2014 Recipient
Thresa E. Clark, UNO's 2014 Legendary Woman, believed strongly in the power of education. After graduating from Omaha South High School in 1930, Thresa attended UNO, then University of Omaha, where she graduated in 1934 with a B.A. in English and History.
While employed full time as an elementary school principal she began graduate studies at OU and in 1948 earned an M.A. in Education. Thresa continued to support her alma mater and during 1957-58 she served as President of the University of Omaha Alumni Association. The education of young people was a life-long passion. Thresa served as an educator in the Omaha Public School system from 1940 to 1976, including as an elementary school teacher or principal at Webster, Rosewater, Webster/ Jefferson, Robbins & Corrigan and Benson West.
Despite a significant array of professional honors, the opportunity to work with students was all the reward she needed. Thresa Clark understood that a quality education under the guidance of committed and passionate teachers would bring out the best in youngsters.
"I believe, even when I'm dog tired, that there's a spark of something divine in every child. Our job is to fan that spark into flame."