2020 Recipient
WASP, advertiser, teacher, dean, mentor; these are only a handful of the roles Mary Ellen Williamson occupied during her lifetime. Joining the UNO faculty in 1969, Mary brought a wealth of life experiences to her teaching career; earlier in life, she served her country as a WASP (Women’s Air Force Service Pilot) during the Second World War, and then went on to work in advertising and broadcast production in Kansas City, Missouri; Washington DC; St. Louis, Missouri; and eventually in Omaha, Nebraska.
Her work in advertising and broadcasting ultimately brought her to UNO as a professor in the Department of Communications, where she mentored countless students and impacted numerous lives. Many of her students went on to make a significant impact in their fields, becoming well-known names in Omaha: Carol Schrader, Chuck Hagel, Rose Ann Shannon, and Dave Webber, to name a few. Longtime friend and neighbor, Dave Sutherland, reflects, “I think she really was a mentor to many students.”
During her time at UNO, from 1969 to 2004, Mary served the University in a variety of positions; in addition to Professor of Communications, Mary served as Interim Dean of the College of Fine Arts, Interim University Relations Director, and Consultant for the Nebraska Business Development Center.
Mary was a people-person, and her friends and colleagues regularly noted her humor and unpredictability in conversation. With her gregarious nature, she was often found reveling in social occasions, networking with new friends and connecting like-minded individuals. Reflecting on her time at the helm of the College of Fine Arts, she remarked, “It was a wonderful experience and I worked with great people.”
After her retirement from UNO, in 2004, Mary found more time to travel, one of her favorite hobbies, while also continuing to dedicate her time and energy to her community. She served as an ombudsperson for Ambassador Rehabilitation Center, a consultant for the Service Corp of Retired Executives, and a volunteer at Hearts United for Animals.
In testament to her dedication to UNO and the Omaha community, Mary received numerous awards during her lifetime, including the Congressional Gold Medal for her service as a WASP, several plaques and certificates honoring her commitment to UNO Faculty Senate as well as other campus groups and initiatives, and awards from the Nebraska Business Development Center, the Nebraska Small Business Community, and the United Way of the Midlands.
Mary lived her life with purpose and tenacity, leaving behind an inspiring legacy in our community; later in life, Mary reflected, “I was supposed to be in Omaha.”