As Doane University kicks off Homecoming this weekend, the institution proudly celebrates its alumni and friends with distinguished honors.
Doane has long recognized the outstanding accomplishments of its graduates through a series of awards designed to celebrate professional success, community leadership, exceptional service and continued engagement with the university.
This year’s Alumni Awards Banquet will be Sunday, Oct. 20, at noon in the Perry Memorial Campus Center. The event will honor several people whose work and lives have made a profound impact in their fields, communities, and at Doane University.
“We are incredibly proud of these individuals and how they exemplify the values and spirit of Doane University,” said Michelle Dusharme Faltin, director of alumni engagement. “Each recipient is selected after careful review of nominations by the Advancement Staff and the Alumni Council. They are recognized not only for their achievements in specific categories but also for their outstanding professional accomplishments, community service, leadership, and overall embodiment of what it means to be a Doane graduate.
“These individuals don’t pursue recognition; they demonstrate leadership in all areas of life because of who they are, truly reflecting how Doane builds leaders.”
2024 Alumni Award recipients:
• Gerald F. Burke ’85 — aul Kersenbrock Humanitarian Award
• Shaylene "Shay" Suhr Smith ’91— Exceptional Service Award
• Kasey E. Dils ’19, ’21E — Young Alumni Award
• Erin Zeller Craven ’06, ’10E, ’13E — Educator of the Year Award
• Fred E. Maschmann ’64 and Craig A. Fleming ’77 — Honor D Award
• Jill A. Smith ’74 — Doane Builder Award
The Alumni Awards Banquet is an important tradition at Doane, providing an opportunity to reflect on the university’s proud history while celebrating the accomplishments of those who continue to make an impact.
Doane alumni are invited to join the celebration during Homecoming and show support for these outstanding alumni and their achievements.
Bios of the recipients of the Doane Alumni Awards:
Gerald F. Burke ’85 – Paul Kersenbrock Humanitarian Award
Gerald Burke ’85 was raised on a farm near Coleridge and attended Hartington Cedar Catholic High School. He recalls being initially drawn to Doane by pictures of the gorgeous campus, but it was the scholarships in music and theatre, along with the opportunity to work in Doane’s television station, that ultimately convinced him to attend.
While at Doane, Gerry majored in communications and spent much time in the media center, producing news, sports, and entertainment shows. He was also actively involved in the Doane Choir, Doane Players, and Alpha Pi Epsilon fraternity, the latter of which created lifelong friendships and bonds that led to him being honored with this award. More on that soon, though.
Gerry admits that his career path has been diverse.
“The years have blessed me with an interesting and varied career. I started in broadcasting, then moved to automated telecommunication, and now I'm in transportation technology,” he said, elaborating on his career path.
A career with such variety has also led to unique accomplishments.
“I have been honored to receive awards from the South Dakota Advertising Federation and Omaha Broadcasters Association,” Gerry said. “I have also presented research at industry conferences in New York and moderated focus groups in Los Angeles. I was even interviewed live on Public Radio International.”
Furthermore, Gerry cultivates (what he calls) a fledgling writing career outside of work, with one self-published novel available on Amazon and a second novel close to completion. He also lends his voice to documentaries and audiobooks, including his book.
However, his everlasting fraternity connection ultimately led to his nomination and the honor of receiving this year's Paul Kersenbrock Humanitarian Award. A fraternity brother, Juan Facendo ’87, and his family had been living in Venezuela but fled to Peru due to crises in their home country. After living for five years in Peru, Gerry created a GoFundMe page to help the Facendos relocate to the US.
“To survive, the Facendo family fled to Peru, along with millions of others. Juan's fraternity brothers have kept in touch, provided occasional support, and attempted to bring Juan and Maria's children to the US for school,” Gerry wrote. “Now, through a special program for Venezuelan refugees, they have been granted Travel Authorization to come to the USA legally.”
