eager to help UNK and the Kearney community.
“Tami and Jerry Hellman’s dedication to Kearney and our university is remarkable. Their extensive involvement and generous contributions have been pivotal in shaping the educational landscape and community initiatives at UNK,” Kristensen said. “From their leadership roles in various community projects to their support of our College of Education, the Hellmans embody the community-focused leadership we celebrate today. We are grateful for their commitment and contributions to the university.”
Previous Cope Cornerstone of Excellence Award recipients are:
2003 – Carol Cope
2004 – B.M. and Beverly Stevenson
2005 – L.R. and Jane Smith
2006 – Steve Chatelain
2007 – Robert and Dode Sahling
2008 – Paul and Linda Younes
2009 – Earl Rademacher
2010 – Dwayne and Margaret Brown
2011 – Todd Thalken
2012 – Thomas Henning
2013 – Bill B. Beavers
2014 – Joel T. Johnson
2015 – Daniel P. Slawski
2016 – Stan Clouse
2017 – Galen and Marilyn Hadley
2018 – Richard and Barbara Bush
2019 – Jerry and Nancy Dulitz
2020 – Brad Kernick
2021 – Pete and Jane Kotsiopulos
2022 – Tom Tye
2023 – Brian and Carey Hamilton
