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.
Read the recipient bios: 2023 | 2022 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013
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.
2025 Robert Cryne (pictured above)
2024 Todd Schmaderer
2023 Harold Clarke
2022 Kim Hawekotte
2020 Weysan Dun
2019 Honorable W. Mark Ashford
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
Distinguished Service Award
Presented for exemplary service to and support of the goals and mission of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.
2025 Cathy Pettid (pictured above)
2024 Michele Stevenson
2023 Tom Riley
2022 Mary Visek
2019 Honorable Vernon Daniels
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
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.
2025 Gene Klein (pictured above)
2024 Nebraska Office of Probation Administration
2023 Shannon O'Connor
2022 Vanessa Urbach
2020 Police Athletes for Community Engagement
2019 Youth Emergency Services
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
Rising Star Achievement Award
Presented to a School of Criminology and Criminal Justice alumnus or alumna for a rapid record of accomplishments reflecting the education received in the UNO School of Criminology and Criminal Justice; thus, demonstrating the potential for future success of the individual in their chosen career.
2025 Kylee Askew (pictured above)
2024 Andrea Hurt
2023 Neal Bonnaci
2022 Erin Sliva
2020 Creston Ashburn
2019 Sherie Thomas
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 Bazis
2009 Mike Nelson
Alumni Achievement Award
Presented to a School of Criminology and Criminal Justice alumnus or alumna for outstanding achievement in the fields of criminology and criminal justice. This award is presented in recognition of honors, awards, and 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.
***Beginning in 2024, this honor was incorporated and celebrated as part of the College of Public Affairs and Community Service Alumni reception.
2023 Abby Carbaugh, Ph.D. (pictured above)
2022 Dana Radatz, Ph.D.
2020 Deputy Chief Scott Gray
2019 Greg London
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