Overheard in Omaha

One Last Hurrah for College Baseball at the 'Blatt

2010-07-09T21:20:00.000-07:00

The UCLA Bruins match-up against the TCU Horned Frogs at Omaha's Rosenblatt Stadium for the 2010 College World Series. Photo by Andrea Ciurej.

University of South Carolina outfielder Whit Merrifield might have hit the game-winning, RBI single that sealed the 2010 NCAA College World Series Championship for the Gamecocks in game two against the UCLA Bruins. But, it certainly wasn't the last hurrah for college baseball at Omaha's diamond on the hill - Rosenblatt Stadium.

Seven of Division I's top hitters would take a walk on Rosenblatt's field for TD Ameritrade's first annual College Home Run Derby on June 7:

Joining them were National Baseball Hall-of-Famers Andre Dawson and Mike Schmidt, who served as honorary hitting coaches for the derby. Troy University's Steven Felix was selected to join the sluggers but didn't participate.

Andre Dawson autographed memorabilia for fans at the derby, including one of my baseballs. Photo by Andrea Ciurej.

The players were selected from a pool of the nation's top hitters of 2010. Those who participated faced off in a two-round, elimination-style format. Each player had 10 outs. Anything that stay in the ballpark was considered an out. The three players to hit the most homeruns in the first round moved on to the finals.

ETSU's Hoilman won the derby with 17 homeruns, hitting 12 of those in the second round. Ribera came in second place with four, while Skole finished in third.

Strange storm stories unveiled at the Durham

2010-06-14T01:39:00.000-07:00

Randy Cerveny (Photo by Andrea Ciurej)

As an opening to the Durham Western Heritage Museum's new temporary exhibits "Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters" and "Nebraska Storm Stories," Randy Cerveny of Arizona State University gave a presentation on his latest book "Weather's Greatest Mysteries Solved!"

Cerveny, a professor of geographical sciences, rather than touching on climatic events that shaped the Earth's history, focused primarily on the strange weather stories that have boggled the minds of humans and storm chasers alike, ranging from the effects of lighting to surging hurricanes.

For example, if you're outside during a thunderstorm and your hair is standing on top of your head, you might want to seek shelter.

"You're about to be the bottom of a lightning bolt," Cerveny said.

Lightning, which reaches 54,000 degrees Fahrenheit, strikes the shoes off of its victims.

Cerveny said the our feet are the sweatiest parts of our bodies. When lightning strikes a human, the sweat on their feet turns to steam and has an explosion effect, which kicks the shoes right off of their feet. This is why humans who have been struck by lightning are most always found without their shoes on.

"When lightning strikes, weird things happen," Cerveny said.

Lightning also has the ability to strike more than one object or creature at one time. This is so because lightning's charge surrounds the object it strikes, rather than going through it.

Cerveny told the story about a herd of sheep in Utah. They all huddled underneath a tree to take cover from an incoming storm. Lightning ended up hitting the tree, killing all 835 sheep. It took three days to clean up all of the bodies.

"Lightning also tends to go for high objects," he said.

In lieu, Cerveny told the story of Old Pitt, an 102-year-old circus elephant who died by lightning strike.

A severe storm approached Dillion, Mont., the site of the Beaverhead County fairgrounds, where the Cole Brothers Circus was set to perform.

The circus owner had grouped Old Pitt and the other elephants on the fairgrounds to shelter them from the storm. However, lightning struck Old Pitt and knocked her over, killing her instantly.

The elephant was honored with a ceremony and a grave now marks the site where Old Pitt died.

Flooding has the ability to cause phenomena of its own.

Cerveny told the story of a North Carolinian Methodist church that was carried for miles during a storm that brewed in September 1876.

A tide and strong winds carried the church, an old structure built on brick piers, was carried from the lot it was rebuilt in and drifted down a road to a corner, bumped into a general store, took a sharp right and headed down another road for two more blocks until it reached the corner of Church Street. The church then took another left, crossed over a canal and settled in the center of a property the church was originally denied to be built on.

The church, originally called Methodist Episcopal Church South, was renamed The Church Moved by the Hand of God.

At the end of his presentation, the Fairbury, Neb., native said it was great to be back in Nebraska, since Arizona primarily consists of a dry climate with little action.

"You guys actually have weather," he said. "It can be both fascinating and deadly."

Here are other storm stories Cerveny spoke about the night of his presentation:

Tornado Stories -

In 1955, a 9-year-old South Dakota girl was riding home on her horse when she crossed paths with a tornado. The tornado picked her and her horse up and carried them 1,000 feet (over three fences) and finally dropped both of them back onto the ground. After tracking her down, Cerveny spoke with the woman in this story and she said this did, in fact, happen.
The strength of an 1896 tornado was so strong that winds forced a wood board through an iron bridge in St. Louis. After tracing down images from the storm, Cerveny found a photo with the wood board forced into the bridge.
A chicken's feathers are not plucked by a tornado. When chickens are frightened, their fear enables them to lose feathers.
A tornado drove through Grand Island, Neb., and demolished a liquor store. However, some of the alcohol was spared and was unaffected by the storm. Cerveny mentioned that it is often unsafe to resell products that have survived a storm because they could be contaminated. Being a storm chaser who followed this particular storm, he was able to risk quenching his thirst with the spared liquor.

Hurricane Stories -

The winds during Hurricane Andrew were so strong that a wood panel shot through the bark of a palm tree.
During Hurricane Camille, 23 college students gathered for a Hurricane Party on the third floor of the Richelieu Apartment Complex in Mississippi. This party involved stocking up on alcohol that was to last until the end of the storm. The idea was to drink and party as the storm was taking place. At the storm's end, none of the students survived and only one resident of the apartment complex lived. That resident was found in a tree located five miles away from the initial site of the complex.

Richelieu Apartment Complex before Camille

Richelieu Apartment Complex after Camille

Snow Stories -

Large chunks of snow can be blown into a snow roller, a rare phenomena caused by strong winds. Snow attempting to take this form must exist on ground covered by a layer of ice that the snow is unable to stick to. This layer must be covered by wet snow and a temperature near the melting point of ice.

Photo courtesy of alpinestateofmind.com

Ice fog, which consists of ice crystals, can form in cold areas where the temperatures are 40 degrees below zero.

Hail Stories -

Hailstones of all sizes have objects embedded inside of them. This is so because the ice particles that make up the stone need a surface to latch onto to take form. Cerveny showed a picture of a hailstone that he had cut open and found a ladybug inside of it.
A hailstone in Coffeyville, Kan., was recorded at 17.25 in. with a 5.6-inch diameter. It weighed in at 1.67 pounds, making it the largest on record.
In June 2003, a hailstone in Aurora, Neb., was recorded having an 18.75-inch diameter. This hailstone then became the largest on record.

Henry Doorly Zoo's Expedition Madagascar brings unique species to Omaha

2010-05-10T23:29:00.000-07:00

After two years of construction, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo kicked off this past weekend with the opening of Expedition Madagascar, a 300-foot-long building showcasing animal species exclusive to Madagascar. The building - located at the east end of the Garden of the Senses - officially opened to the public on May 7.

The 17,000-square-foot main building houses 15 indoor exhibits, featuring fish, reptiles, small mammals and several unique species of lemurs. There are also four outdoor exhibits for guests to view: a 1,050-square-foot fossa enclousure, a 1,750-square-foot ring-tailed lemur island with manmade baobab trees, a 1,600-square-foot netted Coquerel's sifaka exhibit and a 6,700-square-foot walk-through island home to ruffed lemurs.

The exhibit also serves as an education hub for guests to learn about the Omaha Zoo's Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership. Mentors from the zoo's molecular genetics and education departments are working with students from Omaha North High School to introduce fuel-efficient rocket stoves to Malagasy natives. These stoves promote an alternative way of cooking that deters natives from contributing to the loss of about 90 percent of Madagascar's forests. This is one of several projects conducted through the Madagascar partnership, which began in 1998.

Visit http://www.omahazoo.com/ for more information on Expedition Madagascar and other conservation efforts of Omaha's Zoo.

(Photos by Andrea Ciurej)

30 Seconds to Mars wages 'war' at the Sokol

2010-05-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

It was a quiet, overcast Thursday evening in Omaha as kings and queens of promise filled the Sokol Auditorium for a war-raging, head-banging 30 Seconds to Mars. Before lead vocalist Jared Leto and the gang, the Utah-based Neon Trees stumped the stage with their slick "Habits" and New Orleans-born MUTEMATH blasted their "Typical" electro-alternative-rock and psychedelic-gospel-pop. 30 Seconds to Mars came in for "The Kill" with new vocals from their latest album "This is War" and some older favorites. The band returned to Omaha after a seven-year absence, said Sophia John, host of 89.7 The River's "The Nooner." She also announced that the band was originally supposed take their tour to Kansas City, but Omaha "stole" the show instead. The band also had various parts of a music video shot at the concert.

