SPA Alumni Awards & Celebration 2025
UNO Celebrates Public Service Excellence, Honors Mayor-Elect John Ewing and Other Distinguished Alumni
Omaha, NE – May 15, 2025 — The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s School of Public Administration (UNO SPA) celebrated its annual awards and graduation reception on May 14, honoring graduates and alumni whose work exemplifies leadership, service, and dedication to community. Topping the list of honorees was Omaha Mayor-Elect John Ewing, who received the Master of Science in Urban Studies Alumni Award for his outstanding legacy in public service and commitment to Omaha.
“There was no way I was going to miss this,” said Ewing in an emotional speech. “We are die-hard Mavericks. We do what we do in this community because we’ve grown to love Omaha, and we’ve became the people we are because of the University of Nebraska at Omaha. ”
Ewing, a two-time UNO alumnus (BS ‘84, MS ‘85), has served as Douglas County Treasurer since 2007, managing the collection and distribution of over $1.7 billion in taxes annually. Prior to that, he spent 24 years with the Omaha Police Department, rising to Deputy Chief and leading numerous public safety initiatives, particularly those focused on protecting women and children.
In addition to his extensive public career, Ewing serves as an Associate Minister at Salem Baptist Church and holds leadership roles with a wide array of community organizations. His impact has been recognized nationally, including with the President Harry Truman Lifetime Achievement Award and UNO's Citation for Career Achievement.
“I’m excited about being your next mayor,” Ewing added, noting he had national interviews scheduled the same day. “Thank you for the education you provide and for allowing our young people to excel. This honor means everything.”
UNO also recognized several other distinguished alumni and faculty:
- Dr. Gary Marshall, professor and former doctoral program chair, earned the SPA Full-Time Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring Award for his three decades of scholarship and public service.
- Lauren Cencic, MPA, CEO of Metro Transit, received the Master of Public Administration Alumni Award for her leadership in public transportation planning and development.
- Dr. Felipe Blanco, Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Denver, was presented with the Ph.D. in Public Administration Alumni Award for his contributions to public policy research and mentoring
- Michael Lee, a doctoral candidate, was awarded the SPA Student Excellence in Teaching Award for his commitment to education and service in public administration.
- Dr. Catherine Humphries Brown, founder of Catherine Brown Evaluation Services and long-time adjunct faculty member, received the SPA Part-Time Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award.
- Jo Ellen Martin, Sarpy County Corrections Director, received the Nebraska Certified Public Manager Award for over two decades of service and innovation in corrections operations.
- Hannah Boyd was honored with the Tribal Emergency Services Alumni Award for her passionate service with the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs and advocacy for tribal communities.
- Erin Wendt, Outreach Coordinator at the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, was awarded the Emergency Management Alumni Award for her floodplain management and statewide outreach.
- Hon. Edouardo Zendejas, director of UNO’s Tribal Management and Emergency Services program, received the SPA Community Impact Award for his tireless service to Native communities and public education.
- Dr. James Harrold, UNO instructor and advisor, was also honored during the evening for his work which has influenced students in the school. Dr. Harrold, who is retiring in May 2025, was recognized for his commitment to academic excellence and mentorship.
The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt message from Dr. Yu-Che Chen, Director of the School of Public Administration.
“On behalf of our school, I congratulate all of our award winners and graduates for your significant contributions and accomplishments. What unites us is the calling to public service and the shared commitment to make our community better. Like Dr. Harrold said, we will ‘keep striving’ for excellence in public service.”
SPA 2025 Award Winners | BIOGRAPHIES HERE
SPA Scholarship Winners 2025