College of Business Administration Annual Awards Luncheon honors 6

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business Administration Advisory Board will host its annual luncheon honoring business people and companies that have made a difference in the economy of the state. Four individuals and two companies will be honored at the luncheon beginning at noon April 22 at the Nebraska Champions Club, 701 Stadium Drive.

The event is open to the public and reservations can be made by contacting Marilyn Hoskins at (402) 472-3382 or mhoskins2@unl.edu.

Winston J. Wade of Aurora, Colo., and Scottsdale, Ariz., will be presented the Lifetime Achievement Award. Wade has been in the telecommunications industry since before his graduation from the MBA program at the college. He was a member of the University of Nebraska Foundation Board for 18 years, serving as president from 1999-2001.

Joanne Shephard will receive the Business Leadership Award. Shephard is president, CEO, and chairman of The First National Bank of Valentine. She is active locally and nationally in bank trade organizations, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, the Museum of Nebraska Art and the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation.

The Business Excellence Award will be presented to Paul and Lori Hogan, founders and operators of Home Instead Senior Care Headquartered in Omaha, Home Instead is the largest senior care company in the world with more than 550 franchise offices in the United States, Canada, Japan, Portugal, and Australia.

The Corporate Leadership Award will be presented to Assurity Security Group. ASGI is the result of uniting three Lincoln insurance companies under the leadership of Tom Henning. ASGI employs 380 associates locally and more than 20,000 in sales and support staff across the United States. Based on total assets, ASGI ranks approximately 100th in size among all U.S. life and health insurers, with combined total assets of more than $2 billion and nearly $240 million in capital. The ASGI companies have established a solid reputation for delivering quality products and services.

Ratigan-Schottler Manufacturing Co. of Beatrice will also receive the Corporate Leadership Award. The family-owned business is a leading supplier of solid oak pews, chairs and chancel furniture. President Gerald Ratigan and Vice President Patrick Ratigan have developed the company into the leading provider of premium quality furniture and fixtures by focusing on craftsmanship and customer service. Total sales are expected to be more than $6 million this year and the company employs 46 people.

The Advisory Board annually recognizes a faculty member who has made an outstanding contribution to the college. This year the award will be presented to Gordon V. Karels, the Nebraska Bankers Association college professor of banking and associate dean of the college. Karels has been an integral part of the success of the college. Most recently, he has taken on the responsibility of developing the MBA program for online delivery, making it possible for students to participate in the same program with the same faculty as the on-campus program.

CONTACT: Marilyn Hoskins, College of Business Administration, (402) 472-3382