Graduating soon, need new blog name

2010-05-02T22:18:00.000-07:00

It's 11:50 p.m. and rather than slaving away at The Gateway (last issue came out last week), I am at home wondering when I am going to start my GIS (Geographic Information Systems) final paper and poster and complete my final meteorology assignments. Among all of the thought-gathering, here's another thought: What am I going to change the name of my blog to? After May 7, I will be considered a UNO alumna - I am graduating. Rather than solely reporting campus news, I will be paying more attention to the Omaha community as a whole. Therefore, I can't very well have a blog titled "University Weekly."

I have a week left to decide. Hmmm...?

NU Board of Regents approves new dorm complex Friday

2010-01-23T07:38:00.000-08:00

For more information, check out The Gateway's Web site: http://www.unogateway.com/.

Ex-offenders graduate from UNO educational inmate project

2009-12-23T16:38:00.000-08:00

Fifteen of 25 ex-offenders graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha's Transformation Project at Nebraska Correctional Services on Dec. 17 at 6 p.m.

Chris Rodgers, lead organizer of the project, spoke about the project and the challenges faced while putting it into fruition.

David Booker, dean of UNO's College of Arts and Sciences, spoke about how the project is a representation of the university's core values.

(More video and interviews coming soon.)

Stay tuned next semester

2009-12-14T06:23:00.000-08:00

A BubbleTweet From @aciurej

Minneapolis feature reporter brings the art of storytelling to UNO

2009-12-14T01:32:00.000-08:00

More than a dozen members of the UNO and Omaha-area community gathered to learn about the art of storytelling from former KETV reporter Boyd Huppert in the College of Public Affairs and Community Service Building on Dec. 5.

Huppert speaks before UNO students, faculty and Omaha-area professionals about the art of storytelling (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Huppert, who started in broadcasting at 16, serves as a feature reporter for KARE-11 in Minneapolis. He was also a TV reporter for WSAW-TV in Wausau, Minn., WEVR in River Falls, Wis., and WITI in Milwaukee. He is also the recipient of four Edward R. Murrow Awards, a National Headliner Grand Award and an Emmy for feature reporting.

Before Huppert's presentation, father-son duo Dave and Roger Hamer of WOWT gave audience members the 101 on camera techniques.

As a reporter, you have to know your focus, Huppert said.

"The focus can be whatever we want it to be," he said.

The focus of your story needs natural moments to personify the story, so viewers can get to know the interviewee.

Huppert said there is a difference between the character and an interview. Viewers don't get the opportunity to know or learn about the source in an interview-like setting, he said.

Huppert said reporters can do the following to treat their interviewees more like a character in a story:

- Establish a focus.
- Have a handshake shot by introducing the character and showing the handshake.
- Provide one quality that will stick out about the character.

This is where TV reporters have an advantage over print journalists, who have to paint a picture through words.

"Say it, prove it," Huppert said. "We have a variety of ways to convey information."

Huppert also spoke about the benefits of natural sound.

Natural sound - real world sound during action sequences - places viewers at the central location of the story, he said. It also provides additional information, so the reporter doesn't have to do all of the talking, and sets the pace or "throttle" for the story.

"This is the case where less is more," Huppert said. "We need to get really good at the set-ups. Then we give the punchline to someone else."

But remember, every story needs to have a beginning, middle and end, the Hamers said.

Meghan Bird (left) does a stand-up interview with Roger Hamer (middle) and Dave Hamer (right) (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

"You basically have a front row seat to what is going on in the community," Roger Hamer said. "Think outside the box, think outside the norm."

The Hamers provided tips on how to use the camera effectively:

- Shoot and move. Don't shoot from one spot.
- Stick to the 180 degree rule, stating that two characters or elements in the same scene should always have the same left/right relationship to each other. Draw a line through the scene to compose the shot and maintain foreground/background relationships.
- Sequence your story using cutaway shots, an image different from the current action. These shots will add human interest and save time when editing.
- Practice conservation of movement. Don't run back and forth when filming, shoot as you go.
- Watch the position of the microphone. Make it natural.
- Ask yourself, "Do I need it and is it vital to the story?"
- Dont' stage your shots. You don't want to influence action in the story.

"You are your own photographer, you are your own reporter," Roger Hamer said. "If you've seen it in the viewfinder before, stop."

UNO students, faculty and Omaha-area professionals listen in on the presentation (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

The Hamers also gave tips on how to show reporters on camera:

- Keep it brief.
- Keep it interesting and meaningful.
- Maintain from story.

Keep the reporter close by, though, Roger Hamer said. You can stir away from using the viewfinder and develop a feel for the camera in use.

Remember to get differing opinions when searching for a focus.

"Don't be afraid to bounce the idea off of someone else," Roger Hamer said.

UNO College Democrats, Environmental Club push for more sustainability on campus

2009-12-13T19:37:00.000-08:00

UNO student organizations are taking preliminary steps to promote the next biggest issue surfacing in the United States after health care – clean energy.

Campus organizations are teaming up with Repower America, a campaign launched by the Alliance for Climate Protection, to "galvanize the American public around a bold, new clean energy plan and a revitalized national energy infrastructure."

Scott and Eric Williams, community organizers for the campaign, have paired with the UNO College Democrats and the Environmental Club to organize seminars and movie showings relative to clean energy and sustainability efforts.

The Environmental Club, for example, is co-hosting a free movie showing of "Prairie Wind: Nebraska's Wind Energy Harvest" on Dec. 15 from 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m at the College of Public Affairs and Community Service's Collaborating Commons. The documentary explores how local communities could benefit from Nebraska harnessing wind energy, how farmers and ranchers could use wind energy in their operations and how landowners could reap economic benefits from wind structures.

(Flier courtesy: Scott Williams/Repower America)

Following the documentary is a panel discussion featuring Perry Stoner, the documentary's producer; Neb. Sen. Ken Haar, District 21; Robert Byrnes, President of the Nebraska Renewable Energy Association; and Paul Vonderfecht, Omaha small-business owner, Energy Smart Company.

Ranked sixth in the nation for wind-energy potential, Nebraska has the ability to save native households $800 a year by 2030 with its wind-energy producing capabilities and biomass resources, according to Repower America's Web site.

Scott Williams said taking advantage of Nebraska's wind-energy potential is one step to keeping carbon dioxide emissions under wraps and Earth's rapid change under control.

"The wind is basically right here in the middle of the country," Williams said. "If we took advantage of the wind energy here...and they only operated at 20 percent of their operating capacity...we would have 40 times the electricity produced in the country today."

Andrew Burdic, vice president of UNO’s Environmental Club, said recycling habits and adapting to a sustainable lifestyle isn’t enough.

"It's definitely a good thing to do," Burdic said. "I personally feel that we haven't really done enough as a city."

The College Democrats held similar events in November with a clean energy lecture by Scott Williams and a showing of the documentary “The 11th Hour,” narrated by actor Leonardo DiCaprio.

Some members of the organization also promoted clean energy in 30-second video clips used for the Repower America Wall. The online video wall features the voices of singer/songwriter Sheryl Crow and Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle. It also includes statements from companies such as Nike and Starbucks.

In his lecture, Williams said some people believe volcanoes are to blame for the 380 parts per million of carbon dioxide residing in the atmosphere while others believe this is far from the truth.

“Every year, humanity releases more than 100 times what volcanoes do every single year,” Williams said. “Hundreds of millions of years ago, volcanoes created our atmosphere and they allowed the planet to warm up to the point where life could exist.”

Regardless, Williams said polar bears will go extinct in our lifetime and more than half of Florida will be underwater.

“Fortunately, the humans probably won’t go extinct hopefully, but it’s going to be really difficult to fit off the ocean,” Williams said.

Kara Kingsley, College Democrats president, said the changing environment cannot be ignored.

The College Democrats will continue to invite the Williams brothers to future meetings to present new materials and shed light on environmental changes.

“We want to inform other students about important issues that are happening right now,” Kingsley said. “A lot of people in our group are passionate about this issue and we’re going to do our best to educate and get the word out about it.”

UNO violinist strums sweet music in Omaha

2009-12-13T18:46:00.000-08:00

When she was introduced to the violin at age 4, Sophie Genevieve was given her “voice.”

Genevieve’s mother, a choir director and organist, introduced her to the bowed-string instrument. Immediately, Genevieve developed a passion for the instrument, which served as a tool to express her inner self.

“I liked its sound and how it made me feel,” Genevieve said. “I enjoyed the challenges that playing the violin gave me.”

The 22-year-old UNO violin performance major now serves as the concertmaster of the 70-member Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra, which is comprised of students and community members.

Sophie Genevieve playing the violin in the Strauss Performing Arts Recital Hall (Photo courtesy: Tim Fitzgerald/UNO).

Genevieve auditioned for the orchestra once she transferred to UNO in January 2009.

“Being concertmaster involves a lot of work not only with the music but between the musicians and the conductor,” she said, “and if something goes wrong, it’s my fault, but it is an honor….my job is much easier because we have such talented and dedicated conductors and musicians.”

Another one of Genevieve’s accomplishment include an invitation to play in a master class for world-famous Classical violinist Midori Goto in 2008. She was also invited to attend a month-long Quebec-based international music festival called Domaine Forget.

“This has allowed me to get exposed to all kinds of music, different violin techniques, as well as to play with some incredible musicians,” she said.