Once the Facendo family got to the States, they lived with Gerry and his family in Omaha. The Burkes gave them a place to stay, and other assistance needed to make a new start in a new country. The GoFundMe funds helped with travel expenses, furniture, a bicycle, cellular service, clothing, and more for the Facendo family.
The GoFundMe page raised $10,460 in total.
On February 10, 2023, the Facendo family arrived in Omaha with only six suitcases and five backpacks of personal belongings. About a week later, Gerry added an update to the GoFundMe page, sharing what the Facendo family’s “American Experience” had included since arriving.
Shopping for warm clothes
Super Bowl party with the Burke’s friends
Completing forms for Work Permits
New SIM cards for mobile devices
Valentine's dinner out for Juan and Maria (Gerry & Mary’s treat)
Dinner and career consultation with Angie Baker ’88 (Angie’s treat)
Shoveling and sledding on 6+ inches of new snow
Celebrating Maria’s birthday
Evening with Mark Huss ’85 (Mark’s treat)
It’s safe to say the Facendo family was already in a much better spot than they’d been in for a long time. That was primarily thanks to Gerry and his efforts, which are a testament to the profound impact of his humanitarian actions.
Gerry initially declined to accept this award. Not because he wasn’t honored but because he felt it was a group effort and singling him out wasn’t correct.
“At first, I had to be convinced I was worthy of this award. The good Lord gave us a path to walk, and we did our best to stay true to that path,” he recalls. “But when I learned that I would be able to thank all those who helped us make the Facendo family’s journey possible, I agreed it would be a great opportunity to do just that.”
Gerry has been a user experience consultant with Union Pacific Railroad for ten years. He and Mary have been married for 33 years and have two grown daughters, Bailey and Regan. They reside in Omaha.
Shaylene "Shay" Suhr Smith ’91 – Exceptional Service Award
Shaylene Suhr Smith ’91 grew up in Paxton and graduated with a class of 16. No one in her family had graduated from college, so everyone always encouraged her to set high educational goals. She learned about Doane from Patty Hawk Diercks ’95A, the recruiter who visited her school. After a campus visit that included theatre auditions and the opportunity to meet Ned McPartland, Shay knew that Doane would be her home. She was able to attend, thanks to academic and theatre scholarships.
At Doane, Shay was a political science major focusing on pre-law. While a student, Shay took full advantage of the vast opportunities Doane offers. She was the cheer squad captain, the first president of the Chi Delta sorority, the sports editor for the Doane Owl, a peer advisor, a member of Doane Players and Cardinal Key, and even the student representative for the Board of Trustees. Shay worked hard but admitted she probably also partied a little too hard on occasion. Despite the best efforts of biology professor Dr. Rob Wikel to persuade her to change her major, Shay graduated and gained admission to law school in three years.
“The amazing opportunities at Doane truly built who I am,” Shay said. “I started Doane as the awkward speech and music nerd from a small town, but I left Doane genuinely believing that I could do anything I set my mind to.”
Shay admits that it feels like she has remained perpetually connected to Doane. She went to law school at the University of Nebraska on a scholarship. While in law school, Shay also started a graduate degree in political science and public policy because she didn't know if she wanted to practice law or teach. She soon found the best of both worlds when she was offered a position with a law firm in Crete and the chance to be an adjunct professor at Doane, where she taught constitutional law and current legal issues. Shay found her partner for life when she married another Doane alum, Michael Smith ’95. She and Mike have been blessed to raise three children just blocks south of Doane on Boswell Ave.
"Since I have stayed in Crete, I have worked with decades of Doane students, faculty, and staff. Many students I taught are now law enforcement officers, attorneys, and even judges,” Shay said. “Years ago, I was the person the kids called early in the morning when they accidentally lit the quads on fire, and I am working now to give our art students extra opportunities to perform. I get to host student interns regularly, and I still guest lecture, most recently talking with the nonprofit management class. I am happy to be one of the links that make the Doane-Crete connection solid and vibrant.”
