History Donors
The UNO History Department is very grateful for the generous support provided by its donors, past and present.
Donor Biographies
Frederick W. Adrian was a professor of history at the University of Omaha where he taught American history. He received his Ph.D. from Ohio State University. The Frederick W. Adrian Award annually recognizes students who excel in research and writing in the department's capstone course on historical research and methods.
As long-time Omaha residents, Louis and Frances Blumkin supported numerous businesses and organizations in the metropolitan area including the Jewish community. They also founded, managed, and owned the Nebraska Furniture Mart. As a World War II veteran, Louis Blumkin received the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, and four Bronze Stars for his service in Europe. His family supports Holocaust education in Nebraska through the establishment of the Louis and Frances Blumkin Professorship of Holocaust and Genocide Studies.
Harl A. and Kay Calamé Dalstrom: The Harl A. and Kay Calamé Dalstrom Professorship in Public History is established to provide exceptional teaching and research in Public History, serving the community and the world through the interpretation of history in museums, historic sites, archives, and other public venues.
Holocaust and Auschwitz survivor Sam Fried and his wife Frances have generously endowed the Sam and Frances Fried Holocaust and Genocide Academy. This funds UNO community engagement, supports scholarly activities, and contributes to research that raises awareness of Holocaust and genocide history.
George B. Lake was one of the first justices of the Nebraska Supreme Court, serving from 1873-1878 and 1882-1884. The George B. Lake Award annually honors a student who excels in the American History survey courses.
Charles W. and Mary Caldwell Martin lived close to the UNO campus for many years and became friends with professors in the history department. Charles served as president of the Nebraska State Historical Society and the Douglas County Historical Society. Their son noted their love for Nebraska and Omaha: "They traveled all over the world, but had an affection for Nebraska. They loved the open space, the sky, the terrain, the Sandhills, and especially the people." The Charles and Mary Caldwell Martin Fund was established to advance the teaching and publication about the history of the American West at UNO. It has been a vital component in supporting faculty and students in historical research, teaching, and programming. Read more about the Martin Fund here.
George and Virginia Dare Shuflata were fervent supporters of the arts and sciences. After a career as an Army officer, George Shuflata decided in his sixties to pursue his dream of becoming a teacher. He earned a Master's degree in History and Economics at UNO and taught for fourteen years before retiring. Virginia "Ginni" Shuflata was an avid writer and published a book documenting her life (Prose 'N Poetry). The George and Virginia Dare Shuflata Excellence in History Fund supports the study of history and excellence in historical research through the Virginia Dare Shurflata Award and the Shuflata Master's Thesis Fellowship.
Axel Vernon "A.V." Sorensen was an Omaha civic leader, businessman, and mayor from 1965-1969. Sorensen was a strong leader with a "common-sense pragmatic approach to municipal government" (Dalstrom, 1987). His mayoral administration left a positive impression on the city. In honor of Sorensen's Omaha legacy, the A.V. Sorensen Award is given to the student who produces an exceptional paper or thesis on urban history.
The Richard Dean Winchell Family made a generous donation to UNO to enhance student, faculty, and community discourse on values and cultural heritage. Winchell graduated from the University of Omaha in 1952 and became the President of Bellevue College. The Winchell History Lecture Series promotes historical inquiry and highlights the scholarship of well-known and highly-respected historians.