She is now going to bring her experience to center stage in January 2010, with a violin solo featuring works from Classical-Romantic composer Ludwig van Beethoven to French composer Camille Saint-Saens.

“The recital is quite varied,” Genevieve said. “The last part of the piece I play 372 notes in about 35 seconds to 40 seconds.”

Genevieve said she has no limits when it comes to down to playing the harmonic complexity of Baroque composer Johann Sebastian Bach, the soul-wrenching lyricism of Romantic composer Johannes Brahms, the fire of Classical-Romantic composer Ludwig van Beethoven or the raw emotion of 20th century Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich.

Genevieve mostly enjoys playing the first movement of 20th century Russian composer and pianist Sergei Prokofiev’s first violin concerto.

Prokofiev’s concerto echoed the collapse of Imperial Russia, which led to the abdication of Czar Nicholas II of Russia, and the outcries of the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917.

“It is an amazing piece that goes from a haunting Russian theme to extreme horror and the reconciliation,” she said.

Genevieve said the most enjoyable piece to play is Shostakovich’s Piano Trio in E Minor – which depicts the annihilation of the Jews during the Holocaust - with her piano group TriO!

“It requires so much mentally, physically and spiritually,” she said, “but at the end of the performance, one feels exhausted and yet as though you have participated in an immortal art.”

Genevieve finds her third hour of playing to be her peak performance.

“I try to warm up for about 90 minutes to two hours before a performance,” she said, “but after that, I just go running, take a nap and read my Bible.”

Someday, Genevieve – who also plays the trumpet – said she has dreams of amping up her performances by learning how to play the pipe organ.

“It’s absolutely fantastic,” Genevieve said, “like a whole symphony beneath your fingers with such a glorious and powerful sound.”

With the continued support of her family and mentors, Genevieve said the power exerted by the pipe organ is in reach.

“Music is such an addicting art [and] the more I perform, the more I can’t get enough of it,” Genevieve said. “All of my professors have challenged me and have been so interested in me, not only as a student but as a musician.”

Former Maverick linebacker tackles NFL career with Minnesota Vikings

2009-12-13T17:01:00.000-08:00

Former UNO Maverick offensive linebacker Olayiwola Kendae “Kenny” Onatolu could be on the road to Super Bowl XLIV in Miami with the Minnesota Vikings.

But, Onatolu wasn’t always a Vikings fan. He started out as a San Francisco 49ers fan at age 10, when football became a part of his life.

“I used to always watch it on TV and play outside,” Onatolu said, “but I actually started playing in peewees and…just kind of carried on from there.”

Born in Chicago, Onatolu even spent three years in his parents’ home country of Nigeria.

“It wasn’t anything what people think,” Onatolu said. “The only reason we ended up leaving [was] because the president at the time was a little corrupt, so my parents didn’t want me and my brother raised in that situation.”

Onatolu eventually moved back to the United States and grew up in Omaha, where he played high-school football for the Papillion-LaVista Monarchs.

Onatolu almost couldn’t even play high-school football because of some doctors, who were close family friends.

“They didn’t let their sons play football just because they’ve done surgery, ACL surgeries, broken legs and all of that kind of stuff,” he said.

After some heavy persuasion with his twin brother Taiwo, who was his teammate at UNO and now a graduate assistant on the Maverick football staff, Onatolu was able to launch his football career.

Onatolu would go on to earn second-team, all-state honors and set a school record with 326 rushing yards in one game. As a high-school senior, he rushed for 1,500 yards and scored 16 touchdowns. He also played in the Nebraska Shrine Bowl, an all-star football game for graduating high-school seniors in Nebraska.

After high school, Onatolu went on to be a four-year starter for the UNO Mavericks from 2002-2006 with his brother.

Kenny Onatolu seen as a UNO Maverick (Michelle Bishop/The Gateway).

“It was definitely tough with the coaches,” he said. “We put in a lot of time and hard work, but that just made it a lot easier for me when I went down to Canada.”

Onatolu, a redshirt freshman, started as a strong safety in 2002 and shifted to offensive linebacker status in 2005, earning all-North Central Conference first team honors along the way. He was also named second-team, All-American by CollegeSportsReport.com and was named second-team, all-region by Daktronics to name a few.

Onatolu admitted that his brother was the better linebacker of the two.

“He was actually better than me coming up,” he said. “Even at UNO, Taiwo was always the number one linebacker.”

In high school, Taiwo earned first-team, all-state player and earned 133 tackles as a senior linebacker. Also an emerging redshirt freshman for the Mavericks, he earned second-team, all North Central Conference, was named the NCC’s most valuable linebacker and went on to earn All-America honors by D2Football.com to name a few.

Taiwo Onatolu seen as a UNO Maverick (Photo courtesy: unofootball.com).

However, Taiwo shared the titled all-NCC linebacker with his brother in 2003.

“He’s still coaching me,” Onatolu said. “He critiques me, tells me what I need to do and I’m still learning from him.”

After graduating in 2006 with a degree in communication, Onatolu would go undrafted the following year. The Edmonton Eskimos in Canada eventually picked him up in 2007.

“Statistically, it’s hard for you to even get an opportunity coming out of a small school like UNO,” he said. “I kind of traveled the long road going to Canada first.”

As a rookie, Onatolu recorded eight tackles and a sack for the Eskimos. He then recorded 59 tackles, three sacks and two fumble recoveries in 2008.

“It’s a little more fast-paced because it’s more of an offensive game, more like arena football,” Onatolu said. “It’s still football in the end. It’s still running and tackling and catching and scoring.”

The Minnesota Vikings then picked up Onatolu as a free agent on Dec. 31, 2008.

Onatolu said his schedule includes playing games on Sunday, watching film on Mondays and workdays Wednesday through Friday.

Tuesdays are our day offs, he said.

“But, I always like to go in and get another workout in,” Onatolu added.

He said his teammates give him a little guff for playing in the Midwest.

“Everyone has their stories because most of the guys all played DI and a lot of them played against each other,” Onatolu said. “I could never reference to anybody…so they kind of make fun of me a little bit because of where I went.”

Teammate Brett Favre, however, is a “good dude.”

“He’s another one of the guys on the team,” Onatolu said. “You just watch him practice and…you just try to learn from him and see the little things he does.”

Kenny Onatolu seen as a Minnesota Viking (Photo courtesy: Espn.com).

Under Favre’s leadership, the team hopes to face-off against Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts or Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

Onatolu said there is still too much football left to be thinking ahead of the game.

“Obviously, we have a great opportunity to get there and to win it,” he said. “We just go week by week and the opportunity is going to present itself and hopefully we can take advantage of it.”

Although the Vikings are at the forefront of Super Bowl fever, Onatolu still has Maverick Mojo.

“I keep tabs on the outcomes of the games and how they are doing and certain players that come in,” he said. “I pay attention to the Huskers, too, a little bit, but I mostly pay attention to UNO.”

Until this day, competition hasn’t surfaced between the two brothers.

“We just always wanted one of us to make it,” Onatolu said, “and one of us actually ended up making it and that’s all we ever wanted.”

UNO inmate program will graduate 15 ex-offenders this month

2009-12-02T01:50:00.000-08:00

Fifteen of 25 ex-offenders will graduate on Dec. 17 as transformed individuals from a University of Nebraska at Omaha project centered on the disciplines faced by Omaha native Malcolm X.

UNO implemented the 20-week Transformation Project in October 2007 with the help of a $1 million private donation from UNO alumnus and Winmark CEO John L. Morgan.

Chris Rodgers – Douglas County Board of Commissioners Chairman, District 3, and senior community service associate at UNO – said the project was the “first of its kind” but it would face some challenges.

Rodgers spoke to lecturer Karen Weber's public affairs reporting students about these challenges, as well as the upbringing of the project for the students' speech story assignment on Nov. 24.

“I knew the biggest hurdle would be curriculum,” said Rodgers, who is responsible for putting the project into fruition.

Chris Rodgers speaks to lecturer Karen Weber's public affairs reporting students on Nov. 24 (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

With the help of Manning Marable – director of the Malcolm X Project at Columbia University and Transformation Project consultant – Rodgers formulated the curriculum for the project. The curriculum focuses on the values of discipline, faith, kinship, literacy, honesty, respect and historical perspective.

Rodgers said 20 modules were formed using these values to evoke introspection and behavioral change to promote offenders’ successful re-entry into the community after prison. The project will prepare offenders using real-life struggles faced by Malcolm X: health, employment, job training, social networking, housing and transportation.

Rodgers said the project attracts offenders with 18-20 months left until eligible for parole.

“Toward the end, they realize that is the step to go,” Rodgers said. “It’s not going to come easy.”

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, Douglas County Department of Correctional Services and community-based organizations You Are Not Alone and the Malcolm X Foundation will attempt to prompt interest beyond Nebraska.

Project partners, along with the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center, are looking to pilot the project into other jurisdictions.

“It’s not like this light at the end of the tunnel,” Rodgers said. “It can change direction.”