Shay and Mike were inaugural members of the Doane College Society and supported the creation of the David H. Smith Memorial, which provides cash awards to students pursuing scientific research. However, Shay says her most significant contribution is her ongoing mentorship of the ladies of Chi Delta and her gifts to help create the Chi Delta Founding Mother's Scholarship. Her commitment to guiding and supporting the next generation of Doane students is truly inspiring.
Shay has been a successful general practice attorney for thirty years already. She was awarded the highest honor given to a Nebraska attorney when her peers selected her as a Fellow in the Nebraska State Bar Foundation in 2016. In addition to her practice, Shay has long enjoyed volunteering in the community. Some of her service highlights include being named International Sertoman of the Year in 2005, developing Crete's Economic Development Plan in 2010, and just recently being honored by Governor Pillen when the Blue River Arts Council (BRAC) was named Volunteer Organization of the Year by ServeNebraska.
As if her everlasting connection with Doane isn’t reason enough, her diligent dedication to leading the capital campaign for the BRAC that renovated and reopened the Isis Theatre here in Crete is what made her nomination and awarding of this year’s Exceptional Service Award an overdue reality. Now that the Isis is open, Shay says it's fun and fulfilling to watch the students come down the hill to enjoy the movies and even work volunteer shifts at the theatre.
Shay's passion for life is evident outside her job and the BRAC. She enjoys traveling, catching up with her sorority sisters, quilting, playing with her dogs, and spending quality time with her family. Her commitment to continuous learning is also admirable, as she recently became a Certified Nonprofit Professional in 2020.
Shay’s journey from a small-town student to becoming a successful lawyer and fervent community advocate is a testament to her determination and the unwavering support from the Doane and Crete communities. Shay said she believed that when graduating from Doane, she could do anything she set her mind to. And she certainly has, serving as a shining example of what can be achieved with determination and the support of a strong community. It’s why she’s so proud to be a Tiger.
Kasey E. Dils ’19, ’21E – Young Alumni Award
Kasey Dils ’19, ’21E, grew up in a working-class family in Lincoln. He attended Lincoln Northeast, where he says it was never a question of whether he was going to college but rather what college he would choose.
“When I was growing up, I had one goal: to become a teacher,” Kasey said.
Kasey says he had many outstanding educators throughout his formative years in Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) but generally found that his favorite teachers all had one thing in common: a degree that said 'Doane.'
When looking into colleges, Kasey had a great conversation with his fourth-grade teacher, Megan Simsic ’00, ’09E, about her Doane experience. It was because of stories like those he heard from Ms. Simsic regarding Doane’s reputation and the quality of its education program that he proudly chose to become a Tiger.
At Doane, Kasey majored in elementary education (K-8) and special education (K-12). He was a residential advisor and orientation leader, part of the executive team of Doane's Nebraska State Education Association, part of the executive team of Project Outdoor Classroom, a member of PRISM, and a member of the Residence Hall Association.
“The impact of my involvement at Doane has been everlasting. The friendships I formed have become part of my core group of friends; I am not sure what life was like before them,” Kasey said. “Something I did not consider as a college student was the networking opportunities the clubs provided. I have lost count of the times I have been able to spark a conversation, make a connection, or share an experience because of something that stemmed from one of these organizations.”
After Doane, Kasey started his career with LPS as a special education teacher at Lincoln Northeast. He became a 2nd-grade teacher at Pershing Elementary before assuming the 5th-grade Team Lead Teacher role there. He is now the Building Coordinator at Meadow Lane Elementary.
Kasey believes the proudest accomplishments in his career have never coincided with an award, promotion, or recognition. Instead, he feels the accomplishments that created a ripple effect within the community mean much more. For example, when he helped establish a school/community garden or obtained a significant grant to support outdoor education efforts. Or when he established a school club that teaches elementary-aged boys how to be gentlemen or was asked to serve on the Bright Lights Board. Those are his true highlights.
