College of Public Affairs and Community Service School of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Alumni Awards

Alumni Awards and Past Winners

Each spring, the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice hosts a scholarship and awards luncheon to recognize the achievements of the school’s alumni, faculty, and students. The recipients of the alumni awards are selected by a committee consisting of past award recipients and school faculty. Descriptions of each alumni award and past winners are as follows:

Outstanding Community Service Award

Awarded for continued outstanding support of, dedication to, loyalty for, and development of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice by actions, deeds, philanthropy, and volunteerism to the School, the College of Public Affairs and Community Service, and the University of Nebraska, Omaha, community.

2018 Willie Barney
2017 Derek Vaughn
2016 Teela Mickles
2015 Gene Klein
2014 Michael Behm
2013 Barbara Harris
2012 Penny Parker
2011 Vincent Webb
2010 Mark Foxall
2009 Bob Houston

Willie Barney, 2018 Winner of the Outstanding Community Service Award

Distinguished Service Award

Presented for exemplary service to and support of the goals and mission of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

2018 Bob Blanchard
2017 Paul Yakel
2016 Dick Shea (posthumously)
2015 Bill Muldoon
2014 Deborah Circo
2013 Jack Lewis
2012 Thomas Warren
2011 Lawrence Gendler
2010 Nancy Thompson
2009 Mark Martinez

Bob Blanchard, 2018 Winner of the Distinguished Service Award

Rising Star Achievement Award

Presented to a School of Criminology and Criminal Justice alumnus for a rapid record of accomplishments reflecting the education received in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Nebraska, Omaha; thus, demonstrating the potential for future success of the individual in his/her chosen career.

2018 Darci Tierney
2017 Chris Sweney
2016 Leigh Culver, Ph.D.
2015 Tami Steensma
2014 Kim Retzlaff
2013 Sheryl Lohaus
2012 Kit Lemon
2011 Rebecca Murray
2010 Susan Baziz
2009 Mike Nelson

Darci Tierney, 2018 Winner of the Rising Star Achievement Award

Alumni Achievement Award

Presented to a School of Criminology and Criminal Justice alumnus for outstanding achievement in the fields of Criminology and Criminal Justice. This award is presented in recognition of honors, awards, commendations from associates, peers, and colleagues for significant contributions to the furtherance of criminology and criminal justice in the community, state, national and international arenas.

2018 Dawn Irlbeck, Ph.D.
2017 Joe Jeanette
2016 Phil Ni He, Ph.D.
2015 Todd Schmaderer
2014 Rosalyn Cotton
2013 Ethel Shobe
2012 Tom Dunning
2011 Chuck Katz
2010 R. L. (Bob) Miller
2009 Bill Kingston

Dawn Irlbeck, Ph,D., 2018 Winner of the Alumni Achievement Award

Lifetime Achievement Award

Presented in recognition of life-long contributions to the field of criminology and criminal justice through career accomplishments, dedication to social justice, and civic engagement.

2018 Chief Justice Michael Heavican
2017 Mary Newman
2016 Don Kleine
2015 Deb Minardi
2014 Martin Bilek
2013 Tim Dempsey
2012 Thomas Casady
2011 Patricia Lamberty
2010 Charlie Venditte
2009 Ken Bovasso

Chief Justice Michael Heavican, 2018 Winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award

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