Sunset highlights fall scene on campus

2009-12-02T01:22:00.000-08:00

A fall sunset scatters over the University of Nebraska at Omaha's campus as Nov. 26 comes to a close for students, faculty and staff.

The fall sunset strikes the bell tower on Nov. 26 (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

The fall sunset scatters over leafless trees in Elmwood Park (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Lambda Pi Eta prepares for Warm Winter Drive this December

2009-11-30T15:04:00.000-08:00

Members of the Lambda Pi Eta will host a warm winter drive before the brink of the holiday season in support of the women and families of the Lydia House.

The facility provides emergency services for women and families in need of immediate assistance. To assist its efforts, the communication honor society will be accepting campuswide donations for the Warm Winter Drive from Dec. 1 - 17.

Students gathered on Nov. 15 to wrap three boxes, which will be placed throughout the university for the warm winter clothing donations. The students gathered in UNO's Speech Center.

Megan Schmitz (left), Rachel Hohman (middle) and Jenna Zeorian (right) decorate one of the bins for the warm winter clothing drive (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Stephanie Bonnett (left) and Kristin Webb (right) are wrapping one of the boxes for the warm winter clothing drive (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Donations such as new or used coats, hats, gloves, mittens, earmuffs, scarves and other items used during the winter season will be accepted. These items should be taken to one of the following locations: Arts and Sciences Hall Room 140, the Criss Library entrance or the Milo Bail Student Center near the Fireplace Lounge.

Monetary donations will also be accepted by the following individuals: Mary Gum in Arts and Sciences Hall Room 140, Linda Riviera at Criss Library front desk and Melissa Berry at the Student Organizations and Leadership Office on the first floor of the Milo Bail Student Center.

The event is co-sponsored by The Gateway and Ad Club.

(Flyer created by Jenna Zeorian, Lambda Pi Eta creative designer chair. Vice President Anna Berlett contributed to the making of the flyer.)

Poynter Institute columnist holds media workshop at UNO

2009-11-22T23:13:00.000-08:00

The Poynter Institute's Al Tompkins presented "Cool Tools to Release your Inner Geek" to more than a dozen UNO students, faculty members and Omaha-area professionals at the Thompson Alumni Center's Centennial Hall on Nov. 20.

Al Tompkins speaking to UNO students, faculty and Omaha-area professionals during a demonstration (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Tompkins presented and demonstrated the tools of the future for online mediagoers.

"I think it's a cool time to be a journalist," Tompkins said.

He also revealed a secret to getting these cool tools for half price - misspell the name of the product on eBay.

These tools include the following:

- Mac's Final Cut Pro and VideoCue Pro for video blogging

- Flip Video Camcorder, going wireless in 2010, to produce on-the-go video footage in HD

- Utterli online program to begin mobile multimedia discussions from your mobile phone to social media sites

- Livestream online guide to broadcast your own video channel

- LiveU pack, which enables live wireless, high-quality multimedia transmission from any location

- BubbleTweet to amp up your tweets with personal messages and breaking news

- Vlingo phone application to update or send information online by speaking into your phone

- Digital SLR camera to create videos

- Contour HD Wearable Camcorder to amp up your video footage

- Mac's SoundtrackPro to eliminate background noise amd restore audio in your footage

- Qik online program to share live video from your mobile phone

- Layar augmented reality browser application, which reveals real-time digital information from your mobile phone

- iBypass online program to sneak around filtered Web sites

- Using an HTML to PDF converter to save your Web sites

"...and it's free," Tompkins said about some of the cool tools.

He said the popularity of Layar's augmented reality will skyrocket in 2010. Layar combines GPS, camera and a compass to identify your surroundings and overlay information on a mobile device screen in real time.

"Very few people know about this," Tompkins said. "It is like the mullet of 2010."

After his presentation, Tompkins spoke with attendees about online media and the journalism workforce.

The use of advanced online media tools will reshape the defintion of ethics and the news value of timeliness. With these products already hitting the market, mediagoers aren't having to wait minutes to post the latest news for media outlets. This immediacy has the ability to burden media coverage.

"Time is the enemy of truth," Tompkins said. "It's possible for you to use this for good, not evil."

One of the challenges for independent journalists is how to use online media as a business.

Tompkins said the best way to approach the situation is knowing how to shoot, write and edit.

"Just cash in on what you what you know," Tompkins said. "This is going to be a market for it."

Journalists still need to become educated in other fields of interest.

"Learn about the stuff you don't know...because you're going to cover them," Tompkins said.

Journalists need to find a niche before approaching the workforce.

"There needs to be something about you...that you're the logical choice," Tompkins said.

As for online mediagoers, it is important to remember that the story creates the most impact, not the "cool" editing software.

"It's always about the story," Tompkins said. "If the story is strong, people will always watch."

Students listen in on Al Tompkins' presentation (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Maverick PR holds bake sale to fundraise for Toys for Tots

2009-11-19T15:27:00.000-08:00

Maverick PR held a fundraiser on Nov. 19 to support the Marines Toys for Tots campaign.

The organization's goal this year is to raise more than 400 toys.

New, unwrapped toy donations can be placed at the following collections centers: Arts and Sciences Hall Room 140, Weber Fine Arts Building Theatre Box Office and the Milo Bail Student Center near the Student Organizations and Leadership Programs Office.

Monetary donations are being accepted in ASH 140. Donations can also be mailed to UNO PRSSA, Arts and Sciences Hall 140-E, 6001 Dodge St., Omaha, NE, 68182.

The Cheesecake Factory and Blue Planet Natural Grill are also collecting toys on behalf of Maverick PR.

Maverick PR members Kristin Webb, Kelsie Olson and Ben McCall (left to right) are selling baked goods and nutritional items to raise funds for the Toys for Tots drive (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Maverick PR sold an array of items from $1.25 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to $.50 fruit (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Day Five: Maverick PR bids farewell to San Diego

2009-11-17T04:12:00.000-08:00

Maverick PR students bid farewell to San Diego on Nov. 10 as the conference comes to a close.

View of Holiday Inn on the Bay (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Julio Badin, Disney's California Adventure park operations general manager, served as the keynote speaker at the farewell breakfast. Badin spoke the guest relations department at the tourist attraction and how to tackle public relations based upon the philosophies of Walt Disney.

Before take off, Maverick PR members made their final rounds around the downtown area.

Students Andrea Ciurej and Heather Nasif spent their final hours at the San Diego Zoo.

Ciurej and Nasif made a point to explore the giant panda research station.

Giant pandas are sleeping before lunch time (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Maverick PR students headed over to San Diego International Airport around 12:30 pacific time by taxi cab.

Students Jessica Legg (left) and Shannon Stawniak (right) wait to board the plane to Denver (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

The final view of San Diego taken from the airport (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

*****

If you would like to learn about the events Maverick PR attended at the national conference, or if you are a Maverick PR member looking for information on the sessions you attended, click here.

Day Four: Maverick PR wins most outstanding chapter in the nation

2009-11-17T01:17:00.000-08:00

Maverick PR was named the most outstanding chapter out of 284 Public Relations Student Society of America chapters across the nation at the Academy of PRSSA Awards Ceremony and Dinner on Nov. 9.

The "Outstanding Chapter" award, the highest award given to any chapter, is determined based on the chapter's efforts of leadership, community and university service, professional development and internships.

The chapter has earned 11 national awards in the past six years: three third place awards and eight first place awards, Faculty adviser Karen Weber said. This, however, is the first time the chapter has been recognized as "Outstanding Chapter."

Maverick PR students Jill Sauser, Shannon Stawniak, Yan He, Faculty adviser Karen Weber, President Cassie Prestia, Kristen Martin, Andrea Ciurej (front, left to right), Jessica Legg, Janna Brock, Alicia Kettleson, Heather Nasif, Mikaela Knipe, Bre Gehrken and Sarah Waller (back, left to right) stand in front of San Diego Bay on Nov. 9

(Photo courtesy: Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Maverick PR placed first in the 2009 National Plank Center Ethics Advocacy Awards for its roundtable discussion titled "Ethics & Bad Behavior: It's All About Choices." The first-place win earned $1,000 for the chapter and $250 for its faculty adviser Karen Weber.

The discussion, held in September, featured 14 corporate and non-profit Omaha professionals who discussed ethical scenarios related to corporate blogging, employee privacy and academic honesty with students. Seniors Stephanie Bonnett, lead event planner, Andrea Ciurej and Shannon Stawniak partnered with the Greater Omaha Alliance for Business Ethics to organize the event.

Maverick PR also earned third place in the National Organ Donor Awareness Competition for the event "Be a Team Player: Become an MV Donor." Seniors Alicia Kettleson and Jessica Legg organized the event held last spring. About 35 students registered to be organ donors and more than 300 students received organ donor information at the event.

Seniors Alicia Kettleson (left) and Jessica Legg (right) earned third place in the National Organ Donor Awareness Competition (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Senior Juan Carillo also earned an honorable mention for the PRSSA National Multicultural Affairs Scholarship.

Michael Steger, who stars as Navid Shirazi on the CW's hit television series "90210," made a guest appearance at the awards dinner. Steger assisted CW publicist Jeff Tobler in announcing the winners of the CW Campaign. Maverick PR did not participate in the campaign.