Much like his former educators who have ‘Doane’ on their degrees, Kasey continues to be a proud Tiger. He has welcomed Doane’s practicum and student teachers into his classroom, is working toward his third Doane degree, and tells anyone willing to listen that Doane is “the Ivy League of the Midwest,” encouraging them to check it out for themselves.
Kasey and his partner Cordell live in Lincoln.
Erin Zeller Craven ’06, ’10E, ’13E – Educator of the Year Award
Erin Zeller Craven ’06, ’10E, ’13E grew up in Ogallala, where she was heavily involved in vocal and instrumental music. As high school graduation approached and the college search began, Erin heard nothing but great things from her brother Quentin Zeller ’01, '17E about Doane and its music department.
“I started wanting to pursue music therapy or education and felt like Doane would be the perfect start for both of these,” she recalled.
At Doane, Erin was a Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Pep Band member. She also was a member of Omega Psi Theta sorority, the Doane Women’s Golf team, an orientation leader, and part of the Nebraska Association for Music Education. Erin also met her husband, Jeff Craven ’03, as a student. She graduated with a double major in elementary and special education.
After graduation, Erin began her career as a behavioral specialist at Wahoo Public Schools. In 2008, she assumed the position of 6th-grade teacher at Ord Elementary School. In 2019, Erin was selected as the preK-6 Principal at Shell Creek Elementary in Columbus.
Erin now has the opportunity to hire teachers to join her staff, a responsibility that reminds her fondly of what she was always told as a Doane student.
“I remember professors telling us that Doane's resumes jump to the top of a pile,” Erin shared. “In my current role, this is accurate from what I see in resumes and interviews. Doane's Education Department continues to prepare teachers for real classroom experiences, and that makes a huge difference.”
Erin feels lucky that her career roles have also allowed her to encourage students to look at Doane for their education, no matter their study area. It’s something that comes naturally and that she doesn’t expect recognition for. So when she found out she was receiving this award from Doane, she was shocked. Erin says that looking at the list of past recipients of this award, she’s genuinely honored to be included.
“Education has always been a huge part of my life, and this motivates me to continue sharing my passion with others,” she said.
Outside of her career, Erin has lent her expertise to organizations like the Columbus Area Children’s Museum, where she served on the board of directors that started the museum from the ground up through fundraising, exhibit design, and membership enrollment.
In her free time, Erin enjoys golfing, going to the lake, and spending time with her family and friends. She is also a member of the American Legion Honor Guard as a bugler and plays Taps at military funerals.
Erin and Jeff live in Columbus with their children, Connor (11) and Chloe (6), who attend Shell Creek with Erin every day. Erin is proud to be a Tiger and hopes that her children may make their own Doane experience one day.
Fred E. Maschmann ’64 - Honor D Award
Fred Maschmann came to Doane from Ruskin, Nebraska, a tiny village of about 200 people. He’s quick to say that his small-town roots prepared him well for the transition to Doane.
“With only 300 students at Doane, I cherished the family-oriented atmosphere that the campus fostered,” Fred fondly recalled.
During his time at Doane, Fred majored in mathematics. He was involved in several significant groups, including the Delta Kappa Pi fraternity, the Student Education Association, the Honor D Club, and the Doane Track team. He was also involved in intramural football and basketball and served as a waiter in the dining hall, formerly located within Frees Hall before Perry Campus Center.
Whether serving family-style meals in the dining hall or learning in the classroom from historic professor Dr. Mildred Gross and on the track from legendary coaches Al Papik ’50 and Fred Beile, Fred shares that Doane always instilled the value of serving others and giving back. “That’s why we’re here,” Fred emphasized.
Throughout his post-Doane career, he was both a farmer and a teacher and his emphasis on service to his community remained evident.
