Glennis Nagel
Director, Media Communications, 308.865.8454
Dedication ceremonies for the Alvie and Ruth Paye Family Bridge are set for 2:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8, just north of the College of Education Building at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
The footbridge spans the Kearney Canal Spillway between the UNK Health and Sports Center and the College of Education Building.
When the gift of the bridge was announced, UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen said: “They (the Payne family) have all been long-time supporters of this institution in a variety of ways. They have always believed in the concept of ‘giving back’ to the community in which one lives–as well as the importance of the connection between town and gown.”
Alvie and his late wife Ruth have three sons–John, Chuck and Ron, all of whom live in Kearney and are involved in the family furniture business. The Paynes are all long-time UNK supporters. Both Alvie and Ruth are Kearney State College/UNK graduates. Alvie is a past president of the KSC Foundation Board of Directors, the KSC/UNK Alumni Association, the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce and the Nebraska Retail Merchants Association. His son John and daughter-in-law JoDell have both served terms as KSC/UNK Alumni Association presidents. In addition, John served three terms, 18 years, as a member of the Univesity of Nebraska Board of Regents–chairing the board four times.
In addition, the Payne family supports a Payne Family Scholarship that is awarded annually to UNK students majoring in business.
The Payne Family Bridge is part of the Spillway Park project, a development that is beautifying the area surrounding the Kearney Canal Spillway as it flows through the UNK campus. After the Payne Family Bridge dedication, others will be recognized for their part in developing Spillway Park.
Among those who will be recognized are:
Dr. Leonard Skov
Jim Abel
Ron Blessing
Eldon and Phyllis Chamberlin
Rick and Kim Follmer
Ben and Patti Homan
Dr. Joel and Jill Johnson
Alvie Payne
Chuck and Marian Payne
John and Jodell Payne
Ron and Nita Payne
Stan and Jan Poff
Earl and JoAnn Rademacher
Dr. B.M. and Beverly Stevenson
Dr. Brad and Dee Rodgers
Dr. L.R. and Jane Smith
Dr. Scott and Lori Smith
Carl Spelts
Mark and Vickie Spelts and Family