Andrea Ciurej and Michael Steger following the awards ceremony (Yan He/UNO PRSSA).

Before the big win, Maverick PR enjoyed a bayside lunch at Anthony's Fish Grotto.

Students Heather Nasif, Cassie Prestia, Jill Sauser, Sarah Waller, Yan He, Kristin Martin, Bre Gehrken (left, front to back), Alicia Kettleson, Jessica Legg, Shannon Stawniak, Janna Brock, Faculty adviser Karen Weber and Mikaela Knipe pose in front of a view of San Diego Bay. Not pictured: Andrea Ciurej (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

After the lunch, Maverick PR students attended the professional development sessions focusing on building a professional image, graduate work and networking etiquette.

Walter Bateman, retired CEO of the Harleysville Group, and Natalie Neczypor, marketing executive of Ernst Young LLP, lead the professional image session titled "Resumes, Portfolios & Social Media - 'Building a Professional Image on Paper, Online and in Person.'" A question-and-answer session followed the presentation.

Bateman began the session by presenting the following tips for building a professional image:

- Define success.
- Conduct an introspection.
- ID your value proposition.
- Develop a personal brand.
- Create a vision.
- Exploit a search strategy.
- Delineate and execute a tactical plan.
- Establish a network.
- Research targets.
- Exercise discipline.
- Start at the top.
- Understand your marketable value.
- Use the king's english.

Bateman presents ways of building a professional image to PRSSA students (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Bateman said job seekers need to rise early, work hard and "strike oil." Before "striking oil," Bateman said you need to do the following:

- Buy one manilla folder and write job search on it.

- Define success. Start by looking at yourself. (Place your definition in the manila folder.)

- Write a paragraph about what your job would be. (Place this paragraph in the manila folder.)

- Self-analyze yourself to a CEO. (Place your analysis in the manila folder.)

- Capitalize on what values you have to offer.

Bateman said job seekers also need to engage an influential network, obtain knowledge of the economy and buzz of the business and do dilligence as a potential employer.

Neczypor concluded the session with a five-step process on securing an internship or first job.

Neczypor addresses tips on how to secure an internship or first job to PRSSA students (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Neczypor said the first step is awareness.

Job seekers need to use resumes to present he or she's future goals. A portfolio should be used to tell your story and show your experiences and how they can impact the company. A mission statement should also be included into the mix.

"You need to figure out who you are," she said.

Positioning is the second step. This involves branding, selling and networking your "body of work" to the company.

Neczypor said job seekers need to build repoire by shaking hands and carrying on general conversations, as well as set a soft agenda regarding a course of action. Job seekers should give a concise overview or "elevator pitch" of their goals and accomplishments. They should also probe by asking open-ended questions and be able to present and defend their qualities.

Be assertive at the end of the interview by asking for the job, as well as a business card to confirm your sincerity for the position. Being assertive also involves your willingness to move abroad.

"Don't sell yourself short," she said. "Nobody is going to sell you but you."

Prior planning is the third step in securing an internship or first job. This involves researching the company, practicing your pitch through behavioral-based interviewing, preparation and performance.

Neczypor speaking to students about landing an internship or first job (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Neczypor said it is important to show your coachability, be humble, cool and collected and do whatever you can to mirror your interviewer throughout the hiring process.

Job seekers should also take notes during an interview to improve their preparation skills.

The final steps are follow-up and pursuit of the position and remember the big picture.

"It's a full-time job finding a job," Neczypor said. "It needs to be your second, third or fourth responsibility."

Maverick PR ended the evening by attending the "Stay Classy PRSSA" After Party, followed by a get-together in Downtown San Diego.

Day Three: Huffington Post founder addresses PRSA, PRSSA members at San Diego's Marriott Hotel

2009-11-09T00:14:00.000-08:00

"The Huffington Post" founder Arianna Huffington addressed about 3,000 PRSA and PRSSA members at the Marriott Hotel in San Diego about her new book and streaming topics in politics on Nov. 8.

PRSA and PRSSA members crowd in front of the room Huffington will be speaking (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Janna Brock, President Cassie Prestia, Heather Nasif, Yan He, Jill Sauser and Faculty adviser Karen Weber (left to right) wait in front of the hall where Huffington will speak (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

After addressing the crowd, Huffington interviewed Wendell Potter, the Center for Media and Democracy's Senior Fellow on Health Care. Potter left his 20-year career as a corporate public relations executive for one of the nation's largest health insurance companies to advocate for health-care reform.

Huffington also held a book signing in the Marriott's San Diego Ballroom following her speech.

Arianna Huffington signing various books she has written for PRSA and PRSSA members (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Students Andrea Ciurej and Yan He purchased Huffington's book "Right is Wrong: How the Lunatic Fringe Hijacked America, Shredded the Constitution and Made us all Less Safe (and What you Need to Know to End the Madness)." Both attended the book signing and posed in a photo with Huffington.

Andrea Ciurej seen with Arianna Huffington as she signs Ciurej's book (Yan He/UNO PRSSA).

Yan He (left) and Andrea Ciurej (right) are seen with PRSA President Michael Cherenson after Huffington's speech and interview (Photo courtesy: Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Before Huffington's session, PRSSA students sat in officer discussions. These discussions were a time for students who hold an executive board position with thier chapter or are interested in holding a position meet with other chapters to share ideas about their position.

Officer discussions were held for the following positions: president and vice president; secretary and treasurer; PR liaision, historian and webmaster; and publications and student-run firms.

Assistant newsletter editor Andrea Ciurej (center) met with other publications officers during a boxed-lunch officer discussions (Photo courtesy: Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

After Huffington's session, professional development sessions were held regarding health care, entertainment and sports, corporate and agency PR and diversity. The sessions following involved investor relations and ethics, hospitality, travel and tourism, the bateman case study competition and speed networking, which Maverick PR attended.

The Celebrity Source's Rita Tateel, president, moderated the panel titled "Entertainment and Sports - 'Entertainment and Sports PR Roundtable.'" The panel featured four professionals, including Harry Medvet, head of public relations for Fandango, and Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times sports writer.

The Los Angeles Times' Bill Shaikin meets with students following the entertainment and sports panel (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

The evening concluded with a Pier Party.

Students gather for the Pier Party (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Day Two: Professionals talk social media landmines, media relations with PRSSA students

2009-11-08T01:39:00.001-08:00

Professionals from the San Diego area and beyond spoke with PRSSA students at a series of sessions about the power of social media and building relationships with the media on Nov. 7.

Before the sessions began, Mona Pasquil - the western political director for the White House Office of Political Affairs and the Clinton Administration - delivered the keynote address.

Mona Pasquil addressed several PRSSA chapters on Nov. 7 (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Pasquil spoke to students about effective crisis communication and the challenges faced by today's public relations professionals.

"Think of scenarios and put them in a can," she said. "It's easy to say, hard to do."

Pasquil addressed the importance of timing when dealing with crisis communication scenarios.

"You've got to wait and you've got to think about it," she said. "You've got a millisecond."

Pasquil also addressed the importance of knowing who you are as a person and a professional.

"There are people that don't need you to save the world, but do that one thing, that one simple thing," she said. "You will be the answer to the struggles today."

Chapter roll call immediately followed Pasquil's speech.

PRSSA chapters were called upon to stand up and deliver a cheer expressing to demonstrate school and chapter pride. Treasurer Shannon Stawniak created Maverick PR's cheer.

P-R-S-S-A (clap)

From Omaha, Nebraska - Hey!

We do PR the Maverick way!

Go Mavs!

Beef - it's what's for dinner.

Dun, dun, dun.

Following role call, students participated in a series of professional development sessions.

The first session involved four workshops: crisis, event planning, media relations and social media ethics. The second sessions involved international PR, career preparation, fashion and public affairs and community engagement. The third session involved non-profit PR, entertainment, employee relations and environmental public relations.

Brigham Young University's Susan Balcom Walton, associate chair of the department of communications, and Joel Campbell, associate professor of the department of communications, both led the discussion on the power and misuse of social media.

Susan Balcom Walton (left) and Joel Campbell (right) led the discussion on social media landmines (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Walton and Campbell weighed in on the fair-use factors that comply with social media, especially blogs. Both shared material from BYU to deliver an explanation.

The following factors should be considered when determining the fair use of a copyrighted work, according to BYU's Blog Content Policy:

1. the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for non-profit educational purposes.

2. the nature of the copyrighted work.

3. the amount and sustainability of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole.

4. the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.

Walton and Campbell both spoke about the importance of having blog moderation policies for your blog. They also talked about strategies on how to avoid saying regretful words online by use of the "24-hour Rule."

1. Physically leave the computer area.

2. Before sending, call someone you trust and talk it through with them.

3. Save the draft or send it to yourself and reread the next day.

4. Ask yourself: Would you say this face to face? Would you be comfortable seeing it in print or saying it in a court of law?

Regardless of the landmine experienced in social media, truth is the best defense.

"It's our job to take the high road," Walton said.

Sempra Energy's April Bolduc, public relations manager, led the discussion on public affairs and community engagement.