Fred’s journey as an educator took him from a year in Hardy to eight years in Ruskin and then 34 years in Deshler, teaching math primarily and the occasional physics. He also dedicated nearly 35 years to coaching boys' and girls' basketball and 15 years to coaching junior high volleyball. On top of it all, Fred devoted himself and his expertise to multiple boards—often as president or chairman—throughout his career. These included the Deshler School Foundation Board, the Ruskin School Board, the Doane Alumni Council, his church’s council, the Blue Valley Homes Foundation Board, the Ruskin Museum Board, and the Lions Club. He also served as a TeamMates mentor.
His selflessness and service-oriented spirit led to an anonymous nomination for a local news station award in 2007. KOLN 10/11 News selected Fred as a Sunshine Award recipient for “putting a little sunshine into people’s lives.” Longtime local weatherman Brad Anderson announced Fred’s award on air.
Fred, whose brother Bruce Maschmann ’66 and cousin James Maschmann ’57 both attended Doane, has remained well connected to his alma mater over the years through his daughters, Dawn Maschmann Draeger ’94, ’00E, ’05E, ’20E and Debra Maschmann McDonald ’98, grandchildren Morgan Hill Dowdy ’17 and Turner Hill ’19 (and granddaughter-in-law Jasey Hartman Hill ’19, ’21E), sons-in-law Dr. Damon McDonald ’96 and Brandon Draeger ’03, and nieces Amy Maschmann Nash ’01 and Allison Maschmann Meints ’04, ’11E—who all earned Doane degrees as well.
It’s safe to say that Fred is genuinely proud to be a lifelong Tiger.
Fred and his wife Ardith live in Ruskin, where Fred still farms 80 acres, has a woodshop, and enjoys gardening.
Craig A. Fleming ’77 - Honor D Award
Craig Fleming grew up in Atkinson, a town of 1,200 people in North Central Nebraska.
A West Holt High School graduate, Craig was always involved in sports, and in 1971, as a sophomore, won 1st Place and Gold Medal in the high jump at the Nebraska State Track and Field Championships.
Legendary track coach Fred Beile recruited Craig to Doane as a high jumper and pole vaulter. Craig’s 6’8" high jump and 14’6” pole vault helped Doane “win” many meets throughout his four years.
Craig started his business career in Direct Sales with the Kirby Vacuum Cleaner Company during the summer of his junior year as a sales representative. Upon graduation, he became an entrepreneur and opened his own Kirby Distributorship in Lincoln.
Throughout his career at Kirby, he recruited over 10,000 people and oversaw all sales training and distributor development for Kirby Worldwide, based in Cleveland.
With executive stops at Fuller Brush, Dorling Kindersley, National Motor Club, Entity Beauty, and Melaleuca, he oversaw all recruiting and training activities, culminating in Melaleuca earning a spot on Inc. Magazine’s Top 500 Companies five years in a row.
He left Melaleuca in 1996 to become the Chairman, CEO, and President of Media Arts Group, building the most prominent art publishing business in the world around artist Thomas Kinkade—the only artist ever to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
While at Media Arts, he helped create over 100 licensing agreements with companies such as Disney, NASCAR, Daytona and Indianapolis 500, Hallmark, Avon, La-Z-Boy, and even a housing development inspired by Thomas Kinkade’s paintings.
He has appeared on CBS Television's “60 Minutes” with Morley Safer and worked on many high-profile projects with Billy Graham, presidents George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump, and Pastors Robert Schuller, Joel Osteen, and Pope John Paul II.
His charity work through Kinkade included St Jude’s Hospital, World Vision, and many local and national charities.
Craig has been the CEO and President of seven companies and is currently the founder and CEO of Direct Sales Experts Inc., an award-winning global executive search and management consulting firm specializing in new business startups. To date, he has helped over 200 entrepreneurs start direct sales companies.
Craig and his business partner helped publish the first book of its kind in direct selling titled “Launch Smart-How to Build a Direct Sales Company,” and most recently launched his latest book on Amazon titled “What to Do, Where to Go, What to Say.” Three additional books are currently being written.
