Mary says that her greatest accomplishment is finishing her degree after 19 years. “Never give up on your dreams.”  

Emily has been named a UNA-USA Global Goal Ambassador. She is a nationally recognized expert in monarch butterfly conservation and has led multiple research initiatives supporting habitat preservation and education. Her work on firefly bioluminescence inspired a TEDx talk, “Mood lighting, mating, and murder: The scintillating lives of fireflies.” Emily A. Geest: Mood lighting, mating, and murder: The scintillating lives of fireflies | TED Talk

Jill has received a national Milken Educator Award and a $25,000 cash prize! Ridder has dedicated her career to increasing teacher leadership and preparing students for purposeful, bright futures. Currently serving as principal of Woodbine Elementary in Woodbine, Iowa, she has cultivated an environment has grown math and reading proficiency to the point that over 75% of her students are performing at least a year above their grade level. Previously a fifth grade teacher, preschool teacher, and school-based interventionist, Ridder harnesses her diverse experiences to inform her leadership of Woodbine Elementary. Aligning to the district’s priority on personalized, competency-based learning, every Woodbine student has an individualized plan and can study a range of interests, including STEM, dance, culinary arts, 3D printing, and more. She was surprised with the award on Thursday, Jan. 22, when Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley and Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow presented the honor during a school assembly. 

Naomi earned a Master of Science in business analytics from Creighton University in December 2025. 

Lavern says one of her greatest accomplishments has been dedicating her life to service and leadership. She has supported soldiers, military families and survivors by providing resources, guidance and compassion during challenging moments. She says this work reflects her values of integrity, service and perseverance and has taught her the importance of listening, leading with empathy and never giving up.

Jim has assumed the role of president of the VSS Catholic Communications Foundation after 23 years as executive director of the Spirit Catholic Radio Network. During his tenure, the network grew from a single station in Omaha to 20 stations across Nebraska and several other states. In his new role, Carroll is responsible for securing major gifts through estate planning initiatives and for expansion opportunities outside Nebraska. He recently merged Spirit with a 15-station network in Oklahoma.

Jenny Van Soelen, BA 89, and Emily Poeschl, MBA 11, along with the production team of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, celebrated their fifth Daytime Emmy nomination in two seasons since the show returned to television. Although they did not take home the award this year, the show remains the No. 1 weekend wildlife program, airing Saturday mornings on NBC. 

Shari was among those awarded at the Global Power Leaders 2025 as Transformational Leader of the Year at the Global Leadership Conclave 2025, held at the UK House of Lords, UK Parliament. Collins is the CEO and founder of Shari Collins Consulting, specializing in international consultation and keynote speaking on workplace culture, psychological safety, happiness and well-being. She is passionate about fostering inclusive environments and driving organizational growth through customized workplace initiatives. The Global Leadership Conclave 2025 brought together 150 delegates representing more than 25 nations. The event included more than 20 VIPs, including ministers, members of Parliament, lords, mayors, barons, ambassadors and high commissioners. The conclave welcomed dignitaries including the Rt. Hon. Stephen McPartland, former minister of state for security of the United Kingdom; Lord Graham Brady; Lord Taylor of Warwick; and Safiya Saeed, mayor of Sheffield. “This award represents the collective power of what we can achieve when we prioritize people and culture.”

Patrick has procured distribution of his latest feature film, Unholy Communion. It is available on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.