April Bolduc speaks before a crowd of PR students about public affairs and community engagement (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Bolduc focused on tackling a crisis and how to win over publics from the standpoint of a Fortune 500 energy service company. When a PR team reacts to a flood, for example, Bolduc gave the following tips on how to work as a team and with the media:

- Know who's going to be on your team.

- Always be prepared and run drills with your team detailing the situation.

- Understand the potential negatives of the situation.

- Monitor media calls.

- Meet for status reports and update talking points.

- Keep your officials up to date on the situation.

- Let officials know when the story will run.

- Know who you are talking to and get feedback from clients.

"The key thing is talking with one voice," Bolduc said. "How can you be the calming voice? You really need to be the expert and know how to give corners to your clients."

A presentation from Jana Hartline, environmental communications manager, and Amy Taylor, environmental, safety and quality communications, of Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc. was one of the final discussions of the evening.

Jana Hartline (left) and Amy Taylor (right) spoke before a group of students about the affects of environmental PR the Toyota way (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Hartline and Taylor focused on "Environmental Public Relations - 'The Greener Side of PR.'" Hartline began the presentation by focusing on Toyota's vision for sustainability. Taylor continued the presentation with a discussion on "greenwashing" and the public relations challenges faced when tackling sustainability efforts.

Greenwashing is when a company or organization spends more time and money claiming to be "green" through advertising and marketing than actually implementing business practices that minimize environmental impact, according to the EnviroMedia Greenwashing Web site.

Taylor provided some tips for tackling "greenwashing" in a business:

- Be authentic and transparent when communicating your message as a company.
- Understand the difference between educational and promotional.
- Partner with third party advocates, such as social media, to relay your message.
- Be an advocate for yourself.

After the sessions, Maverick PR dined in Old Town San Diego for a mexican dinner.

Maverick PR dines at San Diego Old Town Mexican Cafe on Nov. 7. Not pictured: Alicia Kettleson, Andrea Ciurej and Yan He (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Day One: PRSSA students delve into chapter development "Saved by the Bell" style

2009-11-07T00:59:00.000-08:00

Students from UNO's Public Relations Student Society of America learned how to spice up their chapter at chapter development sessions featuring eight themed student group presentations. UNO was among the eight schools to present on Nov. 6.

Other schools included Brigham Young University, University of Austin-Texas, Indiana State University, Roger Williams University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Utica College and Brigham Young University-Idaho.

These 30-minute presentations were based on the accomplishments of each chapter and the fundamentals to their success.

UNO informed other chapters how to become successful through service with their themed presentation "Saved by the Bell: Successful Service." Presentation members Jill Sauser, Heather Nasif, Mikaela Knipe, Bre Gehrken, Kristen Martin, Cassie Prestia and Sarah Waller sported the theme with Bayside Tiger T-shirts.

The presentation focused on the acheivements of the following campaigns: Voices Against Violence, Toys for Tots, Scouting for Food, UNO Building Bright Futures, Very Important Path and others.*

Faculty adviser Karen Weber poses with the presentation team of (left to right) Jill Sauser, Heather Nasif, Mikaela Knipe, Bre Gehrken, Kristen Martin, Cassie Prestia and Sarah Waller.

Following the presentations, all chapters at the conference were treated to a fiesta party themed "Bring Us Something PRSSA," equipped with mexican food and a mariachi band.

The fiesta is a national conference tradition, where students from each chapter bring school- or chapter-branded souvenirs to exchange with other PRSSA members.

Chapters gather for the fiesta-themed social at the Holiday Inn on the Bay's Pacific Ballroom (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Heather Nasif, Jessica Legg and Alicia Kettleson (left to right) carry on a conversation with a student from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh PRSSA chapter (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Kristen Martin (left) and Mikaela Knipe (right) enjoy the evening as the mariachi band surrounds the table

(Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Yan He (left) and Shannon Stawniak (right) get into the fiesta spirit with maracas in hand (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

*Video clips of the presentation will be available soon.

PRSSA students fly off to San Diego for 2009 national conference

2009-11-06T18:43:00.000-08:00

Students from UNO's Public Relations Student Society of America flew off to "America's finest city" for the 2009 PRSSA National Conference from Nov. 6 - 10.

Students headed over to San Diego on Nov. 5 at 6:30 a.m. central time and arrived around 7:30 a.m. pacific time.

The conference themed "Creating Currents: Surfing the Waves of Change" in San Diego consists of interactive sessions and workshops shaped to provide young public relations professionals with the following currents of change: crisis management, media relations and entertainment, international, fashion and health care.

Keynote speakers, such as Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post, will be speaking to students during sessions.

There are also career development and networking workshops for students to swap resumes and business cards. Students are also going to be honored for their hardwork and accomplishments as a chapter.

Left to right: Alicia Kettleson, Bre Gehrken, Jessica Legg, Shannon Stawniak, Heather Nasif, Yan He and Jill Sauser arrive at Denver International Airport on Nov. 5. Back: Sarah Waller. Not pictured: Faculty adviser Karen Weber, Kristen Martin, Cassie Prestia, Janna Brock and Andrea Ciurej (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

View of Downtown San Diego from Holiday Inn on the Bay, where UNO students are calling "home" during the conference (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Leading political and business thinker speaks to crowd of UNO students

2009-11-06T13:43:00.000-08:00

A former White House aide under the Clinton Administration spoke to UNO students at the College of Public Affairs and Community Service Building on Nov. 4. before attending the evening Governor Series Lecture at the Joslyn Art Museum.

Matt Miller is a contributing editor at Fortune magazine, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and the host of public radio's popular week-in-review program Left, Right and Center.

Matt Miller speaking in the College of Public Affairs and Community Service Building on Nov. 4 (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

CPACS dean B.J. Reed asked the Nebraska Humanities Council, who sponsored the lecture series at the Joslyn, if Miller would be interested in speaking to UNO students.

He spoke with students about his second book called "The Tyranny of Dead Ideas." A question and answer session followed his discussion.

Matt Miller speaking to UNO students about politics (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

News Writing and Reporting students continue on for another late night of reporting

2009-11-04T00:55:00.000-08:00

One student from Kevin Warneke's News Writing and Reporting class faced a chilly night as he shadowed a Campus Security guard for his after-dark story.

Student Nick Cavallaro shadowed Campus Security Sgt. John Folker after midnight on Nov. 4 to learn about the late-night occurrences and security procedures after hours. Cavallaro walked around campus with Folker to learn about these topics.

While strollling the campus, Folker responded to a theft call made by another security guard.

Folker said the call involved a boyfriend who stole his ex-girlfriend's garage pass. The woman was attempting to enter the parking garage near Maverick Village without her pass. She contacted Campus Security in tears and informed them of the situation. Since she had a pass on file, Folker said Campus Security allowed her access into the garage.

Cavallaro and Folker seen in front of the College of Public Affairs and Community Service building after midnight on Nov. 4 (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Folker responds to the garage pass theft call made by another officer after midnight on Nov. 4 (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Cavallaro continues his interview with Folker in Campus Security's interview room just before 1 a.m. on Nov. 4, after walking around campus (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

News Writing and Reporting students report on university occurrences after dark

2009-11-03T02:37:00.000-08:00

Students from Kevin Warneke's News Writing and Reporting class are reporting on university occurrences after dark.

Some of the story assignments require students to be on campus after 11 p.m.

Kevin Warneke, a School of Communication professor, met with Wendy Townley, the assistant director of University Relations, and Andrea Ciurej, the editor-in-chief of The Gateway, to produce a story list for Warneke's students before the beginning of the fall semester.

Warneke assigned stories to his students in class on Oct. 26. Before assigning the stories, Ciurej introduced herself to his class and familiarized students with The Gateway. Ciurej will serve as the photographer for the students covering stories on campus after hours.

Some stories will be published in a special section of The Gateway this month.

Student Chase Spencer meets up with a custodian working the late-night shift on campus on Nov. 2 at 11 p.m. Spencer's after-dark story involves shadowing a custodian after university hours. Spencer interviewed the custodian in Arts and Sciences Hall (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Student Ainslee Kardisco interviews Mohammed Husain, Criss Library building services assistant, after midnight on Nov. 3. Kardisco's after-dark story involves reporting on library closing and security procedures. Kardisco shadowed Husain as he closed the library up for the night (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Tune in to University Weekly on Facebook, Twitter

2009-11-02T15:38:00.000-08:00

Stay tuned through facebook and get the scoop on students and organizations at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Get my perspective through Twitter, as well.

Click here to become a fan today.

UNO geography professor dies after 45 years of service

2009-10-29T15:27:00.000-07:00

The UNO flag was lowered to half-staff on Oct. 22 to honor the loss of the Department of Geography/Geology's Charles "Chuck" Gildersleeve. However, Gildersleeve's teaching habits will live on in an annual "Know-Your-World" lecture sponsored by one of the many programs he touched.

Gildersleeve, 69, taught human, urban and economic geography courses at UNO. He passed away on Oct. 10 due to complications with jaw surgery.