Craig and his wife, Kelly, reside in Orlando, Florida. They have three children, Dawn, Erin, and Evan, and two grandchildren.
Jill A. Smith ’74 – Doane Builder Award
Jill A. Smith ’74 grew up next to Doane’s campus along 13th Street. Quite frankly, she doesn’t recall a time when Doane wasn’t a part of her life.
“Doane has been a part of my life since I was old enough to walk across the street to the football field to play tag with my sisters or run around the track,” Jill said.
Her parents, Donald “Jug” ’31 and Dorothy Osterhout ’35 Smith, graduated from Doane. So did her aunts and uncles, Allen ’41 and Ruth Osterhout ’27 Franta and Milo “David” ’37 and Erma Ragatz ’37 Osterhout. And her cousins Paul Osterhout ’68 and David Osterhout Jr. ’68. As did her sister, Jane Smith Hansen ’78. Her other sisters, Susan Smith Carahalios ’76 and Sally Smith ’82, attended Doane but did not complete their degrees. It’s safe to say that Jill always knew she’d be a Tiger. She didn’t consider any school other than Doane after high school.
At Doane, Jill majored in history under the renowned Dr. Kenneth Rossman. She was a member and president of Omega Psi Theta sorority and active in the Inter-Sorority Council. Jill was also on the Doane Relays court and belonged to several academic honoraries. When Jill was a junior, she took advantage of the opportunity to study for a semester in Copenhagen, Demark. As a senior, she earned a Fulbright Scholarship to Germany for the year following her Doane graduation. After graduating summa cum laude from Doane, Jill studied at the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn in West Germany. Jill quickly credits the influence of Dr. Rossman, her semester abroad, and her Fulbright year in Germany as significant influences on her life that all created lifelong friendships.
After her time in Germany, Jill attended the University of Iowa College of Law, earning her juris doctorate and graduating with distinction. After graduation, Jill worked for Smith Peterson Law Firm in Council Bluffs. After that, she moved to Rochester, Minnesota, to work in private practice with Dorsey & Whitney Law Firm. During her time at Dorsey & Whitney, Jill had the opportunity to provide frequent legal advice for Mayo Clinic. In 1981, she joined the Mayo Clinic’s legal department. Jill practiced law at Mayo Clinic for 33 years, including seven years as General Counsel.
Jill’s expertise was primarily in health and employment law at Mayo Clinic. She analyzed the application of state and federal statutes, advised physicians about releasing medical records or terminating life support, and so much more. Still, her full scope of work ranged from advising the executive committee on corporate issues to reviewing contracts for equipment and services. Jill enjoyed and excelled at the variety of her day-to-day work and particularly enjoyed working with Mayo doctors and nurses. She also served as assistant secretary to Mayo Clinic’s Board of Trustees, which included members like Walter Mondale, Barbara Bush, and Dick Cheney, among other well-known figures. She retired from Mayo Clinic in 2014.
Jill’s professional career included time spent on multiple boards, which she took very seriously. Outside Mayo Clinic, she dedicated her time and expertise to boards that included the Rochester Airport Company, Rochester Public Library, Rochester Ronald McDonald House, Legal Assistance of Olmsted County, Heart of Dance Minnesota, and Doane’s Board of Trustees. The latter is the most special to her, she says. She’s served on Doane’s board since 1997, including as the board chair from 2015 through 2021.
In May 2011, Jill received the Outstanding Service Award from the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, and in 2017, she was inducted into the Crete High School Hall of Fame.
Jill shared that she’s profoundly honored and incredibly grateful to receive the Doane Builder Award, which recognizes alums who have distinguished themselves and Doane through outstanding achievement, professional accomplishments, community service, and their relationship with the university.
Jill and her husband, Greg, are both retired and reside in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, where they are closer to their children and grandchildren. Jill says her job nowadays is to babysit her granddaughter Charlotte once a week. She and Greg love to travel, dance, and spend time at their cabin in Wisconsin with their family and friends.
