Marian Alumna of the Year
Marian High School alumnae are an accomplished group of women. Many have made important contributions to service organizations, to their community and to Marian. In recognition of outstanding efforts by alumnae, Marian recognizes one individual each year with the Alumna of the Year Award. Past award recipients are accomplished, compassionate, strong women who are leaders in their respective fields and represent the values and mission of Marian.
The award recipient is honored at Marian’s Appreciation Mass and Brunch each spring. This annual event is an opportunity for Marian to thank all of those who support her mission and vision.
2010 Alumna of the Year
, Marian’s 2010 Alumna of the Year, is a 1971 graduate. Marian honors her for her unwavering commitment and contributions to the field of elementary education.
Nancy was a Marian girl at a time in history when the women’s rights movement was front and center. In 1971, Nancy’s graduation year, a joint resolution was passed to designate August 26th Women’s Equality Day in honor of that day in 1920 when women were first given the right to vote and for that day in 1970 when there was a nationwide demonstration for women’s rights. Yes, this was the time when Nancy discovered who she is and what impact she wanted to have on the world. At Marian, Nancy was instilled with the notion of peace and justice for all and like many graduates of that time, Nancy left Marian armed and ready to make an impact in the world, really much like the Marian girls of today.
Nancy received two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Nebraska—Omaha, Elementary Education and Special Education and one master’s degree, Educational Administration and Supervision. She also holds a Visually Impaired Endorsement from UNL.
Nancy is the epitome of Marian’s mission: “She is a leader and life-long learner whose talents and faith bring hope to our world.” Nancy has been employed in the Omaha Public Schools System for more than 35 years. She has been principal for four different elementary schools. Currently, she holds the position of Director of Elementary Education. Where Nancy fulfills Marian’s mission is her ability to learn from the students and families she serves, recognize the needs of those families and then provide hope and solutions.
When Nancy was named principal of Liberty Elementary Grade School in downtown Omaha, she immediately took action to engage the surrounding community to ensure that families whose children were to be educated at Liberty were getting what they needed from their school. What Nancy discovered was that her students needed more than an education and she was ready to provide what services she could to her community.
Nancy really changed the way Omaha Public Schools teach and serve the underserved, undocumented and impoverished. Nancy wanted Liberty to be a part of the downtown community, not just a school. Liberty began opening its doors before and after school for students who did not have a place to go. Liberty partnered with the YMCA for physical education classes, and One World Community Health Center opened a health clinic at Liberty, staffed with doctors, social workers and counselors. Creighton University Dental School holds annual demonstrations on oral hygiene and preventative care. The University of Nebraska Medical Center began a program to address childhood obesity. As a result, Liberty students walked everywhere. They walked for field trips, to get to the Y for gym class and many walked to and from school each day. Liberty collected coats, schools supplies, clothing and food from various organizations for students and families in need. Nancy began a mentoring program for junior high students. At Christmas time, Liberty families were adopted by various organizations.
Nancy’s hard work at Liberty has been recognized by the YWCA, where Nancy was named the 2002 Woman of Excellence in Education. She also received the 2003 Norbert Sheurmann’s Outstanding Principal Award.
Nancy says she has loved all of her jobs, but the best one she has ever had is that of principal. She says that the long-lasting relationships she made with families in those positions are some of the dearest in her life.
Even in Nancy’s community service work, she has remained an advocate for children and families whose voices may not always be heard. She has served on Boards for the Rose Theater, Girls, Inc., and Voices for Children.
Nancy is a woman who embodies peace and justice for all and who has dedicated her life to that mantra. The hope she has brought to the families of the OPS school system is unparalleled.