UNO's International Studies and Programs will sponsor the lecture every fall in honor of Gildersleeve, a founding faculty member of the university's international studies major. He also served as chair of the Department of Geography/Geology from 1981-1988. The lecture will be a part of International Education Week.

Tom Gouttierre, dean of International Studies and Programs, said the first lecture will be on Nov. 16 at noon. Jack Shroder, a professor in the Department of Geography/Geology, will lecture on the geoscience riches of Afghanistan.

Gouttierre made this announcement at Gildersleeve's memorial service on Oct. 22 at the Thompson Alumni Center.

He said Gildersleeve's annual guest lecture on demography for an international studies introductory course impacted several students.

"So many of them would remind me of how they thought he was such a kindly person in helping them feel at home," Gouttierre said. "He always had such an impact on students and there are numbers of them who have referred to having seen him just in that one lecture and how much that meant to them even then."

The Student Senate passed a letter of condolence on Oct. 22, supporting the inauguration of the "Know-Your-World" lecture. The letter also acknowledged Gildersleeve's 45-year contribution to the university since 1964.

"Dr. Gildersleeve demonstrated his love for his subject and his commitment to geographical education at all levels by being a founding member of the Geography Educators of Nebraska (1987-2007) and frequently interacting with secondary educators to improve their instruction," according to the resolution. "Dr. Gildersleeve was completely devoted to students as the center of the academic enterprise, winning several teaching awards and often mentioned by students as the most influential instructor in their academic careers."

Gildersleeve was responsible for coordinating the National Geographic Bee (1988-2007) under the National Geographic Society. He also served on the Omaha Planning Board from 1980-1985.

UNO Chancellor John Christensen, who opened the service, said Gildersleeve was an inspiration to the whole university.

"He's an example of long-serving, inspired, dedicated service to this institution, which has brought UNO to its rightful place in American higher education," Christensen said. "While we shall miss him, we can take solace in knowing he left a wonderful legacy by which to remember him."

After meeting Gildersleeve in the 1980s, Christensen advised his three sons to take a course "the Gildersleeve way."

"Study didn't make any difference, take a Gildersleeve course and they did," Christensen said. "Each thanked me for the recommendation and all characterized it as one of the best classroom experiences they had ever had, albeit, the worst collection of stories they had ever heard."

Pat Gildersleeve, his wife, said her husband always enjoyed a good laugh throughout their 50-year marriage, just as much as he loved teaching.

"Chuck always enjoyed hearing a good joke and in turn, he could tell a good joke right back," she said. "Chuck has always been a kind and upbeat person."

Gildersleeve motivated students to participate in campus-related events, especially UNO athletics. He also inspired students to get their money's worth in the classroom.

UNO student Andrea Souchek recalls Gildersleeve busting out some moves when a cell phone would ring in his class.

Souchek said she misses his friendly smile and his motivating presence.

"He would talk up the world, tell you random and savory details and stories and connect things that you would never think twice about," Souchek said. "Then it was as if he would hand you the keys to the world and tell you, 'Now go do something with it.' He made you want to reach out to the world, he made sure you treasure the little things in life and always made you laugh."

Gildersleeve's everlasting presence on students also motivated his colleagues.

Michael Peterson, a UNO geography professor, said Gildersleeve was "a fountain of optimism."

"As the most senior geographer in the department, he set the tone for how professors interact with students," Peterson said.

He said Gildersleeve's ability to remember names was one of his most defining characteristics.

"He taught classes with up to 120 students, and while it took him weeks, he would remember the names of everyone," Peterson said. "He was always interested in their progress and many students would rely on him for advice and support."

Other professionals from Nebraska also gathered at the memorial to share their experiences with family, friends and loved ones.

Harris Payne, social science curriculum supervisor of Omaha Public Schools, recalled Gildersleeve's many impersonations of Donald Duck and references to his hometown of Zearing, Iowa.

Zearing was known to Gildersleeve's students and colleagues as "Cupcake Corners."

Payne also quizzed memorial attendees on the three books Gildersleeve said college students must have: a dictionary, a thesaurus and an atlas.

Randy Bertolas, a geography professor at Wayne State, said Gildersleeve always provided students, even those at Wayne, with a kindred education in geography.

"You always got the feeling you've known Chuck your whole life, even if you've just been introduced to him," Bertolas said. "Because Chuck made an impression, he made an impact, he made a difference in the lives of so many people. Chuck just stuck with everyone he met."

(Photo courtesy: Michael Peterson/UNO Department of Geography/Geology)

President Milliken and wife host dinner to meet NU students

2009-10-26T09:19:00.000-07:00

Students across the University of Nebraska system gathered at NU President James B. Milliken and wife Nana Smith's home Sunday evening for dinner.

About 250 students attended dinner. About 30 of those students were from UNO.

Students were chosen to attend based on their leadership roles at their university.

Students at UNO were chosen based on referrals from professors and student organizations. If a student's name appeared twice out of the pool of students who were referred, that student was invited to attend.

Students from UNO, UNL, UNK and UNMC gather at the entrance of Milliken's home as guests arrive (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

Students from UNO socialize before dinner (Andrea Ciurej/UNO).

President Milliken and I after dinner.

UNO students spend the day with Warren Buffett

2009-10-12T15:58:00.000-07:00

Students from UNO's College of Business Administration and School of Communication met with Berkshire Hathaway billionaire Warren Buffett at one of his annual sessions with students.

Students from the University of Missouri, Columbia University, the Wharton School from the University of Pennsylvania, Northern Arizona and St. Louis University attended the session. UNO served as the host school.

Students from the College of Business Administration and School of Communcation pose with Warren Buffett after lunch. (Photo courtesy: Mary Liberty/UNO School of Communication)

Students began the day with a tour of Nebraska Furniture Mart, a Berkshire Hathaway business. Students were then treated with a two-hour question and answer session at Kiewit Corporation hosted by Buffett.

Buffett treated students to a steak lunch and root beer float afterward.

He stuck around after the lunch to meet with each school and take photos with each student and faculty member who attended the session.

School of Communication professor Jeremy Lipschultz and students pose with Warren Buffett after lunch. (Photo courtesy: Andrea Ciurej/UNO)

Omaha World-Herald professionals talk interviewing strategies with public affairs students

2009-10-05T16:01:00.000-07:00

Omaha World-Herald reporter Todd Cooper talked about important interviewing strategies with public affairs reporting students at a Gateway symposium on Oct. 1.

World-Herald reporters Christopher Burbach and Cindy Gonzalez also attended the symposium.

Cooper, a state courts reporter, gave a presentation on 12 interviewing tips that will get a reporter to the truth. A question-and-answer session followed the presentation.

"Interviews are a three-act play," Cooper said. "Our goal is to get as close to the truth as possible."

Public affairs students David Dockery, Mitch Warren, Steve Coufal, Holly Fredrickson, Patrick Favara and Lisa Dirks listen as Cooper gives his presentation on interviewing strategies. (Andrea Ciurej/UNO)

Student Spotlight: Jared Flanagan, UNO Marching Mavericks

2009-09-28T15:26:00.000-07:00

The following responses were given by UNO freshman Jared Flanagan, a music technology major.

UNO freshman Jared Flanagan sits with the UNO Marching Mavs during the football game. (Andrea Ciurej/UNO)

What sparked your interest in music? It all started when my older brother started playing trumpet in elementary school, I though it looked fun so I though I would try it. I started out trumpet first and couldn't really play it. Then my mom thought I should try the trombone since we had one from when she played in band, that also failed. Finally, I just asked myself which would I rather play guitar or drums? I picked drums when I was eight and the rest is history.

What instrument do you play and what triggered your interest in playing this particular instrument? I play the drum and really all types of percussion instruments from the drum set to marimba. It was a lack of ability to play wind intruments that triggered my interest in percussion, basically.

What are you involved in on campus and how has it benefited your music career so far? So, I'm involved in marching band, percussion ensemble, and Pep Band. They each present their own unique challenges. With marching band, it's force me to learn how to sight-read and memorize music much faster than I've had to before. Percussion ensemble has been good for by exposing me to new types of music I wouldn't otherwise play on my own. Pep Band isn't so much challenging as just an opportunity to get more performance time and it allows to experiment more on the drum set.

What do you plan to do when you get out of college? I am hoping to get a job with a production company running soundboards. I would also not mind doing tech work within the theatre community. Maybe one day I could become a technical director, which would entail designing sets, light shows and other technical aspect of productions.

Being a true musician, what are you thoughts on games such as Rock Band and Guitar Hero? I do enjoy playing the games, however annoying and frustrating they may be. Certain songs on the drums in Rock Band that they tend to sometimes make the parts ridiculously hard to play on the game, when on a real drum set, they are actually fairly simple to play. If I was going to rate the realism of the games, I would give them an eight out of 10.

Maverick Solutions raises awareness on intimate partner violence

2009-09-28T14:58:00.000-07:00

Females who are 20 to 24 years of age are at the greatest risk for intimate partner violence, according to the National Center for Victims of Crime.

One in every four of these women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. The members of the UNO Voices Against Violence Task Force, in partnership with the Omaha YWCA, have teamed up with Maverick Solutions to educate the campus on intimate partner violence.

Maverick Solutions, UNO's student-run public relations firm, hosted a back-to-school barbecue on Sept. 10 to raise awareness on this matter.

Members of the UNO Voices Against Violence Task Force enjoy the film "Waitress." (Andrea Ciurej/UNO)

The event - which was held at Maverick Village from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. - featured an outdoor viewing of the romantic comedy "Waitress." Free hot dogs, soda and pie were be served to carry out theme of the film.

Students from lecturer Karen Weber's Critical Writing for the Mass Media course watch the film "Waitress."

(Andrea Ciurej/UNO)

"Waitress," directed by Adrienne Shelly, hones in on the unhappy marriage of Jenna, a waitress who is trying to escape from her controlling and abusive husband. Jenna - played by "Felicity" star Keri Russell - bakes pies, which are named after the unfortunate happenings in her life. Jenna attempts to enter a pie-baking contest, which offers a $25,000 grand prize, so she can earn enough money to leave her husband.

Jill Sauser, Maverick Solutions co-director and event coordinator, said the film was chosen because it's an example of how a problematic relationship can transform into physical abuse.

Event coordinator Jill Sauser and Maverick PR President Cassie Prestia socialize before "Waitress" begins.

(Andrea Ciurej/UNO)

"We chose the film 'Waitress' because it demonstrates how quickly emotional abuse can quickly turn into physical violence," Sauser said. "It is also a clear example of how crucial a role friends and family play in providing the victim with the courage to escape an abusive relationship."

Sauser said students need to understand that not all violence is physical in nature.

"Emotional abuse and mental abuse are forms of intimate partner violence, as well," she said. "Often, these can cause even more long-term damage."

A YWCA staff member moderated a brief discussion regarding intimate partner violence after the film. A drawing for a free iPod and other prizes concluded the event.

Sauser said that it was an honor to represent an organization who delves into the issues of intimate partner violence and alcohol abuse.

"It's an amazing experience to play a role in providing students with the knowledge and tools to prevent any type of violent relationship they or their loved ones may find themselves in," she said.

The idea of one in four college students being subjected to an intimate partner relationship is a "scary reality."

"Whether its date rape or verbal abuse, chances are high that at some point in our lives we will be faced with it in some form," Sauser said. "I want students and faculty to leave with the ability to recognize the warning signs of abuse and learn how to safely and successfully speak up for those who can't speak for themselves."

Public affairs students sit in on city council meeting

2009-09-28T14:36:00.000-07:00

In an effort to “stop the bleeding” city budget from impacting the community, the Omaha City Council approved a 10-percent property tax increase with a 4-2 vote on Tuesday.

Employees from DirectTV look on as city council members converse. (Andrea Ciurej/UNO)

Students from lecturer Karen Weber's public affairs reporting class were present at the meeting.

Public affairs students Tim Kucera and Lisa Dirks take notes at the city council meeting. (Andrea Ciurej/UNO)

If the council did not uphold Mayor Jim Suttle’s veto, the tax increase would have jumped to 6.4 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

Council member Jean Stothert was one of the two votes opposing the property-tax increase. Council member Pete Festersen also opposed the increase.

“If I felt strong enough about it two weeks ago, I will still feel strong enough about it today,” Stothert said. “My position has been and it always will be, and I ran my race on a set of pledges and a set of promises that a tax increase would be the last resort.”

She said there are still concerns circulating throughout the Omaha community.

“There are many people out there on the verge of losing their homes, there’s many people out there that can’t pay their bills,” Stothert said.

Stothert also addressed the 1.5-cent tax increase implemented by the Omaha Public Schools and Metropolitan Community College’s 26-percent tax increase. Other items included the need to raise taxes for the city’s sewer separation project and the further development of the city’s bridges and roads.

“And it adds up, and it adds up and it adds up,” she said.

Stothert doesn’t feel the city is prepared to move forward with this increase.

“I feel like there is still a lot of work we can still do to reduce spending before I support a property-tax increase, especially during these times,” she said. “This is not our money we are spending, this is the community spending.”

Council member Franklin Thompson voted to uphold the mayor’s veto for the budget.

City council members Franklin Thompson (left) and Chris Jerram speak before the meeting. (Andrea Ciurej/UNO)

“In all of that time, I’ve always said that taxes are a last option, but I have never said that taxes will never ever be raised,” Thompson said.

Before coming to a solution, Thompson wanted assurance of Suttle’s dedication to “stop the bleeding” budget.

“I think the thing that is wrong with city government is sometimes we want to just pidgeon hole or just separate these things and only talk about them in isolation, but everyone that comes in person doesn’t see it that way,” Thompson said.

He said upholding the tax increase is a more responsible decision.

“We’re faced with a certain reality and we’re going to have a property-tax increase,” Thompson said. “I think it’s more responsible to go with the lower rate than the higher rate.”

Before coming to a decision, Thompson said he had to weigh many different aspects of Suttle’s proposal.

“In the end, I have a job to do and the job is to make sure the city does not shut down,” Thompson said. “One of the things I definitely don’t want to do is saddle citizens with a 6.4 percent property tax, when at least we can get away with something that’s small.”

Public affairs students participate in media training

2009-09-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

Five public-affairs reporting students from the University of Nebraska at Omaha participated in media training exercises for the Nebraska Department of Human and Health Services on Sept. 22.

Emily Johnson, Zak Davis, Mark McDonald, Andrea Ciurej, Holly Fredrickson and Tim Kucera (left to right) are pictured at the Eastern Nebraska Veteran's Home in Bellevue, where the media training was held.

Students Emily Johnson, Zak Davis, Andrea Ciurej, Holly Fredrickson and Tim Kucera participated in the media training exercise, which was held at the Eastern Nebraska Veteran's Home in Bellevue. Each student represented an Omaha publication or TV station to prepare the department's CEO and other colleagues for real media scenarios. The students participated in three press conferences and TV interviews for the training.

Mark McDonald - director of Vox Optima Public Relations, Western Region - organized the media training.
He said a colleague directed his attention to Maverick PR adviser Karen Weber and the work of the UNO Public Relations Student Society of America chapter.

McDonald said the media training is beneficial to both the trainees and the students involved.

"For a journalism student or a PR student...we like them to see a realistic scenario with the type of people that would be involved in a press conference or a media interview and give them some hands-on experience that will be valuable to them as they progress...," McDonald said.

Maverick PR hosts ethics advocacy event

2009-09-21T21:32:00.000-07:00

University and other Omaha-area professionals gathered to discuss ethical behavior with more than a dozen students at the Thompson Alumni Center's Centennial Hall on Sept. 21.

Professionals Scott Darling (far left) and Kevin Langin (left) gather their materials as students prepare for their small-group discussion. (Andrea Ciurej/UNO)

The event titled "Ethics &;\ Bad Behavior: It's All About Choices" was hosted by Maverick PR, the University of Nebraska at Omaha chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America.

Maverick PR hosted the Ethics Advocacy Event with the teamwork of members Andrea Ciurej, Shannon Stawniak, Stephanie Bonnett, lecturer Karen Weber and Jessica Legg (left to right). (Photo by: Erin Redemske)

Students were divided into small groups and assigned an ethical case study to analyze with two local professionals.

Professionals include:
Gail Baker, dean of the College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media
Allen Cooper, vice president of internal audit, ConAgra Foods
Scott Darling, former vice president of communication, Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society
Susan Eustice, president of PRSA Nebraska and public relations director, The Salvation Army
Kent Grisham, director of corporate affairs, Kiewit Corporation
Jim Hegarty, president and CEO, Better Business Bureau
Eileen Kenney, ethics compliance officer and Web content manager, Union Pacific
Kevin Langin, public relations director, First National Bank
Teresa Paulsen, vice president of corporate communications, ConAgra Foods
Michelle Perone, Career Center director, UNO
Louis Pol, dean of the College of Business Administration
Erin Redemske, public affairs specialist, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City-Omaha branch
Sarah Waldman, vice president of ethical practices, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska
Sherrie Wilson, associate professor, UNO School of Communication.

Students and professionals had the opportunity to analyze ethical scenarios, such as corporate blogging, employee privacy and academic honesty, in small groups. The results of each discussion were shared in a large-group discussion toward the end of the event.

Dean Louis Pol (left) reviews UNO's Student Code of Conduct with another student before their small-group discussion.

(Andrea Ciurej/UNO)

Darling facilitated the large-group discussion and began with an overall definiton of ethics.

"What I say when I think of ethics is, "What is good, right and proper?" Darling said.

Professionals from larger corporations mentioned the potential difficulties involved when hiring and firing employees.

"It comes down to facts and circumstances," Cooper said.

Grisham addressed the hardships of knowing when to draw the line.

"You have to understand everything that is at stake," he said.

Hegarty discussed the difficulities of working for a smaller, more family-like organization.

"You develop these deep relationships...but the right decision must be made," he said. "They need to be subjected to a litmus test."

Professionals Jim Hegarty (top) and Kent Grisham (bottom right) engage in conversation before the Ethics Advocacy Event.
(Andrea Ciurej/UNO)